How Much Does Concreting Cost?

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.

Concrete Costs Per m3 and Per m2

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.

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

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.

Maintenance Tips For Concrete Structures

If you want to extend the lifespan of concrete structures in Australia and reduce future repair costs, properly maintain them. Concrete constructions are more durable and long-lasting with regular maintenance. You can use the following tips.

• Regularly inspect for cracks or damage (especially after harsh weather).


• Concrete surfaces should be cleaned regularly to avoid dirt and debris buildup, which can cause staining and deterioration over time.


• You can apply sealants or coatings to defend against moisture infiltration and freeze-thaw cycles.


• Avoid harsh chemicals or de-icing salts, which can harm concrete.


• You can prevent small problems from growing into more expensive fixes by promptly addressing them.

How To Hire A Professional For Concreting?

Small concrete jobs are easy to execute individually with the help of plenty of guides, tutorials, and online videos demonstrating the process.

When it comes to larger projects, you require more equipment and expertise. In that case, it’s necessary to hire professional concreters.

You should get quotes from at least 3 to 4 concreters to compare their costs and the level of services they offer. You can check ABN, service hours, ratings, reviews and more to hire a professional for concreting. In addition, there are some important questions you should ask your concrete experts:

• Are you licensed?


• Do you currently have valid insurance coverage?


• Can you provide a written quote for my project?


• Do you have references from previous clients?


• Can you show examples of your work?

You can use the ServiceTasker™ platform, the best service marketplace in Australia for hiring verified tradesperson.

Some Tips For Cost-Effective Concrete Projects

• Plan your project properly to reduce waste and unnecessary expenses. You can make the best use of materials by checking layouts and measurements.


• You should choose a concrete mix that balance between cost and performance.


• You can invest in high-quality finishes and materials to increase longevity and reduce maintenance expenses.


• Experienced concrete contractors can help you design and execute your project more effectively at low costs.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost factors and maintenance tips for concrete projects in Australia is essential for budgeting and sustainability. You can save money and ensure long-lasting concrete construction.