Average Concreting Costs in Australia
Concreting costs in Australia vary significantly based on the type of job, concrete finish, site access and your location. Plain concrete is the most affordable option, while decorative finishes like exposed aggregate and coloured concrete cost considerably more. Most homeowners pay $50–$150 per square metre for a standard concrete slab or driveway, all up including labour and materials.
| Job Type | Budget | Average | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete slab (per m²) | $50 | $75 | $110 |
| Exposed aggregate (per m²) | $80 | $120 | $180 |
| Coloured concrete (per m²) | $70 | $100 | $150 |
| Concrete driveway (single car) | $2,500 | $4,500 | $7,000 |
| Concrete driveway (double car) | $4,500 | $7,500 | $12,000 |
| Concrete pathway (per m²) | $45 | $70 | $100 |
| Concrete pool surrounds (per m²) | $80 | $130 | $200 |
| House slab (per m²) | $60 | $90 | $130 |
What Affects Concreting Costs?
Several factors push concreting costs up or down. Understanding these helps you budget accurately and compare quotes on equal terms.
- Concrete finish — plain concrete is cheapest; exposed aggregate, stencilled and polished concrete cost 30–100% more
- Site preparation — excavation, tree root removal, and poor soil conditions add significant cost
- Reinforcement — mesh reinforcement is standard; steel rebar for heavy-load areas costs more
- Thickness — standard residential slabs are 100mm; driveways for heavy vehicles need 125–150mm
- Access — difficult access (narrow side gates, steep slopes) increases labour time and cost
- Formwork complexity — curved edges, steps and complex shapes require more labour
- Concrete pump hire — required when a truck cannot reach the pour area; adds $500–$1,500
- Location — metro areas generally cost more than regional due to higher labour rates
Concrete Driveway Costs in Detail
A concrete driveway is one of the most popular concreting jobs in Australia. It is more expensive upfront than asphalt or pavers but typically lasts 30–50 years with minimal maintenance. Here is what you can expect to pay for different driveway configurations.
| Job Type | Budget | Average | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single car driveway (plain) | $2,500 | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Single car driveway (exposed agg) | $4,000 | $6,500 | $9,000 |
| Double car driveway (plain) | $4,500 | $7,000 | $10,000 |
| Double car driveway (exposed agg) | $7,000 | $11,000 | $16,000 |
| Circular driveway (plain) | $8,000 | $14,000 | $22,000 |
| Driveway with crossover | $500 | $1,200 | $2,500 |
Concrete Finishes Explained
The finish you choose has the biggest impact on both the look and the cost of your concrete job. Here is a breakdown of the most popular options in Australia.
- Plain broom finish — the most affordable option; a textured surface created by dragging a broom across wet concrete. Slip-resistant and practical. Cost: $50–$80/m²
- Exposed aggregate — small stones are revealed by washing away the surface cement. Attractive, durable and very popular for driveways. Cost: $80–$150/m²
- Coloured concrete — oxide pigments are mixed into the concrete before pouring. Consistent colour throughout. Cost: $70–$120/m²
- Stencilled concrete — patterns are pressed into the surface to mimic pavers, tiles or stone. Cost: $80–$140/m²
- Honed concrete — ground and polished to a smooth, semi-gloss finish. Popular for indoor areas and pool surrounds. Cost: $90–$180/m²
- Polished concrete — highly polished to a mirror-like finish. Premium option for indoor floors. Cost: $80–$150/m² (grinding only) to $150–$300/m² (full polish)
Concreting Costs by State
Labour rates and material costs vary between Australian states. Sydney and Melbourne are typically the most expensive markets, while regional areas and smaller capitals tend to be more affordable.
| Job Type | Budget | Average | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales (Sydney) | $65/m² | $95/m² | $140/m² |
| Victoria (Melbourne) | $60/m² | $90/m² | $135/m² |
| Queensland (Brisbane) | $55/m² | $80/m² | $120/m² |
| Western Australia (Perth) | $60/m² | $85/m² | $130/m² |
| South Australia (Adelaide) | $50/m² | $75/m² | $115/m² |
| ACT (Canberra) | $60/m² | $88/m² | $130/m² |
How to Save Money on Concreting
Concreting is not a job where cutting corners pays off — poor concrete work is expensive to fix. But there are legitimate ways to reduce costs without compromising quality.
- Get at least 3 written quotes — prices vary by 30–50% between concreters for the same job
- Choose a simpler finish — plain broom finish costs 40–60% less than exposed aggregate
- Do your own site preparation — clearing vegetation and removing old pavers yourself saves labour
- Combine jobs — getting a driveway and pathway done together often achieves a better rate
- Avoid peak summer — concreters are busiest in spring and summer; autumn and winter often bring better pricing
- Ask about concrete pump alternatives — if access allows, a chute pour avoids the pump hire fee
- Check council requirements first — some councils require specific crossover specs; knowing this upfront avoids costly changes
Can You DIY Concreting — or Do You Need a Pro?
Small concrete patches and garden edging are manageable DIY jobs. But driveways, slabs and structural pours require professional equipment, correct mix ratios and finishing skills that take years to develop. Get it wrong and you're looking at cracking, subsidence and costly removal. Our full comparison breaks down exactly where the DIY line is for concreting.
Compare Concreting Costs by State
Concreting prices vary significantly across Australia — WA and NT run 15–25% above the national average, while SA and TAS are typically 5–10% below. See the full breakdown for your state.
