Concreting Cost Australia 2026
Concreting costs depend on the finish type, slab size, site preparation, and whether old concrete needs removing first.
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National Pricing Overview
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete slab (per sqm) | $75/sqm | $110 | $150 |
| Coloured concrete (per sqm) | $95/sqm | $140 | $200 |
| Exposed aggregate (per sqm) | $120/sqm | $160 | $200 |
| Stamped / stencilled (per sqm) | $120/sqm | $155 | $200 |
| Polished concrete (per sqm) | $100/sqm | $170 | $270 |
| Spray-on resurfacing (per sqm) | $50/sqm | $65 | $80 |
| Driveway — plain (typical 40 sqm) | $2,600total | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Driveway — exposed aggregate | $4,800total | $6,500 | $9,000 |
| Concrete path / footpath | $75/sqm | $110 | $160 |
| Concrete patio / entertaining | $80/sqm | $125 | $180 |
| Shed slab (typical 20 sqm) | $1,500total | $2,200 | $3,500 |
| Old concrete removal | $30/sqm | $50 | $80 |
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Concreting in Australia costs $75–$150 per sqm for a standard plain concrete slab, with decorative options like exposed aggregate running $120–$200/sqm. Most residential driveways fall in the $2,600–$9,000 range depending on size and finish.
Prices depend on the finish type, slab thickness, site access, soil conditions, and whether old concrete needs removing first. We've compiled this data from concreters across Australia, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026.
Concreting Costs by Finish Type
The finish you choose has the biggest impact on concreting cost. Plain grey concrete is functional but budget; exposed aggregate and coloured concrete are the most popular residential choices:
| Finish | Cost per m² (installed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Plain grey (standard) | $50–$85 | Driveways, paths, garage slabs, sheds |
| Coloured concrete | $60–$100 | Paths, patios, pool surrounds |
| Exposed aggregate | $80–$150 | Driveways, paths, entertaining areas |
| Stamped / stencilled | $90–$160 | Decorative patios, pool areas |
| Polished (interior) | $50–$100 (grind + seal existing) | Interior floors, warehouses |
| Honed concrete | $80–$130 | Smooth finish driveways and paths |
| Liquid limestone | $80–$130 | Pool surrounds (common in WA) |
Exposed aggregate is the most popular choice for Australian driveways — it's durable, slip-resistant, and hides tyre marks better than plain concrete. A typical double driveway (50–60m²) costs $4,000–$9,000 in exposed aggregate vs $2,500–$5,100 in plain grey.
Common Concreting Jobs: Size Guide and Pricing
Here's what typical residential concreting projects cost based on standard sizes:
| Job | Typical Size | Plain Grey | Exposed Aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single driveway | 25–35m² | $1,250–$3,000 | $2,000–$5,250 |
| Double driveway | 50–60m² | $2,500–$5,100 | $4,000–$9,000 |
| Garden path | 10–20m² | $500–$1,700 | $800–$3,000 |
| Patio / entertaining area | 20–40m² | $1,000–$3,400 | $1,600–$6,000 |
| Garage slab | 30–40m² | $1,500–$3,400 | $2,400–$6,000 |
| Shed slab | 15–25m² | $750–$2,125 | $1,200–$3,750 |
| Pool surround | 30–50m² | $1,500–$4,250 | $2,400–$7,500 |
These prices include excavation, formwork, reinforcement mesh, concrete pour, and finishing. Site preparation (removing old concrete, tree roots, or rock) adds $20–$60 per m². A concrete pump is required if the truck can't get close to the pour site — this adds $300–$800 to the job.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Australia
Finish type
Plain concrete ($75–$150/sqm in Australia) is the cheapest. Coloured ($95–$200/sqm), exposed aggregate ($120–$200/sqm), and polished ($100–$270/sqm) all cost progressively more.
Area size
Larger areas in Australia often get a lower per-sqm rate. A 20 sqm shed slab will cost more per sqm than a 60 sqm driveway due to fixed setup costs being spread over less area.
Site access & preparation
If a bobcat or pump truck can't access your Australia site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Australia adds $30–$80/sqm. This includes saw-cutting, breaking, and disposal. Factor this in if you're replacing an old driveway or patio.
Reinforcement & thickness
Driveways need stronger reinforcement (typically SL82 mesh or rebar) than paths. Thicker slabs (100mm+ for driveways vs 75mm for paths) use more concrete.
Season & weather
Concrete cures best in mild Australia conditions. Very hot or very cold weather can affect scheduling and may require additives, which add to the cost.