Category: Concrete Driveways

An exposed aggregate driveway is concrete with the top layer washed away to reveal the natural stones mixed through it. The result is a textured, decorative surface with good grip that hides dirt and tyre marks well. It costs more than plain concrete, but for most new homes it’s worth it for the looks and durability.

Key takeaways

• An exposed aggregate driveway shows off the stones in the concrete, giving a natural, textured finish with good grip underfoot and under tyres.
• It usually costs more than plain concrete because of the decorative stone, the extra washing step and the sealing, but it hides wear far better.
• Lighter stone blends stay cooler in summer and suit the lighter palettes many new estates in Sydney South West encourage.
• Wait at least about 7 days before driving a car on it, and keep trucks and skip bins off for about 28 days.
• Check your council and estate rules first. For example, Camden Council requires the layback (kerb crossing) to be plain uncoloured concrete.
• Resealing is typically needed every few years, depending on traffic and sun, so ask your installer what suits your driveway.

What is an exposed aggregate driveway?

Concrete is made from cement, sand, water and aggregate, which is the stone that gives it bulk and strength. In a plain driveway, that stone sits hidden under a smooth layer of cement paste.

An exposed aggregate driveway flips that around. A decorative stone blend is chosen for the mix, and once the concrete is placed, the top layer of paste is washed away. What’s left is a surface where the tops of thousands of small stones are visible, locked firmly into the concrete below.

The look ranges from soft, creamy river pebbles to speckled greys and deep charcoal tones. Because the finish is textured rather than smooth, it also gives better grip than a plain trowelled slab.

It pairs well with garden beds, turf and modern fencing. If you’re still weighing up finishes, our concrete driveways page covers the options we install.

How is an exposed aggregate driveway made?

The process is similar to a standard driveway up to the pour. The difference is in the timing and finishing that follow. Here’s how it usually goes.

1. Prepare the base and formwork

The area is excavated, levelled and compacted. Formwork is set to the right heights and falls so water runs away from the house. Steel reinforcement is placed, and the layback and any council-controlled sections are set out to the required specification.

2. Pour and level the concrete

Concrete containing the chosen decorative stone blend is poured, spread and screeded flat. The surface is floated so the stones sit evenly just below the top.

3. Apply a surface retarder

A surface retarder is sprayed over the fresh concrete. It slows the setting of the top few millimetres while the rest of the slab hardens normally. This is what makes it possible to wash the top away later without disturbing the stones underneath.

4. Wash off to expose the stones

Once the slab has firmed up enough, usually later the same day or the next morning, the surface is washed and lightly scrubbed. The soft paste rinses off and the stones appear. Timing matters here. Too early and stones can loosen; too late and the paste won’t wash off evenly.

5. Cut control joints

Concrete shrinks slightly as it cures, so it will crack somewhere. Saw-cut control joints give those cracks a neat, straight place to form. Good joint placement is one of the biggest differences between a driveway that ages well and one that doesn’t.

6. Clean and seal

After the concrete has cured enough, the surface is cleaned to remove any cement haze, then sealed. The sealer protects against stains, holds the stones in tightly and brings out their colour.

How long before you can drive on an exposed aggregate driveway?

Concrete keeps getting stronger for weeks after it’s poured. As a general guide:

• Light foot traffic: usually OK after a few days.
• Cars: wait at least about 7 days.
• Heavy trucks and skip bins: keep them off until the concrete reaches its design strength at about 28 days.

This matters on new builds, where deliveries, removalists and landscaping trucks often arrive around handover. We plan driveway work around your handover date so the slab has time to cure before the heavy stuff rolls in.

How much does an exposed aggregate driveway cost?

An exposed aggregate driveway usually costs more than plain concrete and is often similar to, or a little more than, coloured concrete. Rather than quote general figures that may not match your block, here are the factors that actually move the price.

• Size and shape: bigger areas cost more overall, while curves, tight corners and odd shapes take more formwork and labour.
• Stone blend: some decorative blends cost more than others, and premium stones add to the concrete price.
• Site access and slope: steep blocks, narrow side access or needing a concrete pump all add time and cost.
• Excavation and base work: cutting, filling and compacting the subgrade varies a lot from site to site.
• Extra steps: the retarder, washing, joint cutting and sealing are all extra work compared with a plain broom finish.
• Council requirements: laybacks and footpath crossings must be built to council specification, which can affect the scope.
• Bundling: doing the driveway, landscaping and fencing together can save on separate trips, separate trades and separate quotes.

The best way to get a real number is a site visit and a written quote. We give a fixed written price with no surprise extras, and you can see how combined work comes together on our packages page.

How do you choose exposed aggregate colours?

The colour of an exposed aggregate driveway comes from two things: the stone blend and the base concrete around it. Getting both right is what makes the driveway look like it belongs with the house.

