What Does Concrete Resurfacing Cost? [2024]

If you're tired of the look of plain concrete, concrete resurfacing can be a brilliant and inexpensive way to improve your driveway or patio. Concrete resurfacing cost depends on the size of the project and the method used to resurface concrete.

The average concrete resurfacing cost in Australia is between $100 and $150 per square metre, so the average job may cost around $3,000 to $4,500. This cost may be higher if the concrete also needs repairing or if you need to have a slab poured first.

Read this guide to find out more about the different ways of resurfacing concrete and how much they cost.

• What is concrete resurfacing?
• Benefits of concrete resurfacing
• Concrete resurfacing costs and options
• How much does coloured concrete cost?
• How much does pebblecrete cost?
• How much does stencilled concrete cost?
• How much does stamped concrete cost?
• Choosing a concrete resurfacing service

What is concrete resurfacing?

Concrete resurfacing involves altering the surface of concrete by applying a thin coat of concrete over existing concrete or by stamping or stencilling the existing surface. You can resurface concrete driveways, patios, pool surrounds, stairs and ramps, flooring and most other types of concrete surfaces.

Benefits of concrete resurfacing

Resurfacing concrete can have aesthetic and functional benefits and is more cost-effective than removing and replacing concrete. You may choose to resurface concrete to:

• Cover up stains, discolouration or other imperfections
• Protect concrete from water and sun damage
• Improve safety with non-slip coatings
• Make the concrete easier to clean and maintain
• Change its appearance with different colours and designs available

Concrete resurfacing costs and options

The most common options for driveway resurfacing are:

• Coloured concrete ($70–$95 per square metre)
• Pebblecrete ($140–$165 per square metre)
• Stencilled concrete ($100–$150 per square metre)
• Stamped concrete (from $120 per square metre)

The simplest way to resurface concrete is with a thin spray coat. This can be plain, coloured or multicoloured as preferred. Stencilled concrete uses stencils to create patterns and stamped concrete creates texture. Pebbled concrete is a different process and has been popular for decades.

Concrete resurfacing cost varies for the different processes, with coloured concrete being the least expensive and pebblecrete and stamped concrete the most expensive. However, a stencilled or stamped driveway that resembles bricks, natural stone, cobblestone or bush rock will still be cheaper than installing real brick or stone.

How much does coloured concrete cost?

Coloured concrete is usually sprayed over a plain concrete surface. If you already have a slab, extra charges may apply for cleaning and repairing the slab. Then the coloured concrete will be sprayed on. The colour goes through the concrete mix, so it won't wear off as concrete paint can tend to.

Coloured concrete can use a single colour or multiple hues. Acid dyes have fewer colour options, but create complementary colours in concrete.

Spray-on coloured concrete may cost between $70 and $95 per square metre. The price will depend on the size of the area and other factors. A smaller driveway or patio may cost more than a larger area, because the concreters will factor in travel and setup time.

How much does pebblecrete cost?

Pebblecrete, also called exposed aggregate, is a different process than coloured, stencilled or stamped concrete. Aggregates are added to the mix and applied so these aggregates are on the surface of your driveway or patio. Pebblecrete can be applied as a single colour or patterns.

Plain pebblecrete costs less than a patterned surface, because it's easier to apply. The average cost of pebblecrete is around $80 per square metre more than plain concrete and it might cost around $2,100 in total for a flat surface.

Expect to pay around $100 extra to pebblecrete a sloping surface, or even more for a steeper slope. Although pebblecrete costs approximately $1,200 to $1,500 more than plain concrete for the overall project, it gives a beautiful finish that will stand the test of time.

How much does stencilled concrete cost?

Stencilled concrete is a two-part process. First a base coat is applied, then a stencil is placed over the surface and another colour sprayed on. Many stencil patterns are available that can make your driveway or patio resemble stone, brick or other materials. These patterns are usually around the same cost, but if you want two patterns and colours, the cost will be higher.

On average, concrete stencilling costs between $100 and $150 per square metre, so the complete job may cost $3,000 to $4,500. If the concrete needs repairing, the cost may be higher. If you need to have a slab poured first, the cost may be higher than having pavers laid.

How much does stamped concrete cost?

Stamped concrete is stencilled concrete with a difference, the stamping process giving the concrete a realistic texture. When stamped concrete is applied by experts, it's hard to tell whether a driveway or patio is made of real stone.

Stamped concrete starts at around $120 per square metre, but prices can be higher in some areas. For complex patterns or different textures, the price may be higher still. Like stencilled concrete, many patterns are available and you can choose from natural stone styles or colours that will brighten the appearance of your driveway or patio.

Choosing a concrete resurfacing service

Depending on the type of concrete resurfacing you want, you should choose a service that has a portfolio of jobs they have done before. They should be well established in your area and be able to show you examples of their work.

Coloured concrete is relatively easy to apply and affordable. However, make sure you choose your colours first, because not all coloured concrete companies may have the colours you want. If you want a more complex design, check whether the service you choose can create this.

Many concreters also provide exposed aggregate surfaces. A plain surface is fairly easy to apply and you may get quality work from a company that charges a cheaper rate, but you'll need to pay more if you want patterns or more intricate designs.

Stencilled and stamped concrete require experience, so rather than just choosing the lowest quote, look for a company that can provide proof of their ability to give you the look you want. You should choose a company that will guarantee their work and show you other designs they have created.

In general, stencilling or stamping concrete requires about two weeks before the surface is ready to be used. A company that tells you it will be ready in a week may not be a company you can trust.

If you're using a general concreter, they can also pour a slab for you. This can be cheaper than having a concreter pour the slab and then contacting a concrete resurfacing company to resurface the concrete, as you may get a discount.

*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.