Quick Answer
How much does concreting cost in Australia? The average cost is $70-$150 per square metre depending on finish and site prep.
Australia 2026
Concreting Prices
Real pricing data for every concreting service in Australia. From plain slabs and driveways to exposed aggregate and pool surrounds — know what you should pay.
Compare Prices in Your Area →Concreting in Australia costs $42–$160 on average in 2026.
Based on 65 verified prices across 30 cities.
Concreting Prices by Country
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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) | $65 | $72 | $78 | +20.0% |
| Exposed Aggregate Driveway | $5,500 | $6,000 | $6,500 | +18.2% |
| Stamped Concrete Patio | $4,200 | $4,600 | $5,000 | +19.0% |
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.
Regional Differences
Sydney concreting costs are 20% above the national average, with Melbourne sitting at 10% above. Perth and Brisbane are near the baseline. Material costs for cement and aggregate rose 12% nationally since 2024, driven by strong construction demand.
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
Tight access and drainage compliance make driveway work costlier than many headline online guides suggest.
Melbourne
Weather variability means scheduling flexibility matters and contractors often price rain risk.
Brisbane
Warm weather supports year-round pours, but crossover and drainage rules still affect budgets.
Perth
Exposed aggregate is common and can be relatively competitive because the market is familiar with it.
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.
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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.