Understand exactly what affects concrete pouring cost per square foot across the UK. From driveways and patios to foundations and polished floors — get transparent pricing, labour rates, regional comparisons, and practical tips to budget your project confidently.
The average cost of pouring concrete per square foot in the UK ranges from £4.50 to £13.00, depending on slab thickness, reinforcement, finish type, and location. A basic 100mm unreinforced slab starts around £4.50–£7.00 per sq ft, while decorative polished or stamped finishes can reach £10.00–£13.00 per sq ft. Labour typically accounts for 35–50% of the total project cost.
The poured concrete cost per square foot varies significantly based on the type of pour, thickness required, reinforcement, and finish. Below is a comprehensive overview of typical UK market rates. All figures are estimated averages based on contractor quotations and industry research.
| Concrete Type | Thickness | Cost Per Sq Ft (Excl. VAT) | Cost Per Sq Ft (Incl. VAT) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Unreinforced Slab | 100mm (4") | £4.50 – £7.00 | £5.40 – £8.40 | Shed bases, garden paths |
| Reinforced Slab (Mesh) | 150mm (6") | £6.50 – £9.50 | £7.80 – £11.40 | Driveways, garages |
| Polished Concrete Floor | 100–150mm | £7.50 – £12.00 | £9.00 – £14.40 | Interior floors, showrooms |
| Stamped / Imprinted Concrete | 100–150mm | £8.50 – £13.00 | £10.20 – £15.60 | Patios, decorative driveways |
| Concrete Foundation (Strip) | 200mm+ | £7.00 – £11.00 | £8.40 – £13.20 | Extensions, structural bases |
Note: Prices are market averages. Always obtain at least three written quotations. 1 square foot ≈ 0.0929 square metres.
Understanding where your money goes helps you compare quotations accurately. Here is a typical cost of poured concrete per square foot breakdown for a standard 150mm reinforced driveway slab:
| Cost Component | Approx. Cost Per Sq Ft | Percentage of Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-Mix Concrete (C25/C30) | £2.00 – £3.50 | 30–40% | Varies by grade and delivery distance |
| Steel Reinforcement Mesh | £0.40 – £0.80 | 5–8% | A142 or A193 mesh typical |
| Sub-base (MOT Type 1) | £0.30 – £0.60 | 4–6% | Compacted hardcore layer |
| Formwork & Accessories | £0.25 – £0.50 | 3–5% | Timber shuttering, pegs |
| Labour (Site Prep + Pour + Finish) | £2.00 – £4.50 | 35–50% | 2–3 person gang, 1–2 days |
| Waste Allowance (5–10%) | £0.30 – £0.70 | 5–8% | Over-excavation, spillage |
| Subtotal (Excl. VAT) | £5.25 – £10.60 | — | — |
| VAT (20%) | £1.05 – £2.12 | — | If applicable |
| Total (Incl. VAT) | £6.30 – £12.72 | 100% | Final estimated range |
VAT Note: Most UK contractors quote excluding VAT. Always confirm whether VAT is included before accepting a quotation. VAT-registered contractors must charge 20% on top of their quoted price.
Different projects have different requirements. Here is how the average cost of poured concrete per square foot breaks down across common UK project types:
| Project Type | Typical Size | Cost Per Sq Ft (Excl. VAT) | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Shed Base | 80–120 sq ft | £4.50 – £6.50 | £360 – £780 |
| Single Driveway | 200–400 sq ft | £6.50 – £9.50 | £1,300 – £3,800 |
| Patio (Stamped Finish) | 150–300 sq ft | £8.50 – £13.00 | £1,275 – £3,900 |
| Garage Floor | 180–250 sq ft | £6.00 – £8.50 | £1,080 – £2,125 |
| House Extension Foundation | 250–500 sq ft | £7.00 – £11.00 | £1,750 – £5,500 |
| Polished Interior Floor | 300–600 sq ft | £7.50 – £12.00 | £2,250 – £7,200 |
Where you live significantly affects the cost to pour concrete per square foot. Labour rates in London and the South East are typically 20–40% higher than in northern regions and Wales:
| UK Region | Labour Rate (Per Day) | Avg. Cost Per Sq Ft (Reinforced Slab) | Price Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | £220 – £320 | £8.00 – £11.50 | 🔺 Highest |
| South East | £200 – £280 | £7.50 – £10.50 | 🔺 Above average |
| Midlands | £170 – £230 | £6.50 – £9.00 | 🔸 Average |
| North England | £150 – £200 | £5.50 – £8.00 | 🔹 Below average |
| Scotland | £155 – £210 | £5.80 – £8.20 | 🔹 Below average |
| Wales | £145 – £195 | £5.20 – £7.80 | 🔻 Lowest |
| Northern Ireland | £140 – £190 | £5.00 – £7.50 | 🔻 Lowest |
Rural locations may also incur additional delivery charges for ready-mix concrete, typically £30–£60 extra per load for distances beyond 10–15 miles from the batching plant.
Several variables affect the final cost of pouring concrete per square foot. Being aware of these helps you negotiate better and avoid unexpected charges:
Use this simple formula to estimate your concrete pour cost per square foot:
This is an estimation guide. Actual costs depend on site-specific conditions and contractor rates.
Avoid these frequent errors that inflate the poured concrete slab cost per square foot:
Use this checklist when comparing contractors for your concrete pour:
Here are three realistic UK project scenarios to illustrate the cost of poured concrete per square foot in practice:
Our pricing estimates for concrete pouring cost per square foot are compiled using:
We update our estimates periodically to reflect market changes. All figures should be treated as estimated market averages, not guaranteed quotations.
The pricing information on this page has been compiled through a combination of:
No proprietary or confidential data has been used. All estimates are presented as market averages to help readers budget realistically. Actual costs will vary based on site conditions, contractor choice, and project specifications.
The average poured concrete cost per square foot in the UK ranges from £4.50 for a basic 100mm slab to £13.00 for decorative stamped finishes. A typical reinforced driveway slab costs approximately £6.50–£9.50 per sq ft excluding VAT.
For a standard reinforced concrete driveway, expect to pay £6.50–£9.50 per sq ft (excluding VAT). A 300 sq ft driveway typically costs between £1,950 and £2,850 before VAT, depending on your location and access conditions.
Most UK contractors quote excluding VAT. VAT-registered tradespeople must add 20% to the quoted price. Always confirm whether VAT is included before accepting a quotation to avoid budget surprises.
Concrete reaches approximately 70% of its design strength within 7 days and full strength within 28 days. You can typically walk on it after 24–48 hours, but vehicles should wait at least 7–10 days.
A polished interior poured concrete floor costs approximately £7.50–£12.00 per sq ft in the UK, depending on the level of polish, aggregate exposure, and whether underfloor heating is integrated.
DIY concrete pouring is possible for small projects like shed bases (under 50 sq ft), but for driveways, foundations, or any load-bearing slab, professional installation is strongly recommended. Poorly poured concrete can crack, settle unevenly, and cost far more to remediate than the initial saving.
For residential driveways, C30 or C35 grade concrete is recommended. These grades provide sufficient compressive strength for car and light van traffic. C25 may suffice for paths, but C20 is generally unsuitable for vehicle loading.
⚠ Disclaimer: This website provides general information and estimated pricing for guidance purposes only. It does not constitute professional, legal, or financial advice. Always consult a qualified contractor or surveyor for site-specific assessments. Prices are market averages and may vary. Verify all costs with at least three written quotations before proceeding with any project.