How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost in Brisbane? (2026 Price Guide)

One of the most common questions Brisbane homeowners ask before starting a concreting project is: how much will it actually cost? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of finish, the size and shape of your driveway, site access, ground preparation, and the current price of concrete and steel in South East Queensland.

This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of concrete driveway costs in Brisbane for 2026, based on real market pricing from local suppliers and concreters. Whether you are replacing a cracked old driveway or building one from scratch on a new block, this will help you understand what to budget and where the money goes.

Average Concrete Driveway Costs in Brisbane (2026)

The table below shows typical installed prices per square metre for different concrete driveway finishes in Brisbane. These prices include concrete supply, formwork, reinforcement (mesh), labour, and a standard broom or trowel finish unless otherwise noted.

Finish Type	Price Per m² (Installed)	Typical Driveway (50 m²)
Plain brushed concrete	$95 – $120	$4,750 – $6,000
Coloured concrete	$110 – $150	$5,500 – $7,500
Exposed aggregate	$130 – $180	$6,500 – $9,000
Stamped/stencilled concrete	$120 – $170	$6,000 – $8,500
Honed/polished concrete	$140 – $200	$7,000 – $10,000

These prices are guides only and will vary depending on your specific site conditions. A steep driveway, limited access for the concrete truck, or extensive ground preparation will push costs toward the higher end.

What Is Included in a Concrete Driveway Quote?

A professional concreting quote should include every element needed to deliver a finished driveway. When comparing quotes, make sure each one covers the following items so you are comparing like for like.

Site preparation is the first cost component. This includes excavation of existing surfaces (old concrete, pavers, or soil), levelling the ground to the correct fall, and compacting the sub-base. If your existing driveway needs to be removed, expect an additional $15–$30 per square metre for demolition and disposal.

Sub-base material is the compacted gravel or road base laid beneath the concrete. This provides a stable foundation and helps with drainage. A standard 100 mm compacted sub-base is typical for residential driveways.

Formwork is the timber or steel framework that shapes the concrete while it sets. Formwork costs are generally included in the per-square-metre price, but curved or complex shapes may incur additional charges.

Reinforcement is the steel mesh (typically SL72 or SL82) placed within the concrete to prevent cracking. For standard residential driveways, mesh reinforcement is included in the quoted price. Heavier reinforcement (rebar or SL102 mesh) may be needed for driveways that will carry heavy vehicles.

Concrete supply and delivery covers the cost of the concrete itself, delivered by a concrete truck (agitator). In Brisbane, concrete prices in 2026 typically range from $230 to $280 per cubic metre for standard 25 MPa residential mix, depending on the supplier and delivery distance.

Labour covers the concreting team's work: placing, spreading, vibrating, finishing, and curing the concrete. A typical residential driveway pour requires a team of 3–4 concreters working for most of a day.

Finishing is the surface treatment applied to the wet concrete. A standard broom finish is the most affordable option. Exposed aggregate, coloured, stamped, and honed finishes each add to the cost due to additional materials and labour.

Factors That Affect Your Driveway Cost

Driveway Size and Shape

Larger driveways benefit from economies of scale — the per-square-metre cost decreases as the area increases because the fixed costs (mobilisation, formwork setup, concrete truck minimum orders) are spread across more area. A 30 m² driveway will cost more per square metre than an 80 m² driveway.

Curved driveways, irregular shapes, and driveways with multiple crossovers cost more due to additional formwork and cutting.

Slope and Gradient

Brisbane's hilly terrain means many driveways have significant slopes. A sloped driveway typically costs $10–$25 more per square metre than a flat one because it requires additional formwork, more careful concrete placement, and potentially a non-slip finish.

Steep driveways may also require a higher-strength concrete mix (32 MPa instead of 25 MPa) and a textured finish for traction, both of which add to the cost.

Site Access

If the concrete truck cannot park within reach of your driveway, the concrete may need to be pumped. Concrete pumping adds $800–$1,500 to the total cost depending on the distance and volume. Narrow side access, steep blocks, or properties set back from the street are common situations where pumping is required.

Ground Conditions

Soft, clay-heavy, or poorly draining soil may require additional sub-base preparation, deeper excavation, or even geotextile fabric to stabilise the ground. Brisbane's reactive clay soils, particularly common in suburbs like Capalaba, Alexandra Hills, and Mount Cotton, can add $10–$20 per square metre to preparation costs.

Demolition of Existing Surfaces

If your old driveway needs to be removed, budget an additional $15–$30 per square metre for demolition, loading, and disposal. Asphalt removal is generally cheaper than concrete removal because it is softer and lighter.

