How Much Is Concrete Per Square Metre in Australia? (2026 Pricing Guide)

Quick Answer: How Much Is Concrete Per Square Metre?

For most Australian homeowners, concrete costs between $75 and $160 per m², fully installed. Here's a quick snapshot by finish type:

These prices include site preparation, formwork, reinforcement, concrete supply, pouring, finishing, and basic cleanup. Decorative finishes cost more because they require additional materials, time, and skilled labour.

What's Included in the Price of Concrete Per Square Metre?

When a concreter quotes per square metre, the price typically covers all of the following:

• Site inspection and assessment
• Excavation and levelling
• Compaction and base preparation
• Formwork supply and installation
• Steel mesh or rebar reinforcement
• Concrete supply (ready-mix)
• Pouring and screeding
• Surface finishing
• Curing
• Sealing (sometimes quoted separately)
• Site cleanup

Always request an itemised written quote to compare properly. Quotes that don't break down inclusions can hide missing items like excavation or disposal fees that appear later.

Concrete Price Per Square Metre by Project Type

Driveway Concrete Prices

One of the most popular concreting jobs. A concrete driveway is one of the best investments you can make for kerb appeal and long-term value.

• Plain concrete driveway: $75–$110 per m²
• Exposed aggregate driveway: $110–$150 per m²
• Stencilled or stamped driveway: $100–$160 per m²

A typical 40 m² driveway ranges from $3,000 to $6,400 depending on finish.

Shed and Garage Slab Prices

Concrete slabs for sheds and garages are usually 100–125mm thick with steel mesh reinforcement:

• Small shed slab (9 m²): $700–$1,200
• Medium shed slab (24 m²): $1,800–$3,000
• Large workshop slab (54 m²): $4,000–$6,500

Patio and Alfresco Slab Prices

• Plain patio slab: $80–$110 per m²
• Exposed aggregate patio: $110–$150 per m²
• Stamped concrete patio: $120–$160 per m²

Pathway and Garden Edging Prices

• Concrete pathway: $90–$140 per m²
• Garden edging: $30–$60 per linear metre

House Slab Prices

• Waffle pod slab: $90–$130 per m²
• Raft slab: $100–$140 per m²
• Stiffened raft slab: $120–$160 per m²

What Affects the Cost of Concrete Per Square Metre?

1. Slab Thickness

Thicker slabs need more concrete, reinforcement, and labour. Standard residential is 100mm; garages and machinery sheds often spec 125–200mm.

2. Reinforcement

Steel mesh is standard for most residential work. Heavy-duty rebar or double-mesh adds cost and is essential in reactive clay soils common across Brisbane.

3. Concrete Strength (MPa)

25 MPa is standard for most residential work. 32–40 MPa is used for heavy-duty applications and costs more per cubic metre of ready-mix.

4. Finish Type

Plain broom finishes are the cheapest option. Decorative finishes involve additional materials and skilled labour, which adds to the per-square-metre price.

5. Site Access

Easy front-yard access is cheapest. Tight backyards, sloped sites, and jobs requiring pumped concrete delivery all add cost. Always mention access constraints when requesting a quote.

6. Site Preparation

Removing existing concrete, importing fill, and dealing with tree roots can significantly increase the total price. If your site needs concrete resurfacing rather than full replacement, that option is often more cost-effective for structurally sound slabs.

7. Job Size

Larger jobs benefit from economies of scale. Small jobs often attract minimum fees of $400–$800 regardless of area, so small patches or garden paths can seem expensive per square metre.

8. Location

Metropolitan areas typically have lower prices than rural locations. Regional and remote properties may attract additional ready-mix delivery and travel fees.

9. Drainage and Falls

Proper drainage costs slightly more upfront but prevents expensive repairs later. A slab that pools water will deteriorate prematurely and create safety hazards.

Concrete Per Square Metre vs Per Cubic Metre

You'll encounter both measurement units when researching concrete pricing. Here's the difference:

• Per square metre (m²): measures surface area. Used by most domestic concreters when quoting a complete installed job.
• Per cubic metre (m³): measures volume of concrete. Used by ready-mix suppliers. Standard 25 MPa typically costs $250–$350/m³ — before labour, formwork, and reinforcement.

For a 10 m² slab at 100mm thick, you'd need approximately 1 m³ of concrete — but the total installed price would still be $750–$1,600 once all costs are factored in. The material cost is only one part of the equation.

How Much Is Concrete Per Square Metre in Different Australian Cities?

Pricing varies by city and region. Here's a general guide for plain reinforced slabs in 2026:

Always request three written quotes from local concreters for accurate pricing in your suburb. National guides are a starting point, not a final number.

How to Get the Best Price on Concrete Per Square Metre

1. Get at least three written quotes — comparing ensures fair pricing and helps you spot anything missing from individual tenders
2. Check licensing — Queensland concreters on jobs over $3,300 must hold a current QBCC licence
3. Verify insurance — public liability cover is essential for any concrete work on your property
4. Read Google reviews — 4.5+ star ratings and consistent local feedback are the best indicators of quality
5. Ask for recent local examples — a reputable concreter will share photos or addresses of completed jobs nearby
6. Confirm warranty — a written workmanship warranty of 6–12 months is standard on quality jobs
7. Plan around seasons — quieter months can secure better availability and sometimes better rates

Is It Cheaper to Lay Concrete Yourself?

DIY may seem cheaper but rarely is. Materials alone cost $60–$90/m² — before hiring a mixer or pump, buying formwork, and factoring in your own labour. The bigger issue is quality. Concrete that isn't properly prepared, reinforced, finished, or cured will crack and fail far earlier than a professionally laid slab.

For most homeowners, hiring a licensed concreter is the smarter investment. The cost difference is modest; the quality difference is significant — especially over a 30 to 50 year lifespan.

How Long Does Concrete Last?

A well-installed concrete slab in Australia typically lasts 30 to 50 years or longer, depending on several factors:

• Soil preparation and compaction before pouring
• Concrete strength and slab thickness
• Quality of steel reinforcement
• Curing time and method
• Sealing and ongoing maintenance
• Weather conditions and traffic load

Resealing every 3 to 5 years and addressing cracks early are the simplest ways to extend slab lifespan. A well-maintained concrete surface will outperform pavers, asphalt, and other alternatives in both longevity and cost over time.

For most homeowners, concrete costs between $75 and $160 per m², fully supplied and installed. By understanding what's included, what factors affect pricing, and how to choose a reliable concreter, you'll plan confidently, budget accurately, and get a quality result. Whether it's a garden path, shed slab, driveway, or house slab, the right concreter delivers a finish that lasts decades and adds real value to your property.