How Much Does Concrete Cost Per Square Metre in Brisbane?...

Concrete has become the foundation of modern outdoor and indoor spaces in Brisbane and its surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re planning a new driveway in Carindale, a stylish exposed aggregate patio in Springfield, or a sturdy retaining wall in Ipswich, knowing how much concrete costs per square metre is crucial to budgeting your project. With the 2026 construction market evolving, concrete prices have shifted, influenced by material costs, labour, and site conditions.

In this comprehensive guide, Concrete Concepts Group, a QBCC Licensed concreting company proudly serving Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, Moreton Bay, and Gold Coast, breaks down everything you need to know about concrete pricing. From the various types of concrete finishes to the factors affecting costs, and even a comparison of DIY versus professional concreting, this blog post is your go-to resource for concreting prices in Brisbane for 2026.

Understanding Concrete Costs Per Square Metre in Brisbane

Concrete pricing is not a simple “one size fits all” figure. It varies widely depending on the type of concrete work, finish, thickness, site accessibility, and whether reinforcement is needed. Concrete is usually priced per square metre (sqm) because this measurement reflects how much surface area the concrete covers.

Why Pricing Per Square Metre Matters

Pricing per square metre allows homeowners to estimate the overall cost of their project more accurately. For example, a 50 sqm driveway at $120/sqm will cost approximately $6,000. This method helps in comparing quotes from different contractors and understanding what you’re paying for.

Factors That Affect Concrete Price Per Square Metre

Several key factors influence the cost of concrete in Brisbane:

Type of Concrete Finish: Plain, coloured, exposed aggregate, stamped, or polished concrete all have different price points.
Thickness of Concrete: Residential slabs typically range from 75mm to 150mm thickness, impacting material and labour costs.
Site Accessibility: Hard-to-reach sites in suburbs like Wynnum or Capalaba can increase labour and equipment costs.
Site Preparation: Removal of old concrete, soil levelling, excavation, or rock removal adds to overall expense.
Reinforcement Requirements: Steel mesh or rebar improves strength but adds to material and labour costs.
Project Size: Larger projects often attract lower per square metre rates due to economies of scale.
Additional Features: Edging, control joints, sealing, and curing processes affect pricing.

2026 Brisbane Concrete Price Guide: Cost Per Square Metre by Concrete Type

The table below summarises the average cost per square metre for various concrete types and finishes in Brisbane and surrounding suburbs, including Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, Moreton Bay, and the Gold Coast.

Concrete Type	Description	Average Cost Per sqm (AUD)	Typical Thickness (mm)	Notes
Plain Concrete	Standard grey concrete, smooth finish	$90 - $110	75 - 100	Most affordable; used for slabs, paths, and basic patios
Coloured Concrete	Integral colour added to mix for aesthetic appeal	$110 - $140	75 - 100	Popular in patios, paths, and driveways
Exposed Aggregate Concrete	Surface stones revealed for decorative, slip-resistant finish	$130 - $160	75 - 100	Ideal for pool surrounds, driveways, and patios
Stamped Concrete	Patterned surface resembling brick, stone, or tile	$140 - $180	75 - 100	Highly decorative, used for patios and driveways
Polished Concrete	Smooth, glossy finish with grinding and sealing	$150 - $200	75 - 100	Indoor and some outdoor applications; modern look
Concrete Driveways	Plain or decorative finishes	$100 - $170	100 - 150	Includes reinforcement and sub-base prep
Concrete Slabs	Foundations for sheds, garages, or homes	$95 - $130	100 - 150	Usually reinforced with mesh or rebar
Concrete Paths and Walkways	Narrow concrete strips with various finishes	$110 - $150	75 - 100	Cost varies based on design and finish
Retaining Walls	Structural concrete walls to hold soil	$250 - $400	150 - 300	Cost depends on height, thickness, and reinforcement
Pool Surrounds	Durable, decorative finishes like exposed aggregate	$130 - $170	75 - 100	Must meet slip-resistance standards
Coloured Exposed Aggregate	Combination of colour and exposed aggregate	$150 - $190	75 - 100	Premium finish; popular in high-end patios and pool surrounds

Note: Prices include materials, labour, and basic site prep but exclude additional landscaping, excavation, or complex formwork.

Detailed Breakdown of Concrete Types & Their Pricing in Brisbane

Plain Concrete

Plain concrete is the most basic form of concrete, usually grey and smooth. It’s a cost-effective option for slabs, footpaths, and simple patios. Due to its simplicity, it commands the lowest price per square metre.

