How Much Does A Concrete Driveway Cost In Australia?

Concrete driveway cost in Australia usually sits between $70 and $200+ per square metre, with most projects falling in the $65 to $150 average band on a square metre basis. In real terms, a one car concrete driveway often costs between $1,000 and $2,000, while a standard two car concrete driveway typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,500+ depending on conditions and options. Larger driveways cost more overall, but may receive sharper per square metre rates because the crew and equipment are already on site.

Trade Heroes is a directory that connects homeowners with vetted concreting services. This guide explains the factors affecting driveway cost, so you can compare real quotes, understand the cost of a concrete driveway on your block and make an informed decision for your concrete driveway project.

Average Concrete Driveway Cost Per Square Metre

National Low, Mid And High Price Ranges

Most concrete driveways in Australia are quoted per square metre, so the driveway’s size has a direct impact on total cost. For 2025, average prices look like this:

• Plain concrete driveway: starts from around $60 to $85 per square metre
• Coloured concrete: usually $75 to $95 per square metre, depending on colour intensity
• Exposed aggregate driveway: typically $100 to $150 per square metre
• Honed concrete or other high end decorative finishes: often $100 to $180 per square metre
• Stamped or stencilled concrete: commonly $100 to $200 per square metre

These average prices include both concrete and labour costs on typical suburban jobs. Labour accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the price of installing a concrete driveway, and the cost of concrete driveways can vary significantly based on location and local labour rates. These average costs are a useful starting point before you speak with a local concrete contractor.

Typical Cost For Small, Standard And Large Driveways

The overall dimensions of a driveway play a pivotal role in determining the cost of concrete installation. As a guide:

• Small driveway for one car: usually $1,000 to $2,000 for a new concrete driveway in plain concrete
• Standard two car driveway: often around $3,000, with many projects between $2,000 and $4,500+
• Larger driveways or long access strips: higher total cost because of more concrete, steel mesh and labour

Concrete driveways are typically quoted on a per square metre basis, so the larger the driveway, the more you will spend. Larger driveways can receive better per square metre rates, but they still require more materials and labour to complete.

Concrete Driveway Cost By Type

Plain / Standard Grey Concrete

Plain concrete driveways are the most straightforward and cost effective option for many homeowners. A plain concrete driveway is functional, neat and usually the cheapest way to replace an old driveway without stretching a tight budget.

The cost for plain concrete driveways typically starts from around $60 to $85 per square metre. Plain concrete is ideal when you want a low maintenance surface that is easy to clean and simple to pair with other materials such as brickwork, pavers or natural stone around the garden.

Coloured Concrete

Coloured concrete uses pigment in the concrete mix to create a richer, more decorative appeal than plain grey. Coloured concrete driveways usually range from $75 to $95 per square metre, depending on the intensity of the colour application and whether borders or bands are added.

Coloured concrete is a popular cost effective option when you want more aesthetic appeal than basic plain concrete without stepping into the highest decorative price bands. It works well with existing concrete paths, landscaping features and other materials already on the property.

Exposed Aggregate Driveways

Exposed aggregate concrete is one of the most popular decorative concrete options for upgrading a driveway. Exposed aggregate driveways cost between $100 and $150 per square metre in most suburbs, influenced by the type of aggregate and project complexity. On premium projects, exposed aggregate concrete typically costs between $100 and $200 per square metre.

This style reveals the stones in the mix to create a textured, slip resistant surface. An aggregate driveway often pairs well with honed concrete paths and can dramatically improve a home’s curb appeal and home’s curb appeal from the street.

Stencilled And Stamped Concrete

Stencilled or stamped concrete can mimic pavers, brick or stone and sits at the higher price tag end of concrete finishes. Stamped or stencilled concrete typically costs between $100 and $200 per square metre, and these options are usually among the most expensive types, often costing from $100 to $150+ per square metre even on straightforward jobs.

Stamped concrete and concrete stamping use patterned mats, while stencilling or spray on concrete uses patterns and coloured coatings to create borders, tiles or natural stone effects. These decorative finishes transform a functional driveway into a feature, but they do add additional costs to the project.

Concrete Driveway Costs By State And Location

How Prices Vary By State And City

Concrete driveway costs vary significantly between states and cities because labour costs and delivery fees change. For example, a concreter in parts of south wales may charge different rates to a contractor in regional Western Australia, even for the same size of the driveway and finish.

The cost of a concrete driveway can also change with local demand. The time of year can affect the availability and pricing of concrete contractors, and labour costs can fluctuate based on weather conditions and demand for concreting services in each region.

Regional Vs Metro Pricing Differences

Regional and metro prices for a concrete driveway can differ even within the same state. Regional areas sometimes face higher delivery costs but slightly lower hourly rates, while inner city projects may pay more for labour but less for travel.

