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16x20 Concrete Slab

How much concrete do you need for a 16x20 slab? Uncover the amount needed, cost and more.
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      Since this is over 1 yard, you may want to consider having a truck deliver your concrete.

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    Table of Contents
    Amount Needed

    How much concrete for a 16x20 slab?

    concrete slab

    Here’s how you can calculate the volume of concrete required for a 16x20 slab:

    1. Determine the thickness of the slab. Let's say the thickness is 4 inches (which is a common thickness for residential slabs).
    2. Convert the thickness to feet. 4 inches is 1/3 of a foot (since 1 foot = 12 inches), so it becomes 1/3 feet, or 0.33 feet.
    3. Calculate the volume. Use the following formula: length (in feet) x width (in feet) x thickness (in feet).
    4. Multiply the volume by the concrete mix ratio. For typical residential applications, a mix ratio of 1:2:4 (1 part cement, 2 parts sand, 4 parts gravel) is common.

    So, for a 16x20 slab with a thickness of 4 inches:

    • Thickness in feet = 4 inches / 12 = 0.33 feet
    • Volume = 16 feet x 20 feet x 0.33 feet = 106.65 cubic feet

    For a 16x20 slab with a thickness of 6 inches:

    • Thickness in feet = 6 inches / 12 = 0.5 feet
    • Volume = 16 feet x 20 feet x 0.5 feet = 160.11 cubic feet

    With those numbers in mind, the total volume of concrete needed would be 106.65 to 160.11 cubic feet or 3.95 to 5.93 cubic yards of concrete, depending on the thickness you need.

    Cost

    16x20 concrete slab cost

    a worker smoothing wet concrete

    The cost of a 16x20 concrete slab can vary based on several factors. Factors such as the location, local labor and material prices, site preparation requirements, and the specific design of the slab can influence the overall cost.

    To get a more accurate estimate, it's recommended to obtain quotes from local contractors who can take these factors into account and provide a detailed cost breakdown for your project.

    Additionally, considering any optional features or finishes, such as stamped patterns or decorative coatings, will also impact the final cost of the concrete slab.

    Average Cost by Thickness

    Slab Thickness Average Price per Square Foot (Without Labor)
    2 inches $4 - $6
    4 inches $6 - $8
    6 inches $8 - $10
    8 inches $10 - $12

    Cost of a 16x20 concrete slab 4 inches thick

    For a 4 inch slab, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,920 to $ 2,560 plus any additional material and labor costs (if needed).

    Slab Thickness Average Price
    4 inches $1,920 - $2,560

    Cost of a 16x20 concrete slab 6 inches thick

    For a 6 inch slab, you can expect to pay anywhere from $2,560 to $3,200 plus any additional material and labor costs (if needed).

    Slab Thickness Average Price
    6 inches $2,560 - $3,200

    Average cost for a 16x20 Slab

    Based on the average price for each thickness, here's how much you can expect to pay given the thickness:

    Slab Thickness Average Price for a 16x20 Slab
    2 inches $1,280 - $1,920
    4 inches $1,920 - $2,560
    6 inches $2,560 - $3,200
    8 inches $3,200 - $3,840
    Thickness

    How thick should a 16x20 concrete slab be?

    a worker measuring the depth of concrete

    The thickness of a concrete slab depends on a bunch of different factors, including the intended use of the slab, the soil conditions, and the expected loads it will need to bear. Here are some considerations for thickness:

    • Intended Use: If the slab is for light-duty residential use, such as a large patio, a thickness of 4 inches is commonly used. For heavier applications, such as a driveway or the base of a house, a thicker slab of 6 or 8 inches may be required.
    • Soil Conditions: The soil's load-bearing capacity beneath the slab affects the required thickness. If the soil is stable and well-compacted, a thinner slab will work fine. However, if the soil is less stable or prone to settling, a thicker slab may be necessary to distribute the load more evenly.
    • Expected Loads: Consider the weight and frequency of loads the slab will bear. For example, if you plan to park a heavy truck on it, you’ll need a thicker slab as opposed to a walkway for people.
    • Reinforcement: Adding reinforcement, such as rebar or wire mesh, can increase the strength and durability of the slab, allowing for a thinner thickness while still supporting the necessary loads.

    With that said, while a 4-inch thickness is common for a slab of this size, the specific thickness should be determined based on factors like intended use, soil conditions, expected loads, and whether reinforcement will be used.

    These are simply guidelines — consulting with a structural engineer or local building codes can provide additional guidance on the appropriate thickness for your specific project.

    Bags / Truck

    How many bags of concrete do I need for a 16x20 slab? Or should I order a truck?

    concrete bags on a pallet

    To determine the number of bags of concrete needed, you'll need to calculate the volume of concrete required and then divide by the volume of concrete each bag can produce.

