How Much Does Concrete Paving Cost? [2024]

If you need paving for a driveway, path, patio or pool surround, don't dismiss concrete paving because you associate it with a dull, grey surface. Concreting professionals today use a variety of techniques to create paving that's not only affordable, but attractive as well.

Like any project, it's useful to have an idea of how much concrete paving costs before you start. Read this guide to find out about:

• How much does concrete paving cost?
• Concrete paving options and costs
• How much does it cost to lay concrete paving?
• Questions to ask your paving contractor
• Getting quotes for concrete paving

How much does concrete paving cost?

How much does it cost to pave a driveway? Plain concrete paving costs from $50 to $75 per square metre, but a number of factors will determine the overall cost of your concrete paving job. These include:

• Labour costs – starting around $20 per square metre for a simple paving job, but can go up to $50 per square metre or more.
• Access and terrain – this can have a significant impact on concrete paving costs. If paving is done on a flat, level surface, work can proceed quickly, so will cost less per square metre than paving on a sloping surface.
• Style of paving – a driveway made from large, square pavers will be less expensive than an intricately patterned driveway made up of small pavers. You'll also pay more for decorative concrete than plain concrete.
• Bedding – the amount of bedding you require for your project, either sand or gravel. 

Read more: How much does outdoor paving cost?

Concrete paving options and costs

If you choose a decorative concrete option, this will add to your concrete paving costs. The most common options are:

• Coloured concrete pavers cost $75–$90 per square metre 
• Exposed aggregate (pebblecrete) pavers cost $100–$150 per square metre
• Concrete resurfacing costs from $100 per square metre

Coloured concrete

Spray paint can be applied directly over plain concrete or colour can be added while mixing for longer-lasting results. Concrete spray painting starts at about $20 per square metre for larger areas, while small areas will cost more to cover transportation and set-up. Coloured concrete mixes start from $75 per square metre.

Exposed aggregate (pebblecrete)

Exposed aggregate is a time-honoured technique that involves adding small pebbles to the concrete mix. Aggregate is widely used in housing developments and commercial applications, but costs around twice as much as plain concrete at $100 to $150 per square metre.

Concrete resurfacing

Concrete resurfacing involves changing the surface of new or existing concrete pavers. Using stencils, stamping or texturing techniques, a variety of effects can be achieved, from a natural stone look to intricate patterns and designs. Concrete resurfacing starts from $100 per square metre for basic designs, but more intricate designs will cost more.

See more ideas for paving.

To understand the varying costs of different paving materials and designs, you can use a paving cost calculator to gain a ballpark estimate of how much your project could cost. 

How much does concrete bedding cost?

Before you lay concrete pavers, you need to prepare a suitable bed. If you're laying concrete pavers for a footpath, a 75mm thick concrete bed is sufficient, but if you're having a concrete driveway laid, it should be 100mm thick.

For a bed or base for a site of 50 square metres with easy access and little preparation, expect to pay in the region of:

• $1500 to $1800 for a crushed rock base
• $2300 to $2800 for a poured concrete base

Questions to ask your paving contractor

When it comes time to hire a paving contractor, you need to make sure they're right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:

• Are you licensed for my project?
• Do you hold valid insurance?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Does my quote include edging, gravel and sand?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

Always ask for the entire job to be quoted rather than get square metre or hourly rates so you'll have a more reliable idea of your overall concrete paving costs.

Getting quotes for concrete paving

When you start to get quotes for concrete paving costs, your contractor will want to know details such as:

• The size and colour of pavers you want
• The type of area to be covered (driveway, path, pool surround, etc.)
• Square metres of coverage needed
• Details about the terrain (flat, sloping, etc.)
• Any access issues

Many concreting companies offer a range of services that may include some or all of the decorative options, whilst others may specialise in one type of concrete pavers. Compare at least 3 quotes to be sure you get the best results for the best price.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.