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Construction cost of one column with complete detail is shown in this blog post. Columns are critical structural elements in buildings, providing vertical support and transferring loads to the foundation.
In India, the cost of constructing a column depends on materials, labor, design, and regional factors. This blog breaks down the cost of building a 10-foot-tall column using Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) and Structural Steel, including the latest material prices and labor rates.
Construction Cost of One Column in Building Construction
We will give detailed cost of constructing one column if constructed today. It depends upon several factors like material price, labour, complexity of structure and many more factors. Lets us first see all factors that contribute to building construction cost of 1 column.
Factors Affecting Column Costs in India
- Material Prices: Fluctuations in cement, steel, and sand rates.
- Labor Costs: Vary by state (e.g., ₹400/day in Tamil Nadu vs. ₹600/day in Mumbai).
- Design Complexity: Size, shape, and reinforcement requirements.
- Location: Urban vs. rural logistics and accessibility.
- Foundation: Footing size and depth.
1. RCC Column Cost Breakdown (12″x12″x10′)
RCC columns are the most common in India due to their affordability and strength.
Materials Required
| Item | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete (M20 Grade) | 0.35 m³ (for column + footing) | ₹5,500/m³ | ₹1,925 |
| Steel Reinforcement | 25–30 kg (main bars + stirrups) | ₹70/kg | ₹1,750–₹2,100 |
| Formwork (Plywood) | 40 sq.ft (3.7 m²) | ₹50/sq.ft (reusable) | ₹2,000 |
| Sand | 0.1 m³ | ₹1,200/m³ | ₹120 |
| Aggregate | 0.15 m³ | ₹1,000/m³ | ₹150 |
| Cement | 3–4 bags (50 kg each) | ₹400/bag | ₹1,200–₹1,600 |
Total Material Cost: ₹6,145 – ₹7,895
Labor Cost
| Task | Laborers | Days | Daily Rate (₹) | Total Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttering & Rebar Fixing | 2 workers | 1.5 | ₹500 | ₹1,500 |
| Concrete Mixing & Pouring | 3 workers | 1 | ₹400 | ₹1,200 |
| Finishing | 1 worker | 0.5 | ₹400 | ₹200 |
Total Labor Cost: ₹2,900
Total Cost of RCC Column
- Materials: ₹6,145 – ₹7,895
- Labor: ₹2,900
- Miscellaneous (Transport, Tools): ₹1,000
- Total: ₹10,045 – ₹11,795
2. Structural Steel Column Cost Breakdown (ISMB 150 Section)
Steel columns are used in industrial or high-rise buildings for faster construction.
Materials Required
| Item | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total Cost (₹) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Section (ISMB 150) | 45 kg | ₹75/kg | ₹3,375 |
| Fireproofing Paint | 27 sq.ft | ₹25/sq.ft | ₹675 |
| Anchor Bolts | 4 pieces | ₹150/piece | ₹600 |
| Grouting Material | 0.05 m³ | ₹4,000/m³ | ₹200 |
Total Material Cost: ₹4,850
Labor & Services Cost
| Task | Cost (₹) |
|---|---|
| Fabrication & Cutting | ₹1,000 |
| Erection (Crane + Labor) | ₹2,500 |
| Welding & Bolting | ₹800 |
| Painting Labor | ₹500 |
Total Labor & Services Cost: ₹4,800
Total Cost of Steel Column
- Materials: ₹4,850
- Labor: ₹4,800
- Miscellaneous: ₹1,000
- Total: ₹10,650
Cost Comparison: RCC vs. Steel Column
| Parameter | RCC Column | Steel Column |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | ₹6,145 – ₹7,895 | ₹4,850 |
| Labor Cost | ₹2,900 | ₹4,800 |
| Durability | 50+ years | 40–50 years |
| Construction Time | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
| Total Cost | ₹10,045 – ₹11,795 | ₹10,650 |
Additional Costs to Consider
- Foundation: A 3’x3’x1’ footing adds ₹2,000–₹3,000 (concrete + labor).
- Engineering & Permits: 5–10% of total cost.
- Transportation: ₹500–₹1,000 for rural projects.
Regional Variations in Costs
- Mumbai/Delhi: Labor costs 20–30% higher than average.
- Tier 2/3 Cities: Materials may be cheaper, but limited contractor availability.
Conclusion
In India, an RCC column costs ₹10,000–₹12,000, while a steel column costs ₹10,500–₹12,000, excluding foundations. RCC is preferred for residential projects due to lower labor costs, while steel suits commercial/industrial buildings for speed. Always consult local contractors for site-specific quotes and comply with IS codes (e.g., IS 456 for RCC).
Pro Tip: Opt for ready-mix concrete (RMC) in urban areas to save time and ensure quality!