Plain, Exposed Aggregate or Stamped? A Guide to Concrete Finishes in Cairns
Comparing concrete finishes in Cairns? Our guide covers plain, coloured, exposed aggregate and stamped concrete — the look, cost and best uses for each in FNQ.
Thinking about a new driveway and wondering what it will cost? It’s the first question almost everyone asks us, and the honest answer is “it depends” — but that’s not very helpful when you’re trying to budget. So in this guide we’ve broken down what a concrete driveway costs in Cairns in 2026, what makes the price go up or down, and how to make sure you’re comparing quotes fairly.
Concrete driveway cost in Cairns: the quick answer
As a rough guide, here’s what Cairns homeowners can expect to pay per square metre for a supplied-and-installed concrete driveway in 2026:
| Finish | Typical price (per m²) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Plain / standard concrete | $80 – $130 | Budget-friendly, durable everyday driveways |
| Coloured concrete | $100 – $150 | A bit of character without a big jump in price |
| Exposed aggregate | $120 – $200 | Slip-resistant, premium look, great for FNQ rain |
| Stamped / decorative concrete | $150 – $250+ | High-end finishes that mimic pavers, stone or timber |
To put that in real numbers, a standard single driveway of around 40 m² in a plain finish usually lands somewhere between $3,200 and $5,200, while the same area in exposed aggregate might run $4,800 to $8,000. A larger double driveway, or one on a sloping or hard-to-access block, will sit higher again.
These are indicative ranges to help you budget — the only way to get an accurate figure is a site-specific quote, because Cairns blocks vary enormously.
What actually drives the price
Two driveways of the same size can come in at very different prices. Here’s what moves the needle:
1. Size and thickness
The bigger the area, the more concrete, steel and labour required — though the price per square metre often drops a little on larger jobs. Thickness matters too: a standard residential driveway is usually poured at 100mm, but if it needs to carry heavier vehicles like a caravan, boat trailer or work ute, 125–150mm with extra reinforcement is sensible. If you’re unsure, our guide on concrete slab thickness in Cairns explains it in plain English.
2. The finish you choose
As the table above shows, the finish is the single biggest lever on price. Plain concrete is the most affordable; exposed aggregate and stamped finishes cost more because they need extra materials, time and skill. We cover the look-and-feel of each option in our guide to concrete finishes in Cairns.
3. Site preparation and access
This is where Cairns driveways often differ from the “average” prices you see online. Removing an old driveway, levelling a sloped block, improving drainage, or working around tight access all add to the cost. A sloping site typically adds around $10 per square metre, and demolition of an existing slab is charged on top. The upside: because we’re an earthworks and concreting business, we handle excavation, site prep and the pour in-house — so you’re not paying two separate contractors or dealing with finger-pointing if something needs fixing.
4. Reinforcement and ground conditions
Far North Queensland’s reactive soils and heavy wet-season rain mean reinforcement isn’t optional — steel mesh, and sometimes a thicker slab or extra drainage, protects against cracking and movement. It adds a little upfront but saves expensive repairs later.
Why concrete is worth it in the Cairns climate
Concrete handles our climate better than most alternatives. It shrugs off heavy tropical downpours, doesn’t wash away like gravel, won’t go soft in the heat like asphalt, and needs almost no maintenance. A well-built concrete driveway should comfortably last 30+ years. Exposed aggregate is especially popular locally because its textured surface stays slip-resistant when wet — a real advantage during the wet season.
How to compare driveway quotes properly
When you get quotes, make sure you’re comparing like for like. Check that each quote includes:
- Site preparation and excavation (not just the pour)
- Slab thickness and reinforcement details
- The specific finish and concrete strength (MPa)
- Removal of any existing driveway
- Drainage and edging where needed
- Clean-up and waste removal
A cheap quote that leaves out site prep or reinforcement isn’t really cheaper — it’s just incomplete.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Cairns?
In 2026, plain concrete driveways in Cairns typically cost $80–$130 per square metre supplied and installed, while exposed aggregate runs $120–$200/m² and stamped or decorative finishes $150–$250+/m². Site prep, slope and access can move the final figure.
How long does a concrete driveway take to install?
Most residential driveways take a few days from excavation to pour, then need about 7 days before you drive on them. Concrete reaches full strength at around 28 days.
Is exposed aggregate worth the extra cost in Cairns?
For many homeowners, yes — it looks premium, hides marks well, and its non-slip texture is ideal for our wet season. It’s a popular middle ground between plain concrete and full decorative finishes.
Do you remove the old driveway as part of the job?
Yes. As an earthworks and concreting company we can demolish and remove your existing driveway, prepare the ground and pour the new one — all with one team.
Get a free, fixed driveway quote in Cairns
Every block is different, so the best way to know your exact cost is a free, no-obligation quote. We’ll assess your site, recommend the right thickness and finish for your budget, and give you a fixed price with no surprises. Request your free concrete driveway quote or learn more about our concreting services in Cairns.
