Concreting Prices
$50–$200/m²
Typical range · Updated March 2026
Concreting costs vary by finish type, thickness, and access — from plain slabs and driveways to exposed aggregate and pool surrounds.
Concreting Prices by Country
Compare concreting costs worldwide. Click a country for detailed pricing.
Concreting Prices by Service
National average prices — standard residential property
| Service | From | Average | Up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Concrete Slab Standard grey concrete slab (shed base, garage) per m² | $60/m² | $85/m² | $120/m² |
| Exposed Aggregate Decorative exposed aggregate finish per m² | $100/m² | $145/m² | $200/m² |
| Coloured Concrete Oxide-coloured or stencilled concrete per m² | $80/m² | $115/m² | $160/m² |
| Stamped/Stencilled Concrete Textured decorative finish (slate, stone, tile look) per m² | $90/m² | $130/m² | $180/m² |
| Concrete Driveway Standard 2-car driveway (approx 40m²) | $3200 | $5200 | $8000 |
| Concrete Footpath/Path Standard footpath or garden path per m² | $50/m² | $70/m² | $100/m² |
| Concrete Removal Saw-cut, break up, and dispose of old concrete per m² | $30/m² | $45/m² | $70/m² |
| House Slab (Foundation) Residential house slab per m² | $70/m² | $100/m² | $150/m² |
| Concrete Retaining Wall Reinforced concrete retaining wall per linear metre (1m high) | $350/m | $550/m | $800/m |
| Pool Surrounds Decorative concrete around pool per m² | $90/m² | $140/m² | $200/m² |
| Shed/Garage Slab Standard 6x6m slab including formwork | $2500 | $3800 | $5500 |
| Concrete Sealing Seal existing concrete per m² | $15/m² | $22/m² | $35/m² |
Based on 12 data points from verified concreting contractors. All prices AUD including GST. Last updated March 2026.
Plain Concrete vs Exposed Aggregate vs Stamped
The finish you choose is the single biggest factor in your concreting cost. A plain slab is functional and affordable, exposed aggregate adds texture and visual interest, and stamped concrete mimics premium materials like slate or stone.
Plain Concrete
$60–$120/m²
Standard grey slab — shed bases, garages, paths
Exposed Aggregate
$100–$200/m²
Decorative pebble finish — driveways, entertaining
Stamped Concrete
$90–$180/m²
Textured finish — slate, stone, or tile look
Concreting Prices by State
Prices vary by location. Click a state for detailed city-level pricing.
New South Wales
Sydney
Plain slab from $70/m²
Victoria
Melbourne
Plain slab from $65/m²
Queensland
Brisbane
Plain slab from $55/m²
South Australia
Adelaide
Plain slab from $60/m²
Western Australia
Perth
Plain slab from $75/m²
Tasmania
Hobart
Plain slab from $68/m²
ACT
Canberra
Plain slab from $70/m²
Northern Territory
Darwin
Plain slab from $85/m²
Concrete Driveway vs Exposed Aggregate Driveway
Your driveway is one of the most visible concrete surfaces on your property. The choice between plain and decorative concrete affects both upfront cost and long-term maintenance requirements.
Plain Concrete Driveway
$3,200–$5,500
Functional and durable. Standard grey finish suits garages, side access, and utility areas. Low maintenance — seal every 3–5 years for longevity. Can be stained or coated later if desired. Best value option for most homes.
Exposed Aggregate Driveway
$5,000–$8,000
Premium decorative finish with natural stone texture. Excellent slip resistance when sealed. Wide range of stone colours and sizes available to match your home. Adds kerb appeal and can increase property value. Requires resealing every 2–3 years.
Concreting Price Trends (2024–2026)
Year-over-year average cost comparison
| Service | 2024 Avg | 2025 Avg | 2026 Avg | 2-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain Concrete Slab (per m²) | $63 | $70 | $78 | +23.8% |
| Exposed Aggregate (per m²) | $115 | $130 | $145 | +26.1% |
| Coloured Concrete (per m²) | $90 | $100 | $115 | +27.8% |
| Stamped/Stencilled (per m²) | $100 | $115 | $130 | +30.0% |
| Standard Driveway (40m²) | $3,950 | $4,600 | $5,200 | +31.6% |
| House Slab (per m²) | $105 | $120 | $130 | +23.8% |
| Concrete Removal (per m²) | $43 | $49 | $55 | +27.9% |
| Pool Surrounds (per m²) | $125 | $140 | $160 | +28.0% |
What's Driving Concreting Prices Up?
