Shed Concrete Slab Cost in 2026: Small Pads & AC Unit Bases
Shed pads and small concrete slabs are the most beginner-friendly concrete project. 10×12 shed pad: $480–$1,440 · 10×16: $640–$1,920 · AC unit pad: $150–$400. Many under-100 sq ft pours are DIY-feasible.
$480–$1,440
10×12 shed pad
$150–$400
AC unit pad
$400–$1,200
Hot tub base
Under 150 sq ft
DIY feasible?
Concrete Slab Cost Calculator
Small Concrete Slab Cost Table
| Slab Size | Sq Ft | Low (DIY materials) | Mid (contractor) | High (reinforced) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8×8 | 64 | $256 | $480 | $768 | AC unit, generator base, small equipment pad |
| 8×10 | 80 | $320 | $600 | $960 | Small shed pad |
| 10×10 | 100 | $400 | $750 | $1,200 | Small shed, hot tub base |
| 10×12 | 120 | $480 | $900 | $1,440 | Standard small shed |
| 10×16 | 160 | $640 | $1,200 | $1,920 | Medium shed, bike storage |
| 12×12 | 144 | $576 | $1,080 | $1,728 | Garden shed |
| 12×16 | 192 | $768 | $1,440 | $2,304 | Large shed, workshop |
| 12×20 | 240 | $960 | $1,800 | $2,880 | Large workshop shed |
AC Units, Generator Pads & Other Small Pours
| Pad Type | Typical Size | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC unit pad (standard) | 3×3 to 4×4 | $150–$400 | Pre-cast pads often cheaper for AC |
| AC unit pad (large unit) | 4×4 to 5×5 | $200–$500 | Mini-split or dual compressor |
| Generator pad | 4×4 to 6×6 | $200–$600 | Must be level; anti-vibration pads needed |
| Hot tub base | 10×10 to 12×12 | $400–$1,200 | Must be 4-inch min, wire mesh; reinforce for 800 lb tub |
| Pool equipment pad | 4×8 to 6×10 | $250–$700 | Filter, pump, heater area |
| Mailbox post base | 1×1 to 2×2 | $50–$150 | Often done as small form pour |
| BBQ / outdoor kitchen | 8×10 to 12×16 | $400–$2,000 | 6-inch if heavy stone countertops |
DIY Shed Slab: Bagged Concrete vs Ready-Mix
Bagged Concrete (Best for <1 cubic yard)
- 1 bag of 80 lb Quikrete = 0.6 cubic feet = 0.022 cubic yards
- 10×12 slab (4-inch) = 1.48 cubic yards = 67 bags ≈ $470 in materials
- 10×10 slab (4-inch) = 1.23 cubic yards = 56 bags ≈ $395
- 8×8 slab (4-inch) = 0.79 cubic yards = 36 bags ≈ $250
- Plus: gravel base materials, form boards, rental (mixer if >30 bags)
Ready-Mix Delivery (For >1 cubic yard)
- Ready-mix truck: $120–$200/cubic yard (2026 national average)
- Delivery charge: $50–$150 per truck
- Short-load fee (under 5 yards): $50–$100 extra
- 10×12 slab: ~$250–$450 in concrete materials + delivery
- More time-pressure but faster and consistent mix quality
Recommendation: For slabs under 80 sq ft (8×10), bagged concrete is practical and avoids delivery fees. For 80–200 sq ft, either works, bagged is cheaper if you have help and time. Over 200 sq ft, ready-mix is almost always better value.
Cost Saving Tips for Small Slabs
- ✓Combine projects in one pour: AC pad + shed pad poured same day = one mobilisation fee instead of two ($200–$500 savings).
- ✓Use standard dimensions: 10×12 and 12×12 are contractor standards. Odd sizes require custom forming and cost more per sq ft.
- ✓Prepare the site yourself: Excavation, gravel base, and compaction are DIY-accessible. Labour-only quotes from contractors are lower when the site is ready.
- ✓Consider pre-cast AC pads: For AC unit bases, pre-cast concrete pads ($20–$60 each) are adequate and much cheaper than a custom pour.
Shed Slab FAQ
Yes, shed slabs under 150 sq ft (about 12×12) are the best DIY concrete project. The pour is small enough to mix from bags, the timing pressure is manageable, and the stakes are low (a cracked shed pad isn't a structural problem). You'll need: a rented plate compactor for the gravel base, a screed board, a hand float or bull float, and about 6–8 hours with one helper. A 10×12 4-inch pad is 1.48 cubic yards, so you'll need approximately 67 bags of 80 lb concrete mix (~$470 at Home Depot) versus $480–$900 for a contractor pour. (An 80 lb bag yields 0.6 cubic feet, so 45 bags make just one cubic yard, not a full 10×12 slab.)