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

Planning a new concrete driveway is one of the biggest home improvement decisions you will make. The cost varies significantly depending on the finish you choose, the size of your driveway, site conditions, and the contractor you hire. This guide gives you accurate Brisbane pricing for 2026 so you can budget with confidence.

Quick Answer: What Does a Concrete Driveway Cost in Brisbane?

For a standard double-car driveway (approximately 50m²), expect to pay between $3,250 and $10,000+ depending on the finish. Here is a breakdown by concrete type:

Concrete Type	Cost per m²	50m² Driveway Cost	Best For
Plain concrete	$65 – $85	$3,250 – $4,250	Budget-friendly, large areas
Coloured concrete	$75 – $100	$3,750 – $5,000	Matching house colours
Exposed aggregate	$100 – $150	$5,000 – $7,500	Premium look, low maintenance
Covercrete / stencil	$90 – $130	$4,500 – $6,500	Pattern and colour options
Stamped concrete	$120 – $180	$6,000 – $9,000	Decorative, stone/brick look
Honed / polished	$130 – $200	$6,500 – $10,000	Modern, smooth finish

These prices include supply, labour, formwork, reinforcement (mesh), and a standard finish. They assume a flat or gently sloping site with reasonable access for a concrete truck.

What Affects the Cost of a Concrete Driveway?

The per-square-metre rate is just the starting point. Several factors can push the final price up or down.

1. Driveway Size and Shape

Larger driveways have a lower cost per square metre because the fixed costs (mobilisation, formwork setup, concrete pump hire) are spread across more area. A 30m² single-car driveway might cost $90/m² while a 100m² double driveway could come in at $70/m² for the same finish.

Common driveway sizes in Brisbane:

Driveway Type	Typical Width	Typical Length	Area
Single car	3.0 – 3.5m	6 – 12m	18 – 42m²
Double car	5.5 – 6.0m	6 – 12m	33 – 72m²
Double with turning	6.0m+	10 – 15m	60 – 100m²

2. Site Preparation and Excavation

If your existing driveway needs to be removed, or the site needs excavation and levelling, this adds $15 to $40 per square metre. Common site preparation costs include:

• Old concrete removal: $15 – $25/m² (includes disposal)
• Excavation and levelling: $10 – $30/m² depending on soil type
• Sub-base preparation: $8 – $15/m² (compacted road base)
• Tree root removal: $200 – $800 per tree depending on size

Brisbane homes on sloping blocks or with clay soil often require more extensive preparation, which can add $1,000 to $3,000 to the total project cost.

3. Concrete Thickness

Standard residential driveways in Brisbane use 100mm thick concrete with SL72 mesh reinforcement. However, if you park heavy vehicles (trailers, caravans, work trucks), you may need 125mm or 150mm thickness with SL82 mesh. Thicker concrete adds approximately $10 to $20 per square metre.

4. Access and Logistics

If a concrete truck cannot get within 3 metres of the pour site, you will need a concrete pump. Pump hire typically costs $800 to $1,500 for a standard residential pour. Tight access through side gates or around obstacles increases labour time and cost.

5. Slope and Drainage

Driveways on sloping blocks require additional formwork, potentially retaining edges, and careful engineering of falls for drainage. A steep driveway can add $10 to $25 per square metre compared to a flat site. Brisbane Council may also require specific drainage solutions for steeply sloped properties.

6. Finishing and Sealing

A quality sealer protects your driveway from staining, UV damage, and moisture penetration. Sealing typically costs $8 to $15 per square metre and should be reapplied every 2 to 5 years depending on the product and exposure.

Real Project Cost Examples from Brisbane

To give you a realistic picture, here are typical project costs we see across Brisbane suburbs:

Project	Size	Finish	Site Work	Total Cost
Single car driveway, flat block	35m²	Plain concrete	Minimal prep	$3,200 – $3,800
Double driveway, gentle slope	55m²	Coloured concrete	Remove old driveway	$5,500 – $7,000
Large double driveway with path	75m²	Exposed aggregate	Excavation + new sub-base	$9,000 – $12,500
Full front yard, driveway + paths	100m²	Exposed aggregate	Full site prep	$12,000 – $16,000
Steep driveway with retaining edge	45m²	Plain concrete	Slope work + drainage	$5,500 – $7,500