Three factors are behind the 15–20% increase since 2024. First, cement and aggregate supply costs rose 12% nationally as infrastructure projects (road, rail, and tunnel work) compete with residential demand for the same materials. Second, skilled concreter labour rates jumped 8–12% as the trades shortage deepened — there are simply not enough experienced concreters to meet demand, particularly for decorative finishes. Third, fuel and transport surcharges on concrete truck deliveries added $50–$150 per load compared to 2024 rates.
Regional Differences
Sydney leads with costs 15–20% above the national average, driven by access difficulty and drainage compliance. Melbourne sits at 10–15% above. Brisbane and Perth are near the baseline, and Adelaide remains the most affordable capital at 10–15% below Sydney. Regional and rural areas are generally 10–20% cheaper for materials but may face higher mobilisation costs if contractors need to travel.
Price Outlook 2026–2027
Expect concreting prices to continue rising 3–6% per year through 2027. The main pressure points are cement costs (linked to energy prices and carbon policy), aggregate availability near metro areas, and ongoing labour shortages. Decorative finishes like exposed aggregate and stamped concrete are rising faster (5–8% annually) than plain slabs (3–5%) because they require more skilled labour time. If you have a project planned for 2027, locking in a quote in late 2026 or early 2027 is likely to save 3–5% versus waiting.
Seasonal Patterns
Concrete work is best done in mild weather (15–25°C). Winter pours require additives that add 5–10% to costs, while summer heat can cause rapid curing and cracking. Autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) are peak seasons with longer wait times. Booking in late autumn or early winter for interior slabs and shed bases can yield 5–10% savings as concreters fill quieter schedules.
Best Time to Book Concreting
Seasonal conditions, pricing, and scheduling advice
| Season | Conditions | Pricing Impact | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Fast curing but high cracking risk from heat and rapid moisture loss | Normal prices | Schedule early morning pours to avoid peak heat |
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Ideal conditions — mild temperatures and lower humidity | Competitive pricing | Best time to book — good weather and more availability |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Slow curing, rain risk, and frost in southern states | Slight discounts (5–10%) | Avoid decorative work — plain slabs only in dry windows |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Good conditions but demand surges as weather improves | Prices rising | Book early before the summer rush fills schedules |
Common Concreting Jobs and Typical Pricing
| Job | Typical scope | Typical price | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete shed slab | Site prep, mesh, formwork and 100mm slab | $2,600-$4,600 | 1-2 days plus curing |
| Standard two-car driveway | 40m² broom-finish driveway with basic excavation | $3,500-$6,200 | 2-4 days |
| Exposed aggregate driveway | Decorative stone finish with sealing after cure | $5,500-$9,500 | 3-5 days |
| Outdoor entertaining slab | Plain or coloured slab for patio or alfresco area | $2,800-$5,800 | 2-3 days |
| Remove and replace cracked crossover | Saw cut, remove spoil and repour crossover section | $2,000-$4,500 | 2-4 days plus permit timing |
| House slab for new build | Engineered raft slab with vapour barrier and steel | $85-$150/m² | 1-2 weeks staged |
| Pool surrounds in exposed aggregate | Decorative surround with slip-resistant finish | $110-$210/m² | 3-5 days |
| Concrete sealing existing finish | Pressure clean, prep and apply sealer | $15-$35/m² | 1 day |
| Retaining wall footing and wall pour | Excavation, steel, formwork and concrete wall | $400-$850/m | 3-7 days |
| Concrete removal before new pour | Cut, break out, load and tip old slab | $35-$75/m² | 1-2 days |
What Affects Concreting Price?
Thickness, reinforcement and engineering
A driveway and a path may look similar once finished, but the steel, depth and base requirements are very different.
Excavation, spoil removal and access
Tight side access, steep sites and rock removal all add labour, equipment and tipping costs.
Concrete finish
Plain broom-finish concrete is cheapest. Exposed aggregate, colour and stencil finishes all lift materials and labour.
Drainage and council requirements
Crossovers and any work affecting stormwater can require drainage items, permits or inspections that are not in basic quote allowances.
Pour size and batching efficiency
Small pours are expensive per square metre because setup, formwork and truck minimums are spread over fewer metres.
Weather risk
Rain delays and hot-weather curing risk affect both schedule and price, especially on decorative jobs.
