Concrete Driveways Perth Prices: The 2026 Cost Breakdown
Concrete driveways in Perth cost between $60 and $150 per square metre, depending on the finish you choose. For a standard single driveway, that works out to roughly $2,400–$5,500 installed. A double driveway in exposed aggregate will sit closer to $6,500–$10,000.
If you’ve received wildly different quotes, you’re not imagining it. Prices vary significantly based on finish, site preparation, and what’s actually included in the quote. Some contractors price removal and drainage separately. Others don’t mention base preparation at all. That’s usually where the cheap quote falls apart.
Perth prices also run higher than the national average. Labour rates are higher here, and Perth’s reactive clay soils require more thorough base preparation than most other Australian cities. If a quote looks unusually cheap by east coast standards, there’s often a reason.
This guide breaks down costs by concrete type and driveway size, gives you three real worked examples with line-item breakdowns, and shows you exactly how to evaluate a quote before you sign anything.
Quick Price Guide
| Finish | Price per m2 | Single Driveway (~32m2) | Double Driveway (~60m2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain brushed concrete | $60–$85 | $2,400–$3,400 | $4,200–$5,500 |
| Reinforced concrete | $80–$110 | $2,800–$4,200 | $5,000–$7,200 |
| Exposed aggregate | $100–$150 | $3,500–$5,500 | $6,500–$10,000 |
| Coloured/stamped concrete | $100–$150+ | $3,500–$5,500+ | $6,500–$10,000+ |
Supply-and-install prices for a standard Perth residential driveway. Removal of existing concrete is not included — add $30–$60/m2 if applicable.
Need a quote? Call 08 7666 0905.
For a deeper breakdown of cost per square metre by concrete type, see our concrete driveway cost per m2 guide.
What Affects the Cost of a Concrete Driveway in Perth?
The per-m2 rate is only part of the cost. What’s underneath the slab, and what you’re asking the contractor to do before and after the pour, determines whether your final invoice is at the bottom or top of any given range.
Perth’s Reactive Clay Soils and Site Preparation
Most of the Swan Coastal Plain — which covers the vast majority of Perth suburbs — sits on reactive clay soils. These soils expand when wet and contract when dry, which puts stress on any slab that isn’t sitting on a properly prepared base.
Good contractors excavate to the right depth, lay compacted roadbase, and sometimes add lime stabilisation on problem sites. Cutting corners here is the most common reason driveways crack within a few years. Expect to add $5–$15/m2 for sites with significant soil reactivity.
Any quote that doesn’t mention base preparation should raise a question.
Slab Thickness
The standard residential concrete driveway is poured at 100mm. If you’re parking a caravan, a boat trailer, or a heavy vehicle, you’ll want 125–150mm. That extra 25mm adds roughly $10–$20/m2 to the cost and extends the curing time before you can drive on it.
Removal of Existing Concrete
Breaking up, removing, and disposing of an old slab costs $30–$60/m2 on top of the new installation price. This is frequently omitted from a headline quote. Before you compare two quotes side by side, confirm whether removal is included in both.
Drainage and Site Complexity
A basic ACO drainage channel runs $500–$1,500 depending on length. If your block slopes toward the house or has poor natural runoff, a more involved drainage solution can run $1,500–$3,000 or more. Steep driveway gradients and tight vehicle access also add 10–20% to labour costs.
Exposed Aggregate vs Plain Concrete — Which Is Worth It?
Exposed aggregate costs $40–$65/m2 more than plain brushed concrete. Whether that premium is worth it depends on how long you’re planning to stay in the house and how much kerb appeal matters to you.
| Feature | Plain Brushed Concrete | Exposed Aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| Price per m2 | $60–$85 | $100–$150 |
| Appearance | Clean, functional | Premium, textured, high kerb appeal |
| Slip resistance | Moderate | High |
| UV durability (Perth climate) | Good | Excellent |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Occasional resealing every 3–5 years |
| Best for | Rental properties, budget installs | Owner-occupied homes, pre-sale upgrades |
Plain concrete is durable and low-maintenance. It does the job well and has no resealing cost. The limitation is that it dates quickly and does little for street presence.
Exposed aggregate holds up exceptionally well in Perth’s UV-heavy climate. The textured surface also provides better slip resistance — useful on a driveway that gets wet in winter. The trade-off is the resealing requirement every 3–5 years, which adds a small ongoing cost.
For a property you’re planning to sell within five years, exposed aggregate typically returns more at sale than it costs to install. For a rental or investment property where kerb appeal is less of a factor, plain concrete is the better financial decision.
See our full exposed aggregate concrete page for finish options and photos.
For a detailed cost breakdown by aggregate type, see our exposed aggregate cost per m2 Perth guide.
