Cost Guides
Exposed Aggregate Cost Per m² in QLD (2026 Price Guide)
By Fraser Coast Concreting · 16 June 2026
Quick answer
As a guide, exposed aggregate concrete typically costs $120–$170/m² supplied and laid in Queensland in 2026. That's roughly $30–$60/m² more than plain concrete. The price depends on the stone chosen, the seal, the area size and site preparation. A written quote is the only accurate figure for your job.
Exposed aggregate is one of the most popular decorative finishes on the Fraser Coast, and for good reason: it looks great, grips well underfoot and stands up to our climate. This guide covers what it costs per m² in Queensland in 2026, how that compares to plain concrete, and when the extra spend is worth it.
These figures are indicative ranges. The only accurate price is a written quote based on your site.
Exposed aggregate cost per m²
As a guide, exposed aggregate typically costs $120–$170/m² supplied and laid in 2026. Where you land in that range depends on the stone you choose, the type of seal, how big the area is and how much preparation the site needs.
How it compares to other finishes
| Finish | Typical cost (per m²) | Look & feel |
|---|---|---|
| Plain / standard concrete | $80 – $120 | Plain grey, broom or trowel finish |
| Coloured concrete | $100 – $150 | Solid colour, smooth finish |
| Exposed aggregate | $120 – $170 | Decorative stone, textured, good grip |
| Stamped / decorative | $130 – $180 | Patterned to mimic stone or pavers |
As a guide only. Prices shift with concrete and stone supply costs and site conditions.
The premium over plain concrete
Exposed aggregate generally costs about $30–$60/m² more than plain concrete. The extra covers:
- Decorative stone in the mix or seeded into the surface
- Extra labour to wash back, expose and finish the stone at the right time
- Sealing, which protects the finish and brings out the colour
On a 50m² driveway, that premium works out to roughly $1,500–$3,000 more than a plain pour, in exchange for a far more attractive and durable surface.
What changes the price
- Stone choice. Premium imported aggregates and specific colours cost more than standard local stone.
- Seal type and coats. A good penetrating or topical seal adds cost but protects your investment and needs re-doing periodically.
- Area size. Larger areas usually cost a little less per m²; small areas can cost more because the finishing crew and fixed costs spread over fewer metres.
- Site preparation. Excavation, base material, formwork and reinforcement all factor in, the same as any slab.
- Access. Difficult access can mean pumping or wheelbarrowing, which adds labour.
When exposed aggregate is worth it
Exposed aggregate earns its premium when:
- You want a finish that looks good for years without painting or recoating like a colour-through slab
- You need slip resistance around pools, paths or sloped driveways
- The driveway or entry is highly visible and you care about kerb appeal
- You want a surface that hides minor marks and dirt better than smooth concrete
For a purely functional slab hidden behind a shed, plain concrete usually makes more sense. For the front driveway, entry path or pool surround, exposed aggregate is often the better long-term value.
The coastal climate factor
Around Hervey Bay and Maryborough, surfaces take a beating from sun, salt air and heavy wet-season rain. A well-sealed exposed aggregate finish handles this well and its texture gives reliable grip even when wet, which matters on driveways and around pools. Keeping the seal up to date is the main maintenance task.
Worked examples by area
To make the per-m² rate concrete, here’s how it plays out across common project sizes at the $120–$170/m² guide range. These are the finished, supplied-and-laid figures, not just the stone.
| Project | Area | Indicative cost |
|---|---|---|
| Front path | 12 m² | $1,440 – $2,040 |
| Single driveway | 30 m² | $3,600 – $5,100 |
| Standard driveway | 50 m² | $6,000 – $8,500 |
| Large driveway | 70 m² | $8,400 – $11,900 |
| Pool surround | 40 m² | $4,800 – $6,800 |
As a guide only. Stone choice, access, base prep and the seal all move the final figure. A small path costs more per m² than a big driveway because the finishing crew and fixed costs spread over fewer metres.
What you’re paying for, step by step
Exposed aggregate takes more skill and time than a plain pour, and the price reflects the extra stages:
- Site prep and forming the same as any slab: excavation, compacted base, reinforcement and formwork.