Reinforcement Upgrades

Standard SL72 mesh is sufficient for most residential driveways, but if you park heavy vehicles (caravans, boats on trailers, work trucks), upgrading to SL82 or rebar reinforcement adds $5–$15 per square metre.

Cost Comparison: Concrete vs Other Driveway Materials

When deciding on a driveway material, it helps to compare concrete against the alternatives available in Brisbane.

Material	Cost Per m²	Lifespan	Maintenance
Plain concrete	$95 – $120	25–30 years	Very low
Exposed aggregate	$130 – $180	25–30 years	Low (reseal every 5–7 years)
Asphalt	$60 – $90	15–20 years	Medium (reseal every 3–5 years)
Pavers (clay/concrete)	$100 – $180	20–25 years	Medium (weeding, re-levelling)
Gravel	$30 – $50	5–10 years	High (top-up, raking, weed control)
Resin-bound gravel	$80 – $120	10–15 years	Low to medium

Concrete consistently offers the best combination of durability, low maintenance, and long-term value. While the upfront cost is higher than gravel or asphalt, the 25–30 year lifespan and minimal maintenance make it the most cost-effective choice over time.

How to Save Money on Your Concrete Driveway

There are several practical ways to reduce the cost of your concrete driveway without compromising quality.

Choose a plain or broom finish if aesthetics are not your primary concern. A standard broom-finished concrete driveway is the most affordable option and still looks clean and professional. You can always add a decorative finish later by applying a concrete overlay or coating.

Keep the shape simple. Straight edges and rectangular shapes require less formwork and are faster to pour, which reduces labour costs. Curves, angles, and irregular shapes add complexity and cost.

Combine jobs. If you are also planning a patio, pathway, or shed slab, getting everything done in one pour saves significantly on mobilisation costs, concrete truck minimum charges, and formwork setup. Many concreters offer discounts for larger combined projects.

Get multiple quotes. Always get at least three written quotes from QBCC-licensed concreters. Make sure each quote covers the same scope of work so you can compare them fairly. The cheapest quote is not always the best — look for value, experience, and reviews.

Time your project wisely. Concreters are busiest in autumn and spring when the weather is ideal for pouring. Booking during quieter periods (winter or early summer) may get you a better price or faster scheduling.

What to Look for in a Concreting Quote

A professional quote should be detailed and transparent. Be wary of quotes that are just a single lump-sum figure with no breakdown. A good quote will include:

Item	What to Check
Concrete type and strength	Should specify MPa rating (e.g., 25 MPa)
Slab thickness	Typically 100 mm for driveways
Reinforcement type	SL72 or SL82 mesh specified
Finish type	Broom, exposed aggregate, coloured, etc.
Sub-base preparation	Excavation depth and compaction included
Formwork	Included or extra for curves
Control joints	Saw-cut or tooled joints included
Clean-up and disposal	Removal of waste and site clean-up
Timeline	Expected start date and completion
QBCC licence number	Must be displayed on the quote
Insurance	Public liability and workers' compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a concrete driveway last in Brisbane? A properly installed concrete driveway with adequate reinforcement and sub-base preparation will last 25–30 years in Brisbane's climate. Exposed aggregate driveways should be resealed every 5–7 years to maintain their appearance and protect the surface.

Do I need council approval for a new driveway in Brisbane? In most cases, you do not need council approval for a standard residential driveway replacement. However, if you are creating a new crossover (vehicle crossing) from the street to your property, you will need approval from Brisbane City Council or your local council. Your concreter can advise on this.

How thick should a concrete driveway be? The standard thickness for a residential concrete driveway in Brisbane is 100 mm (4 inches). For driveways that will carry heavier vehicles such as caravans, boats, or trucks, 125–150 mm is recommended.

Can I pour concrete in Brisbane's wet season? Yes, but it requires careful planning. Concrete should not be poured during active rain, but it can be poured when rain is not expected for at least 4–6 hours after finishing. Brisbane's wet season (December to March) does not prevent concreting — experienced concreters monitor weather forecasts closely and schedule pours accordingly.

Get a Free Driveway Quote

Concrete Concepts Group provides free on-site quotes for concrete driveways across Brisbane, Logan, Redlands, and the Gold Coast. We are QBCC licensed, fully insured, and deliver quality concrete work at honest prices.

QBCC Licensed #15299707 | ABN 61 695 485 593 | Fully Insured

Get a free driveway quote or call us on 0424 463 268 to discuss your project.