How Much Does Concreting Cost?

Understanding Concreting Costs: Key Factors That Impact Your Project Budget

Concrete is a versatile material. It is used for construction, such as shed slabs, driveways, patios, pool areas, footpaths, residential homes, larger projects, etc. The cost of concrete per cubic meter (m3) varies according to project specifications and market circumstances. You can expect concrete costs between $200 per m3 to $300 per m3.

The most common concrete used is 20 MPa, suitable for domestic applications. However, industrial projects often require 32 MPa or 40 MPa, which are more expensive.

Before you create an accurate budget for your concrete project, it’s important to know how much the cost of concrete per m3 or m2 is.

Why Concreting Is a Valuable Investment

Concreting is a beneficial investment for numerous major reasons:

• Durability: Concrete provides a long-lasting surface with less need for repairs. It is valuable because of its strong resistance to wear, heavy traffic, and climatic conditions.


• Cost-Effective: Over time, concrete becomes a more affordable option due to its endurance, which lowers maintenance and replacement expenses.


• Versatility: Concrete is adaptable to both indoor and outdoor environments. It may be used for a wide range of applications, such as flooring, roads, patios, and structural foundations.


• Low Maintenance: After installation, concrete only needs the occasional cleaning and sealing to preserve its fresh look.


• Energy Efficiency: The thermal mass of concrete helps control interior temperature, which enhances energy efficiency and lowers heating & cooling expenses.


• Sustainability: Concrete is an environmentally favourable material for construction projects. Because it can be recycled at the end of its life cycle and is made from locally available components.

How Much is Concrete Per m2 in Australia and Per m3

Concreters charge per cubic meter as concrete's volume is measured in its liquid state before setting. You can calculate its volume in cubic metres by multiplying the height, length, and width. One cubic metre is equivalent to 1,000 litres. By understanding this, you can estimate concrete quantities more easily.

Cost of Concrete Per m3

The average cost of concrete per m3 is $200-$300. Specialised concrete, such as 40 MPa strength, can cost between $350 and $500 per m3. These prices will depend on the type of concrete you require and your location.

Concrete Cost Per m2

The average cost of concrete per m2 is $50 to $150. You can see different prices for different materials.

Different Concretes And Their Usage

• 20 MPa Concrete: Ideal for driveways, pathways, and residential slabs. It's cost-effective but has a moderate lifespan, especially in areas with heavy traffic or exposure to harsh weather.


• 40 MPa Concrete: Often used in high-traffic commercial floors or heavy-duty industrial applications, this concrete not only bears higher loads but also offers better resistance to wear, ensuring a longer lifespan and less frequent maintenance.


• Class N(Normal): Suitable for environments without aggressive conditions, such as standard residential and commercial projects.


• Class S(Special): Required in areas exposed to chemicals, saltwater, or extreme weather. For example, 40 MPa or higher might be needed for coastal areas to resist chloride-induced corrosion.


• Low-Heat Concrete: In mass concrete pours (like dam walls or large foundations), low-heat concrete mixes (around 25-32 MPa) prevent cracking due to thermal stress. This type of concrete is designed to generate less heat during curing, which is critical for large-scale projects.


• High-Strength Concrete: Typically, the water-cement ratio is lower (0.35 to 0.4) in high-strength mixes like 40 MPa. This reduces porosity, increasing the concrete's compressive strength and durability but also making the mix less workable, often requiring chemical admixtures for proper placement.


• Low Shrinkage Concrete: For critical projects where even minor cracking is unacceptable (like in precision floors or sensitive industrial facilities), low-shrinkage concrete is used. This is typically achieved with special additives and precise mix designs, ensuring minimal dimensional changes as the concrete cures.


• 32 MPa and Higher: These higher-strength concretes are often paired with steel reinforcement in structures like bridges, high-rise buildings, and heavy-duty industrial floors. The high strength of the concrete complements the tensile strength of the steel, creating a composite material that can withstand enormous loads and stresses.


• Eco-Friendly Alternatives: High-strength concretes (such as 40 MPa) can incorporate supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash or slag, reducing the environmental impact of cement production. These materials not only enhance durability but also contribute to achieving sustainability goals in modern construction projects.

What Do Concreters Offer?

Concreters charge $60-$70 per hour. They offer a wide range of services, such as:

• Concrete mixing and layering


• Laying the foundation for a home


• Cutting concrete


• Cleaning Mixed Concrete


• Concrete reinforced to increase its strength


• Constructing a variety of buildings by pouring concrete onto formwork


• Concrete surface grinding, polishing, and sealing


• Using stencils and stamps, create a variety of aesthetically pleasing effects.