Stone blends

• Light and natural river-stone blends: creams, beiges, soft browns and white flecks. Warm, relaxed and cooler underfoot in summer.
• Mid greys: a mix of grey, white and darker stones. A safe, modern choice that suits most facades and hides dirt well.
• Darker charcoal blends: deep greys, blacks and blue-black stones. Striking and contemporary, but they absorb more heat and show dust more.

Base colour

The cement between the stones can be left natural grey or tinted. A light base makes the stones pop and keeps the surface brighter. A darker base gives a moodier, more uniform look.

Tips for choosing

• Look at real samples outdoors, both wet and dry. Sealer darkens and enriches the colour slightly.
• Match the driveway to your roof, render, brick and garage door rather than the inside of the house.
• Think about heat. North and west-facing driveways get the most sun.
• Check your estate guidelines before you fall in love with a colour. Some estates restrict driveway finishes and colours.

If you’re building in Panorama at Wilton, our Panorama Wilton guidelines article walks through what to check before you choose.

Exposed aggregate vs plain vs coloured concrete: which is best?

There’s no single best finish. It depends on your budget, the look you want and how much upkeep you’re happy with. This table compares the three most common options.

Feature	Exposed aggregate	Plain concrete	Coloured concrete
Look	Textured, natural stone finish	Simple grey, broom or smooth finish	Smooth or broomed in a chosen tint
Grip	Good, thanks to the textured surface	Good with a broom finish	Good with a broom finish; smoother finishes need care
Hides dirt and tyre marks	Very well	Poorly; marks and stains show	Moderately; depends on the colour
Maintenance	Periodic resealing and cleaning	Low, but stains are harder to hide	Resealing helps keep colour even; fading can show
Relative cost	Usually the highest of the three	Usually the lowest	Usually in between
Heat	Light blends stay cooler; dark charcoal blends run hot	Light grey stays relatively cool	Light tints stay cooler; dark tints run hot

In short, plain concrete is the budget option, coloured concrete adds style at a moderate step up, and exposed aggregate gives the most decorative, hard-wearing look for a higher upfront cost.

Remember that some areas don’t get a choice. Using Camden Council’s access driveway specification as an example, the layback (the kerb crossing) must be plain uncoloured concrete, and driveways need a non-slip finish. So even if you choose exposed aggregate for the main driveway, the section at the kerb may need to be plain. Rules differ between Camden, Campbelltown and Wollondilly councils, so always check your own council and estate guidelines.

Is exposed aggregate slippery?

Generally, no. The exposed stones create a rough, textured surface that gives good grip for feet and tyres, which helps on sloping blocks.

That said, a few things can make any sealed surface slicker:

• Too much sealer: thick, glossy coats can fill the texture and reduce grip.
• Very smooth, rounded stones: polished pebbles feel slicker than angular stones.
• Moss, algae and leaf litter: shaded, damp areas can grow a slippery film over time.

Ask your installer about an anti-slip additive in the sealer, especially on steep driveways or paths near pools. Councils also expect driveways to have a non-slip finish, so this isn’t just about comfort.

How do you clean and seal exposed aggregate?

Exposed aggregate is low maintenance, not no maintenance. A little care keeps it looking sharp for years.

Everyday cleaning

• Sweep or blow off leaves and dirt regularly so they don’t stain or hold moisture.
• Hose it down and use a stiff broom with a mild detergent for general grime.
• Clean oil and fuel spills quickly with a degreaser suitable for sealed concrete.
• Go easy with a high-pressure cleaner. Hold the nozzle back from the surface, as close blasting can strip sealer and loosen stones.

Sealing and resealing

Sealer protects the surface from stains, UV and water, and helps hold the stones in place. Over time sun and traffic wear it down, and the driveway starts to look dull or patchy.

Resealing is typically needed every few years, depending on traffic and sun, so ask your installer what suits your driveway and sealer type. A simple test: if water no longer beads on the surface, or the colour looks flat when dry, it’s probably time.

Before resealing, the surface needs a thorough clean and must be fully dry. Use a sealer compatible with the one already on the driveway, as mixing products can cause cloudiness or peeling.

Is exposed aggregate good for the environment and a cooler home?

Any concrete driveway is a hard surface, so it has some environmental impact. But the choices you make can help your home and street stay cooler and handle rain better.

Lighter blends stay cooler

Lighter surfaces reflect more heat. A Western Sydney University cool-roads trial in Blacktown, Campbelltown and Parramatta found lighter coatings cut road surface temperatures by about 5.6°C during the day and about 2°C at night. Tree shade did even more, cutting surface temperatures by about 16°C.