Typical Uses: Shed slabs, footpaths, patios, underpinnings.
Cost Range: $90 - $110/sqm.
Example: A 40 sqm plain concrete slab in Springfield would cost approximately $3,600 - $4,400.

Coloured Concrete

Adding integral colour to the concrete mix allows for a variety of hues that can complement garden designs or home exteriors. It’s especially popular in Brisbane’s sunny suburbs like Capalaba and Redlands.

Typical Uses: Patios, driveways, paths.
Cost Range: $110 - $140/sqm.
Advantages: Durable and aesthetically pleasing with a uniform colour throughout the slab.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete delivers a textured, decorative finish by removing the top layer of cement paste to reveal the underlying stones. This is perfect for pool surrounds and driveways, offering excellent slip resistance.

Typical Uses: Pool surrounds, driveways, patios.
Cost Range: $130 - $160/sqm.
Considerations: Requires more labour and time due to washing and finishing processes.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete mimics natural materials such as brick, slate, or cobblestone through patterns pressed into the surface before curing.

Typical Uses: Patios, courtyards, driveways.
Cost Range: $140 - $180/sqm.
Benefits: Offers an elegant, high-end look without the cost of natural stone.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is created by grinding down the surface to a smooth, shiny finish, often sealed for protection. It’s a modern choice preferred for indoor flooring but also suitable for some outdoor areas in Brisbane’s North Lakes and Moreton Bay.

Typical Uses: Indoor floors, commercial spaces, some patios.
Cost Range: $150 - $200/sqm.
Advantages: Low maintenance and visually striking.

Driveways

Driveways require thicker concrete (usually 100-150mm) and reinforcement due to vehicle loads. Finishes can be plain, coloured, or decorative.

Typical Thickness: 100-150mm.
Cost Range: $100 - $170/sqm.
Special Notes: Site prep and sub-base stability are critical, particularly in Logan and Ipswich where soil conditions vary.

Slabs

Concrete slabs serve as foundations for sheds, garages, or homes. Reinforcement with steel mesh or rebar is standard.

Typical Thickness: 100-150mm.
Cost Range: $95 - $130/sqm.
Factors: Soil type and site preparation can affect pricing.

Paths and Walkways

Paths tend to be narrower and require more intricate formwork. Finishes vary from plain to coloured or stamped.

Cost Range: $110 - $150/sqm.
Typical Uses: Garden paths, backyard walkways.

Retaining Walls

Concrete retaining walls support garden beds and prevent soil erosion. They require formwork, reinforcement, and excavation.

Thickness & Height: 150-300mm thickness, height varies.
Cost Range: $250 - $400/sqm.
Location Sensitivity: More expensive in difficult terrain like parts of Redlands.

Pool Surrounds

Pool surrounds need to be slip-resistant and aesthetically pleasing, often using exposed aggregate or coloured finishes.

Cost Range: $130 - $170/sqm.
Safety: Must comply with Australian slip resistance standards.

Factors Affecting Concrete Costs in Brisbane in Detail

1. Site Accessibility and Location

If your property is located in inner Brisbane suburbs like Carindale or Wynnum, access for trucks and machinery is often easier and less costly. However, sites in more remote or congested areas like Springfield or Capalaba may incur higher transport and labour costs.

2. Site Preparation

Before pouring concrete, the site must be cleared, levelled, and sometimes excavated. Removal of old concrete or rocks significantly increases preparation costs.

Typical Site Prep Costs: $15 - $30/sqm depending on complexity.

3. Thickness and Reinforcement

Thicker slabs are more durable but cost more due to greater material volume and reinforcement needs.

Reinforcements: Steel mesh ($5-$10/sqm) or rebar ($8-$15/sqm).
Typical Thickness: Driveways and slabs often at 100-150mm; paths and patios 75-100mm.

4. Concrete Finish

Decorative finishes such as exposed aggregate, stamped, or coloured concrete require additional labour and materials, increasing costs.

5. Project Size

Larger projects often benefit from economies of scale, reducing the cost per square metre. Small projects may attract a premium due to fixed mobilisation costs.

DIY Concrete vs Professional Concreting Costs in Brisbane

Many homeowners consider pouring concrete themselves to save money. However, DIY concreting can be challenging and sometimes more expensive in the long run if mistakes occur.

