How much does concreting cost in 2024?

For a new 7-metre driveway, plain concrete would start at $1,500 based on size, material and other factors. Decorative aspects could drive up the cost by thousands. On the other hand, a simple refresh of an existing driveway might be around $400. For a concrete slab, your costs will be higher, running from almost $5,000 (6m x 9m shed) to over $12,000 (12m x 13m garage).

Average concreting costs based on location

Costs are not the same in every location. Western Australia is at the high end, while the Australian Capital Territory is at the low end of the spectrum.

Cementing costs heavily rely on size, complexity, and design. Here is an overview of the average cost of concrete per square metre:

State/Territory	Average concreting cost per m2
Australian Capital Territory	$30
Victoria	$35
South Australia	$40
Queensland	$40
New South Wales	$45
Western Australia	$45

You can expect to pay between $120 and $185 in labour and materials for an exposed aggregate finish. That puts it on the high end, with 20 square metres costing as much as $3,000 and 50 square metres as much as $9,200. Of course, you are paying for a decorative concrete look that includes stone. It certainly adds to the beauty of a home and increases its sale value.

The number of bags of concrete needed per cubic meter (m3) can vary depending on factors such as the desired strength of the concrete and the mix design. The specific type and grade of concrete, such as 32MPa concrete, may influence the amount of cement required.

The cost of concrete will run from $160 to $550 per cubic metre, depending on whether it’s a standard or high-strength concrete. This does not include labour, which can run you $60 or more per hour. Note that your costs are higher because you are essentially renting their expensive machinery and paying to transport the materials.

 

Concrete prices per square metre are based on the type of concrete, the amount being laid, the design of the project, and the labour costs involved. You can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per square metre for various concrete jobs. Below are price quotes for different types of concrete:

Type of concrete	Averaged reported cost (per m2)
Spray-on	$45 – $75
Plain	$55 – $85
Polished	$50 – $65
Coloured	$70 – $85
Exposed aggregate	$100 – $150

A polished concrete price quote will be quite different from concrete slab prices. Stencil concrete might cost the same when it comes to driveway materials, but it will have higher labour fees.

Each layer of work will add to your final price. Mixing and laying are basics, but they are not easy when done by hand. This is true of other steps, like cutting, cleaning, and reinforcing the concrete. Then there are decorative concrete requirements, including stencilling, grinding, polishing and sealing.

Job size or complexity

A concrete house slab or other foundation will require more concrete and digging. Thus, material costs will be higher than for a driveway. On the other hand, a small job such as a footpath might have higher labour costs due to the need for hands-on application. Decorative applications, such as adding dyes beforehand or stencilling or stamping after pouring, will add to labour costs.

Materials

Materials can greatly impact the overall cost of concreting. Basic concrete, such as Bastion Premix Concrete or Bastion GP Cement, tends to be more cost-effective per square metre than specialised options like coloured or exposed aggregate concrete.

For small projects, using specialty materials may result in costs similar to those of larger concreting jobs that utilise basic materials like crushed stone.

Tools and machinery

The amount of machinery required to do the job will affect your concreting cost. This is usually due to the price of speciality equipment. To avoid unexpected charges when hiring a contractor, you should ask if labour costs include all machinery and tools needed.

Concrete design

There are many ways to dress up concrete these days. Colours and stones are added before the concrete is laid. Other methods of reinforcing concrete include stamping, stencilling, spraying and polishing.

If you want a design, you’ll want to learn about your options and get multiple quotes to compare. You could pay a decorative specialist more to get a better outcome.

Labour

If the concreting labour prices are calculated separately, ask how many hours it will take to complete your entire project and what factors could make it take longer.

Permissions

Some projects require permits. Consult your contractor about what is required by the local government. Make sure that the 10% GST is included in your final concreting cost. For example, a $4,000 job would have a $400 GST. These costs can add significantly to your final bill, and it’s an important consideration when creating a budget.

Other costs

Before agreeing to any project, ask what else is needed to make the project work. Items that can drive up your costs should be included in the quote from your contractor.

Perhaps you’ll need a separate contractor to deal with a related issue. This includes breaking up current concrete, removing old concrete or site soil, hiring a separate excavator and designing, buying, and implementing drainage.

