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Have you been wanting a concrete patio for your home? But have no idea how to calculate the amount of material needed? In this blog post, we will go step-by-step through everything that is involved in calculating concrete. We’ll cover how thick you want it, measuring the square footage, converting inches into feet and cubic feet into yards. Let’s get started!
The first step in calculating the amount of concrete you need is to determine how thick you want it. Most patios are around four inches thick, but this can vary depending on your needs.
Once you have determined the thickness, measure the length and width that you would like to cover. Multiply these two numbers together to get the square footage.
Since concrete is measured in feet, you’ll need to convert the thickness from inches into feet by multiplying it by .0833. This will give you your cubic footage which can be converted into cubic yards using this formula: Cubic Feet x 0.037 = Cubic Yards
Now that we have our cubic yardage, let’s take a look at the cost. Concrete patios can range in price depending on your location and the company you use, but on average they cost around $75 per cubic yard. So, if we take our previous example of needing 84 cubic yards, that would come out to be about $6000. Not too bad!
How Many Bags Do I Need?
Now that you know how to calculate concrete, the next step is figuring out how many bags you need. This can be done by dividing the cubic yards by .011 (the yield for a 40-pound bag). In our previous example, this would come out to be about 76 bags.
Should I use Ready Mix or Concrete Bags?
Ready-mix concrete is a pre-mixed product that is delivered to your home in a truck. It is generally more expensive than bags of concrete, but it can be helpful if you are not comfortable calculating the amount needed. Concrete bags come in different sizes, with the most common being 40, 60, and 80 pounds. If you have to transport the bags yourself, you should plan to order enough for two cubic yards per 40-pound bag.
You’re Ready to Pour! Now that you know how much concrete and material is needed, it’s time to get started on your new patio! If you’re interested in getting a concrete patio, contact Augusta Concrete Solutions today! We have many years of experience and can give you an accurate estimate of the number of materials that are needed.
