Is it Cheaper to Buy Concrete or Mix It Yourself?

Cost Breakdown

When planning a concrete project, one of the first questions is about cost. You can either buy bagged concrete mix or order ready-mix from a truck. Each option has different costs, time needs, and labor requirements.

Bagged concrete is easy to find at hardware stores. Most bags weigh 60 or 80 pounds and cost $4 to $7 each. Ready-mix delivered by truck usually costs between $125 and $175 per cubic yard. Delivery costs vary based on your location and order size.

For a 2-yard project, you may spend about $300 with a truck or closer to $400 using bagged mix. Labor and time are also major factors. Hand mixing takes energy, while truck delivery saves time but comes with added delivery fees.

Quikrete vs. Concrete

Quikrete is one of the most common bagged concrete brands. It contains cement, sand, gravel, and sometimes additives for faster curing or added strength. Ready-mix concrete delivered by truck uses the same base materials, but it’s mixed at a plant for consistency.

Quikrete is best for small projects such as posts, steps, or repairs. It’s easy to use and doesn’t require large equipment. However, for big pours, bagged mix becomes costly and labor-intensive. Ordering by truck often makes more sense because the volume and quality are better controlled.

Contractors often use portable concrete mixers when working with Quikrete. These mixers make handling multiple bags faster and reduce strain. They are especially helpful when a truck isn’t an option but a project needs more than a few bags.

DIY vs. Delivery

Mixing concrete yourself can be the cheaper choice for small projects. For larger jobs like driveways, slabs, or patios, delivery often wins. Hand-mixing takes much longer, and mistakes in mixing water or cement can weaken the final product.

One cubic yard of concrete requires about 45 bags of 80-pound Quikrete. That’s a lot of lifting and mixing. A cement mixer for sale can make this process much easier if you want to stay with DIY mixing.

Trucks can pour all the concrete at once, saving hours of work. But if you need only a small load, you might face short-load fees of $100 or more. For medium-sized projects, towable concrete mixers strike a good balance. They let you mix larger amounts on-site without paying truck delivery charges.

Quality and Strength

Bagged concrete is not automatically weaker. Quikrete and other brands list compressive strength ratings, often 4,000 PSI, which is more than enough for most home builds. The key is using the right water-to-mix ratio and proper curing.

Truck-delivered concrete tends to be more consistent. Plants use machines to measure exact amounts of cement, sand, and gravel, which reduces the risk of weak spots. For large, critical projects, this consistency is valuable.

A downside of ready-mix delivery is timing. Once the truck arrives, the concrete must be poured quickly. If your crew isn’t ready, the mix may set too fast. Accessibility can also be an issue. In tight spots, tools like power screeds help spread and finish the concrete more evenly.

Alternatives

For small projects, there are cheaper options than full concrete pours. Fast-setting bag mixes are great for fence posts or mailbox bases. You don’t even need to pre-mix them—just pour into the hole and add water.

In some cases, you don’t need concrete at all. Gravel, pavers, or crushed stone can be used for walkways or garden paths. They are easier to install and allow better drainage. When moisture protection matters, products like vapor barriers can be used under slabs to extend concrete life and reduce cracking.

Think carefully about how the area will be used. If heavy loads aren’t expected, skipping full concrete might be the smarter choice. For small, simple jobs, mixing by hand or using a portable concrete mixer can save money and effort.