In both cases, additional services and council rules matter. Council permits for concrete driveways can add $50 to $600+ to the total cost, and your local council may have requirements for crossovers, drainage, footpaths and site preparation that impact driveway cost.

Factors That Affect Concrete Driveway Cost

Driveway Size, Thickness And Slope

The size of the driveway is the most obvious factor that affects costs, but thickness and slope also matter. Driveway thickness affects material costs, with thicker slabs recommended for heavier vehicles. Thicker concrete, plus more steel mesh or rebar, increases the overall cost but reduces the risk of cracks and more frequent repairs.

On sloping land, site preparation costs for concrete driveways can add $10 to $20 per square metre, because more excavation, formwork and base material are needed. Several factors and various factors combine here, and the complexity of the job can significantly influence the cost of a concrete driveway.

Site Access, Excavation And Base Preparation

Preparation work is a key contributor towards the price of the project, especially where an existing driveway must be removed. Removing an old driveway can add $25 to $50 per square metre to the total cost, and the cost of installing a concrete driveway can increase significantly if extensive site preparation is required.

Site preparation might include ripping out old concrete, dealing with existing concrete that has failed, cutting into sloping land, improving drainage and compacting base material. Difficult-to-access sites need additional labour and equipment, and these factors affecting the job can increase driveway cost just as much as the choice of finish.

Concrete Type, Finish And Edges/Borders

The type of concrete you choose will significantly impact the final price, especially when you add decorative options. Decorative concrete options such as exposed aggregate, honed concrete, coloured concrete, stencilled or stamped concrete and spray on concrete all sit above plain concrete on price.

Concrete finishes and decorative elements can transform a functional driveway into a beautiful feature of your home, enhancing the streetscape and adding value to your property. Every extra pattern, border or inlay adds materials and additional labour, so it is important to decide where decorative appeal and aesthetic appeal matter most.

Labour Rates And Timing (Season, Demand)

Labour costs can fluctuate based on weather conditions and demand for concreting services. Heavy rain, extreme heat or last minute schedule changes can all stretch the project timeline and increase labour charges.

The contractor’s experience and reputation can influence the overall cost of the project. More experienced teams often charge higher labour rates but are less likely to cut corners on site preparation, joints or curing, which helps avoid issues such as cracks and settling in the driveway.

Cost Breakdown For A Concrete Driveway

Demolition And Removal Of Old Driveway (If Needed)

If you have an existing concrete driveway, demolition and removal will usually be the first line on your quote. Removing an old driveway can add $25 to $50 per square metre, especially if the slab is thick or heavily reinforced and needs extra machinery.

Excavation, Base And Formwork

Excavation, base and formwork build the foundation for your new driveway. This stage includes cutting into sloping land, compacting base materials, setting levels and installing formwork so the concrete driveway has the correct fall and thickness. Good site preparation reduces the chance of frequent repairs later.

Concrete Supply And Pour

Concrete supply and pouring make up the core of every concrete driveway project. Concrete driveway costs in Australia typically range from $70 to $200+ per square metre once materials, labour and standard site preparation are included. The type of concrete, finish selected and driveway’s size all feed into this part of the quote.

Sometimes existing concrete in good condition can be reused as a base or covered with concrete driveway resurfacing systems, which can be cheaper than a full new concrete driveway where the old driveway has completely failed.

Finishing, Sealing And Joints

Finishing covers the visible surface and the joints that control cracking. This is where exposed aggregate, honed concrete, stencilled or stamped concrete and other decorative finishes are applied. Concrete driveways typically require resealing every five years to maintain their appearance and durability, particularly where decorative finishes are used.

Labour And Equipment Hire

Labour and equipment hire sit behind every stage of a driveway project. Labour accounts for 40 to 60 percent of the price of installing a concrete driveway, and additional services such as landscaping features, traffic control or extra machinery will increase the average cost of a concrete driveway.

Is A Concrete Driveway Worth It?

Durability, Maintenance And Lifespan

Concrete driveways are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements. When properly installed and sealed, concrete driveways can last for many years, often several decades, making them a durable option and a cost effective solution over time.

Compared to asphalt driveways and other materials, concrete driveways are often more expensive upfront but require less frequent repairs and resurfacing. Concrete driveways are often more cost effective in the long run because their longevity and lower maintenance needs offset the higher initial price.

Impact On Street Appeal And Property Value

Concrete driveways can enhance a property’s curb appeal and increase its value. A clean new driveway with the right decorative options improves curb appeal and can tie in neatly with other landscaping features, paths and entries.

Decorative concrete options can make your driveway an attractive feature, enhancing the streetscape and adding value to your property. Off street parking can also feel safer and may even help with car insurance premiums compared with always parking on the road.

