House Prefabricated Slab and Cast-in-Place Price
The overall cost of cast-in-place construction is generally higher than that of prefabricated slabs. For a 100-square-meter rural residence, the total cost of cast-in-place construction is approximately 20,000 to 25,000 yuan more than that of prefabricated slabs, with an additional cost of 200-500 yuan per square meter.

I. Core Data on Price Differences
Taking a 100-square-meter rural residence as an example, the total cost of materials and construction for prefabricated slabs is approximately 10,000 to 20,000 yuan, with some cases showing that a 4.2-meter-long prefabricated slab costs about 100 yuan per piece. The total cost of cast-in-place concrete is approximately 30,000 to 45,000 yuan, with a construction cost of about 377 yuan per square meter, and labor costs may be 150 yuan higher per square meter. Overall, the cost per square meter of cast-in-place construction is 200-500 yuan higher than that of prefabricated slabs, with the main price difference stemming from labor costs.
II. Key Factors Contributing to Price Differences
- Labor Cost Differences: The installation process for prefabricated slabs is simple, requiring only lifting, splicing, and fixing, with a short construction period and low labor costs. Cast-in-place construction involves multiple processes such as steel bar binding, formwork erection, concrete pouring, and curing, with a long construction period and high technical requirements, resulting in significantly higher labor costs. For example, the labor cost per square meter for cast-in-place construction may be 150 yuan higher than that for prefabricated slabs, directly driving up the total cost.
- Material Cost Differences: The costs of basic materials (cement, sand, and gravel) are similar for both, but cast-in-place construction requires more steel bars to enhance the overall structural integrity and uses more concrete, resulting in slightly higher local material costs. However, the impact of material cost differences on the total price is less significant than that of labor costs.
- Construction Auxiliary Costs: Prefabricated slab construction reduces the use of scaffolding, noise, and dust pollution, indirectly lowering on-site management costs. Cast-in-place construction requires the erection of complex formwork systems and continuous maintenance during the curing period, potentially increasing temporary facility costs.
III. Selection Recommendations
- Priority on Economy: If the budget is limited and the house is located in a non-earthquake-prone area, prefabricated slabs are more economical due to their lower cost and faster construction. For example, rural self-built houses or temporary buildings can prioritize the use of prefabricated slabs.
- Priority on Safety: If structural integrity, earthquake resistance, and long-term durability are pursued, cast-in-place construction is more suitable. Cast-in-place floor slabs are tightly connected to the walls, effectively dispersing loads, making them suitable for earthquake-prone areas or high-rise buildings.
- Comprehensive Decision-Making: A comprehensive assessment is required based on construction conditions (such as site space and equipment availability), design requirements (such as span and load), and the purpose of the house (such as residential or commercial). For example, large-span spaces or buildings with complex shapes are more suitable for cast-in-place construction, while standardized small units can consider prefabricated slabs.




