Cost of concrete per m3 (cubic metre) | Cost Guide [2023]

Concrete is one of those things we tend to take for granted. From the concrete slab on which your house is built to concrete driveways and concrete swimming pools, it's a versatile material. But before you start that concreting project, it's important to know how much it will cost per square metre or cubic metre.

The cost of concrete per m3 is $200-$300. The cost of concrete per m2 is $50-$100. But before you can create an accurate budget for your concreting project, it's important to understand what contributes to the cost of concrete and what you might need to account for.

Concrete prices

Concrete costs are determined by a range of factors including strength, application method, and whether the concrete will be structural or decorative. Concrete slab prices can sometimes be confusing as they are quoted on a per square metre basis, but with a depth of between 90mm and 130mm and a possible thickness of up to 500mm, poured slab concrete can be up to half the cost of solid or reinforced concrete which is quoted on a per cubic metre basis.

The following prices take into account the cost of materials, the types of concrete used, and some of the common types of concrete surfaces. Please see our list of additional costs that might impact on the price of concrete for your concrete project.

Additional costs

There are a range of additional costs associated with concreting that may impact on the total cost of concrete for your project. Those costs include:

Labour costs

If you want concrete delivered and poured, or mixed on site and poured, you'll likely incur labour expenses for the tradies completing your work. Depending on the number of tradies you need, labour costs and labour rates can vary significantly, as each tradie will need to be paid per hour for each hour they work. You might be able to get a lead contractor to estimate labour prices in advance and provide you with a quote so that you have a better idea of what your labour costs are likely to be. If you're planning a DIY concreting project then delivery should still be included as labour costs.

Additives and extras

For the most part, the cost of plain concrete is fairly easy to estimate. But additives and extras can increase or decrease the price, depending on what they are designed to do. Aggregate concrete includes added aggregate (crushed rock) making the overall structure weaker but reducing the cost (as less concrete is used). This sort of concrete is perfect for installing retaining wall piers, garden path foundations, and foundations for non-structural things like BBQs. Some paths and driveways are given an aggregate finish as it is coarse and provides more traction compared to smooth concrete.

Aesthetic changes

Concrete can include a range of aesthetic changes and finishes that increase total cost. Coloured concrete is a great option for particular applications and can help to tie concrete into other home design features. Polished concrete is a popular option for exposed concrete and concrete flooring in living or working areas. Stencilled concrete remains a popular choice for driveways, to the point where plain concrete is quite uncommon now. But a complicated pattern or unusual colour can increase concrete driveway cost. 

Delivery and pumping

Concrete can be mixed from (typically) 20kg bags of cement, mixed with water, sand and gravel. But concrete can also be delivered by a cement mixer; those trucks with large rotating barrel on the back. The rotation of the barrel or drum keeps the mixed concrete moving to ensure it doesn't set. Once it arrives on site it can be poured directly into a pre-built timber form, into wheelbarrows or other containers and transported to where it needs to be applied, or into the hopper of a concrete pump so it can be moved a longer distance to your project location. Each part of those processes incurs a cost and generally requires an experienced professional. Ask your Tasker or Business about transportation costs before you begin.

Shotcrete

Shotcrete is sprayed concrete, applied to a surface using a hose and compressed air. Shotcrete costs slightly more than regular concrete per m2 because of the extra equipment, but it can be a lot faster so some shotcrete specialists may charge less. Shotcrete that hasn’t been manually smoothed using a trowel produces a rough, uneven surface that most of us would be familiar with - shotcrete is used extensively for large-scale earthworks, landscaping, and underground car park and tunnel walls. Shotcrete might be a great option if your concrete will be buried or will otherwise not be seen.

Conclusion

Calculating concreting costs can be complicated, but you can move your concreting job along by understanding the average price of the concrete you want - based on concrete type, application, and type of finish - and working out the quantity you need.

The great news is that BorisDoes has professional concreters ready to help you with your project. Simply start a task or request a quote to get price estimates for your concrete house slab, concrete pool, or other building project. From New South Wales to Western Australia, you can find a quality concrete contractor near you, right here on BorisDoes.

Alternatively, head to the BorisDoes Tasker List, read some of the reviews from previous Customers, and pick the concreting Tasker or Business that’s right for your project. You can even chat to them using our dedicated chat feature if you have more questions after reading this price guide. It’s quick and easy to start your concreting project with BorisDoes.