ConcretersUpdated March 2026 · 2 min read

How to Quote a Concrete Driveway in Australia

Step-by-step guide to quoting concrete driveways. Covers plain, exposed aggregate, and stamped concrete with material calculations, labour, and pricing.

What to Include in a Concrete Driveway Quote

A concrete driveway quote should cover: excavation and soil removal, crushed rock base preparation, formwork, reinforcement mesh (SL72 or SL82), concrete supply (specify MPa and finish type), concrete pump hire (if not accessible), expansion joints and control joints, and finishing (plain, broom, exposed aggregate, or stamped).

Concrete Driveway Costs in 2026

Plain concrete: $60–$90/sqm. Broom finish: $65–$95/sqm. Exposed aggregate: $100–$160/sqm. Stamped/stencilled: $90–$140/sqm. Coloured concrete: $80–$120/sqm. These prices include excavation, formwork, mesh, concrete, and finishing. Pump hire adds $500–$1,500 depending on distance and volume.

How to Calculate Concrete Volume

Volume = Length x Width x Depth. Standard driveway depth is 100mm (0.1m). For a 50sqm driveway: 50 x 0.1 = 5 cubic metres. Always add 5–10% extra for waste and slight variations in ground level. Concrete is ordered in cubic metres and typically delivered in truck loads of 5–6m3. Part loads attract a short-load fee.

Reinforcement and Base Preparation

Standard driveways use SL72 mesh (light vehicle traffic). Heavy vehicle crossovers may require SL82 or trench mesh with deeper edges. Base preparation: minimum 75mm of compacted crushed rock. Remove any organic material or soft spots. Poor base preparation is the number one cause of cracked driveways.

Tips for Accurate Concrete Quoting

1. Visit the site to check access for the concrete truck. 2. Measure carefully — even 100mm error on a big driveway changes the volume significantly. 3. Check if existing concrete needs removal (additional cost). 4. Factor in weather risk — concrete pours can't happen in rain. 5. Include aftercare instructions for the client.