How Much Does Concrete Cost?

Concrete costs between $100 to $150 per square metre for plain concrete and between $110 and $160 per square metre for coloured concrete. Exposed aggregate concrete costs between $140 to $220 per square metre, while stencilled and stamped concrete costs between $180 to $300 per square metre.

Decorative styles like pave cut concrete add both visual appeal and cost, depending on the finish and labour required.

In this guide, you’ll find average costs by concrete type, current labour rates, added fees, and tips for estimating your total budget.

Here are the factors affecting how much concrete costs:

Higher-strength mixes cost more due to additional cement content and performance grade. M25 and above may be needed for heavy traffic areas. Decorative types—such as coloured or exposed mixes—raise costs due to added materials and treatment. For example, exposed aggregate driveway cost is higher due to the surface processing and use of premium stone blends.

Larger pours may reduce the per-unit rate but increase the total cost. Smaller projects often incur minimum load fees. Accurate volume calculation keeps your costs predictable and limits waste.

Sloped terrain, limited access, or tree removal increases site prep costs. Labour and machinery may be required just to get the base ready. Easy-access, flat blocks are the most cost-efficient.

Steel mesh, rebar, or fibre additives strengthen the slab but raise material costs. Basic trowel or broom finishes are cheaper than polished, stencilled, or sealed options. The type of finish you choose has a direct impact on both material and labour fees.

Here is the current cost of concrete per SQM:

Plain concrete costs between $100 to $150 per square metre, making it the most economical choice. It’s ideal for driveways, footpaths, and shed slabs.

Coloured concrete costs between $110 to $160 per square metre, depending on the type of pigment and finish depth. This adds visual appeal without extensive patterning.

Exposed aggregate concrete costs between $140 to $220 per square metre. Stones are revealed at the surface, offering a decorative and non-slip texture.

Stamped concrete costs between $180 to $300 per square metre. Patterns are imprinted into the slab to replicate the look of pavers or stone.

Have you been wondering, how much does concrete driveway cost? Learn more about it here.

Here is the cost of concrete per M3:

• Standard 20 MPa: $260 – $300 per m³
• 25–32 MPa (general structural use): $290 – $340 per m³
• 40 MPa and higher: $320 – $380+ per m³

Add-ons such as accelerants, retarding agents, or waterproofing compounds can increase the total.

Delivery charges and equipment hire often add $1,000 to $2,500 to the project. Fees may include:

• Small load surcharge (for <3m³)
• Weekend delivery charges
• Concrete pump hire
• Waiting time after 30–45 minutes on-site

Check your quote to ensure these costs are either listed or bundled.

Take a look at the typical labour and permit costs involved below:

Concreters typically charge between $60 to $120 per hour. Rates vary based on experience, job size, finish type, and difficulty of access.

Permit costs for vehicle crossings in Melbourne can vary significantly by council and the scope of works involved, typically ranging from $120 to $300 for standard cases where a footpath, kerb, or crossover is affected. However, some councils have higher fees. 

For example, Bayside City Council charges a $344 application fee, while the City of Port Phillip requires a $290 application plus a $205 permit fee and a refundable $1,800 bond. In the City of Kingston, the permit fee is $250.

Some councils require deposits or inspections, especially for works near public infrastructure.

These steps help you estimate the full cost of your job:

Multiply the slab thickness (in metres) by area (in m²) to get total cubic metres.

Example: 

A 100mm (0.1m) slab × 50m² = 5m³

Allow 5–10% extra for waste, spillage, or changes in dimensions. Ordering too little can result in delays or batch mismatches.

Get 3 detailed quotes with itemised costs for labour, materials, permits, and finishing. Comparing quotes helps you avoid hidden charges and inflated margins.