Cheap Concreting near you

Plain concrete driveways commonly run $65 to $90 per square metre, with exposed aggregate and decorative finishes closer to $100 to $150, so a standard driveway often lands between $4,000 and $12,000. Site access, excavation and reinforcement drive the price. Get the thickness and steel specified in the quote.

A residential driveway is typically 100mm thick with reinforcement, and thicker where heavier vehicles are involved. Thickness, a compacted base and steel reinforcement are what stop a driveway cracking under load. Be wary of a cheap quote that skimps on base preparation or steel.

You can usually walk on new concrete after 24 to 48 hours, but wait about seven days before driving on a new driveway and around 28 days for it to reach full strength. Rushing vehicle traffic onto fresh concrete is a common cause of early cracking.

Paths and driveways on private land often do not need approval, but slabs for structures, work in easements, and changes to stormwater or crossovers can require council or water-authority approval. Ask your concreter to confirm before pouring, since removing non-compliant work is expensive.

Some fine hairline cracking is normal as concrete cures, but larger cracks usually come from a poor base, missing or badly placed reinforcement, no control joints, or loading it too early. A properly prepared and jointed slab minimises cracking. Control joints are placed to make any cracking follow a straight, hidden line.

Exposed aggregate costs more than plain concrete but is more slip-resistant, hides marks and tyre scuffs, and looks far better, which many owners find worth it for a front driveway or entertaining area. Ask to see samples, since the stone and colour vary between suppliers and mixes.