How Much to Concrete a Driveway?
A new concrete driveway can transform the look of your home while providing a practical, long-lasting surface for vehicles and foot traffic. But if you’re planning to invest in a new driveway, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is: how much does it cost to concrete a driveway?
The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The cost can vary widely depending on the size of the area, site conditions, and the type of finish you want.
To help you get started, we’ve put together this guide to driveway concreting costs, along with key factors that can influence the final price.
How Much Does A concrete Driveway Cost?
At J Willow Concrete, we pride ourselves on offering competitive pricing for concrete driveways across the Sunshine Coast. Here’s a general pricing guide based on the size of the area to give you an idea of what to expect:
0 – 49 sqm: from $190 per sqm
50 – 90 sqm: from $170 per sqm
91 – 150 sqm: from $120 per sqm
151+ sqm: from $110 per sqm
These prices are for standard concrete and should be used as a rough guide only. Every project is unique, and factors such as site preparation, accessibility, and your desired finish can all impact the final cost. For an accurate price, it’s best to arrange a free site assessment with our team.
What Influences the Cost of a Concrete Driveway?
While the size of the driveway is a major factor in pricing, there are other important considerations that will affect the overall cost:
1. Size & Shape of the Driveway
As you might expect, larger driveways generally cost more overall. However, the cost per square metre decreases as the size increases. Smaller areas tend to cost more per square metre because of the fixed costs involved in setting up equipment and preparing the site.
The shape of the driveway can also play a role. Straight, rectangular driveways are usually more affordable to construct than complex shapes with curves or tight corners, which require additional labour and materials.
2. Site Access & Preparation
The condition of your site and how easy it is to access can significantly impact the cost.
- Easy access means trucks and equipment can get close to the site, keeping labour costs lower.
- Difficult access (such as narrow pathways, sloping blocks, or obstacles) may require additional time and manual handling.
Site preparation is also crucial. If your site needs excavation, levelling, or the removal of existing materials, these tasks will increase the cost.
3. Type of Concrete & Finish
The choice of concrete and finish will make a big difference to your budget.
- Standard Grey Concrete
The most affordable option, perfect for homeowners looking for a simple, functional driveway. - Coloured Concrete
A great way to add personality and complement your home’s exterior. - Exposed Aggregate
Popular for its decorative appearance and slip-resistant surface. It’s more expensive than plain concrete but delivers a premium look. - Stamped or Stencilled Concrete
These options mimic the look of pavers, bricks, or stone, providing a stylish finish with less maintenance.
Decorative finishes cost more upfront but can enhance your home’s kerb appeal and potentially increase its value.
4. Thickness & Reinforcement
Standard driveways are generally 100mm thick and reinforced with steel mesh. However, if your driveway will need to support heavier vehicles (such as caravans or trucks), you may require additional reinforcement or increased thickness, which will add to the cost.
5. Drainage Solutions
Proper drainage is essential to prevent water pooling and maintain the longevity of your driveway. Installing drainage channels or grates may involve extra work and materials.
How Long Does a Concrete Driveway Last?
One of the biggest benefits of concrete is its durability. A well-installed and maintained concrete driveway can last 20 to 30 years or more, making it a smart long-term investment for your property.
To keep your driveway looking its best, we recommend periodic cleaning and sealing, which helps protect against stains and weather damage.
Why Choose J Willow Concrete?
At J Willow Concrete, we specialise in high-quality concrete driveway installations designed to last. Based on the Sunshine Coast, our team offers:
✔ Free, itemised quotes so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
✔ Over 15 years’ experience delivering durable, stylish driveways.
✔ The option to customise your driveway with decorative finishes to suit your home’s design.
✔ Professional advice and honest recommendations – no pushy sales tactics.
We handle everything from site preparation to the final finish, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
Get a Quote for Your Driveway Today
While the prices we’ve outlined here provide a helpful starting point, the best way to know exactly how much your driveway will cost is to arrange a free, no-obligation quote with our team.
Written by Ben from J Willow Concrete
Ben’s been in the concreting industry for more than 15-years and is an industry-leader in decorative concrete on the Sunshine Coast. He started J Willow Concrete to provide premium-quality concreting at an affordable price.