Resurface or Replace? A Cost Comparison
Resurfacing is significantly cheaper than full replacement, but it only works if the existing slab is structurally sound. If there’s movement, heaving, or a drainage problem underneath, resurfacing is a cosmetic fix on top of a structural problem. It will fail within a few years.
| Your Driveway Situation | Recommended Action | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Surface discolouration, worn texture | Resurface | $50–$100/m2 |
| Hairline cracks (non-moving) | Resurface | $50–$100/m2 |
| Widening or moving cracks | Replace | $80–$150/m2 |
| Heaved or sunken sections | Replace | $80–$150/m2 + removal |
| Standing water / drainage failure | Replace + drainage | $80–$150/m2 + $1,500–$3,000 |
A hairline crack is not a reason to replace a slab. A moving crack is. If you’re not sure which you’re dealing with, have a contractor assess it before committing to either option.
For more guidance on what’s repairable and what isn’t, see concrete driveway resurfacing in Perth and concrete driveway repairs.
Real Cost Examples — What Perth Homeowners Actually Pay
Per-m2 rates give you a baseline. Line-item breakdowns give you a reality check. Here are three realistic Perth project costs at 2026 contractor rates.
Example 1 — Plain Concrete Single Driveway (32m2)
A single driveway in a typical Perth suburban block — the kind of job that comes up constantly in suburbs like Joondalup or Midland.
| Line Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation and base prep | $600–$900 |
| Formwork | $200–$400 |
| Concrete pour (100mm, plain) | $1,800–$2,400 |
| Brushed finish | Included |
| Basic drainage channel | $400–$700 |
| Total | $3,000–$4,400 |
Example 2 — Exposed Aggregate Double Driveway (60m2)
A double driveway with an exposed aggregate finish — common for owner-occupied homes in areas like Cottesloe or Nedlands where kerb appeal matters.
| Line Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation and base prep | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Formwork | $400–$700 |
| Concrete pour (100mm, exposed aggregate) | $5,500–$8,500 |
| Sealing | $400–$800 |
| Drainage | $600–$1,200 |
| Total | $8,100–$13,000 |
Example 3 — Replacement Job (40m2, Old Slab Removed, Plain Concrete)
An existing driveway that’s past repair — the old slab comes out, base is re-prepared, and a new plain concrete driveway goes in.
| Line Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Removal and disposal of old slab | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Excavation and base prep | $700–$1,100 |
| New concrete pour + brushed finish | $2,800–$4,000 |
| Drainage | $500–$1,000 |
| Total | $5,500–$8,600 |
These are estimates based on typical Perth contractor rates in 2026. Your quote may vary based on site conditions, access, and finish choice.
How to Evaluate a Concrete Driveway Quote
The total figure on a quote tells you almost nothing on its own. What matters is what’s itemised underneath it.
What a Good Quote Includes
A written quote for a concrete driveway should specify:
- Excavation and base preparation (depth noted)
- Concrete type and slab thickness (in mm)
- Finish specified (brushed, exposed aggregate, coloured, etc.)
- Drainage — included in the price or listed separately
- Formwork
- Removal and disposal of existing concrete (if applicable)
- Warranty on workmanship
- Payment schedule and deposit terms
If any of these are missing, ask. A contractor who can’t answer these questions clearly is telling you something.
Red Flags in a Low Quote
- No mention of base preparation at all
- Slab thickness not specified
- Verbal estimate only — nothing in writing
- Price well under $60/m2 for plain concrete
- No reference to concrete mix strength (25 MPa is the minimum for a residential driveway)
A cheap quote that skips base preparation will cost you more in repairs within five years than the saving was worth.
How to Get an Accurate Quote
Three steps before you call anyone:
- Measure your driveway — length multiplied by width in metres. A rough sketch of the shape helps. Unusual shapes cost more to form.
- Decide on your finish — this single decision can double the quote range. Know whether you want plain concrete or exposed aggregate before the first call.
- Get three written, itemised quotes — compare line by line, not just the total. A quote missing removal or drainage looks cheaper than one that includes everything.
For more on what goes into a full driveway installation in Perth, including site assessment and preparation, see our installation page.
Get a Free Concrete Driveway Quote in Perth
Ready to move forward? Call us on 08 7666 0905 or fill in our online quote form. Have your driveway dimensions, your preferred finish, and a note on the current surface condition ready — it makes for a faster, more accurate quote.
We service all Perth metro suburbs, from Joondalup and Wanneroo in the north to Fremantle and Rockingham in the south.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Perth?
Plain concrete costs $60–$85/m2 in Perth. A standard single driveway (30–35m2) runs $2,400–$3,400 installed. A double driveway in exposed aggregate typically costs $6,500–$10,000.
How much does an exposed aggregate driveway cost in Perth?
Exposed aggregate costs $100–$150/m2. For a double driveway around 60m2, expect $8,000–$13,000 fully installed including drainage.
Is resurfacing a concrete driveway cheaper than replacing it?
Yes — resurfacing at $50–$100/m2 is significantly cheaper than full replacement. It’s only viable if the existing slab is structurally sound with no moving cracks or subsidence.
Why are concrete driveway prices higher in Perth than other states?
Perth has higher labour rates, reactive clay soils that require more base preparation, and higher material costs due to supply chain distances from the east coast.
How do I know if a concrete driveway quote is too cheap?
A quote under $60/m2 for plain concrete usually means corners are being cut on base preparation or slab thickness. Always request an itemised written quote and ask specifically what’s included in site preparation.