Concrete Foundation Costs (Full Breakdown for Slabs, Sub-Base & DPM)

Component	DIY Cost (per m²)	Installed Cost (per m²)	Details
MOT Type 1 Sub-base (100mm)	£6 – £10	£12 – £16	Compacted to form a stable foundation
Sand/Concrete Blinding Layer	£2 – £6	£5 – £8	Optional, helps level and protect DPM
Damp-Proof Membrane (DPM)	£1.50 – £3	£3 – £5	1200 gauge roll, includes overlaps
Concrete Slab (100mm thick)	£18 – £28	£35 – £50	Ready-mix concrete with mesh optional
Labour (prep, pour & finish)	—	£15 – £25	Digging, levelling, pouring, floating
Total Estimate	£27 – £47	£70 – £100	Varies by access, depth & location

✔ Slab thickness and depth of sub-base

The thicker the slab or deeper the hardcore, the more material you’ll need. A 150mm slab costs significantly more than a 100mm one — and deeper MOT layers also bump up labour and delivery costs.
✔ Reinforcement (mesh or rebar)

Adding steel mesh or rebar increases material cost but boosts strength. It’s common for driveways, garden offices, or structural bases — but it’s not always needed for light foot-traffic areas.
✔ Site access and location

If your job needs barrowing from the road or pumping concrete over fences, expect extra labour or equipment charges. Prices also vary by region — concrete tends to be cheaper up north than in London and the South East.
✔ Ground preparation and levelling

Uneven or soft ground often needs extra excavation, levelling or more hardcore, which adds to the total cost. A clean, level site will always reduce prep time and save money.
✔ DIY vs professional labour

Doing the job yourself can cut the cost in half — but only if you’ve got the tools, time, and knowledge to do it properly. Hiring a professional will cost more upfront but reduces mistakes and finish issues.

Supply Type	Typical Cost	Best For
Loose Delivery (1–20 tonnes)	£30 – £45 per tonne	Driveways, large slab bases, full dig-outs
Bulk Bag (850–1000kg)	£45 – £65 per bag	Garden bases, sheds, small patios
Small Bags (20–25kg)	£4 – £6 per bag	Top-ups or very small patches

Roll Size	Coverage (m²)	Typical Cost
4m x 25m (1200 gauge)	~100 m²	£50 – £80 per roll
4m x 12.5m (1200 gauge)	~50 m²	£30 – £50 per roll

Mix Type	Typical Cost	Notes
Ready-Mix (truck delivery)	£100 – £140 per m³	Best for large pours, fast install
Site-Mixed (DIY or labourer)	£75 – £110 per m³	Cheaper but slower, needs equipment

Concrete Base Cost Per m² (DIY vs With Labour)