Exposed aggregate concrete costs between $100 to $150 per m2 in Melbourne, but these prices can be misleading. You’ll need to take into account the size of your concrete surface, the complexity of the job, excavation, plumbing and drainage, the detail of your chosen aggregate, as well as the skill of your installation team. To find Melbourne’s best exposed aggregate concrete prices, read on.

If you’re looking to remodel or revamp your driveway, patio, or swimming pool deck, this type of concrete is a stylish and durable option.

This contemporary, low-maintenance concrete finish is easy to maintain, entirely unique, and unlikely to show significant wear and tear over time. But here’s the catch – not all options are created equal.

From the skill of your concreter to the complexity of the project and the grade of concrete required, you can easily end up overpaying without knowing how to price your new concrete finish.

And that’s exactly what we’ll show you how to do.

Read on for every cost associated with exposed aggregate concrete, and discover how to find the right concrete experts for you.

Concept Concrete specialises in the removal or replacement of concrete. We don’t offer repair and resurfacing services. Sorry for any inconvenience.

If you want to learn more, check out our resources:

1. How to Choose the Best Exposed Aggregate Surface

2. Plain Concrete vs. Exposed Aggregate: How to Settle the Debate

3. Exposed Aggregate vs. Stamped Concrete: What’s Best For You?

4. Is Exposed Aggregate Worth It?

5. How Long Will Exposed Aggregate Last?

Is exposed aggregate more expensive than normal class concrete?

Yes, it is typically more expensive than normal class concrete.

Standard concrete can cost anywhere from $85 to $135 per m2, while exposed aggregate concrete costs between $100 to $150 per m2.

Keep in mind, this is because exposed aggregate requires more material and labour expenses to achieve the final product. Plus, the costs of the aggregates and mix selection increase or decrease the cost. Right now you’re probably wondering why you’d ever pay for more expensive concrete, and that’s a logical question.

If you’re after the cheapest concrete surface, consider exploring plain concrete for your home or business.

In contrast, this type of concrete offers superior slip-resistance, more design and stylistic choices, and minimal maintenance.

Curious about the cost of a new concrete driveway? Check out our price breakdown here

Factors that affect the cost of your exposed aggregate concrete

Size of your space

Generally speaking, concrete is priced by square meter. The larger your space, then, the more you will have to pay for this type of concrete.

Labour

Exposed aggregate is much more complicated to install than standard concrete, and requires a very particular technical skill and expertise. For this reason, it is always best to hire a professional to pour your concrete and apply the finishing touches.

This will help you avoid many of the problems that come with inexperienced installation, including:

  • Uneven surfaces
  • Cracks or breaks in the concrete
  • Moisture bleeding to the surface
  • Delamination
  • Honeycombing

You should expect to pay no less than $100 to $150 per square meter for leading concrete flooring experts.

Concrete detail

The more detail you add to your concrete, the more expensive it will become. A great thing about this material is that there are a variety of colors and textures available. You can choose from:

  • Standard concrete or special class concrete mixes

  • Different aggregate stones, including pebbles and colour oxides for the base of the concrete
  • Coloured concrete
  • Special finishes, like polished or honed concrete

Each of these factors will impact your overall cost.

Location

Living in Melbourne means you’ll typically pay more than someone living in rural Victoria. Although this can feel like a ‘City Tax’, it’s largely due to transportation and machine costs.

Grade of your concrete

Your final price will also vary depending on the grade and strength of concrete you need for your space. Overall, the strength of concrete is rated using a grading system measured in megapascals (MPa). The scale can range from 20-50 MPa.

Normal spaces, like a concrete driveway or a pathway, only require concrete rated from 20-25 MPa, and this will be less expensive. However, if your project requires a higher strength concrete –, for example, if your driveway will experience heavy vehicle traffic — you will need a higher class of concrete, and this will cost more.

How much should you expect to pay?

Overall, you should expect to pay $100 to $150 per m2 per square meter. This covers the cost or materials and labour, but make sure you request any quote be priced by inclusions so you can see what you’re paying for.

When it comes to concrete, the above figures are in the higher range. Check out the table below to compare:

Type of Concrete Average Cost
Normal Class Concrete $85 to $135 per square meter
Exposed Aggregate $100 to $150 per square meter

All our concrete quotes include steel reinforcement. We offer a range of different options.

Looking for leading experts?

Exposed aggregate can be a durable, beautiful, and cost-effective option for your flooring – and now you can budget for this striking home upgrade at a price that works for you.

As a proud member of the Master Builders Association, we specialise in architectural concrete and formwork design, in both the domestic and commercial sectors, and with decades of experience we have the passion, expertise and commitment to help you on your next project

If you are considering a home renovation or remodel — and you would like to learn more about your options — feel free to reach out to one of our experts for a free quote.