Concrete driveway	Whether you’re installing a new driveway or replacing an old one, costs can vary dramatically. The slope of your land, access to the site, and season all impact the price.
Concrete pool	A concrete pool is a popular way to escape the summer heat. It adds value to your home and is long-lasting.
Polished concrete	Polished concrete surfaces can be used in various ways in modern homes. Walls, tables, benchtops and floors have all been transformed using polished concrete.
Patio	A patio can instantly transform the look of your backyard. A concrete patio is popular due to its affordability and modern features.

Concrete slab (shed)	If you’re installing a new shed, you’ll likely require concrete slabs.
Concrete retaining wall	A retaining wall is a low-maintenance solution for preventing erosion and flooding in your backyard.
Pavers	If you have an outdoor landscaping project that requires pavers, the inexpensive, low-maintenance option of concrete pavers might be for you.
Concrete benchtop	Polished concrete is becoming increasingly popular in kitchens due to its durability and natural appearance.
Concrete tennis court	A low-maintenance concrete tennis court can instantly add value to your home.
Concrete septic tank	An environmentally friendly and low-maintenance concrete septic tank might be what you need to improve your property’s waste disposal system.

With all of the different jobs, from footpaths and concrete driveways to pools and home slabs, you probably still have more questions about your potential concreting cost.

Common questions include:

How much are concrete blocks?

Not every job will require poured concrete. Concrete block prices range from $3 to $10. Note that transportation will be part of the concreting cost.

How much does it cost to break up concrete?

You might need a separate quote for this. It is not the same as laying concrete; you could reduce your overall costs with an independent contractor. To remove concrete, Oneflare customers have been quoted $1,000, which includes cementing a footpath. Be sure to ask if it consists of all machinery and haul-away costs.

How much does polished concrete cost?

While you could be offered a concreting cost of $25 per square metre, be advised that $50 to $100 per square metre is more likely. You’ll want to ask what’s involved in the process. This can include a grind and seal, a surface polish, an epoxy coating, and dyes. Some will have a basic price for polishing but charge a premium for a luxury gloss finish.

How much does a concrete slab foundation cost?

A slab foundation might need more concrete than a walkway or driveway. While concrete slabs could cost as little as $50 per square metre, they could be as high as $110. A certain thickness is needed to provide a safe perch for a house, shed or garage.

How much does coloured concrete cost?

Coloured concrete is more expensive due to the cost of dying it. It ranges from $70 to $85 per square metre. Unlike a coat of paint, however, the colour runs throughout the material, ensuring better long-term results.

How much does concrete resurfacing cost?

Instead of removing and replacing existing concrete, you might be interested in resurfacing it. The average concrete resurfacing cost per square metre can vary between $75 and $160.

To determine an accurate price for a concreting job, get various quotes. Compare material and labour costs and ask questions about permit procedures and taxes. Be sure to ask which materials are available to complete your project and what the cost difference is.

Be sure that the quote covers every aspect. Perhaps you need a separate excavator if you are laying a slab, or maybe you need someone to break up old concrete or remove trees. Have the contractor review the whole project with you, even aspects the concreting company doesn’t cover. This will help you decide how much you can spend on the actual concreting job.

Hiring the right concreter should be about quality as well. You do not want the lowest bidder if they cannot do the job right. The concrete must last for many years.

Licences: A concreter must have a builder’s or concreting licence. Some areas, including the Northern Territory and Tasmania, aren’t as strict about these dedicated permits. However, you should not do business with a contractor who is not certified. Concreters should also carry their own insurance.

Written quote: A written quote is binding, whereas a verbal one is not. Make sure to get multiple written quotes for the same job to compare prices.

References: You should ask for references related to the concreting job. This is especially important with today’s concreting design specialities.

Tip #1 – On-site inspection and quote: Your contractor should visit the site and give you a final quote based on exact measurements, labour, and material costs. Examining the site should reveal any additional work that needs to be completed.

Tip #2 – Look at past work: Ask for pictures of the company’s similar work. Be sure that your new concrete project will last.

Get professional help for a smooth concrete finish

Concreting costs can vary based on your specific project and location. Hopefully, this article can provide you a good starting point to prepare for this big project.

If you’re planning to lay concrete on your driveway, ensure a professional finish and get an accurate estimate by working with a licenced concreter.

 

* The cost data is based on Oneflare and third-party sources