Estimate cubic yards, bag counts, and Shreveport‑area ready‑mix costs for driveways, patios, slabs, sidewalks, footings, and more across Northwest Louisiana and the ArkLaTex region.
Enter your project dimensions to calculate concrete volume, bag count, and a Shreveport‑area cost estimate.
Shreveport driveways: 3,500 PSI at 4 in — slope away from structures; clay soil needs proper compacted base.
Sidewalk 4 in · Patio 4 in · Driveway 4–5 in · Slab 4–5 in · Footing per engineer plans.
Shreveport sits in the ArkLaTex region at the convergence of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Texas, receiving over 56 inches of rain per year — one of the highest averages in the South. This heavy rainfall, combined with expansive Shreveport clay soils that swell when wet and shrink in summer drought, creates challenging conditions for concrete slabs. Proper drainage planning, a well‑compacted crushed limestone base, and correctly placed control joints are essential to prevent cracking and shifting.
For driveways, patios, and walkways in Shreveport: 3,500 PSI minimum with a water‑cement ratio ≤ 0.50. While Shreveport rarely sees severe freeze‑thaw cycling, occasional winter freezes combined with saturated clay soils can cause slab movement. A 4 in crushed limestone base with proper compaction is strongly recommended on all exterior projects in the ArkLaTex area.
A typical 12×40 ft Shreveport driveway at 4 in uses about 5.9 cubic yards with 10% overage. Use 3,500–4,000 PSI with wire mesh or rebar and slope the surface toward the street to prevent pooling on clay soils that drain slowly after heavy rain.
A 16×20 ft patio at 4 in requires about 4 cubic yards with waste included. Broom finish provides adequate traction in Shreveport's wet climate. Slope the slab at least ¼ in per foot away from the house to prevent water intrusion.
Shreveport's heavy rainfall and flat terrain often require concrete culvert aprons and channel linings alongside driveways and properties. This calculator includes a culvert / drainage apron project type specific to the ArkLaTex area's drainage needs.
Measure your project in feet, then enter length, width, and thickness. For irregular lots — common in older Shreveport neighborhoods — break the shape into separate rectangles, calculate each section independently, and add the totals before ordering. Shreveport ready‑mix plants typically have a minimum order of 1 yard; small projects may face a short‑load fee, making bagged concrete more economical for jobs under 1 yard.
Much of Shreveport sits on expansive clay soils that swell significantly when saturated by heavy rainfall and shrink during summer droughts. This movement causes slab cracking and settling without proper base treatment. Always use a minimum 4–6 in compacted crushed limestone base on any exterior Shreveport slab, and consider lime stabilization on problem clay sites.
Shreveport benefits from competitive ready‑mix pricing compared to larger metro markets — below the national average due to lower regional labor and fuel costs. Multiple regional plants serve the ArkLaTex market, keeping prices competitive.
| Mix / PSI | Shreveport Price / Cu Yd | National Avg (Approx) | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,000 PSI — Standard | $125–$140 | $140–$160 | Interior slabs, protected areas | Below national avg |
| 3,500 PSI — Residential | $132–$148 | $150–$170 | Driveways, patios, walks | ArkLaTex standard |
| 4,000 PSI — Heavy Use | $140–$158 | $160–$185 | Commercial drives, heavy slabs | Good exterior choice |
| 4,500–5,000 PSI — Structural | $155–$185 | $180–$210 | Footings, grade beams | Engineer‑specified |
Use these references alongside the Shreveport Concrete Calculator for stronger, longer‑lasting ArkLaTex projects.
Shreveport's expansive clay soils and 56 in annual rainfall demand a proper crushed limestone base and correct drainage slope on every exterior slab. Use this calculator to plan volumes accurately.
Use the Shreveport CalculatorCheck the City of Shreveport's permit requirements for driveways, slabs, and structural work before breaking ground — some projects require inspection before concrete is poured.
Shreveport Permits →Always get 3 written quotes from Shreveport contractors specifying PSI, thickness, base depth, reinforcement type, and finish. Verify Louisiana contractor licenses through the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors.
Verify LA License →