Concrete is one of the most versatile and durable materials used in Australian homes, and whether you are laying a new driveway, a backyard entertaining slab, a pathway, or a shed base, understanding concreting cost in Australia before you start getting quotes makes the whole process considerably less stressful. Prices vary significantly depending on the type of concrete finish, the size of the area, site conditions, and who you hire. This guide breaks down typical concreting costs across Australia for the most common residential applications.
Average Concreting Cost in Australia (2026)
Concreting cost in Australia is most commonly quoted per square metre for slab work, though some contractors quote per cubic metre of concrete for larger projects. The type of finish, thickness of the pour, and site preparation required all influence the final price.
| Concrete Type / Application | Average Cost Per Square Metre (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Plain concrete (basic) | $65 – $85/m² |
| Broom finish concrete | $70 – $90/m² |
| Exposed aggregate concrete | $100 – $150/m² |
| Coloured concrete | $90 – $130/m² |
| Honed concrete | $100 – $160/m² |
| Stencilled/patterned concrete | $100 – $150/m² |
| Spray on concrete (cementitious coating) | $50 – $100/m² |
| Shed or garage slab | $65 – $85/m² |
| Driveway (plain) | $65 – $90/m² |
| Driveway (exposed aggregate) | $100 – $160/m² |
| Pool surrounds | $90 – $150/m² |
| Footpath or pathway | $65 – $90/m² |
Prices include concrete supply, labour, and standard formwork. Site preparation, reinforcement, and excavation are often additional costs.
Concreting Cost in Australia by State
Concreting cost in Australia varies between states due to differences in labour rates, concrete supply costs, and regional demand.
| State | Plain Concrete Per m² | Exposed Aggregate Per m² |
|---|---|---|
| NSW (Sydney) | $75 – $95 | $115 – $160 |
| VIC (Melbourne) | $70 – $90 | $110 – $155 |
| QLD (Brisbane) | $65 – $85 | $105 – $150 |
| WA (Perth) | $65 – $85 | $105 – $150 |
| SA (Adelaide) | $60 – $80 | $100 – $145 |
| TAS | $60 – $80 | $95 – $140 |
| ACT (Canberra) | $70 – $90 | $110 – $155 |
| NT (Darwin) | $70 – $95 | $110 – $160 |
What Affects Concreting Cost in Australia?
Concrete finish type The finish is the most significant cost variable beyond the size of the area. Plain broom finish concrete is the most affordable option, providing a non-slip textured surface suitable for most functional applications. Decorative finishes like exposed aggregate, honed, coloured, and stencilled concrete cost more due to additional materials and labour involved in achieving the finish.
Site preparation Before concrete can be poured, the ground needs to be excavated, levelled, and compacted. If the area has existing concrete, pavers, or other surfaces that need to be removed first, this adds to the total concreting cost in Australia for the project. Sites with poor soil, significant slope, or drainage issues require more preparation work.
Reinforcement Most concrete slabs include steel mesh or rebar reinforcement. The type and amount of reinforcement depends on the intended use. A driveway carrying vehicle loads needs more reinforcement than a garden path. Reinforcement adds to material costs but is essential for structural integrity and durability.
Formwork The timber or metal forms that contain the concrete during pouring need to be set up accurately and removed after the concrete has cured. Complex shapes with curves, steps, or multiple levels require more formwork and increase concreting cost in Australia for the job.
Thickness Standard residential concrete is typically 100mm thick. Driveways or areas subject to heavy loads may require 125mm or 150mm thickness. More concrete means higher material costs.
Concrete pump For areas that are difficult to access with a concrete truck, a concrete pump is needed to move the wet concrete into position. Pump hire adds $300 to $800 to the overall job cost depending on the required reach.
Driveway Concreting Costs
Concrete driveways are one of the most common concreting jobs in Australia and represent a significant investment. Concreting cost in Australia for a standard single car driveway of approximately 30 to 40 square metres typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000 for plain concrete and $4,000 to $7,000 for exposed aggregate.
A double car driveway of approximately 50 to 60 square metres typically costs $3,500 to $6,000 for plain concrete and $6,000 to $10,000 for exposed aggregate. These prices include site preparation, formwork, reinforcement, the concrete pour, and standard finishing.
