The cost of installing a concrete driveway typically ranges from $65/m² to $130/m² on average, depending on factors like location, driveway size, concrete type, and finish. Basic concrete driveways are on the lower end of the scale, while decorative finishes like stamped or colored concrete can increase costs. Additional expenses may include labor, site preparation, and reinforcement materials. This guide covers all aspects of concrete driveway costs to help you plan your project efficiently.
The cost of concrete driveway installation in Australia typically ranges around $65 per m², with an average total cost of approximately $2,000 for a standard 30m² driveway, covering both materials and labor. However, several factors can influence the price, such as the size of the driveway, the type of concrete finish, and any additional work required. For example, opting for an aggregate concrete driveway or a more decorative exposed concrete driveway will affect the final price.
On average, exposed aggregate driveway cost ranges from $80 to $150 per m², depending on the complexity of the design and the materials used. Other factors like sloped driveways can add $10 per m² to the overall cost. For a more customized look, the cost to install an exposed aggregate driveway may be higher compared to standard concrete finishes.
If your property has an existing driveway that needs to be removed before installation, the cost to remove and replace concrete driveway can range from $95 to $150 per m², depending on the complexity of the job. This cost includes excavation, disposal of the old concrete, and preparing the site for the new installation. The overall cost can be higher if additional work such as leveling or soil conditioning is required.
The cost of installing a concrete driveway varies widely depending on several factors, including the type of concrete used and the complexity of the project. Here's a breakdown of the national average costs, including low, mid, and high ranges:
Type of Concrete | Low Range (per sqm) | Mid Range (per sqm) | High Range (per sqm) |
Plain Concrete | $65 | $85 | $130 |
Coloured Concrete | $120 | $150 | $180 |
Exposed Aggregate | $100 | $135 | $180 |
Stamped Concrete | $90 | $120 | $200 |
Honed Concrete | $200 | $225 | $250 |
Many components determine the overall concrete driveway cost. Here are some primary factors to consider when finalising a concrete driveway cost.
You have to choose between poured concrete and prefabricated paved concrete, else called pavers, paving stones or slabs. When it is all about driveways, poured concrete is the more accepted choice by a large majority. Two driveways can never be the same, so pouring concrete makes it fit into the frame. A poured concrete driveway costs $3 to $5 per square foot for materials.
Some companies will deliver the concrete to your doorstep with affiliated materials costs from $900 to $1,500. This amount is more than adequate concrete for a standard 10-foot by 20-foot driveway.
Pavers also permit an exclusive aesthetic at the cost of certain customisation choices, as you go with the slab sizes you and your installer find. If you are choosing paving stones then be sure the concrete is strengthened, especially if there's heavy driveway use. Strong concrete slab driveways can cost up to $8 to $ 15 per square foot for materials.
The hard labour to lay down a concrete driveway costs around $800 to $3,100 or $1.60 per square foot. This is around 40% of the overall project cost, with materials and linked fees making up the rest. This range is on the higher side as compared to some jobs, but working with a hunk of concrete is immensely difficult and labour-rigorous. Labourers make the site ready, build out the forms, add steel reinforcing rods if required, lay down the concrete and level it out, along with making any needed finishing touches.
Driveways come in an arrangement of standard measurements, which assists some owners in choosing the most affordable size for their property. However, a yard only sometimes gives accommodation to standard options and unusually shaped driveways cost extra. The budget can be from $4 to $16 per square foot. The required size doesn't matter.
Area(m²) | Cost Range | Average Cost |
10 | $650 - $1,200 | $925 |
20 | $1,300 - $2,400 | $1,850 |
30 | $1,950 - $3,600 | $2,775 |
40 | $2,600 - $4,800 | $3,700 |
50 | $3,250 - $6,000 | $4,625 |
60 | $3,900 - $7,200 | $5,550 |
70 | $4,550 - $8,400 | $6,475 |
80 | $5,200 - $9,600 | $7,400 |
90 | $5,850 - $10,800 | $8,325 |
100 | $6,500 - $12,000 | $9,250 |
Instead of plain old driveways, consider adding a border around the sides to increase the stone's appeal. The bricks or paving stones are used by the contractors for this task for $ 6 to $15 per linear foot. You can get suggestions from your driveway installer before moving ahead with the project, as they may obtain the job from a local bricklayer or stonemason.