Included vs Extra
Usually included
- Standard concrete supply, placement and finish
- Basic formwork and reinforcement in the written scope
- Control joints and standard residential labour
- Cleanup of normal site residue
- GST on residential Australian quotes unless noted
Often extra
- Excavation beyond allowance or rock removal
- Spoil tipping, imported road base and compaction testing
- Pump hire or difficult-access labour
- Council permits, drawings or inspections
- Sealing, decorative saw cuts or drainage channels
DIY vs Professional
| Task | DIY | Pro cost | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excavate and clear the area | Possible on simple small jobs if levels are straightforward | $300-$1,500+ | DIY only on easy sites |
| Boxing and reinforcing a small slab | Doable if you understand levels and compaction | $800-$2,000 labour component | DIY with care |
| Pour and finish a decorative driveway | High risk of poor finish, drainage issues and cracking | $3,000-$8,000+ | Use a professional |
| Seal an existing surface | Reasonable with good prep and the right product | $15-$35/m² | DIY can work |
Ways to Save on Concreting
Bundle adjacent work into one pour
Combining a driveway, path and slab often lowers the effective rate because setup is shared.
Clarify the base and thickness in writing
Good documentation avoids variations later and protects you from cheap-looking under-scoped quotes.
Use plain concrete where appearance matters less
Side paths and shed bases do not always need decorative finishes.
Prepare clear access before quoting
Better truck and pump access can remove significant allowances from the quote.
Respect curing times
Driving on fresh concrete too early can create avoidable repair costs.
Ask whether sealing is essential now
Some finishes benefit from immediate sealing, but others can be staged later to spread cost.
Seasonal Guide
Summer
Hot weather speeds setting time and can make decorative finishing harder without careful curing.
Autumn
Often one of the best times to pour in southern states because temperatures are moderate.
Winter
Rain delays are common and cure times slow, so schedules can stretch.
Spring
Residential landscape and pool projects ramp up, so driveways and alfresco slabs book out quickly.
City-Specific Context
Sydney
The most expensive city for concreting — 15–20% above the national average. Tight inner-city access often requires pump hire ($800–$1,500 per pour), and drainage compliance is strictly enforced. Driveway crossover permits through City of Sydney and inner-west councils can take 4–6 weeks. Eastern suburbs and North Shore properties with steep blocks or limited truck access should budget an extra $1,000–$3,000 for logistics. Western Sydney is more competitive due to better access and larger block sizes.
Melbourne
Weather variability adds genuine cost — concreters price rain risk into exterior quotes, especially May through September. Victorian-era suburbs with narrow side access (Fitzroy, Brunswick, Carlton) often need pump hire. Melbourne's reactive clay soils in the outer suburbs (Werribee, Cranbourne, Tarneit) require deeper base preparation and sometimes engineering for house slabs. Expect 10–15% above the national average, with 3–4 week lead times during spring.
Brisbane
Year-round warm weather makes Brisbane one of the most predictable markets for scheduling. Costs sit close to the national average. Queenslander homes on stumps often need underpinning or slab work during renovation, which adds complexity. Crossover and drainage rules through Brisbane City Council are well-documented. South-east Queensland's rapid growth means concreters are busy — book 3–4 weeks ahead for new estates.
Perth
Exposed aggregate is the dominant driveway finish and is competitively priced due to strong aggregate supply. Sandy soils simplify excavation but can require additional compaction and base depth. Perth's extreme summer heat (35–42°C) means concrete pours are scheduled early morning from November to March. Costs are near the national average, with northern suburbs (Joondalup, Wanneroo) slightly cheaper than south of the river. Coastal properties need salt-resistant sealers.
Adelaide
The most affordable capital for concreting — 10–15% below Sydney and Melbourne. Strong local aggregate availability means decorative finishes like exposed aggregate are competitively priced. Adelaide's dry climate supports year-round pours with minimal rain delays (avoid January's 40°C+ days). Council crossover permits are straightforward and typically processed within 2–3 weeks. The inner suburbs (Norwood, Unley, Prospect) have tight access similar to Melbourne, but outer suburbs offer excellent value.
Hobart
Concreting in Hobart is 5–10% above the national average due to higher freight costs for materials and a smaller contractor pool. Winter pours (June–August) are risky — frost damage and slow curing are real concerns. Schedule all concrete work between October and April for best results. The heritage areas around Battery Point and Sandy Bay may require council approval for visible driveways and paths.