For a driveway, that means a light or natural stone blend on a light base will usually feel cooler underfoot and radiate less heat towards the house than a dark charcoal blend. It’s also why Wilton’s planning controls push lighter colour palettes to reduce urban heat.

Stormwater

Hard surfaces shed water instead of soaking it up. Garden strips, turf and permeable areas beside the driveway give rain somewhere to go and soften the look. Planting a tree that will eventually shade the driveway is one of the best cooling moves you can make. Our landscaping team designs these edges as part of the same job.

Longevity

A well-built, well-maintained concrete driveway lasts a long time. The longer a driveway lasts, the fewer materials and the less disruption are needed to replace it, which is a quiet environmental win.

What are the pros and cons of an exposed aggregate driveway?

Pros

• Attractive, natural stone look that adds street appeal.
• Good grip thanks to the textured surface.
• Hides dirt, dust and tyre marks better than plain or coloured concrete.
• Hard-wearing and long-lasting when built and sealed properly.
• Wide choice of stone blends and base colours.
• Light blends can help keep surfaces cooler in summer.

Cons

• Usually costs more upfront than plain concrete.
• Needs periodic resealing to look its best.
• Timing of the wash-off is critical, so installer skill matters.
• Repairs and extensions can be hard to colour-match exactly.
• Dark charcoal blends get hot in direct sun.
• Some councils and estates limit where and how it can be used, such as at the layback.

Related guides: Comparing every finish side by side? See concrete driveway cost in Sydney South West. Finishing the yard as well? Browse our front yard landscaping ideas.

About Front and Back

Front and Back is a landscaping, concrete driveway and fencing business for new homes in Sydney South West, including suburbs like Wilton, Menangle Park, Appin and Gilead. One team handles the whole job with one quote, and the owner is on site himself. We take on a limited number of jobs each month, offer a free site visit, check your estate rules, plan around your handover and give a fixed written price with no surprise extras. See where we work on our service areas page.

Sources

Facts in this guide come from these official and research sources. Rules can change, so always check the latest version with your council or estate.

• Access Driveways Specification – Camden Council
• Cool Roads Trial full report – City of Parramatta and Western Sydney University
• Wilton Development Control Plan coverage – Architecture & Design

Disclaimer: This article is general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, engineering or planning advice. Laws, council rules, estate guidelines and product warranties can change and vary between properties, so check the latest requirements with your council, estate or a qualified professional before starting work. Front and Back is not responsible for decisions made based on this article alone.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an exposed aggregate driveway take to cure?

Light foot traffic is usually OK after a few days, and you should wait at least about 7 days before driving a car on it. The concrete reaches its design strength at about 28 days, so keep heavy trucks and skip bins off until then.

Is exposed aggregate more expensive than plain concrete?

Yes, it usually costs more than plain concrete. The extra cost comes from the decorative stone blend, the surface retarder and wash-off step, and sealing. Size, access, slope and site preparation also affect the final price.

How often does exposed aggregate need resealing?

Typically every few years, depending on traffic and sun exposure. Ask your installer what suits your driveway and sealer. If water stops beading or the colour looks dull when dry, it’s usually time to reseal.

Is exposed aggregate slippery when wet?

Generally no, because the exposed stones create a textured surface with good grip. Heavy glossy sealer, very smooth pebbles or moss can reduce grip. An anti-slip additive in the sealer helps on steep driveways.

Which exposed aggregate colour stays coolest in summer?

Light and natural river-stone blends on a light base stay coolest because lighter surfaces reflect more heat. Darker charcoal blends absorb more heat and get hotter in direct sun. Adding tree shade nearby helps even more.

Can I use exposed aggregate for the whole driveway including the kerb?

Not always. For example, Camden Council requires the layback (kerb crossing) to be plain uncoloured concrete and driveways to have a non-slip finish. Check your own council, whether Camden, Campbelltown or Wollondilly, and your estate guidelines before choosing.

Can exposed aggregate be repaired or extended later?

Yes, but an exact match is hard. Stone blends and concrete batches vary, and the existing driveway will have weathered. Planning the full driveway, paths and edges in one go gives the most consistent result.

Thinking about an exposed aggregate driveway for your new home in Sydney South West? We’ll come out, look at your block, check your estate rules and give you a fixed written price for the driveway, landscaping and fencing in one quote. Call or text 0412 948 712 between 9am and 6pm, or request your quote online.

Concrete driveway cost depends mostly on the size of the area in square metres, the finish you choose, slab thickness and reinforcement, and how much site preparation is needed. Slope, access for the concrete truck or pump, council layback works, drainage and sealing also change the price. The only reliable number is a fixed written quote after a site visit.