Here is a state-wise breakdown of the cost range for concrete driveways in Australia, based on recent data:
State/Territory | Plain Concrete (per m²) | Decorative Concrete (per m²) | Exposed Aggregate (per m²) |
New South Wales | $90 - $140 | $140 - $190 | $170 - $230 |
Queensland | $90 - $140 | $140 - $190 | $170 - $230 |
Victoria | $110 - $160 | $160 - $210 | $190 - $250 |
South Australia | $95 - $145 | $145 - $195 | $175 - $235 |
Western Australia | $65 - $85 | $100 - $150 | $100 - $150 |
Australian Capital Territory | $25 - $30 | $150 to $190 | $140 to $200 |
Given are three money-saving tips to keep in mind before dealing with a contractor quote.
A big deal is site prep when it is about concrete, and contractors get changed by the hour. Save money by cleaning the area ahead of time and removing all the debris. It will help in removing any availability concerns.
The best concrete driveways will last up to 30 to 40 years. Hence the best option is to repair the potholes, cracks, or any other such issues despite replacing the whole thing. Repairing of the concrete driveway costs $1 to $5 per square foot.
Do not pick the first choice you come across. Gather multiple quotes and choose the most trustworthy contractor with the minimum Concrete Driveway Cost project. You may also go for the seasonal discounts if you arrange the work in the off-season.
There are various things to think about when selecting the right concrete driveway for you. Your driveway is the most important feature of your yard front design. Essential things to consider when choosing a concrete driveway are:
Cost
Before starting a concrete driveway project, it is important to consider the price. The price of your project will depend on different factors, from the size of your driveway to its type. Some types of concrete driveways are more inexpensive than others, whereas the quality, toughness, and aesthetics can differ in size, mount and daguerre.
Remember to not go with an inexperienced or incompetent driveway installation service as they charge less. Pay for services where you will receive value for your money. Make sure to manage all of these factors when looking for cost savings.
Purpose
You must know what your driveway is for. There can be many reasons other than parking a car. Is it a parking space or also a connective space? It is compulsory to answer such questions after realising what your concrete driveway will be used for. If you have a heavy car or use your driveway to transport or store heavy-duty vehicles or types of machinery, concrete is the best choice for your driveway.
Concreting is one of the most durable driveway materials accessible. If it is poured in the right way, concrete can even handle the weight and force of heavy vehicles without any cracking. It means your concrete driveway will need less maintenance and will be replaced less often than paved options.
Design
The design of your driveway needs to suit the design of your property’s exterior. Hence there must be the right concrete driveway for you. The selection of a design as per your needs is also important to take out the best of the concrete. Make sure that your concrete driveway becomes the focal point when you are designing your front landscape.
Maintenance
Concrete driveway is a very low maintenance option that can only be settled once every 5-10 years. These driveways can last 25-30 years and rarely ever compromise on the design of your driveway.
When considering a concrete driveway, understanding the cost of a concrete driveway per m² is crucial for effective budgeting. In cities like Brisbane, the concrete driveway cost can vary based on factors such as materials, labor, and the complexity of the project. If you're searching for the cheapest driveway options in Australia, alternatives like gravel or basic concrete can help keep expenses down.
For those dealing with wear and tear, knowing the concrete driveway repair cost is essential. Whether you need minor fixes or a full cement driveway overhaul, the driveway concrete repair cost depends on the extent of the damage. If your existing driveway needs an upgrade, the cost to resurface a driveway can be a more affordable solution compared to a complete replacement. The resurface driveway cost typically depends on the materials used, such as standard concrete, decorative finishes, or coatings.
Additionally, if you're considering alternatives like a pebble driveway, the pebble driveway cost may be higher due to the specialized materials and installation process. Understanding the driveway cost per m² and using a driveway cost calculator can help you estimate expenses and compare different options.
For those wondering, "How much does a concrete driveway cost in Australia?" or "How much to pave a driveway?", the final price depends on the size, finish, and any additional customization. The average driveway size in Australia typically ranges from single-car to double-car widths, influencing overall costs.
By researching and planning ahead, you can make informed decisions to balance quality and affordability. Whether you're installing a new concrete drive way or maintaining an existing one, understanding pricing factors will help you achieve a durable and visually appealing surface without exceeding your budget.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.