Canberra
Canberra sits 10–15% above the national average, driven by high labour costs and strict NCA (National Capital Authority) requirements in some areas. The cold winters mean concrete work is largely seasonal — avoid pours in June and July when overnight temperatures regularly drop below 5°C. New suburb developments in Gungahlin and Molonglo Valley have high demand for driveways and slabs, so book early in spring.
Concrete vs Pavers: Which Is Better Value?
Two of the most common driveway and outdoor area options compared side by side
| Factor | Concrete | Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Driveway cost (40m²) | $3,200–$8,000 | $4,000–$12,000 |
| Per m² (installed) | $60–$200 | $80–$250 |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years | 30–50 years |
| Maintenance | Seal every 3–5 years | Re-sand joints, replace individual units |
| Repair difficulty | Full slab replacement if major cracking | Lift and replace individual pavers |
| Installation time | 2–5 days + 7-day cure | 3–7 days, usable immediately |
| Drainage | Needs grading and channel drains | Permeable options available |
| Design flexibility | Colour, stamp, or expose aggregate | Wide range of shapes, colours, patterns |
| Resale value | Good — clean and modern look | Excellent — premium perceived value |
| Best for | Budget driveways, shed slabs, paths | Feature areas, entertaining, pool surrounds |
Bottom line: Concrete is 20–40% cheaper upfront and ideal for utility areas, driveways on a budget, and large slabs. Pavers cost more initially but are easier to repair, last longer, and add more to property value. For entertaining areas and pool surrounds, pavers or exposed aggregate concrete both work well — the choice comes down to aesthetic preference and maintenance tolerance. Many homeowners combine both: concrete for the driveway and pavers for the patio.
What to Expect When Hiring a Concreter
Site Visit & Quote
A reputable concreter will visit your site before quoting. They need to assess soil type, access for the concrete truck and pump, drainage, existing surfaces to remove, and any slope or level changes. Be wary of anyone who quotes over the phone without seeing the site — hidden costs are almost guaranteed.
Permits & Engineering
Crossover permits (driveways that cross the nature strip) take 2–6 weeks in most councils. House slabs need engineering certification and a building permit. Retaining walls over 600mm–1m may need engineering. Your concreter should handle permit applications, but confirm this is included in the quote.
Site Preparation
Excavation, compaction of the sub-base, laying road base, and setting formwork typically takes 1–3 days. This is the most important phase — a poorly prepared base is the number one cause of cracking and slab failure. Expect noise, machinery, and spoil removal trucks during this stage.
The Pour
Concrete is delivered by agitator truck and placed via chute or pump. The crew needs to screed (level), vibrate (remove air pockets), and finish the surface before it sets — timing is critical. For decorative finishes like exposed aggregate, the surface wash must happen within a specific window. Pours happen rain-or-shine once the truck is booked, so weather delays need to be flagged days in advance.
Curing & Handover
After pouring, concrete needs 7 days before foot traffic and 28 days for full strength. Do not drive on a new driveway for at least 7 days (14 days for heavy vehicles). Control joints are saw-cut within 12–24 hours. Your concreter should apply a curing compound or advise on wet-curing. Payment is typically on completion, with a 10–20% deposit at the start of larger jobs.
Estimate Your Concrete Project Cost
Test slab type, pour size, and prep requirements to see how excavation, reinforcement, and decorative finishes change the delivered price.
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Get Free Quotes in Your Area →Common Questions
How much does concreting cost per m² in Australia?
Plain concrete slabs cost $60–$120 per m² for a standard grey finish including formwork, mesh, and finishing. Exposed aggregate runs $100–$200/m² and stamped or stencilled concrete costs $90–$180/m². These prices include GST and are based on a minimum area of 20m² — smaller jobs attract higher per-m² rates due to fixed setup costs. Site access, soil conditions, and thickness also affect the final price.
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Australia?
A standard 2-car concrete driveway (approximately 40m²) costs $3,200–$8,000 depending on the finish. Plain concrete is at the lower end, while exposed aggregate or stamped finishes push costs higher. Factors like slope, drainage requirements, old concrete removal, and council crossover permits can add $500–$2,000 to the base price. Get at least 3 quotes from licensed concreters.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches initial set within 24–48 hours and can typically be walked on after 24 hours. However, it takes 28 days to reach full structural strength (design strength). Driveways should not have vehicles on them for at least 7 days, and heavy vehicles should wait 28 days. In hot weather, curing compounds or wet curing (keeping the surface moist) prevents cracking and ensures maximum strength. Cold weather slows curing significantly.
