Concrete and pavers sit close in upfront price for like-for-like quality — the real gap shows up in repair, drainage, and how they age. Both options last 25+ years when installed correctly. How well they survive a burst water main, a ute parked on them, or a tree root is where the decision actually gets made.
Concrete Driveway Cost
| Concrete Finish | Per m² (installed) | 40m² Driveway |
|---|---|---|
| Plain grey concrete | $80–$120/m² | $3,200–$4,800 |
| Broom / textured finish | $90–$130/m² | $3,600–$5,200 |
| Exposed aggregate | $120–$180/m² | $4,800–$7,200 |
| Coloured / stamped concrete | $140–$220/m² | $5,600–$8,800 |
| Polished concrete | $180–$280/m² | $7,200–$11,200 |
Paver Driveway Cost
| Paver Type | Per m² (installed) | 40m² Driveway |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete pavers | $80–$130/m² | $3,200–$5,200 |
| Brick / clay pavers | $90–$140/m² | $3,600–$5,600 |
| Natural stone (bluestone) | $130–$230/m² | $5,200–$9,200 |
| Travertine | $150–$250/m² | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Granite / bluestone cobble | $180–$300/m² | $7,200–$12,000 |
25-Year Total Cost (40m² driveway)
| Cost Component | Exposed Aggregate Concrete | Concrete Pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Initial install | $4,800–$7,200 | $3,200–$5,200 |
| Sealing (every 5 yrs) | $800–$1,600 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Crack / patch repair | $500–$1,500 | $0 |
| Paver re-sand / re-lay (once) | $0 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Weed management | $0 | $200–$600 |
| 25-Year Total | $6,100–$10,300 | $5,900–$10,800 |
Pros and Cons: Side by Side
Concrete Driveway
- Smooth, uninterrupted surface — looks clean and modern
- Handles heavy loads well — tradies' utes, caravans, boats
- Exposed aggregate and stamped finishes add real kerb appeal
- Very low day-to-day maintenance (sweep + hose)
- Long lifespan (30–40 years) before any major work needed
- Cracks are permanent and visible — pattern creep across the slab
- Utility / plumbing repairs mean jackhammering and visible patches
- Needs control joints cut to manage expansion cracking
- Heat reflective — coloured finishes help but grey gets hot
- Can seal off site drainage if not sloped correctly
Paver Driveway
- Individual damaged pavers can be lifted and replaced
- Water drains between joints — better for clay soils and heritage areas
- Pipes and utilities remain accessible for life of driveway
- Infinite patterns and colours — herringbone, basketweave, banded borders
- Can be relaid every 20–25 years to look brand new
- Weeds and moss grow in joints — annual tidy-up required
- Edge restraints may shift over time without proper bedding
- Higher labour cost on install — 2–3x more hours than concrete
- Heavy vehicles can crack budget pavers if the bed is too thin
- Joint sand needs top-up every 3–5 years ($100–$300)
Which Should You Choose?
Concrete is the smarter choice if:
- Your driveway is a long, straight run with no curves or complex shapes
- Heavy vehicles (trucks, caravans, boats) regularly sit on it
- You want a modern or minimalist aesthetic
- You have no plumbing or services running beneath the driveway
- You want minimum ongoing maintenance for 20+ years
Pavers win for:
- Curved or complex driveway shapes, steps, or tight urban blocks
- Heritage homes or period architecture where concrete looks wrong
- Homes on reactive clay soil — pavers move and settle without cracking
- Properties with water, gas, or sewer services under the driveway
- Homes where kerb appeal is a resale driver
A useful middle ground: a concrete driveway with paver or stone borders. Costs 10–20% more than plain concrete but delivers much of the paver aesthetic with concrete's durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, concrete or paver driveway in Australia?
Plain grey concrete ($80–$120/m²) is similar to concrete pavers ($80–$130/m²). Exposed aggregate concrete ($120–$180/m²) sits close to mid-range brick pavers ($90–$140/m²). Natural stone pavers cost 2–3x more than basic concrete.
How long does a concrete driveway last?
A properly installed concrete driveway with control joints lasts 30–40 years in Australian conditions. Cracking usually starts around year 15–20 but is often cosmetic. Sealing every 5–7 years extends lifespan significantly.
Are paver driveways high-maintenance?
Moderately. Expect annual weed tidy-up, joint sand top-ups every 3–5 years ($100–$300), and a full re-sand / relay at around 20–25 years ($1,500–$3,000 for a 40m² driveway). Concrete has less regular maintenance but bigger one-off repair costs.
Can I pour concrete over an existing paver driveway?
Yes, but the pavers must first be levelled and bonded or removed. Pouring directly over loose pavers risks cracking as the pavers shift. Budget 10–20% more than a new concrete pour for the prep work.
Do I need council approval for a new driveway in Australia?
You usually need a vehicle crossover permit for a new or widened crossover onto council-owned land. Permit fees range $150–$800 depending on council. The driveway itself within your property line usually does not need approval unless it affects stormwater.
Which adds more resale value, concrete or pavers?
Neither consistently — it depends on the home. Modern architecture suits exposed aggregate or polished concrete. Period and heritage homes show better with brick or stone pavers. A high-quality driveway of either type typically adds $5,000–$15,000 to perceived value.
Get 3 driveway quotes from local concreters and pavers — size, access and finish all affect price.
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