Concrete Price per m3 in Australia (2025 Cost Guide)

Concrete remains one of the most reliable and versatile building materials across Australia. Whether you are pouring a new driveway, laying house slabs, or completing a large construction project, understanding the concrete price per m3 is essential for accurate budgeting. In 2025, prices have shifted slightly due to rising material and labour costs. This guide breaks down the concrete cost per m3, highlights key factors that influence pricing, and shows how to estimate your project needs effectively.

How Much Is Concrete Per m3?

In Australia, the concrete price per m3 typically ranges from $240 to $340, depending on the mix, strength, and location. High-strength concrete, such as 40MPa or specialised reinforced concrete, can cost up to $380 per cubic metre. These figures apply to standard grey concrete used in common applications like concrete slabs, driveways, and footpaths.

For coloured, exposed aggregate, or decorative concrete, the price can increase due to additional materials and finishing requirements. Expect to pay up to $450 per cubic metre for premium finishes like exposed aggregate concrete or coloured concrete with textured surfaces.

Cost Per Square Metre

When pricing based on surface area, concrete costs vary from $50 to $150 per square metre, depending on slab thickness, site preparation, and finish. Concrete projects such as retaining walls, steps, and decorative finishes may cost more due to extra labour or materials.

What Influences the Cost of Concrete?

Several factors affect the total cost of concrete per m3, including:

• Type of concrete mix: Standard, coloured, reinforced, or exposed aggregate mixes vary in price
• Strength rating: 25MPa is common for house slabs, but 32MPa or 40MPa is needed for structural or commercial use
• Site access: Tight or elevated sites may require a pump, increasing equipment hire charges
• Excavation and site prep: Extra preparation adds to service fees
• Labour costs: Average around $70 per hour in Australia
• Removal of old concrete: Adds to total project costs. Concrete removal costs should be included in the budget if existing concrete needs to be removed before installation.
• Concrete volume: Larger projects require more concrete, increasing your order size
• Location: Pricing varies across Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth

These factors mentioned play a major role in determining the final concrete cost for different jobs.

Types of Concrete and Their Applications

Concrete is extremely flexible and can be tailored to various concrete surfaces, structural needs, and decorative finishes. Here are the common types used across Australia:

• Standard concrete: Used in most structural applications
• Reinforced concrete: Includes steel mesh or bars for strength
• Exposed aggregate concrete: Decorative option with stone elements showing through the surface
• Coloured concrete: Pigments added during mixing
• Stamped concrete: Patterned to mimic stone or brick
• Precast concrete: Produced off-site and delivered for assembly. Precast concrete is molded and cured off-site before being transported to the construction site.
• Fast-setting concrete: Ideal for urgent or time-sensitive work
• Lightweight concrete: Insulative and used in specific architectural projects
• Permeable concrete: Allows water and air to pass through
• Crack-resistant concrete: Minimises the risk of curing cracks

These concrete products suit everything from garden paths to high-rise buildings and retaining walls. Concrete is also used in creating swimming pools as it is a stylish and durable option.

Estimating How Much Concrete You Need

A concrete calculator is your best tool to estimate the volume required. Simply enter the length, width, and depth of your project in metres to determine the total cubic metres. Users input the length, width, and depth of the area into the calculator to determine volume and weight.

For example:

Area (L × W × D) = m³ of concrete

Always allow 10% extra concrete for wastage or unexpected changes. If you are working with 20kg bags, you’ll need around 110 bags to make up 1 cubic metre.

These tools help calculate concrete requirements for slabs, driveways, or footings and even estimate cost per project. Some calculators also provide cost estimates based on the calculated concrete volume. Knowing your dimensions makes it easier to get a more accurate quote from a supplier or concreter.

Hiring Concreters and Professional Services

If you are not confident about pouring concrete yourself, hiring a licensed concreter ensures quality and structural integrity. In Australia (except for Tasmania and NT), concreters must be licensed. All states in Australia, except Tasmania and the Northern Territory, require either a concreting license or a builder's license.

When hiring:

• Ask for references and view past work. To find the right fit for your concreting project, ask potential concreters for references and examples of previous work.
• Ensure they specialise in the kind of job you need
• Get accurate quotes from at least three contractors
• Consider the portfolio alongside the price

A good concreter will help ensure your concrete project meets Australian standards and lasts for years.

Cost Breakdown for Common Jobs

Here’s a general guide to what you might pay in 2025:

Saving on Your Concrete Project

To keep your cost down:

• Use a concrete calculator to avoid over-ordering
• Book your project during off-peak months
• Opt for standard finishes where possible
• Compare multiple quotes for the best price
• Prepare your site in advance to reduce service fees

Conclusion

Concrete pricing in 2025 is affected by mix type, strength, access, labour, and job scale. On average, expect to pay between $240 and $340 per m3, with higher costs for decorative or structural applications. Use a calculator to determine the concrete required, and always factor in additional site or equipment costs for a more accurate quote.

Whether you are building a driveway, planning house slabs, or refreshing concrete surfaces, understanding how much concrete is needed helps you budget with confidence.