Concreting Costs Guide Australia 2026
Complete pricing breakdown for every concrete project — from basic driveways to complex house slabs, with state-by-state variations and factors that influence your final bill.
Average Concrete Costs by Project Type
| Project Type | Cost Range (per m²) | Total Cost Example |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Concrete Driveway | $65 – $100 | $2,600 – $4,000 (40m²) |
| Decorative Driveway | $100 – $150 | $4,000 – $6,000 (40m²) |
| House Slab | $70 – $120 | $10,500 – $18,000 (150m²) |
| Concrete Patio | $75 – $130 | $1,500 – $2,600 (20m²) |
| Shed Slab | $70 – $110 | $1,400 – $2,200 (20m²) |
| Pool Surround | $90 – $140 | $2,700 – $4,200 (30m²) |
| Pathway | $60 – $110 | $600 – $1,100 (10m²) |
| Exposed Aggregate | $95 – $140 | $3,800 – $5,600 (40m²) |
All prices include labour and materials. GST included.
State-by-State Cost Variations
Concrete prices vary significantly between states due to labour costs, material availability, competition levels, local regulations, and climate factors.
Sydney Metro: Highest costs — traffic, access, higher labour rates
40m² driveway: Plain $3,000–$4,200 · Exposed $4,200–$6,000 · Stamped $4,500–$6,500
Regional NSW is 10–15% cheaper than Sydney.
Melbourne Metro: Mid-range pricing, competitive market
40m² driveway: Plain $2,600–$3,800 · Exposed $3,800–$5,400 · Stamped $4,000–$5,800
High competition and efficient supply chains keep costs lower.
Brisbane Metro: Mid to high pricing
40m² driveway: Plain $2,800–$4,000 · Exposed $4,000–$5,600 · Stamped $4,200–$6,000
Cyclone-prone areas require enhanced reinforcement. Wet season delays.
Perth Metro: Highest mainland costs
40m² driveway: Plain $3,200–$4,800 · Exposed $4,400–$6,400 · Stamped $4,800–$7,000
Geographic isolation, mining labour competition, and higher transport costs.
Adelaide Metro: Competitive pricing, good availability
40m² driveway: Plain $2,800–$3,900 · Exposed $3,900–$5,400 · Stamped $4,000–$5,600
Canberra: Most affordable capital city pricing
40m² driveway: Plain $2,400–$3,400 · Exposed $3,600–$5,000 · Stamped $3,800–$5,400
Smaller market, proximity to Sydney suppliers, less complex council requirements.
Hobart: Moderate pricing
40m² driveway: Plain $3,000–$4,200 · Exposed $4,200–$5,800 · Stamped $4,400–$6,200
Cold weather affects curing. Winter may require heated enclosures.
Darwin: High costs due to remoteness
40m² driveway: Plain $3,400–$5,000 · Exposed $4,600–$6,800 · Stamped $4,800–$7,200
Limited availability, extreme climate requires special mixes.
Hidden Costs & Unexpected Expenses
🏗️ Site Preparation Issues
- Rock excavation: $150–$300/m³
- Tree root removal: $200–$800 per tree
- Soil contamination removal: $100–$300/m³
- Excessive dig depth: $80–$150/m³
🚛 Access Challenges
- Concrete pumping: $170–$230/hour (min 2 hours)
- Hand placement: +30–50% labour time
- Crane hire: $200–$400/hour
- Traffic management: $500–$2,000/day
📋 Council & Engineering
- Engineering certification: $800–$2,500
- Permit applications: $200–$800
- Inspections: $150–$400 per visit
- Service location: $150–$400
💧 Drainage Problems
- Additional drainage: $50–$120/linear metre
- Soak wells: $800–$2,000 each
- Stormwater connection: $1,500–$4,000
How to Save Money on Concrete Projects
✅ Legitimate Cost-Saving Strategies
- Book during off-peak season (winter) — save 10–15%
- Clear pathways for concrete trucks — save $200–$800 in pumping
- Remove existing surfaces yourself — save $300–$1,500
- Choose standard finishes over decorative — save 20–40%
- Get exact measurements to minimise waste — save 5–10%
- Book well in advance with flexible timing — save 10–20%
❌ False Economies to Avoid
- Skipping reinforcement — leads to premature cracking
- Using weaker concrete (20 MPa vs 25–32 MPa) — premature failure
- Inadequate base compaction — settlement and cracking
- Hiring unlicensed contractors — no warranty or insurance
- Rushing cure time — significantly reduces lifespan
Comparing Quotes Effectively
✅ What to Verify in Each Quote
- Same project scope and concrete specifications
- Same reinforcement type and finish level
- Site preparation included or excluded
- Realistic timeline and reasonable payment schedule
- Warranty details and licence/insurance confirmed
🚩 Quote Red Flags
- Vague "concrete work" with no specifications
- Significantly cheaper than other quotes (>30% difference)
- No written quote or contract provided
- Pressure to pay large deposit upfront
- Unwilling to specify materials or standards
💡 Standard Payment Terms
- Deposit: 10–20% upon contract signing
- Progress payment 1: 30–40% after site prep complete
- Progress payment 2: 30–40% after concrete pour
- Final payment: 10–20% upon completion and approval
Frequently Asked Questions
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