Concrete Driveway Cost per m2: Plain vs Aggregate vs Stencilled
Plain, exposed aggregate and stencilled concrete driveways compared per square metre, plus the extras that push a quote up.
A concrete driveway in Australia typically costs $5,600 – $9,350 for our default 50 m2 job, or about $7,200 at the typical mid-range level. Per square metre, the finish you choose is the biggest variable: plain concrete is $4,450, exposed aggregate is $7,200 and stencilled or stamped is $6,800, all as typical mid-range totals for that 50 m2 driveway, including GST.
Those are whole-job figures, so divide by the area to get your own per-m2 rate. Below we explain what separates the three finishes, where the extra money goes, and which hidden costs catch people out.
Plain, exposed aggregate and stencilled compared
Here is how the three popular concrete finishes stack up for the same driveway.
| Finish | Typical mid-range total (50 m2) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete | $4,450 | Broom or float finish, saw-cut or tooled joints, optional oxide colour |
| Exposed aggregate | $7,200 | Top layer washed back to show stones; good grip, hides stains |
| Stencilled or stamped | $6,800 | Pattern pressed or stencilled in, then coloured and sealed |
The full options table, including asphalt and pavers, is below.
| Material | Typical | Usual range | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asphalt (blacktop) | $3,850 | $3,000 – $5,000 | 15-30 years |
| Plain concrete | $4,450 | $3,450 – $5,800 | 30-40 years |
| Stencilled or stamped concrete | $6,800 | $5,300 – $8,850 | – |
| Exposed aggregate concrete | $7,200 | $5,600 – $9,350 | – |
| Concrete or clay pavers | $8,150 | $6,350 – $10,600 | 25-75 years |
Why the finishes cost different amounts
Plain concrete is the cheapest because the labour is simplest: form up, pour, screed, finish and cut joints. Most of the price is excavation, sub-base, steel mesh and the concrete itself, and those are common to every option.
Exposed aggregate adds a surface-retarder or washing-back step, and the timing is unforgiving. The crew has to work while the concrete is at the right stage, so you pay for skilled labour and extra clean-up. The stones themselves also cost more than a standard mix.
Stencilled and stamped work is the most labour-heavy. Colour hardener, release agent, patterning tools or stencils, and a sealer all add cost. Sealer also needs reapplying over time, so factor in upkeep.
Costs that move the per-m2 rate
Surface choice is only part of the story. When we build an estimate we add labour hours at local rates and materials, then check the result against market prices and real quotes. These are the items that most often change a quote:
- Ground conditions. Soft or clay ground needs a deeper dig and extra sub-base. Our model has a separate option for this, and it can add noticeably to the total.
- Removing an old driveway. Lifting old asphalt, pavers or gravel costs less than breaking out a concrete slab, which needs a breaker and a bigger tip bill.
- Drainage. A channel drain across the entrance is a common council or certifier requirement where water could run toward the house or footpath. Ask whether it is in the price.
- Size and shape. Small, curved or awkward driveways cost more per m2 than a big rectangle because setup and formwork do not scale down.
- Access. If a concrete truck or pump cannot get close, expect extra labour for barrowing or pumping.
Which finish should you choose?
- Tight budget, simple look: plain concrete, with an oxide colour if you want to avoid stark grey.
- Best balance of grip, durability and looks: exposed aggregate. It copes well with wet weather and hides tyre marks.
- Decorative result: stencilled or stamped, but budget for resealing and accept that colour can fade in strong sun.
- Sloping or wet sites: whichever finish you pick, spend on drainage and a sound base first. That matters more than the surface.
If you are comparing concrete with other options, see our New driveway for the full price breakdown, including asphalt and pavers.
Related jobs to price at the same time
A new driveway often triggers other work. If you are replacing a boundary line at the same time, our Fencing shows what fencing costs. If the old door no longer suits the new look, check the Garage door guide. Bundling jobs with one contractor or scheduling them back to back can reduce mobilisation costs, though you should still get separate itemised prices.
How to check your quote
Ask every contractor to quote the same thickness, mesh or reinforcement, base depth, joint layout and finish. Quotes that look cheap often leave out the sub-base, drainage or removal of the old surface. Request an itemised price per m2 and the total area they have measured.
Then put the numbers through our "is my quote fair" tool. It compares your quote with our live cost model so you can see whether it sits within the usual range or needs questions.
Quotes to households include 10% GST, and all of our figures include it too.