Concrete driveways are a favourite among Perth homeowners for their durability, flexibility and looks. Whether you’re building a new home or upgrading your current driveway, knowing the options, costs and long term benefits is key to making the right choice. This guide breaks down concrete driveway prices in Perth, looks at the finishes and provides maintenance tips to make your investment last for decades.
Why Concrete Driveway?
Concrete driveways are the choice for Perth homeowners for several reasons:
• Durable: Concrete is one of the toughest materials around, can withstand heavy vehicles and harsh weather without cracking or warping.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike gravel or asphalt driveways, concrete requires minimal maintenance. Sealing and occasional cleaning and it looks great for years.
• Customisable: Exposed aggregate, coloured concrete and stamped finishes mean you can match your driveway to your home’s exterior.
• Increased Value: A well built and looking driveway can add significant value to your property.
Types of Concrete Driveways in Perth
Concrete driveways are flexible and can be tailored to suit your style and budget. Let’s look at the most common types of concrete driveways in Perth and their prices:
Plain Concrete Driveways
Overview:
Plain concrete driveways are clean and simple. This finish is standard grey concrete that is smooth and functional, very affordable and reliable for homeowners.
Price:
Plain concrete driveways in Perth cost on average $70 to $95 per square metre. Prices may vary depending on the size of the driveway, thickness of the concrete and site preparation requirements.
Benefits:
• Affordable and simple
• Easy to maintain
• Suitable for residential and commercial properties
Drawbacks:
While affordable, plain concrete doesn’t have the looks of decorative finishes. It will also show more dirt and stains.
Coloured Concrete Driveways
Overview:
Coloured concrete driveways allow you to add pigments to the concrete mix and create different colours to match your home’s design.
Price:
$85 to $100 per square metre. Custom or intricate colours add a bit more to the price.
Benefits:
• Adds curb appeal with many colours
• Perfect for a modern or unique look
• Fades resistant when sealed properly
Drawbacks:
Without proper maintenance, the colour will fade over time due to UV and heavy traffic.
Exposed Aggregate Driveways
Overview:
Exposed aggregate driveways are the most visually impressive. By removing the top layer of concrete the natural stones in the mix are revealed creating a textured and unique surface.
Price:
Exposed aggregate driveways cost between $115 to $150 per square metre, a premium option.
Benefits:
• Excellent slip resistance for wet conditions
• Very durable and wear and tear resistant
• Customisable with different stone sizes and colours
Drawbacks:
Higher upfront cost and periodic sealing required to maintain the look.
Honed Concrete Driveways
Overview:
Honed concrete driveways are a luxury option where the surface of the concrete is ground to a smooth and slip resistant finish.
Price:
Honed concrete driveways cost between $130 to $180 per square metre depending on the level of polish and site preparation.
Benefits:
• High end look
• Smooth to walk on
• Stain resistant when sealed
Drawbacks:
Honing is more expensive than standard finishes and requires skilled professionals to achieve the desired result.
Liquid Limestone Driveways
Overview:
Liquid limestone is a mix of crushed limestone and concrete, a natural and cool to touch surface for Perth’s hot climate.
Price:
Liquid limestone driveways cost between $80 to $120 per square metre, a mid-range option.
Benefits:
• Stays cool in direct sunlight
• Natural and sophisticated look
• Crack and weed resistant
Drawbacks:
This finish is prone to staining and requires sealing to maintain the look.
Factors Affecting Concrete Driveway Costs
When budgeting for a concrete driveway you need to consider the following factors:
1. Driveway Size and Shape
Larger driveways require more materials and labour. Intricate shapes or custom designs will add to the cost due to extra work required.
2. Site Preparation
If your site requires a lot of prep work, excavation or levelling, the cost will be higher. Driveways replacing existing structures will incur demolition costs.
3. Thickness and Reinforcement
Standard driveways are 100mm thick but areas that will be subject to heavy vehicles will require thicker concrete and added reinforcement (e.g. rebar or mesh) which will add to the cost.
4. Decorative Finishes
Decorative options like stamping, colouring or exposed aggregate will add to the cost due to the materials and skilled labour required.
5. Location and Accessibility
If your site is hard to access, transporting materials and equipment will add to the cost.
Benefits of Concrete Driveways
Concrete driveways have many advantages over other materials:
• Durability: Longer life than asphalt or gravel.
• Customisation: Can be designed uniquely.
• Low Maintenance: Minimal upkeep with periodic sealing and cleaning.
• Eco Friendly: Made from sustainable materials with minimal waste during installation.
• Weather Resistance: Perfect for Perth’s climate as concrete doesn’t warp or degrade in extreme conditions.
Concrete vs Other Driveway Materials
Asphalt Driveways
$35-$55 per square metre
Pros: Quick to install, cheap upfront
Cons: Requires regular maintenance and shorter life.
Paver Driveways
$70-$120 per square metre
Pros: Many design options, easy to repair
Cons: Weeds grow, higher upfront cost.
Gravel Driveways
$40-$80 per square metre
Pros: Cheap, good drainage
Cons: Requires frequent replenishment and maintenance.
Tips for Concrete Driveway Maintenance
To keep your concrete driveway looking its best:
1. Seal Regularly: Apply a good quality sealant every 2-3 years to prevent cracking and staining.
2. Clean Often: Remove dirt, oil and debris to keep it looking good.
3. Repair Cracks Promptly: Fix small cracks before they get bigger and cause structural issues.
4. Don’t Park Heavy Vehicles: Limit the weight of vehicles parked for extended periods.
Conclusion
A concrete driveway is a long term and good looking investment for your Perth home. Now you know the costs, types and maintenance involved you can make an informed decision that adds value and functionality to your property.
Exposed aggregate or honed concrete, we have an option to suit your taste and budget. Contact Concreting Perth WA today to get started on your driveway today.