A concrete driveway typically lasts 30 years or more with minimal maintenance, making concreting cost in Australia for a driveway a genuinely worthwhile long-term investment compared to asphalt or pavers which require more frequent maintenance or replacement.
Entertaining Area and Patio Slabs
Outdoor entertaining areas are another major application for residential concreting in Australia. Concreting cost in Australia for a standard 30 to 40 square metre patio slab in plain concrete typically ranges from $2,000 to $3,500. The same area in exposed aggregate concrete typically costs $3,500 to $6,000.
Many homeowners choose decorative concrete finishes for entertaining areas since they will be seen and used regularly. Exposed aggregate, honed concrete, and coloured concrete all provide a more attractive finish that adds to the visual appeal of the outdoor space, and the additional cost over plain concrete is often worth it in these visible areas.
Shed and Garage Slabs
Concreting cost in Australia for shed and garage slabs is typically at the lower end of the residential concreting scale because a plain or broom finish is almost always sufficient. A standard single garage slab of approximately 18 to 20 square metres typically costs $1,200 to $2,000. A double garage slab of approximately 35 to 40 square metres typically costs $2,500 to $4,000.
Shed slabs vary widely in size depending on the intended use. A small garden shed base of 6 to 9 square metres typically costs $500 to $900. A larger workshop or storage shed slab of 20 to 40 square metres typically costs $1,500 to $3,500.
One important consideration with shed and garage slabs is the edge beam. If the slab is supporting a structure with wall loads, the edges of the slab typically need to be thickened to distribute the weight. This edge beam adds to concreting cost in Australia for the project but is essential for structural performance.
Getting the slab dimensions and specifications right before pouring is critical. Measure the footprint of the shed or garage you are building and confirm with both the shed supplier and the concretor that the slab dimensions, thickness, and bolt-down locations are correct. A slab that is too small or has bolts in the wrong positions creates expensive problems that are difficult to fix after the concrete has set.
Concrete Maintenance and Sealing
One of the biggest advantages of concrete is its low maintenance requirements, but some care does extend the life and appearance of your surface, particularly for decorative finishes.
Sealing is recommended for exposed aggregate, honed, and coloured concrete to protect the surface from staining, weather damage, and UV fading. A quality concrete sealer typically costs $10 to $20 per square metre when applied by a professional. Most sealers need to be reapplied every three to five years to maintain protection.
Pressure washing once or twice a year keeps concrete surfaces looking clean and reduces the buildup of algae and grime, particularly in shaded or damp areas. A standard pressure washer from a hardware store is sufficient for most residential concrete surfaces, though take care with decorative finishes to avoid damaging the surface texture.
Stain removal should be dealt with promptly. Oil stains from vehicles, rust stains from metal furniture, and food or beverage stains can be difficult to remove once they have soaked into unsealed concrete. Commercial concrete stain removers are available from hardware stores and work well on most common stains if applied within a few days.
The ongoing maintenance cost for a sealed decorative concrete surface is typically $100 to $300 per year when averaged over the life of the surface, which is modest compared to the maintenance requirements of pavers, timber decking, or asphalt.
How to Save Money on Concreting Costs in Australia
Get at least three quotes Concreting cost in Australia varies meaningfully between contractors. Getting multiple quotes for the same scope of work is straightforward and often reveals significant price differences, particularly for larger projects.
Be flexible on timing Concreting cannot be done in very hot weather or when rain is forecast as this affects the curing process. Contractors are often more flexible on price during quieter periods. Avoiding the peak summer and pre-Christmas rush can sometimes improve pricing and availability.
Consider plain finishes for functional areas For areas like shed floors, side paths, and utility areas that will not be seen regularly, a plain broom finish is perfectly adequate and costs significantly less than decorative options. Saving the premium finish for high-visibility areas like the main driveway or entertaining area is a practical way to manage overall concreting cost in Australia for a larger project.
Combine jobs where possible If you need multiple concrete areas done — a driveway and a rear patio, for example — getting them done in a single visit reduces mobilisation costs. Contractors who can complete more work in a single pour day often provide a better overall rate.
How to Find a Reliable Concretor in Australia
For residential concreting work above certain dollar values, contractors in most states are required to hold a relevant builder’s or concretor’s licence. Licensing requirements vary by state so check with your local building authority.