Aspect	DIY Concrete	Professional Concrete (Concrete Concepts Group)
Equipment	Must rent or buy mixers, tools	All equipment provided
Labour	Yourself or helpers	Skilled, licensed tradespeople
Materials	Buy from suppliers, may pay retail	Contractor rates, often better material sourcing
Quality Control	Risk of uneven slabs, poor finishes	Guaranteed finish, compliance with standards
Time	Often takes longer	Efficient and timely
Cost	$70 - $90/sqm (materials + rental)	$90 - $200/sqm depending on finish and complexity
Warranty	None	QBCC licensed with warranty and insurance

Conclusion: For complex or large concreting projects, hiring a professional like Concrete Concepts Group ensures quality, durability, and peace of mind — often saving money on repairs over time.

Master Concrete Pricing Table for Brisbane (2026)

Concrete Type	Cost per sqm (AUD)	Typical Thickness	Notes
Plain Concrete	$90 - $110	75 - 100mm	Basic slabs and paths
Coloured Concrete	$110 - $140	75 - 100mm	Integral colour finish
Exposed Aggregate Concrete	$130 - $160	75 - 100mm	Decorative, slip-resistant
Stamped Concrete	$140 - $180	75 - 100mm	Patterned decorative finish
Polished Concrete	$150 - $200	75 - 100mm	Smooth, glossy finish
Driveways	$100 - $170	100 - 150mm	Includes reinforcement
Slabs	$95 - $130	100 - 150mm	Foundations, reinforced
Paths and Walkways	$110 - $150	75 - 100mm	Various finishes
Retaining Walls	$250 - $400	150 - 300mm	Structural and reinforced
Pool Surrounds	$130 - $170	75 - 100mm	Slip-resistant finishes
Coloured Exposed Aggregate	$150 - $190	75 - 100mm	Premium decorative finish

Concrete Pricing Examples by Brisbane Suburb

Carindale: A 50 sqm coloured concrete patio typically costs $5,500 - $7,000.
Wynnum: Exposed aggregate driveway of 60 sqm approximately $8,000 - $9,600.
Springfield: Plain concrete slab for shed 40 sqm about $3,800 - $5,200.
Capalaba: Retaining wall 20 sqm around $5,000 - $8,000 depending on height.
North Lakes: Stamped concrete path 30 sqm roughly $4,200 - $5,400.
Ipswich: Driveway 70 sqm coloured exposed aggregate around $10,500 - $13,300.
Logan: Pool surround 40 sqm exposed aggregate $5,200 - $6,800.
Redlands: Retaining wall 25 sqm $6,250 - $10,000.
Moreton Bay: Plain concrete slab 50 sqm about $4,500 - $6,500.

Why Choose Concrete Concepts Group for Your Brisbane Concreting Needs?

Choosing the right concreting company can make all the difference in your project’s success. Here’s why Concrete Concepts Group is the trusted choice across Brisbane, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands, Moreton Bay, and the Gold Coast:

QBCC Licensed & Insured: Licence number 15498498 ensures compliance with Queensland building standards.
Experienced Team: Years of experience delivering quality concrete solutions for residential and commercial clients.
Comprehensive Services: From driveways and slabs to decorative patios and retaining walls, we cover all concreting needs.
Transparent Pricing: We provide clear, competitive quotes with no hidden fees.
Local Knowledge: Serving Brisbane suburbs such as Carindale, Wynnum, Springfield, Capalaba, North Lakes, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, and Moreton Bay, we understand the unique soil and climate conditions.
Quality Materials: We use premium concrete mixes and finishes tailored to your project requirements.
Customer Satisfaction: Our priority is delivering durable, attractive concrete that enhances your property’s value.
Free On-Site Quotes: We assess your site and provide accurate pricing, helping you budget effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Final Thoughts: Planning Your Concrete Project in Brisbane

Concrete is a versatile and durable material essential for many home improvement and construction projects. Understanding the cost per square metre for various types of concrete in Brisbane helps you plan your budget accurately and avoid surprises.

From simple plain concrete paths in Ipswich to decorative exposed aggregate driveways in Capalaba, Concrete Concepts Group is your reliable partner in delivering quality, affordable concreting services.

Ready to Get Started? Contact Concrete Concepts Group Today!

Don’t leave your concreting project to chance. Call Concrete Concepts Group on 0424 463 268 for a free on-site quote today. Our licensed, experienced team will guide you through the best options for your budget and needs.

Alternatively, use our free cost calculator to get an instant estimate or request a free quote online now.

Concrete Concepts Group — Your Trusted Brisbane Concreting Experts.
QBCC Licence: 15498498 | ABN: 47 657 822 498

How Much Does Concrete Cost Per Square Metre in Brisbane? Complete 2026 Price Guide