Driveway Concrete Cost Sydney: 2026 Price Guide
A concrete driveway in Sydney costs $2,800\u20134,500 for a single car (20m\u00B2) and $4,500\u20138,000 for a double car (40m\u00B2) installed. Standard broom finish costs $65\u2013110/m\u00B2, exposed aggregate $90\u2013140/m\u00B2. Material (concrete) is 25\u201335% of the total; labour and base prep make up the rest.
MixHub TeamUpdated 22 March 2026
Cost by Driveway Size: Sydney 2026
| Driveway type | Typical area | Concrete (m³) | Broom finish | Exposed aggregate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single car (standard) | 20–25m² | 2–2.5m³ | $2,800–4,500 | $3,500–5,500 |
| Double car (standard) | 35–45m² | 3.5–4.5m³ | $4,500–8,000 | $6,000–10,000 |
| Triple car / long | 55–70m² | 5.5–7m³ | $7,000–12,000 | $9,000–15,000 |
| Small access path | 8–12m² | 0.8–1.2m³ | $1,200–2,200 | $1,600–2,800 |
Prices include concrete, labour, reinforcement mesh, 75–100mm DGB20 base, and initial sealant. Demolition of existing driveway and kerb/council works not included.
What You're Actually Paying For
Most homeowners think they're buying concrete. They're actually buying a system of materials and trades. Concrete is roughly 25–35% of the total project cost:
Cost Breakdown: 40m² Double-Car Driveway, Blacktown (N25, Broom Finish)
| Cost item | Quantity | Unit rate | Total | % of total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ready-mix concrete (N25) | 4.4m³ | $230/m³ | $1,012 | 22% |
| Labour (form, pour, finish) | 40m² | $35/m² | $1,400 | 31% |
| DGB20 crushed rock base (75mm) | 40m² | $12/m² | $480 | 11% |
| SL72 mesh reinforcement | 40m² | $9/m² | $360 | 8% |
| Formwork timber + stakes | — | — | $180 | 4% |
| Initial sealant | 40m² | $8/m² | $320 | 7% |
| Contractor margin (15%) | — | — | $570 | 13% |
| Total | $4,502 ($112/m²) | 100% |
Common Add-On Costs
| Add-on | Cost | When needed |
|---|---|---|
| Demolish & remove old driveway | $30–60/m² | Existing concrete or pavers on site |
| Concrete pump hire | $600–900/day | Pour zone more than 6m from truck access |
| Retarder admixture | $20–40/m³ | Summer pours above 30°C |
| Upgrade to exposed aggregate | +$25–35/m² | Decorative finish preferred |
| Upgrade to N32 (heavy vehicles) | +$15–25/m³ | Trucks, heavy utes, machinery access |
| Kerb/council crossover work | $800–2,500 | New vehicle crossing from street |
| Extra base depth (poor subgrade) | +$8–15/m² | Clay soils, poor drainage |
| Weekend delivery surcharge | +$200–400 | Saturday/Sunday delivery |
| Short-load fee (under 3m³) | $80–200 | Small pours |
Price Variation Across Sydney Regions
Ready-mix concrete prices in Sydney vary by $20–35/m³ across the metro area due to batch plant locations and fuel costs. Labour rates also vary: inner suburbs and the North Shore typically cost 15–25% more than western and south-western suburbs.
| Region | N25 concrete cost (per m³) | Labour rate adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Western Sydney (Penrith, Blacktown) | $210–240 | Base rate |
| South-West (Campbelltown, Liverpool) | $215–245 | Base rate |
| North-West (Hills District, Rouse Hill) | $220–250 | +5–10% |
| North Shore | $225–260 | +15–25% |
| Inner West / CBD fringe | $230–265 | +15–25% |
| Eastern Suburbs | $235–270 | +20–30% |
How to Save on Your Driveway
- Get 3+ quotes with identical specs. Specify grade (N25), thickness (100mm), finish (broom), base depth (75mm DGB20), and reo (SL72 mesh) so you're comparing apples to apples
- Schedule for autumn or winter. Contractor demand is lower, and you may save 10–20% on labour
- Do your own demolition. Removing the old driveway yourself can save $1,200–2,400 on a 40m² driveway
- Do your own base compaction. Hire a plate compactor ($80/day) and prep the base yourself if the contractor agrees
- Combine with neighbours. If a neighbour also needs a pour, combining the orders reduces delivery and setup costs
- Use our concrete calculator to get an accurate volume estimate before you call for quotes
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Sydney?
A single-car concrete driveway (20m²) in Sydney costs $2,800–4,500 installed. A double-car driveway (40m²) costs $4,500–8,000 depending on finish, grade, and contractor. Prices as of March 2026.
What is the cost per m² for a concrete driveway in Sydney?
Standard broom finish: $65–110/m² installed. Exposed aggregate: $90–140/m². Stencilled: $100–170/m². Prices include concrete, labour, reinforcement, and base prep (March 2026).
How much does concrete cost per m³ for a driveway?
N25 ready-mix concrete costs $210–250/m³ delivered in Sydney (March 2026). A 20m² driveway at 100mm thick uses 2m³, costing approximately $420–500 in concrete alone.
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
100mm minimum for passenger cars. 125mm for utes, SUVs, and heavy use. Never go below 100mm; thinner slabs crack under wheel loads within a few years.
What concrete grade for a driveway in Sydney?
N25 is the standard for residential driveways (cars and light utes). N32 for heavy vehicles, commercial use, or soft clay subgrade. N20 is not suitable for vehicle traffic.
How long does a concrete driveway take to install?
Most concrete driveways are poured in one day. Formwork and base prep the day before, pour day, then 7 days before driving on it. Full project typically 2–3 days.
Does a concrete driveway need council approval in Sydney?
Driveways over 25m² or new vehicle crossings (kerb cuts) typically require a DA or CDC approval through your local council.
What makes concrete driveway quotes vary so much?
Access difficulty (pump required), finish type (broom vs exposed aggregate), soil conditions, concrete grade, and contractor experience all affect price. Get 3 quotes with identical specs.
How much to remove an old concrete driveway?
Demolition and removal costs $30–60/m² in Sydney including disposal. A 40m² slab costs $2,000–3,600 to demolish and remove.
What is the cheapest way to get a concrete driveway?
Use N25 standard broom finish (not exposed aggregate), do your own base compaction, remove the old driveway yourself, and compare at least 3 quotes. Material cost is fixed, but labour varies 30–50%.
Should I seal my concrete driveway?
Yes. Seal within 28 days of pour and reseal every 5–7 years. Sealing prevents oil stains, reduces surface dusting, and extends driveway life. A quality sealer costs $8–15/m² applied.
How many m³ of concrete do I need for my driveway?
Length × width × depth (in metres) + 10% waste. A 20m² driveway at 100mm = 2.0m³ + 10% = 2.2m³. Use our free concrete calculator for exact volumes.
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