Concrete Pricing in Australia: What to Expect

Here is the information about concrete prices if you are in search of how much does concreting costs. The cost is mentioned here according to its uses. So, let’s check what should you expect.

Cost Of A Concrete Driveway

The price of cement driveway can vary. You can expect it from $4 to $10 per square foot, based on many aspects like thickness, finish, & location. Lower-end basic driveways have a straightforward broom finish, but more expensive driveways might have ornamental features like stamped concrete.

The Cost Of A Concrete Slab

Concrete slabs, which are frequently used for patios, sheds, and foundations, typically cost $5 to $12 per square foot. It may depend on the thickness, the need for excavation, and any reinforcing, like rebar. The upper limit of the range may be reached by large, reinforced slabs.

Cost Of Concrete Pools

The pricing range for a concrete pool usually ranges from $30,000 to $60,000; depending on the features such as waterfalls and steps, size, and form. The typical cost per square foot varies between $70 and $100 based on the materials and complexity of the design. To save money, you may know the cement truck cost. Getting material in bulk will be easy for you.

Concrete Pathway Cost

The average cost of a concrete sidewalk is $6 to $10 per square foot. The path's width and length, surface polish; and the addition of ornamental elements like stamped or coloured motifs all affect the price.

Concrete Framework Cost

Concrete formwork, or the makeshift buildings used to shape poured concrete, can be purchased for $2 to $8 per square foot. A few of the variables are the intricacy of the design, the kind of material utilised for the form, and the availability of reusable forms.

Concrete Foundation Costs

The cost of a concrete foundation could vary from $5,000 to $15,000 based on the size, kind (basement, crawl space, or slab), and soil circumstances. Generally speaking, the concrete cost per m2 ranges from $5 to $15, with more expensive, larger, and more intricate foundations.

Cost of Reinforcing Concrete

The cost of your project will increase by $1 to $3 concrete cost per m2 if you reinforce the concrete with rebar or mesh. This reinforcement enhances the concrete's longevity and structural integrity, especially for slabs, driveways, and load-bearing buildings.

Cost of Concrete Paving

The average cost of concrete pavement is $8–$12 per square foot. Surface finishing, labour, and supplies are all included in this. Paving can be used for patios, walks, and driveways. Stamping and other decorative finishing raise the cost of the material.

Cost of Concrete Resurfacing

The cost of concrete resurfacing can vary from $3 to $7 per square foot. It may depend on the sort of damage that needs to be repaired and whether decorative elements like colouring & texturing. Resurfacing is an affordable solution to revitalise worn-out concrete surfaces.

Cost of Concrete Sealing

Depending on the size of the area and the type of sealer used; sealing concrete can cost anywhere from $1 to $3 per square foot. Concrete's lifespan is increased by sealing it against stains, moisture, and wear and tear.

Cost of Concrete Patio

The average cost of a concrete patio is between $6 and $15 per square foot; more expensive patios have more elaborate designs, while simpler patios are more affordable. Custom finishes and forms will raise the final pricing.

Cost of Concrete Cutting

The cost of cutting concrete varies from $2 to $8 per linear foot, depending on the depth and length of the cuts. Higher prices could be the result of more intricate cuts or heavier concrete slabs.

Cost of Concrete Grinding

Smoothing surfaces or getting them ready for finishing are done with concrete grinding. Depending on the amount of grinding that needs to be done and the size of the surface being worked on, the price typically ranges from $3 to $12 concrete cost per m2.

Cost of Concrete Line Pumping

The pumping concrete lines range from $5 to $10 per cubic metre of concrete. The cost of this service varies depending on the project's complexity and the length of the hose. It may involve pumping concrete through a hose to difficult-to-reach locations,

Cost of Concrete Boom Pumping

Larger, high-volume projects often use concrete boom pumping and concrete backyard costs can be different. This typically costs $15 to $30 per cubic yard, depending on the site's accessibility, height, and distance.

Cost of Concrete Removal

Depending on the thickness of the concrete; the method of demolition needed (machine or hand), and the disposal of the debris, the cost of removing concrete can vary. You can expect its prices from $2 to $6 per square foot.

Garden Shed Concrete Slab Cost

The average cost of a concrete front yard or garden shed slab is between $4 and $8 per square foot. The size of the shed, the slab's thickness, and whether or not the ground needs to be reinforced or prepared all affect the final cost.

