How Much Does Concrete Weigh?

The weight of concrete varies. As the facts will show, it will depend mostly on the type.

Basic Weight Information

For fresh concrete, it is around 3,700 lbs for every cubic yard (this is assuming it is cured). The density will also determine its weight.

Assuming it has a density of 150 lbs (per cubic ft), that would make it 4,000 lbs. That would be around two tons, give or take.

Reinforced Concrete

Calculating the weight will be more complicated with reinforced types.

Reinforced concrete comes with steel bars or rebar. On average, steel density is roughly 500 lbs for every cubic foot. That is three times more than cement.

Given this fact, the weight of concrete will be greater than 4,000 lbs. It will also depend on the type of steel bars used. The better the grade, the heavier it will be.

Other Types and Materials

Here are a few more weight examples. Asphalt comes in at 40 lbs for every cubic foot. Gravel is slightly heavier at 150 lbs.

If you combine limestone with Portland cement, it will weigh 148 lbs for every cubic ft. Mortar is about 135 lbs and slurry is about 90 lbs. Some light concrete weighs about 3,000 lbs.

The key figure here is the density. When assessing their weight, the density is the crucial factor. The other element that affects the weight of concrete is the mixture itself, like sand or gravel.

Tips on Using Concrete

While knowing the weight is helpful, there are other things that you need to know when using concrete. First and foremost is to know how much you need. Check the site.

See also  How Much Does Drywall Cost?

Measure the dimensions. Add some leeway when you make a purchase, so you can have some reserves.

Of course, checking the worthiness of the site is necessary. Setting up a good foundation will ensure structural stability.

Putting in some gravel or digging out some of the dirt may be needed. No matter what the weight of the concrete, it won’t last if the foundation is poor. This aspect cannot be ignored.

You must decide what type of material to use. For small projects, ordinary concrete may be sufficient. For large structures, reinforced types are needed. These come at a price.

Other Reminders

You can easily pour concrete yourself. But for a huge project, you’ll need help. Before starting any work, you should contact a contractor to get some idea of the prices.

The cost of the material can vary a great deal. Have a look at some shops or make a few phone calls.

Remember that the cost of the concrete will depend on several factors. Not least among them are the number of bags and also the mixture you choose. Determine early on what type of mix is required.

Even if you know the weight of the concrete, there is still a lot of information you must process and know. But this will be very helpful. In the long run, it will save you a lot of trouble.