    Tip:This is a large amount of concrete to mix by the bag. We recommend you order a truck and have it delivered. Save your time and back!

    Assuming a slab thickness of 4 inches (which is 1/3 of a foot), we've already calculated the volume of concrete needed for the slab as approximately 3.95 cubic yards.

    Now, you need to convert cubic yards to cubic feet because concrete bags are usually sold in cubic feet.

    1 cubic yard = 27 cubic feet

    So, to convert 3.95 cubic yards to cubic feet:

    • Volume in cubic feet = 3.95 cubic yards × 27
    • Volume in cubic feet ≈ 106.65 cubic feet

    Now, we can determine how many bags of concrete you’ll need. Typically, an 80 lb. bag of concrete mix produces 0.6 cubic feet of concrete. So, to find out how many bags you need:

    • Number of bags = Volume in cubic feet / Volume per bag in cubic feet
    • Number of bags = 106.65 cubic feet / 0.6 cubic feet per bag
    • ​Number of bags ≈ 178 bags

    So, you would need about 178 bags of concrete for a 16x20 slab with a thickness of 4 inches if using 80 lb. bags.

    Number of bags needed

    Bag Size Bags Needed
    40 lbs. 355
    50 lbs. 284
    60 lbs. 237
    80 lbs. 178
    YardS

    How many yards of concrete for a 16x20 slab?

    a worker smoothing a concrete slab

    To determine how much concrete is needed, you'll need to calculate the volume of concrete required based on the dimensions of the slab and its desired thickness.

    If the slab will be 4 inches thick:

    1. Convert the thickness to feet: 4 inches is equal to 1/3 of a foot (since 1 foot = 12 inches).
    2. Calculate the volume of concrete in cubic feet: Use the formula: Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) x Thickness (in feet).
    3. Convert the volume to cubic yards: Divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet).

    If the slab will be 6 inches thick:

    1. Convert the thickness to feet: 6 inches is equal to 1/2 of a foot (since 1 foot = 12 inches).
    2. Calculate the volume of concrete in cubic feet: Use the formula: Length (in feet) x Width (in feet) x Thickness (in feet).
    3. Convert the volume to cubic yards: Divide the volume in cubic feet by 27 (since 1 cubic yard is equal to 27 cubic feet).

    Here's how to do it:

    1. Thickness in feet = 4 inches / 12 = ~0.33 feet or 6 inches / 12 = ~0.5 feet
    2. Volume = 16 feet x 20 feet = 320 square feet
    3. Number of cubic yards = (320 square feet / 27) * 0.33 feet = 3.95 cubic yards or (320 square feet / 27) * 0.5 feet = 5.93 cubic yards

    So, you would need roughly 3.95 to 5.93 cubic yards of concrete for a 16x20 slab, depending on whether you go with a thickness of 4 inches or 6 inches. However, it's always a good idea to order a little more concrete than calculated to account for any miscalculations or spillage during pouring.

    Rebar REquirements

    How much rebar do I need for a 16x20 slab?

    concrete rebar laid out in a grid

    To figure out how much rebar you’ll need, you'll want to consider factors such as the intended use of the slab, the soil conditions, and any local building codes or regulations. If you aren’t familiar, Rebar (short for reinforcement bar) is typically used to reinforce concrete and improve its strength and durability.

    Tip: If you'd like to skip the math, you can use our rebar calculator.

    For a 16x20 slab, you can follow these general guidelines:

    Dimensions in Inches

    • Length: 16 feet × 12 inches/foot = 192 inches
    • Width: 20 feet × 12 inches/foot = 240 inches

    Number of Rebars

    Lengthwise (16 feet or 192 inches):

    • Spacing: 18 inches
    • Number of rebars: 192 inches / 18 inches = 11 rebars

    Widthwise (20 feet or 240 inches):

    • Spacing: 18 inches
    • Number of rebars: 240 inches / 18 inches = 14 rebars

    Length of Rebars

    Lengthwise:

    • Each rebar will span the length: 16 feet = 16 feet each
    • Number of rebars: 14
    • Total length: 14 rebars × 16 feet each = 224 feet

    Widthwise:

    • Each rebar will span the width: 20 feet = 20 feet each
    • Number of rebars: 11
    • Total length: 11 rebars × 20 feet each = 220 feet

    Total Rebar Length

    • Lengthwise: 224 feet
    • Widthwise: 220 feet

    So, for a 16x20 slab with rebar spaced 18 inches apart, you will need about 444 feet of rebar (not including overlap or wastage).

    Overlap and Wastage

    Include additional length for overlaps (splicing) and wastage. A common practice is to add 10-15% extra.

    Extra rebar for overlaps and wastage (10%): 444 feet × 1.10 = 489 feet

    So, you should consider purchasing about 489 feet of rebar to account for overlaps and potential wastage.

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