When it comes to your home’s interior and exterior surfaces, few upgrades offer the same blend of durability, style and functionality as decorative concrete. From new driveways to alfresco areas or pool surrounds, selecting the right concrete finish can significantly impact the look and value of your property – as well as your budget.
If you’re wondering how much decorative concrete costs in Perth, you’re not alone. Pricing varies significantly based on a range of factors including type of finish, size and complexity of your project and even the condition of your site. With plentiful options ranging from honed and polished concrete to exposed aggregate, liquid limestone and burnished concrete, there’s a finish to suit every property and every vision – but expenses differ accordingly.
In this article, we’ll break down some of the prices per square metre you can expect to pay for each decorative concrete finish, explain some of the factors affecting overall cost and help you plan your project budget with confidence.
What Affects Decorative Concrete Pricing?
Understanding concrete pricing in Perth isn’t as simple as only comparing per-square-metre rates for the different finishes you are considering. While price guides provide a useful starting point, several project-specific variables can affect your final quote.
Let’s take a look at some of the key factors that influence the cost of a decorative concrete project:
- Type of Decorative Finish: Each style, from exposed aggregate to polished concrete, requires a different installation and finishing process, some more labour intensive than others.
- Size of the Area: Larger jobs often benefit from economies of scale, while smaller or more complex areas may carry a higher per-square-metre rate.
- Site Preparation Needs: This includes excavation, levelling, compacting the base and ensuring proper drainage.
- Design Complexity: Decorative features like borders, inlays or stencilling add aesthetic value but also increase installation time and cost.
- Accessibility: Limited site access may draw out the installation process, which can increase costs.
- Sealing & Aftercare: Some finishes require multiple coats of sealant or specialised sealing products.
While price per m2 gives you a rough guide, your project’s scope and site conditions will ultimately influence the final quote you receive.
Price Guide By Finish Type
Let’s break down the decorative concrete pricing in Perth by popular finishes. All pricing is based on approximate per-square-metre rates, with actual costs dependant on your site, access and customisation needs.
Exposed Aggregate Price (from $130/m2)
Exposed aggregate remains one of the most popular and commonly utilised decorative concrete finishes across Perth properties. This surface features a textured finish with aggregates, pebbles and stones exposed through the top layer, offering both visual interest and natural slip resistance.
- Ideal for driveways, walkways and outdoor entertaining areas
- Highly customisable with a wide range of colours and aggregate options to match your property
- Mid-range price point with high aesthetic value and durability
Honed Concrete Cost (from $190/m2)
Honed concrete is created by grinding down the surface of decorative concrete for a smooth, matte finish. It’s a premium choice exuding sophistication and pairs well with modern architecture.
- Perfect for patios, entranceways and pool surrounds
- Still slip-resistant while offering a more refined look than raw aggregate
- Its higher price reflects the additional grinding and sealing processes involved
Polished Concrete Cost (from $240/m2)
If you’re after a high-gloss, interior grade concrete finish, polished concrete is the leading choice. It is extensively ground and sealed to produce a mirror-like, reflective surface. A luxurious finish, polished concrete is popular for contemporary homes and high traffic commercial spaces.
- Most often used in garages, internal floors or commercial environments
- Offers a luxurious, modern look with excellent durability
- The most labour-intensive finish, hence the higher price point
Liquid Limestone Cost (from $120/m2)
Liquid limestone is a mix of crushed limestone and concrete, creating a cool-to-touch, light coloured surface that is perfectly suited to the climate of Perth.
- A popular choice for pool surrounds, patios and other outdoor entertaining areas
- Doesn’t retain heat like traditional concrete
- Provides an attractive natural stone appearance at a lower cost than honed or polished options
Grey Concrete Cost (from $110/m2)
Sometimes simplicity is all you need and traditional grey concrete offers a clean, functional base for utility areas or minimalist designs.
- The most affordable concrete option
- Suitable for pathways, storage areas or driveways
- Can be enhanced with edging, saw cuts or stencils for added appeal
Burnished Concrete Cost (from $190/m2)
Burnished concrete involves trowelling the surface to create a smooth, satin-like finish with subtle sheen. It maintains the raw, natural colour of concrete and suits both industrial and architectural spaces.
- Ideal for internal floors or design-forward homes
- A more affordable alternative to polished concrete
- Requires careful finishing during installation for a consistent result
Comparing Decorative Concrete To Other Materials
Still weighing up between concrete and other paving options? Here’s a quick snapshot at how decorative concrete stacks up:
- Pavers: Usually cheaper upfront but can become uneven over time. Weeds can grow between joins, maintenance is higher and installation is more demanding.
- Tiles: Stylish, but outdoor tiles can be slippery and prone to cracking if not laid correctly.
- Natural Stone: Visually stunning, but also expensive and more challenging to install and maintain.
Decorative concrete offers superior longevity, reduced maintenance and extensive customisation potential, all at a competitive price when compared to other alternatives.
Maintenance Expenses To Consider
While decorative concrete is known to be highly durable, it still requires a level of maintenance. The expenses associated with this upkeep can vary depending on the finish you select:
- Sealing: Most finishes (particularly exposed aggregate, honed and polished) require periodic sealing every few years
- You can expect to pay around $15-$25/m2 for typical resealing
- Cleaning: Pressure washing every few months is recommended, particularly for outdoor surfaces exposed to dirt, organic matter or oils.
- Repairs: Chips, cracks or faded sealant may require spot treatments, resealing or in some cases, resurfacing.
Different finishes age differently. For example, honed and polished concrete may show surface marks more readily, while exposed aggregate is more forgiving. Regular maintenance ensures long-term value and keeps your surfaces look their best.
How To Budget Effectively For Decorative Concrete Projects
Decorative concrete is an investment, but smart budgeting can help you get the best result for your money. Here’s how you can plan your spend:
1.Calculate Base Costs & Extras
Factor in the following:
- Formwork & Prep: Excavation, framing, compacting base material.
- Drainage: Especially important for driveways and pool surrounds.
- Decorative Elements: Borders, saw cuts, colour tinting expenses if desired.
- Sealing & Resealing: Costs over time for upkeep.
2. Ask For Detailed Quotes
Request itemised quotes from contractors and confirm whether the quoted pricing includes:
- Site clean up
- Sealant and aftercare
- Travel and delivery fees
3. Plan For Contingencies
It’s always a good idea to allow an additional 10-15% of your total budget to cover any unanticipated expenses, such as:
- Weather delays
- Soil conditions
- Design changes
4. Prioritise Functionality
Choose finishes based on practical needs. For example:
- Slip resistance is essential near swimming pools
- Light reflective surfaces work best in full sun
- Smooth finishes may not suit sloped driveways
Final Thoughts
Decorative concrete remains one of the most cost-effective ways to elevate your property’s interior and exterior spaces without compromising on durability or design. Whether you’re after the cool tones of honed concrete, the visual texture of exposed aggregate or the clean minimalism of a burnished finish – there’s an option to suit every vision and budget.
Understanding what influences the cost of decorative concrete in Perth empowers you to make an informed decision, avoid hidden expenses and select a suitable finish that will deliver lasting value. From material costs to long term maintenance expenses, each detail counts in decorative concrete projects.
If you need expert help in choosing the right decorative finish for your space, reach out to our specialist team at Terrastone. We’ll walk you through your options and provide a tailored quote that aligns with your aesthetic goals and budget.