Water Tank Concrete Slabs

Water tank concrete slabs typically cost between $5 and $10 per square foot. The size of the tank and the amount of reinforcing required to maintain the weight of the tank affect the prices. Slabs that are properly reinforced guarantee the longevity and security of the building.

Concrete Labour Cost Per Square Meter by Location

Your location can increase or decrease the labour cost. You can see a gap of $10-$20 in different cities. Sydney has the highest average concreting cost.

• Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Concrete labour costs in the ACT generally range from $70 to $130 per square meter.


• New South Wales (NSW): In NSW, especially in Sydney, costs range between $80 and $150 concrete per m2.


• Queensland (QLD): Concrete labour in Queensland is more affordable, with prices ranging from $60 to $120 concrete per sqm.


• South Australia (SA): In South Australia, the labour cost of concreting typically fall between $65 and $110 per square meter.


• Victoria (VIC): The cost of concrete per m3 Victoria is between $70 and $140.


• Western Australia (WA): In Western Australia, particularly in Perth, costs range from $75 to $135 per square meter.

Some Common Concrete Construction Jobs

Concrete is versatile and can be used for interior and outdoor construction jobs. Here are some common concrete construction jobs that concreters do:

• Kitchen benchtops


• Concreting driveways


• House slabs


• Sheds


• Walkways


• Swimming pools


• Footpaths


• Paving


• Patios


• Flooring


• Building foundations

Importance Of Obtaining Multiple Concrete Quote For Concreting Projects

• Comparing Costs and Services: Getting several quotes enables you to evaluate the range of services provided by various contractors in addition to their concrete rates. By doing so, you can make sure you're getting the most out of your money and steer clear of costly extras or hidden costs.


• Assessing Contractor Expertise: You can evaluate each contractor's expertise and experience by looking at multiple quotes. Contractors providing thorough, clear quotations are frequently more reliable and transparent, decreasing the chance of bad workmanship or project delays.


• Getting More Quotes: Having more concrete quotes gives you the power to bargain for better conditions. You may ensure that you get a fair deal for your concreting job by asking other contractors for similar or better offers. It can be beneficial if one offers reasonable pricing or additional services.

Do Concreting Projects Need Council Permits?

Certainly, depending on the nature and extent of the project, council permissions are frequently needed for concreting projects. With permits, you may be guaranteed that the work conforms with safety requirements, zoning laws, and council building ordinances. In the following situations, permissions might be required:

Pathways and driveways

Concrete driveways, sidewalks, and any other construction that affects public infrastructure or encroaches on a street or sidewalk require permission from numerous local council authorities. These rules guarantee appropriate drainage, safety for pedestrians, and respect for property lines.

Foundational Structures

Because of the potential structural and safety risks, permits are usually needed for concrete foundations for big structures such as sheds or houses. For this, you should know the concrete path around the house cost. The foundation's compliance with engineering and stability criteria is ensured by the permit process; particularly in regions vulnerable to soil movement or flooding.

Extensive remodelling or additions

Building permits are typically required if concreting is part of a larger rehabilitation project, such as constructing a garage or expanding a house. This can ensure structural integrity and compliance with local construction codes.

Regulations Concerning the Environment

Strict environmental laws exist in some places regarding drainage and runoff, particularly when it comes to large-scale concreting. Ensuring that the project complies with stormwater management regulations, and permits helps to avoid flooding or water contamination.

The Repercussions of Not Having Permits

Not obtaining the required permits may lead to fines, having to redo the work, or project delays. Unauthorised work occasionally has an impact on a property's worth or potential for sale. Before beginning a concrete project, it's imperative to confirm with your local council what the precise criteria are for your area.

Factors Affecting The Concreting Costs

• Raw material: The material you choose for concrete will directly impact the cost. Some of the main components of concrete are cement, aggregates (such as sand and gravel), and water.


• Location: The location, the availability of materials, the condition of the local market, and the cost of transportation all affect the price of concrete. These variables will affect the final cost of concrete projects. The average concreting cost per m3 differs in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.


• Size of project: Your project’s size matters. This is measured in square metre or cubic metre and this is how you can determine the amount of concrete you need for your project.


• Concrete supplier costs: The costs of concrete suppliers alter depending on the amount of pre-mixed concrete supplied.


• Concrete removal: If it is necessary to remove old or damaged concrete before pouring new concrete, you have to pay more for your concrete projects.