Concrete Patio Cost Brisbane: What You'll Pay in 2026 (Complete Guide)

How Much Does a Concrete Patio Cost in Brisbane?

A concrete patio in Brisbane typically costs between $90 and $200 per square metre in 2026, depending on the finish you choose. For a standard 25m² outdoor entertaining area, you're looking at $2,250 to $5,000 for the concrete work alone.

Concrete patios are the most popular choice for Brisbane outdoor entertaining areas — and for good reason. They handle our subtropical climate (UV, rain, humidity) better than timber, cost less than natural stone, and last 30+ years with minimal maintenance. Below we break down exactly what you'll pay based on your chosen finish and patio size.

Patio Cost by Finish Type

Finish Type	Cost per m²	25m² Patio Total	Best For
Plain concrete (broom finish)	$90 – $120	$2,250 – $3,000	Budget-friendly, functional areas
Coloured concrete	$100 – $140	$2,500 – $3,500	Matching home exterior colours
Exposed aggregate	$130 – $200	$3,250 – $5,000	Premium natural stone look
Honed/polished concrete	$140 – $200	$3,500 – $5,000	Modern, sleek entertaining areas
Stamped/stencilled concrete	$110 – $180	$2,750 – $4,500	Paver or stone look at lower cost

Brisbane-specific note: Exposed aggregate is by far the most popular patio finish in Brisbane. The natural stone texture suits our outdoor lifestyle, provides excellent grip when wet (important around pools and in summer storms), and looks stunning in both traditional and modern homes.

Total Project Cost Examples

Project	Area	Finish	Estimated Total
Small courtyard patio	12m²	Plain concrete	$1,080 – $1,440
Standard back patio	25m²	Coloured concrete	$2,500 – $3,500
Standard back patio	25m²	Exposed aggregate	$3,250 – $5,000
Large entertaining area	40m²	Exposed aggregate	$5,200 – $8,000
Full outdoor living space	60m²	Honed concrete	$8,400 – $12,000
Wraparound patio	50m²	Stamped concrete	$5,500 – $9,000

Prices include concrete supply, labour, formwork, mesh reinforcement, and initial sealing. Excludes demolition of existing surfaces, roofing/pergola, and furniture.

What Affects Your Patio Cost?

1. Finish Type

The single biggest cost variable. A plain broom-finished patio is functional and affordable, while exposed aggregate with a premium stone blend can cost twice as much per square metre. The finish you choose should complement your home's style and your budget.

2. Total Area and Shape

Larger patios benefit from economies of scale — the per-square-metre rate typically drops slightly for areas over 30m². However, irregular shapes (curved edges, multiple levels, cutouts around trees or posts) require more formwork and labour, increasing the cost.

3. Site Access

If the patio area is accessible from the side of the house, the concrete truck can often pump directly to the site. Rear patios with no side access may need a concrete pump ($800 to $1,500) or manual wheelbarrowing, which adds labour costs.

4. Existing Surface Removal

Replacing an old patio or removing existing turf/garden beds adds to the preparation cost. Demolishing old concrete costs $30 to $60 per square metre including removal and tip fees. Turf removal and site levelling is typically $10 to $25 per square metre.

5. Drainage and Falls

A patio must drain away from your house. Proper surface falls (minimum 1:100 gradient) are essential, and in some cases you'll need channel drains or connection to stormwater. Drainage work adds $500 to $2,000 depending on complexity.

6. Steps and Level Changes

If your patio connects to the house at a different level than the yard, you'll need steps or a gradual transition. Concrete steps cost $200 to $500 per step, and retaining edges to manage level changes add $80 to $150 per lineal metre.

7. Integration with Structures

If the patio sits under a pergola, roofline, or deck extension, the concreter needs to work around posts, footings, and drainage points. This coordination adds complexity and cost compared to a standalone slab.

8. Sealing

An initial sealer application is typically included in the quoted price. Ongoing resealing costs $8 to $16 per square metre every 2-3 years. Sealing protects the finish from UV damage, staining, and moisture penetration — it's essential in Brisbane's climate.

Concrete Patio vs Timber Deck: Cost Comparison

This is the most common question Brisbane homeowners ask. Here's how the two options compare over 20 years:

Factor	Concrete Patio	Timber Deck (Hardwood)	Composite Deck
Upfront cost per m²	$90 – $200	$250 – $450	$350 – $550
25m² total installed	$2,250 – $5,000	$6,250 – $11,250	$8,750 – $13,750
Annual maintenance	Reseal every 3 years ($200-$400)	Oil annually ($300-$600)	Wash annually ($50-$100)
20-year maintenance cost	$1,400 – $2,800	$6,000 – $12,000	$1,000 – $2,000
20-year total cost (25m²)	$3,650 – $7,800	$12,250 – $23,250	$9,750 – $15,750
Lifespan	30+ years	15-25 years	20-30 years
Heat in summer	Warm (can be hot in direct sun)	Warm (splinter risk)	Can get very hot
Slip resistance	Good to excellent	Poor when wet	Good (textured options)
Termite risk	None	High (Brisbane climate)	None
Level flexibility	Ground level only	Can be elevated	Can be elevated

The bottom line: A concrete patio costs 40-60% less than a timber deck upfront and significantly less over 20 years when you factor in maintenance. Timber decks make sense when you need an elevated structure (e.g., sloping block or high stumps), but for ground-level entertaining areas, concrete is the better value.