How To Reduce The Cost Of A Concrete Driveway

Smart Choices On Size, Finish And Extras

You can manage concrete driveway cost by making smart choices about size, finish and extras. Keeping the layout simple, limiting borders and using plain concrete in less visible areas are all cost effective ways to reduce the total cost.

If you are working with a tight budget, use decorative finishes only where they will have the biggest impact on curb appeal and home’s curb appeal, and keep the rest of the driveway in plain concrete or a simple coloured concrete mix.

When To Keep The Layout Simple

The complexity of the driveway design can significantly affect the installation cost. More curves, changes of level and intricate edges all require extra preparation work and additional labour.

Simple rectangular shapes are usually cheaper to form, pour and finish. The more straightforward the design, the easier it is for contractors to pour a high quality slab that does not need frequent repairs.

Where Not To Cut Corners (Base, Thickness, Drainage)

There are key areas where you should never cut corners on a concrete driveway project. Slab thickness, base quality, drainage and joints are all critical to performance over time.

Steel mesh or rebar reinforcement enhances durability but increases material costs. Skipping reinforcement or reducing thickness might look cheap at first, but it increases the risk of cracks, settlement and more frequent repairs, which can push costs higher over the life of the driveway.

Ongoing Maintenance Costs For A Concrete Driveway

Cleaning, Sealing And Minor Repairs

Concrete driveways are low maintenance, so ongoing costs are modest compared with some other materials. Most owners simply sweep, hose off dirt and deal with small marks or chips as they appear.

Resealing every five years or so helps decorative finishes resist stains and UV, especially on exposed aggregate and spray on concrete surfaces. Minor cracks can usually be sealed before they spread, keeping the surface looking like a new driveway for longer.

How To Extend The Life Of Your Driveway

You extend the life of a concrete driveway with proper care and attention to drainage. Avoid overloading thin slabs, keep water flowing away from the concrete and deal with small issues early.

With these simple habits in place, concrete driveways can last for many years with minimal upkeep, making them a reliable, cost effective option compared with other materials that need more frequent repairs.

Choosing The Right Concreter For Your Driveway

What To Look For In A Concrete Driveway Contractor

Hiring a professional concrete contractor is essential for ensuring the driveway is installed according to building standards. Experienced contractors can help avoid issues such as cracks and settling in the driveway and will advise on concrete finishes that suit your site.

It is important to check if the contractor has the necessary trade license and insurance, and to confirm how long they have been delivering concreting services in your area. The contractor’s experience and reputation can influence the overall cost of the project, but it also reduces the risk of poor quality work.

Getting And Comparing Itemised Quotes

Getting multiple quotes from different contractors helps you compare prices and quality of work. Ask for itemised quotes that separate site preparation, concrete supply, labour, decorative options and additional services.

On Trade Heroes you can request quotes from several local concreters, then compare their breakdowns side by side. This makes it easier to see how much does a concrete driveway really cost for your site, and where additional costs such as permits or landscaping features are included.

Questions To Ask Before You Hire

It is advisable to ask contractors for examples of their previous work, especially for decorative finishes. Look for photos of exposed aggregate, honed concrete, stamped concrete and spray on concrete, and ask where you can see similar projects in person.

You should also ask about weather conditions, curing times, site preparation and how they handle difficult access. The time of year can affect scheduling, so check availability and whether any discounts apply outside peak periods.

Concrete Driveway Cost FAQs

How Much Will My Concrete Driveway Cost?

Most residential concrete driveway costs sit between $1,000 and $10,000. A one car driveway typically costs between $1,000 and $2,000, while a standard two car driveway costs around $3,000, with many two car driveways ranging from $2,000 to $4,500+ depending on site conditions, concrete finishes and preparation work.

Is Concrete Better Than Asphalt For A Driveway?

Concrete driveways are often more expensive than alternatives like asphalt driveways, but they offer greater longevity and less maintenance. Compared to asphalt, concrete usually requires less frequent repairs and resurfacing, which contributes to better long term value.

What Is The Most Cost Effective Driveway Finish?

For most homes, a plain concrete driveway or simple coloured concrete is the most cost effective option. These finishes balance low upfront cost with durability and low maintenance, while more decorative concrete options add a higher price tag but stronger decorative appeal and curb appeal.

How Long Does A Concrete Driveway Take To Install?

Most concrete driveway projects take several days from removing the old driveway to sealing the new surface. Weather conditions, driveway’s size and the complexity of the job all influence timing, but your concreter should give you a clear schedule before work starts.

Concrete remains one of the most durable, low maintenance and cost effective options for driveways in Australia, especially when you choose the right finish for your budget and site. If you are planning a new driveway or concrete driveway resurfacing, Trade Heroes can connect you with trusted local concreting services so you can compare itemised quotes and line up a concrete driveway project that suits your needs. Visit Trade Heroes, share a few details about your driveway project and get matched with concrete professionals who can help turn your plans into a finished driveway with real curb appeal.