- Placing the mix containing the decorative stone (or seeding stone into the surface).
- Timing the wash-back. This is the skilled part. The finisher waits for exactly the right moment as the concrete sets, then washes and brushes the top layer of cement paste away to reveal the stone. Too early and the stone dislodges; too late and it won’t expose cleanly.
- Cleaning and acid-washing to brighten the stone and remove residue.
- Sealing, usually once the slab has cured, to lock in the colour, protect against stains and bring out the finish.
That extra labour and the decorative stone are most of the reason aggregate carries a premium over a grey slab.
How often does exposed aggregate need re-sealing?
The seal is the main ongoing cost, so it’s worth understanding. As a guide, an exposed aggregate driveway benefits from re-sealing roughly every 2 to 4 years, depending on traffic, sun exposure and the type of seal used. A driveway baking in full coastal sun and carrying daily car traffic will need it sooner than a shaded path. Re-sealing is far cheaper than the original installation and keeps the colour rich and the surface protected. Letting the seal lapse for too long lets the surface dull and stain, so it’s a small task worth keeping on top of. You can read more on our concrete sealing page.
Is exposed aggregate cheaper than other decorative finishes?
It sits in the middle of the decorative range. It’s dearer than plain or coloured concrete, but typically a touch cheaper than full stamped or decorative finishes, while still delivering strong kerb appeal and excellent grip. For many Fraser Coast homeowners, that balance of looks, durability and price is exactly why it’s the most-requested decorative finish we lay.
What to ask your concreter
Before you sign off on an exposed aggregate quote, ask:
- Can I see samples of the aggregate options and colours?
- What seal will you use, and how many coats?
- How long before I can walk on it and drive on it?
- What’s the re-sealing schedule and rough cost?
- Is the base prep, reinforcement and slab thickness included?
How to compare quotes
Make sure each quote spells out:
- The aggregate type and colour
- The seal type and number of coats
- Slab thickness, reinforcement and base prep
- Whether sealing maintenance is explained
A clear, itemised quote makes it easy to compare like with like, and it’s a good sign the concreter plans the job properly.
What affects the look as well as the price
Two exposed aggregate jobs at the same per-m² rate can look quite different, because the finish is driven by choices you make:
- Stone size. Larger stones give a chunkier, more rugged look; smaller stones read as finer and more uniform.
- Stone colour. From warm honey and tan tones through to cool greys, charcoals and speckled blends. Lighter blends stay cooler underfoot in the sun, which matters around pools.
- How much is exposed. A light wash-back leaves more cement showing; a deeper exposure reveals more stone for a bolder texture.
- The seal finish. A matte seal keeps things natural-looking, while a gloss seal deepens the colour and adds shine.
It’s well worth viewing samples in daylight before you decide, because the same stone can look different wet, sealed and in full sun.
Is exposed aggregate good around pools?
It’s one of the most popular pool surround finishes on the Fraser Coast, and for good reason. The textured surface gives reliable grip when wet, which is exactly what you want around a pool, and lighter stone blends stay more comfortable underfoot in the summer sun than dark smooth concrete. Pair it with a quality seal and it shrugs off splashes, sunscreen and the odd bit of pool chemistry. If you’re doing a driveway and a pool surround, having both done in matching aggregate ties the whole property together.
Budgeting tip: don’t forget the seal
When you’re comparing the upfront cost of finishes, remember that exposed aggregate carries a small, recurring re-sealing cost over its life, roughly every 2 to 4 years. It’s modest compared with the install, but factor it in so there are no surprises. The upside is that a well-maintained seal keeps the finish looking close to new for many years, protecting the investment you made in the decorative surface in the first place.
Related guides
- Exposed aggregate vs plain concrete: which is better?
- How much does a concrete driveway cost in QLD?
Get an accurate exposed aggregate quote
The ranges here will help you budget, but the stone, seal and site all change the final figure. Fraser Coast Concreting provides free written quotes for exposed aggregate driveways, paths and pool surrounds across Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay. Request your free quote here and we’ll give you a clear, itemised price.