Concrete Patio vs Pavers

Factor	Concrete Patio	Paver Patio
Cost per m²	$90 – $200	$100 – $250
Installation time	1-2 days	2-4 days
Maintenance	Reseal every 3 years	Re-sand joints, replace cracked pavers
Durability	30+ years (no movement)	20-30 years (can shift/settle)
Weed growth	None	Weeds grow between joints
Repair	Harder to patch invisibly	Easy to replace individual pavers
Design flexibility	Colours, aggregates, stamps	Patterns, colours, shapes
Ant nests	None	Common under pavers

Concrete is generally the lower-maintenance option. Pavers look great initially but require ongoing joint maintenance and can shift over time on Brisbane's reactive clay soils.

Best Concrete Finishes for Brisbane Patios

Exposed Aggregate — The Brisbane Favourite

Exposed aggregate is the most popular patio finish in Brisbane for good reason. The natural stone texture provides excellent grip when wet (crucial for our summer storms), looks premium, and complements both traditional Queenslander homes and modern builds. Choose a local stone blend like Canberra mix or Goulburn mix for the best results.

Coloured Concrete — Versatile and Affordable

Coloured concrete (using integral oxide) gives you a consistent colour throughout the slab. It's a great middle-ground option — more visually appealing than plain concrete but cheaper than exposed aggregate. Popular Brisbane colours include sandstone, charcoal, and terracotta.

Honed Concrete — Modern and Sophisticated

Honed (ground and polished) concrete creates a smooth, contemporary surface that suits modern Brisbane homes. It's the most expensive option but creates a stunning entertaining area. Note that honed concrete can be slippery when wet, so it's best suited to covered patios.

Stamped Concrete — Stone Look for Less

Stamped concrete mimics the look of natural stone, brick, or slate at a fraction of the cost. It's a good option if you want a premium look on a moderate budget. The pattern is pressed into the wet concrete and then coloured to match your chosen style.

Do I Need Council Approval for a Patio?

For the concrete slab itself, you generally don't need council approval in Brisbane. However:

• Covered patios (with a roof): If you're adding a pergola or roof over the patio, you'll likely need building approval. Structures over 10m² attached to a dwelling typically require a building application.
• Uncovered patios: A ground-level concrete slab without a roof structure is generally exempt from building approval, provided it doesn't alter drainage to neighbouring properties.
• Setbacks: The patio must respect property boundary setbacks. Check your local council requirements.
• Heritage overlays: If your property is in a heritage area, additional approvals may be needed for visible outdoor structures.

Your concreter can advise on whether your specific project needs approval, but for most standard patio slabs, you can proceed without council involvement.

How to Get the Best Value on Your Patio

Plan the size carefully

Measure out the area with string lines before committing. A patio that's too small feels cramped, but over-building wastes money. For a dining setting, allow at least 16m² (4m x 4m). For a full entertaining area with BBQ and lounge, 25-35m² is the sweet spot.

Choose the right finish for your lifestyle

If you entertain frequently and want a showpiece, invest in exposed aggregate. If the patio is mainly functional (kids' play area, clothesline access), plain or coloured concrete does the job at half the price.

Combine with other concrete work

Getting your patio, driveway, and paths done in the same pour saves on mobilisation and concrete delivery costs. Most concreters offer a discount for combined projects.

Consider future plans

If you might add a pergola or outdoor kitchen later, plan the slab size and drainage now. It's much cheaper to pour a slightly larger slab upfront than to extend it later.

Get multiple quotes

Prices vary significantly between concreters. Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like — make sure each quote specifies the same thickness, reinforcement, finish, and inclusions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to pour a patio?

A standard patio (up to 40m²) is typically completed in 1-2 days — one day for preparation, formwork, and pouring, with an optional second day for exposed aggregate wash-off or decorative finishing. You can walk on the patio after 24-48 hours, and place furniture after 7 days.

Can I pour concrete over an existing patio?

In some cases, yes — but it's not always recommended. The existing surface must be structurally sound, level, and properly bonded to the new layer. If the old patio has cracks, movement, or drainage issues, it's better to remove it and start fresh. Overlaying adds 50-75mm of height, which can affect door thresholds and drainage.

How do I maintain a concrete patio?

Regular sweeping and occasional pressure washing (once or twice a year) keeps a concrete patio looking great. Reseal every 2-3 years to protect the finish from UV damage and staining. Avoid using harsh chemicals or acid-based cleaners, which can damage the sealer and concrete surface.

Will a concrete patio crack?

All concrete can develop hairline cracks over time — this is normal and doesn't affect structural integrity. Your concreter will include control joints (saw cuts) at regular intervals to control where cracking occurs, keeping it hidden in the joint lines. Proper reinforcement, adequate thickness, and correct curing all minimise cracking risk.

Is concrete too hot to walk on barefoot in Brisbane summers?

Light-coloured concrete (plain, sandstone, or light aggregate) stays cooler than dark finishes. In direct summer sun, any hard surface will get warm, but concrete is generally cooler than dark pavers or composite decking. For covered patios, heat isn't an issue at all.

What's the best time of year to pour a patio in Brisbane?

The ideal pouring window is April to October — Brisbane's dry season with mild temperatures. Concrete cures best at 15-25°C. Summer pours are possible but require extra care (early morning starts, curing compounds) to prevent the concrete drying too fast in the heat.

Get a Free Patio Quote

Your outdoor entertaining area is an extension of your home — get it right and you'll use it year-round. At Concrete Concepts Group, we design and pour patios across Brisbane and all surrounding areas, from simple courtyard slabs to full outdoor living spaces with multiple finishes.

Get a free quote online or call us on 0424 463 268 to discuss your patio project. We'll visit your site, help you choose the right finish, and provide a detailed quote with no hidden costs.