Beyond licensing, experience with the specific type of finish you want matters. Decorative concrete like honed and stencilled concrete, requires specific skills and experience. Ask to see examples of completed work and speak to previous clients if possible before committing to a contractor for decorative finishes.
Read reviews carefully and pay attention to comments about whether the finished concrete matched what was promised, whether it cracked prematurely, and how the contractor handled any issues. Concrete that is poorly mixed, inadequately reinforced, or not properly cured can crack and deteriorate faster than it should.
Frequently Asked Questions About Concreting Costs in Australia
How much does concreting cost per square metre in Australia? Concreting cost in Australia for plain concrete typically ranges from $65 to $90 per square metre installed. Decorative finishes like exposed aggregate or honed concrete cost $100 to $160 per square metre.
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Australia? A standard single car concrete driveway typically costs $2,000 to $4,000 for plain concrete. A double car driveway in exposed aggregate typically costs $6,000 to $10,000.
How long does concrete last in Australia? A properly installed and reinforced concrete slab typically lasts 30 to 50 years. Decorative surface coatings and finishes may require some maintenance over time but the underlying concrete structure is very durable.
How thick should a concrete slab be? Standard residential slabs are typically 100mm thick. Driveways and areas subject to vehicle loads are usually 125mm. Shed floors and light-use paths can sometimes be 75mm, though 100mm is recommended for most applications.
Do I need council approval for a concrete slab? For most residential concrete slabs including driveways and patios, council approval is not required. Concreting that forms part of a structure like a garage or extension may require a building permit. Check with your local council for your specific situation.
Concrete vs Pavers vs Asphalt — Which Is Best Value?
When assessing concreting cost in Australia it is worth comparing concrete against the alternative surfacing options to understand the full picture.
Concrete has the highest upfront cost among common driveway and patio materials but the lowest ongoing maintenance cost. It does not need sealing, resurfacing, or significant ongoing work and a properly installed concrete surface can last 30 to 50 years.
Pavers typically cost a similar amount to decorative concrete per square metre but offer the advantage of individual paver replacement if damage occurs. The joints between pavers can allow weeds to grow over time and may require periodic re-sanding. Overall the lifetime cost of pavers is slightly higher than concrete for most applications.
Asphalt is cheaper to install than concrete, typically $25 to $40 per square metre installed. However, it requires resurfacing every 10 to 20 years and regular sealing. In hot Australian climates asphalt can soften in extreme heat. The lifetime cost of asphalt is generally higher than concrete for driveways used regularly.
Exposed aggregate concrete offers the best combination of durability, appearance, and moderate ongoing maintenance. The non-slip surface makes it particularly suitable for pool surrounds, driveways, and entertaining areas in Australia’s climate.
For more information on cost of landscaping in Australia, checkout our Landscaping cost guide.
Cracking and What to Do About It
One concern many homeowners have when assessing concreting cost in Australia is the potential for cracking. All concrete cracks to some degree, this is a normal characteristic of the material, however cracking can be minimised through proper installation.
Control joints which are deliberately created lines in the concrete surface, allow the inevitable small movements that occur as concrete cures and responds to temperature changes to happen in a controlled way along predetermined lines rather than randomly. A good concretor will include control joints as standard practice.
Significant cracking that goes beyond hairline surface cracks typically indicates problems with the mix, inadequate reinforcement, improper curing, or unstable sub-base. If major cracking appears within the first few years of installation it is worth having the contractor assess the cause. Reputable contractors will stand behind their work and address premature cracking that results from installation defects.
Final Thoughts
Concreting cost in Australia represents genuinely good value when you consider the durability and low maintenance nature of concrete compared to alternative surfaces. A properly installed concrete driveway or entertaining area will last decades without significant maintenance, making the upfront investment cost-effective over the long term.
The keys to a successful concreting project are clear communication about the finish and scope before work begins, choosing a licensed and experienced contractor with demonstrated examples of similar work, and understanding what is and is not included in your quote regarding site preparation and reinforcement. If this guide helped, explore our other Australian cost guides for honest pricing on home improvement and trade services.
Last updated: 2026. Prices are indicative averages. Actual concreting cost in Australia will vary based on finish type, site conditions, area size, and the contractor you choose.