How Much Does exposed aggregate driveway Cost in Australia?
exposed aggregate driveway costs vary significantly across Australia depending on your state, the complexity of the work, and local market conditions. Typical concreting rates range from $50–$150/m² nationally. Use this guide to understand what to expect, how to compare quotes, and find verified local specialists near you.
exposed aggregate driveway Cost Guide Australia 2026
The following pricing is based on national industry averages. Costs may be 10–20% higher in capital cities (Sydney, Melbourne) and lower in regional areas. Always get 2–3 written quotes before committing to any concreting work.
National Average
$50–$150
/m²
Emergency / After-Hours
$225
Estimated peak rate
Quotes Recommended
2–3
Before any work begins
exposed aggregate driveway Availability by State
NSW
430
listed
VIC
429
listed
QLD
250
listed
WA
144
listed
SA
136
listed
TAS
52
listed
NT
26
listed
ACT
24
listed
Prices are estimates only and may change without notice. Verify current pricing directly with your chosen contractor.
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Concreting Licensing Requirements in Australia
Licensing requirements vary by state. Always verify your contractor holds the correct licence for your location.
Victoria
In Victoria, concreting work over $10,000 requires a registered building practitioner. Structural slabs and footings require engineering sign-off and building permit.
New South Wales
In NSW, concreting work over $20,000 requires a contractor licence from NSW Fair Trading. Structural work requires an owner-builder permit or licensed builder.
Queensland
In Queensland, concreting work over $3,300 requires a QBCC licence under the Concreting trade category.
Western Australia
In WA, concreting for structural purposes requires a building services registration. Decorative and non-structural concreting is largely unregulated.
South Australia
In SA, structural concreting requires a licensed builder. Decorative concreting does not require a specific licence.
Tasmania
In Tasmania, structural concrete work requires a registered building practitioner under the Building Act 2016.
Australian Capital Territory
In the ACT, structural concreting requires appropriate building licencing. Non-structural work is generally unregulated.
Northern Territory
In the NT, structural concreting requires an NT Build licence. Non-structural decorative work does not require licensing.
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exposed aggregate driveway: Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Australia?
A standard concrete driveway costs $65–$150/m² depending on thickness, reinforcement, finish, and location. A double driveway of ~50m² typically costs $3,500–$7,500. Exposed aggregate and decorative finishes cost more than plain broom-finished concrete.
How thick should a concrete slab be for a driveway?
Residential driveways should be a minimum 100mm (4 inches) thick with SL72 or SL82 mesh reinforcement. For areas with heavy vehicles or truck access, 125–150mm with rebar reinforcement is recommended. Thicker slabs are needed for reactive soils.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches about 70% strength in 7 days and full strength at 28 days. Light foot traffic can resume after 24–48 hours. Vehicles should wait at least 7 days. In cold weather, curing slows significantly — your concretor may use curing compounds or covers.
What is exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete has the top layer of cement paste removed (by washing) to reveal the stones within the mix. It's popular for driveways, paths, and pool surrounds as it provides a decorative finish with natural slip resistance. It costs 15–25% more than plain concrete.
Why does concrete crack?
All concrete eventually cracks due to shrinkage, thermal movement, or ground movement. Control joints are deliberately placed every 3–4 metres to direct cracking. Cracks wider than 3mm or that are heaving or sinking indicate a structural issue requiring assessment.
What is the difference between concrete and cement?
Cement is an ingredient in concrete. Concrete is the final product made by mixing cement, sand, aggregate (gravel), and water. Portland cement is the most common binder. Ready-mix concrete (delivered by truck) is specified by strength grade — residential driveways typically use N20 or N25.
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