Customers typically pay a range for exposed aggregate concrete per square metre, driven by material grade, surface finish, preparation, and regional labor rates. This article presents practical pricing in USD, with clear low-average-high ranges, to help budgeting and quote comparisons for projects measured in square metres.
Cost factors include surface texture, aggregate type, base preparation, edging, and site accessibility. The figures assume standard residential applications, ordinary access, and mid-range workmanship quality.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exposed aggregate concrete per m² | $60 | $90 | $140 | Includes concrete, form work, and basic finishing |
| Base preparation per m² | $8 | $15 | $25 | Compact subgrade, form alignment |
| Edging and curbing per m | $6 | $12 | $22 | Plastic or concrete edging |
| Finishing/sealing per m² | $4 | $8 | $16 | BG or penetrating sealant |
| Labor per hour | $40 | $60 | $90 | Crew and regional variance |
| Delivery/haul-off per project | $200 | $500 | $1,000 | Site distance matters |
Assumptions: Midwest-to-South labor rates, standard 100–150 mm thickness, typical decorative aggregate, normal access, no major site grading.
What buyers usually pay for exposed aggregate concrete per square metre
Exposed aggregate concrete per square metre typically ranges from $60 to $140, with a common mid-point around $90–$110 for mid-grade materials and standard 100–150 mm thickness. The exact price depends on aggregate size and color mix, cement content, surface retarder, and curing method. Expect higher prices for premium aggregates (e.g., quartz or glass) and complex patterns. Lower-end costs reflect common river gravel blends and simpler finishes.
Key cost components in a square-metre quote for this finish
| Component | Typical Range | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $40–$90 | Concrete mix, decorative aggregate | Higher for premium colors or larger aggregates |
| Labor | $25–$70 per m² | Preparation, placement, leveling | Depends on crew size and region |
| Base preparation | $8–$25 per m² | Subgrade, form work, compaction | More for poor soils or slopes |
| Finishing/Sealing | $4–$16 per m² | Texture, sealant, curing aids | Sealer type affects durability and gloss |
| Edges/curbs | $6–$22 per m | Edge details, transitions | Longer run lengths increase cost |
| Delivery/Disposal | $200–$1,000 (one-time) | Materials transport, waste removal | Distance and disposal rules impact price |
| Permits/inspections | $0–$150 | Code compliance and inspection fees | Varies by jurisdiction |
Assumptions: standard 100–150 mm thickness, residential driveway or patio scope, asphalt or compacted gravel base, no structural work beyond paving.
Variables that most affect the final price per square metre
The strongest price drivers are aggregate choice and surface finish. For example, premium quartz aggregates can add 20–40% to material costs, while a light broom finish lowers finishing labor compared with a dense scrape texture. Regional differences in labor markets add another 15–25% variance. A project in a high-demand metro area may see higher delivery and permit costs than a rural site.
Regional pricing differences you should expect
Prices per square metre vary by climate and market. The West Coast commonly sees higher labor rates than the South, while the Northeast may incur steeper disposal or permit fees. In practice, expect up to a 20% spread between regions for a similar design and thickness. Contractors may offer regional adjustments for travel time and crew availability.
Impact of thickness, size, and pattern on cost per metre
For thickness, 100 mm (4 in) to 150 mm (6 in) ranges are common. Each 50 mm increase can raise material and base costs by roughly 5–10% due to additional concrete and compaction needs. For pattern complexity, a simple solid exposure costs less than a multi-step exposure or custom stencil. Concrete volume and pattern depth are major price multipliers.
Labor considerations: crew size, hours, and local rates
Labor typically drives a large portion of the total. A two-person crew may complete smaller areas faster but at a higher hourly rate per m², while larger crews can lower per-square costs but require coordination. Typical hourly rates range from $40 to $90, with crew size, weather, and site access influencing total hours. Schedule flexibility and project duration directly affect total labor cost.
Material choices: aggregate, color, and sealant options
Material choices impact price per m². Standard river gravel blends are cheaper than decorative quartz, recycled glass, or oversized aggregates. Color accents and dyed cement increase both material and finishing costs. Sealing options vary in durability and price; penetrating sealers are cheaper upfront but may require maintenance sooner than epoxy-based sealers. Higher-end aggregates and sealants raise long-term cost but improve longevity.
Delivery, preparation, and site access effects on price
Delivery and disposal fees reflect site distance, loader availability, and waste handling rules. Easy access projects minimize this expense; remote sites or uphill locations can add substantially. Base preparation also scales with soil conditions and required subbase stabilization. Poor access or difficult grading raises the price per square metre.
Commands to reduce price without sacrificing essential quality
Smart buyers can reduce cost by adjusting scope and timing. Consider using standard aggregates, slightly reducing thickness within structural limits, or combining tasks like base prep, edging, and finishing in a single crew to gain efficiency. Scheduling in shoulder seasons can lower labor rates, and obtaining multiple quotes helps identify fair range. Careful material selection and bundled services are the most reliable savings paths.
Three real-world pricing scenarios with specs
| Scenario | Area | Thickness | Aggregate | Finish | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential driveway, mid-range aggregate | 60 m² | 120 mm | Standard river gravel | Broom finish | $6,000–$8,500 |
| Patio with premium aggregate | 40 m² | 100 mm | Quartz blend | Exposed gloss seal | $5,000–$7,200 |
| Walkway with color accents | 25 m² | 100 mm | Colored aggregate | Stamped edge and light texture | $3,200–$4,800 |
Assumptions: standard subbase, mid-range contractor, normal access, no major site constraints, milder climate region.
How to compare quotes for exposed aggregate per square metre
When evaluating quotes, compare base costs for materials and labor separately, then assess finishing, edging, and delivery. Ask for per-m² and per-project totals, including a line for permits and a separate line for disposal. A clear breakdown helps identify where a quote diverges. Always request a sample epoxy or sealer specification and a surface texture expectation from the contractor.