Hidden Costs to Watch For

When comparing quotes, make sure you are comparing like for like. Some common items that may or may not be included in a quote:

Should be included in a good quote:

• Formwork (timber edging)
• Steel mesh reinforcement
• Concrete supply and delivery
• Labour for pour, level, and finish
• Control joints (saw cuts)
• Basic clean-up

Often quoted as extras:

• Old driveway removal and disposal
• Excavation and sub-base preparation
• Concrete pump hire (if needed)
• Sealing (first coat)
• Council permits (if required)
• Retaining edges or kerbing
• Drainage modifications

Always ask your concreter to provide an itemised quote so you can see exactly what is and is not included. A quote that seems cheap may be missing essential preparation work.

How to Get the Best Value on Your Brisbane Driveway

Get Multiple Quotes

We recommend getting at least three quotes from QBCC licensed concreters. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others — they may be cutting corners on preparation, using thinner concrete, or skipping reinforcement.

Choose the Right Finish for Your Budget

If budget is tight, a well-laid plain concrete driveway with a broom finish looks clean and professional. You can always add a decorative sealer or covercrete overlay later. Exposed aggregate is the most popular choice in Brisbane for its balance of appearance, durability, and value.

Time Your Project Right

Brisbane concreters are busiest from April to October (the dry season). If your project is flexible, booking during the quieter wet season months (November to March) may get you a better price — though your concreter will need to work around rain days.

Invest in Proper Preparation

The most common cause of driveway failure is poor sub-base preparation. Spending an extra $1,000 to $2,000 on proper excavation, compaction, and drainage will save you $5,000+ in premature replacement costs down the track.

Concrete Driveway vs Other Materials: Cost Comparison

Wondering how concrete stacks up against other driveway materials? Here is a quick comparison for a 50m² driveway in Brisbane:

Material	Cost per m²	50m² Total	Lifespan	Maintenance
Plain concrete	$65 – $85	$3,250 – $4,250	25 – 30 years	Low
Exposed aggregate	$100 – $150	$5,000 – $7,500	30+ years	Very low
Pavers (clay/concrete)	$100 – $180	$5,000 – $9,000	20 – 25 years	Medium (weeds, settling)
Asphalt	$50 – $80	$2,500 – $4,000	15 – 20 years	High (resealing)
Gravel	$30 – $50	$1,500 – $2,500	5 – 10 years	High (top-up, weeds)

For a detailed breakdown, read our full guide: Concrete vs Pavers: Which Is Better for Your Brisbane Driveway?

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a concrete driveway take to install? A standard residential driveway takes 1 to 3 days depending on size and site preparation required. The concrete itself needs 7 days before you can walk on it and 28 days before driving on it.

Do I need council approval for a new driveway in Brisbane? Most residential driveway replacements do not require a permit. However, if you are creating a new crossover (vehicle access from the street) or significantly changing drainage patterns, you may need Brisbane City Council approval.

How long will a concrete driveway last in Brisbane? With proper installation and maintenance, a concrete driveway in Brisbane should last 25 to 30 years. Exposed aggregate driveways often last 30+ years due to the harder surface.

Can I pour a concrete driveway myself? While technically possible, we strongly advise against DIY driveway pours. Concrete work requires experience with timing, finishing techniques, and proper reinforcement. A poorly poured driveway will crack and fail within a few years, costing more to replace than hiring a professional from the start.

What is the cheapest concrete driveway option? Plain concrete with a broom finish is the most affordable option at $65 to $85 per square metre. For a single-car driveway, you could be looking at as little as $2,500 to $3,500 all up.

Get a Free Driveway Quote

Every driveway is different, and the best way to get an accurate price is with a free on-site quote. We will assess your site, discuss your options, and provide a detailed written quote with no hidden costs.

Concrete Concepts Group is QBCC Licensed (#15299707) and fully insured. We have completed hundreds of driveways across Brisbane and surrounding suburbs.

Call us on 0424 463 268 or request a free quote today.

Related Articles

Compare concrete with alternatives in our Concrete vs Pavers Guide. For exposed aggregate pricing, see our Exposed Aggregate Cost Guide. Learn how to protect your investment with our Concrete Driveway Maintenance Guide.

Use our Concrete Cost Calculator for an instant estimate or request a free on-site quote for accurate pricing.