Updated April 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
Most concreting jobs in Canberra cost $2,850–$9,900
for a typical residential driveway
A standard plain concrete driveway in Canberra costs $2,850–$6,600. Exposed aggregate runs $5,300–$9,900. Per-sqm rates start from $82/sqm for plain slabs and go up to $220/sqm for decorative finishes.
+5.2%Concreting costs in Canberra have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Concreting Cost in Canberra
$132
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$66–$165
Emergency Rate
$275–$770
Common Job
$165–$440
Budget $88/hrAverage $132/hrPremium $220/hr
Concreting in Canberra costs $82–$165 per sqm for a standard plain concrete slab, with decorative options like exposed aggregate running $130–$220/sqm. Most residential driveways fall in the $2,850–$9,900 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 Canberra, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in Canberra costs $82–$165 /sqm, with most averaging $120 /sqm. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Canberra quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Canberra 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Plain concrete slab (per sqm)
$82/sqm
$120
$165
Coloured concrete (per sqm)
$105/sqm
$155
$220
Exposed aggregate (per sqm)
$130/sqm
$175
$220
Stamped / stencilled (per sqm)
$130/sqm
$170
$220
Polished concrete (per sqm)
$110/sqm
$185
$295
Spray-on resurfacing (per sqm)
$55/sqm
$72
$88
Driveway — plain (typical 40 sqm)
$2,850total
$4,400
$6,600
Driveway — exposed aggregate
$5,300total
$7,150
$9,900
Concrete path / footpath
$82/sqm
$120
$175
Concrete patio / entertaining
$88/sqm
$140
$200
Shed slab (typical 20 sqm)
$1,650total
$2,425
$3,850
Old concrete removal
$33/sqm
$55
$88
Getting quotes for concreting work in Canberra? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Plain concrete ($82–$165/sqm in Canberra) is the cheapest. Coloured ($105–$220/sqm), exposed aggregate ($130–$220/sqm), and polished ($110–$295/sqm) all cost progressively more.
Area size
Larger areas in Canberra 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 Canberra site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Canberra adds $33–$88/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 Canberra conditions. Very hot or very cold weather can affect scheduling and may require additives, which add to the cost.
How to Save Money on Concreting in Canberra
1
Get quotes from licensed Canberra concreters — prices vary widely
2
Ask for an all-inclusive price covering excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concrete, and finishing
3
Check if old concrete removal is included or quoted separately
4
Ask about expansion joints and control joints — proper jointing prevents cracking
5
Consider combining jobs (driveway + path + patio) for a better per-sqm rate in Canberra
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — Canberra councils may require approval for larger slabs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Canberra?
A standard plain concrete driveway in Canberra costs $2,850–$6,600 for a typical 40 sqm area. Exposed aggregate driveways are $5,300–$9,900. Actual cost depends on size, finish, site preparation, and access.
How much does exposed aggregate cost per sqm in Canberra?
Exposed aggregate in Canberra costs $130–$220 per sqm including supply and installation. It's one of the most popular decorative finishes for driveways and patios.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches initial set within 24–48 hours but takes 28 days to reach full strength. You can usually walk on it after 24 hours and drive on it after 7 days, but check with your concreter.