When do you need council approval for concreting?
Most residential concreting (slabs, driveways, paths) does not require a Development Application, but there are exceptions. You generally need council approval for: driveways that cross the council nature strip (crossover permit), retaining walls over 600mm–1m high (varies by state), any work affecting stormwater drainage, and work in heritage overlay areas. House slabs always require a building permit with engineering certification. Check with your local council before starting work.
How can I save money on concreting?
The best ways to reduce concreting costs: combine multiple areas into one pour (setup costs are fixed, so bigger jobs have a lower per-m² rate), choose plain concrete over decorative finishes where appearance matters less (shed slabs, side paths), prepare the site yourself by clearing vegetation and ensuring good access for the concrete truck, and book during quieter months (winter in southern states). Avoid the cheapest quote — underquoted concrete jobs often result in thinner pours, inadequate mesh, or poor finishing that cracks within 2–3 years.
What's the difference between exposed aggregate and stamped concrete?
Exposed aggregate reveals the natural stones within the concrete by washing away the top cement layer, creating a textured, slip-resistant surface that's ideal for driveways and pool surrounds. Stamped concrete uses moulds pressed into wet concrete to mimic the look of pavers, slate, or stone at a lower cost than real materials. Exposed aggregate is generally more durable and lower-maintenance, while stamped concrete offers more design flexibility but may need resealing every 2–3 years.
Can you concrete in winter?
Yes, but with caveats. Cold temperatures slow curing significantly — concrete poured below 10°C may take twice as long to reach full strength and is at risk of frost damage in the first 48 hours. Concreters can add accelerants and use insulating blankets, but these increase costs by 5–10%. Avoid decorative finishes like exposed aggregate in winter, as the timing of the surface wash is harder to control in cold conditions.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
A standard residential driveway should be 100mm (4 inches) thick with SL72 or SL82 reinforcing mesh for cars and light vehicles. If heavy vehicles like trucks or caravans will use the driveway, increase thickness to 125–150mm with stronger reinforcement. The sub-base preparation is equally important — a compacted 100mm gravel base prevents settling and cracking over time.
Are concreting prices going up?
Yes. Concreting costs have risen 15–20% nationally since 2024, driven by increases in cement prices, aggregate supply costs, and strong construction demand. Labour rates for skilled concreters have also risen as residential and infrastructure projects compete for the same workforce. Prices are expected to continue rising modestly through 2026, making it worthwhile to lock in quotes sooner rather than later.
Do I need reinforcement (mesh or rebar) in my slab?
Almost always, yes. Steel reinforcing mesh (SL72 for paths and light-use slabs, SL82 for driveways) controls cracking and holds the slab together if the ground shifts. Rebar is used for structural slabs like house foundations, retaining walls, and areas with heavy loads. Skipping reinforcement saves very little upfront but dramatically increases the risk of cracking and costly repairs within a few years.
What causes concrete to crack?
The most common causes are inadequate sub-base preparation (soft or uncompacted soil), insufficient reinforcement, pouring too thin, and rapid drying in hot or windy conditions. Control joints (saw-cut grooves) are deliberately placed to direct inevitable shrinkage cracking to planned locations. A reputable concreter will address all of these factors — if your quote doesn't mention sub-base compaction and control joints, ask why.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
A properly constructed concrete driveway should last 25–30 years or more with minimal maintenance. Sealing the surface every 3–5 years protects against staining, moisture penetration, and UV damage, particularly for coloured or exposed aggregate finishes. The main threats to longevity are tree root damage, poor drainage causing water to pool and erode the sub-base, and heavy vehicles on driveways not designed for that load.
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How We Get These Prices
Prices aggregated from 170+ verified quotes and published rate cards from licensed concreters across Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, and New Zealand. Based on 310 data points across 75 providers in 42 cities, covering driveways, slabs, footpaths, retaining walls, and decorative concrete work.
Methodology: We collect quotes from licensed concreters, cross-reference with concrete supplier pricing and industry body rate guides, and verify against completed project invoices. We account for plain, coloured, exposed aggregate, and stamped concrete finishes. Data last verified March 2026, refreshed quarterly.
All prices are indicative guides. Your actual cost depends on area size, concrete finish, site access, ground preparation needed, and your location. We recommend getting at least three quotes before committing.