How much does concreting cost in Australia?

How much does concreting cost? In Australia, the cost of concreting varies based on the type of concrete, location, and proximity to a concrete plant. On average:

• Concrete cost per m³: $200–$300
• Cost to concrete per m²: $50–$150

Concrete is a fundamental material for construction projects, including house and shed slabs, driveways, patios, pool surrounds, and footpaths. While the upfront cost of concreting may seem high, it offers long-term value due to its durability, low maintenance, and superior strength compared to other building materials. Additionally, concrete has the smallest carbon footprint over its lifecycle in construction.

In this guide, you’ll discover:

• How much does concrete cost for different types of concrete
• Key factors that influence concrete price
• How to get a concrete quote and find a reliable concreter near you.

Want to find a concreter in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?

Concreting cost per hour

Labour costs for concreters can vary across Australia, but the average rate is approximately $68 per hour. The efficiency of concreters is often enhanced by specialised machinery, allowing them to complete jobs faster and more effectively. This, in turn, helps reduce the overall cost of your concreting project.

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Concrete prices by type of concrete

How much is concrete per m2? The cost of concreting typically ranges from $50 to $150 per square metre. While concrete is often quoted in square metres, it can also be priced by cubic metre, depending on the project.

Here’s a breakdown of approximate costs for various types of concrete per square metre.

Concrete price per m2:

• Plain grey concrete: $60–$85
• Exposed aggregate concrete: $95–$150
• Spray-on concrete: $50–$75
• Polished concrete: $50–$60
• Coloured concrete: $75–$90
• Decorative stencilled concrete: $100–$150
• Reinforced concrete: $65–$90
• Concrete paving: $25–$50
• Concrete resurfacing: $35–$45
• Cleaning and resealing dirty concrete: $12–$15

Decorative concrete generally costs more than standard plain concrete due to its added aesthetic appeal and intricate processes. To estimate the total concrete cost for your project, simply multiply the length by the width in metres to determine the area in square metres.

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What is decorative concrete?

Decorative concrete enhances the appearance of surfaces while maintaining the durability and strength of traditional concrete. Here are the most popular options for decorative concrete:

• Coloured Concrete: Often used in driveways, pathways, and around swimming pools, coloured concrete adds a stylish touch to outdoor spaces. It offers both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting durability.
• Exposed Aggregate Concrete: Also known as pebblecrete, this affordable and durable option is ideal for outdoor areas. Exposed aggregate concrete is highly resistant to harsh weather conditions and heavy wear, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas.
• Stamped Concrete: Commonly used for patios and pool areas, stamped concrete allows for various patterns such as brick, tiles, or stone. It’s created by pressing rubber moulds into freshly poured concrete, offering a textured finish that mimics other materials.
• Stencilled Concrete: Used both indoors and outdoors, stencilled concrete creates intricate patterns with the help of stencils. It is easier to apply than stamped concrete while still offering a high-quality decorative effect.

These decorative options allow you to enhance your concrete surfaces with unique patterns and colours while ensuring durability and low maintenance.

Concrete slab prices

How much does a concrete slab cost? The price of a concrete slab varies based on several factors, including its type, location, and complexity. Typically, concrete slab costs range from $65 to $85 per m², with prices sometimes reaching up to $110 per m² for more complex projects.

The cost of a concrete slab is influenced by:

• Purpose of the slab (e.g., garage, house, shed, driveway)
• Site access
• Slab thickness
• Location and other specific conditions

If your site is flat and easily accessible, the cost of laying a concrete slab will generally be lower. However, if the project requires a concrete pump or more complex site preparation, the price will increase.

For example, for a shed slab, expect to pay between $65 and $85 per m². This price doesn’t include additional site works, which can affect the overall cost. For a small shed slab (6m x 9m), the cost will be around $4,320, while a large shed slab (12m x 13m) may cost up to $12,480.

Read more: How much does a concrete slab cost?

How much does a concrete patio cost?

For a basic 16m² concrete patio, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,360. The cost depends on the type of concrete used:

• Polished concrete: Approximately $50 per m²
• Decorative concrete options like coloured concrete, exposed aggregate (pebblecrete), or stencilled concrete can cost up to $200 per m²

How much for a concrete driveway?

The cost of a concrete driveway typically ranges from $70 to $150 per square metre. Prices vary based on the size of the driveway and the type of concrete selected.

• A basic plain grey concrete driveway usually costs around $70 per m². For a 60m² driveway, this would amount to approximately $4,200.
• For a decorative stencilled concrete driveway, the cost for the same size driveway could range from $6,000 to $9,000.

Additional factors that can impact your concrete driveway cost include:

• Earthmoving and soil removal: This can add $500 to $1,000 to the cost.
• Site access and slope: If the site is steep or difficult to access, requiring a concrete pump, the cost could increase by $500 to $750.

Read more: How much does a concrete driveway cost?

What influences the total concrete price?

How much does concrete cost? The overall cost of your concreting project will depend on various factors, including:

• Site condition and access: If the site is easy to access and level, costs will typically be lower. Challenging sites may increase the price.
• Earthworks: Excavation and disposal of excess soil can add to the cost, depending on the complexity of the work required.
• Tools and machinery: Specialty equipment or machinery, such as concrete pumps, can drive up the cost.
• Traffic control: If the site is in a high-traffic area, you may need to hire traffic control, which adds to the cost.
• Drainage or plumbing installation: If your project requires drainage or plumbing, this will increase the price.
• Council permits: Depending on your local regulations, council permits may be required, which could add to the overall cost.
• Type of concrete: The choice of concrete, such as plain grey or premium styles like exposed aggregate, will influence the price.

Interestingly, for larger concreting jobs, the cost per square metre can decrease, similar to the savings seen with bulk buying. The more concrete required, the lower the price per unit, making it more cost-effective for bigger areas.

Want to find a concreter in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?

What jobs do concreters do?

Here’s a list of concreting jobs professional tradesman can do for you, from pouring concrete footpaths to laying house foundations.

• Concreting driveways
• House slabs
• Footpaths
• Paving
• Patios
• Sheds
• Flooring
• Rendering
• Retaining walls and foundations
• Pool area or concrete pools
• Cleaning and resealing
• Decorative concrete spray (also known as Spraycrete), concrete stencilling or concrete stamping.

Get in touch with local professionals to get an accurate concrete price and quote for your job.

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Getting a concrete quote

Now that you know the answer to how much does concreting cost, it’s time to get accurate quotes from local concreters for your project. Whether you’re planning a concrete house slab, a decorative driveway, or any other concreting job, it’s essential to hire a licensed and insured concreter in your state.

To ensure you get the best deal, it’s a good idea to request at least three quotes from local concreters. This will help you understand the cost of concrete for your specific project and allow you to compare pricing.

When requesting a concrete quote, be clear about the details of your project. The more specific you are, the more accurate the quote will be. Make sure to specify:

• The type of project (e.g., driveway, house slab, decorative concrete spray, pool area, or shed)
• The type of concrete required (e.g., plain grey, exposed aggregate, coloured concrete, or concrete resurfacing)

Other factors that will influence the quote include:

• The size of the area (in m³ or m²)
• Slope of the site
• Proximity to a main road
• If you need drainage or plumbing integrated into the concrete
• Whether concrete cutting or removal is required

By providing these details, you’ll ensure the quote reflects the true cost of your project.

Want to find a concreter in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth?

*All costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this cost guide was written and should only be used as an estimate.