How Much Does a 50×80 Concrete Slab Cost? | Pricing Important Factors

Before building the frame for a barndominium, you need a foundation. Most barndominiums are built on concrete slabs. Although a concrete slab costs less compared to a basement foundation, it is still a large part of your total cost.

So, how much does a 50×80 concrete slab cost?

The price range for a concrete slab is $4 to $8 per square foot with a median price of $6. A 50×80 concrete slab covers 4,000 square feet. Based on the average concrete slab costs, a 50×80 slab foundation may cost $16,000 to $32,000.

Depending on the features you choose, your slab may cost closer to $16,000 or $32,000. Here is a closer look at the factors that influence the final cost of a concrete foundation.

What Does the Typical 50×80 Concrete Slab Include?

Slabs can be built with a variety of features. To better understand the price of a concrete slab, you should know what you get with the average slab foundation:

• 3,000 PSI concrete (six inches)
• 2×6-inch lumber for a wood form
• Rebar for supporting the perimeter of the slab
• Fiber mesh reinforcement inside the slab
• A contractor and labor

The average prices are based on concrete slabs with the features listed above. Some of the details that may result in a different price include:

• The thickness of the slab
• The features you pick
• The region where you build

If you choose a region that has uneven land or a lot of trees, you may pay more to prepare the building site for your barndominium. You may also pay more for labor and materials in certain areas.

The states in the northeastern United States and the west coast tend to charge more for materials and labor compared to states in the south and the Midwest.

Estimating the 50×80 Concrete Slab Cost Based on Thickness

Although most concrete slabs are six inches thick, you can also choose a four-inch or five-inch slab. The following list shows the cost of materials for concrete slabs at different thicknesses:

• Four-inch concrete slab – $2.83 per square foot for materials
• Five-inch concrete slab – $3.20 per square foot
• Six-inch concrete slab – $3.57 per square foot

Compared to a six-inch concrete slab, pouring a four-inch concrete slab costs about $0.74 less for each square foot of your foundation. With a 50×80-foot concrete slab, you may reduce the cost of materials by about $2,960.

Optional Features That Increase the Cost of a 50×80 Concrete Slab

A thinner foundation benefits from additional reinforcement. Here are some of the most common options for strengthening a concrete slab foundation:

• Vapor barrier for extra durability – $0.50 per square foot
• Reinforced wire mesh for increased strength – $0.40 per square foot
• Thickened edges around the perimeter – $1 per square foot

Adding all three of these options may increase the cost of your project by about $7,600 ($1.90 times 4,000 equals $7,600). To get an estimate of the cost of pouring concrete, you can use a concrete slab calculator to help determine costs.

Should You Hire a Contractor for a 50×80 Concrete Slab?

The average prices for concrete slabs include the cost of hiring a contractor and paying for labor. Labor may account for about $2.60 of the total per square foot. With a DIY concrete slab, you may spend closer to $3.60 per square foot instead of $6.

A 50×80-foot concrete slab covers 4,000 square feet. At $3.60 per square foot, you may spend about $14,400 on materials.

A DIY project saves money but requires you to handle everything yourself. Hiring a contractor can cost more but saves you the hassle of dealing with a major project. You also ensure that each step is completed properly, which reduces the risk of mistakes that require costly repairs.