Key takeaways

• Concrete driveway cost is driven by area, finish, slab design, site preparation, access and council works, not just the concrete itself.
• Plain concrete is usually the most affordable finish, coloured concrete sits in the middle, and exposed aggregate and stencilled or stamped finishes are usually at the higher end.
• Most guidance says wait at least about 7 days before driving a car on new concrete, and keep heavy trucks off until around 28 days.
• Councils such as Camden have their own driveway rules, including a plain uncoloured layback and a non-slip finish, so check with your council before pouring.
• Lighter colours, garden strips and nearby trees help keep your driveway and home cooler and let more rain soak into the ground.
• Compare quotes line by line and ask for a fixed written price after a site visit, so there are no surprise extras.

How much does a concrete driveway cost?

How much is a concrete driveway? There is no single figure that fits every block. Two driveways that look the same on a plan can be priced quite differently once someone checks the levels, soil and access on site.

That is why we do not publish a price list. Online “per square metre” numbers rarely include excavation, removing the builder’s temporary crossing, council layback works or drainage, so a quote can look cheap at first and then grow.

If you are wondering how much it costs to concrete a driveway on your new block, start with the cost factors below. Knowing them helps you choose a finish and compare quotes properly.

Cement driveway or concrete driveway: is there a difference?

People often search for “cement driveway cost”, but the driveway is concrete. Cement is one ingredient, mixed with sand, stone and water, so the same cost factors apply.

What makes a driveway cost more or less?

Here are the main things that shape your concrete driveway cost in Sydney South West. Some are fixed by your block. Others are choices you can make.

Area in square metres

The bigger the area, the more concrete, steel, formwork and labour you need. Think about whether every section must be concrete or whether some could be garden or turf.

Finish type

The finish is one of the biggest choices you control. Plain is usually the most affordable, coloured adds the cost of the colour, and exposed aggregate or stamped finishes take extra materials and steps, so they usually cost more.

Slab thickness and reinforcement

Slab thickness and the steel mesh or reinforcement inside it affect both strength and price. Your council may have its own requirements for the section between the kerb and your boundary. Cracked or sinking slabs are expensive to fix, so this is not the place to cut corners.

Site preparation, excavation and fill

The ground needs to be dug to the right level, compacted and topped with a suitable base. If the levels are high, soil may need to be taken away. If they are low, fill may need to be brought in. Both add time and cost.

Slope

A steep driveway is harder to form, pour and finish, and needs careful transitions so cars do not scrape. Flat blocks are generally simpler.

Access for the concrete truck or pump

If the concrete truck can back up close to the pour, the job is more straightforward. If the area is tucked behind the house, down a narrow side path or past a finished fence, a concrete pump or extra barrowing may be needed. That adds to the price, so it is worth planning the driveway before the fences go up.

Removing the builder’s temporary crossing or rubble

Many new homes are handed over with a temporary crossing or builder’s rubble out the front. It usually has to be removed first, so ask whether your quote includes it.

Council layback and crossing works

The layback is the section where the kerb is shaped for cars to cross, and the crossing runs from there to your boundary. These parts usually fall under council rules, may need approval and inspection, and have their own specifications. That adds steps to the job and should be clearly listed in any quote.

Drainage

Depending on your levels, the driveway may need falls in a particular direction, a grated drain across the slab, or a connection to your stormwater system.

Joints and edges

Control and expansion joints help manage where cracks form. Borders or banding add to the look, and a more detailed layout takes more time.

Sealing

Some finishes, especially coloured, exposed aggregate and stamped concrete, are usually sealed to protect the surface and help resist stains. Sealing is an extra step now and a maintenance job later, so factor it into your long-term thinking.

Extra paths and areas

Side paths, a path to the front door, a bin pad or a patio slab can often be poured at the same time as the driveway. Doing it all together can be more efficient than coming back later, and it means everything matches. If you are also planning landscaping or fencing, one plan for the whole block avoids paying twice for access and set-up.

Plain, coloured or exposed aggregate: which finish suits you?

The finish changes how your driveway looks, how it feels underfoot, how much it shows dirt and how much care it needs. Here is a quick guide to the four most common choices.

Plain concrete

Plain concrete is the classic grey finish, usually broomed for grip. It is simple, practical and usually the most affordable option. It is light in colour, which helps it stay cooler in summer, but it can show tyre marks, oil and dirt over time.

Coloured concrete

Coloured concrete has colour added either through the whole mix (colour-through) or with an oxide. It lets you match the driveway to your render, roof or fence. It usually sits in the middle on cost. Darker colours hide some marks but absorb more heat, while lighter tones stay cooler. It is often sealed to keep the colour looking even.

Exposed aggregate

Exposed aggregate has the top layer washed back to reveal the stones in the mix. It has a natural, textured look and good grip, and the pattern of stones is good at hiding dirt and tyre marks. It is usually at the higher end on cost and is normally sealed, with resealing needed from time to time.

Stencilled or stamped concrete

Stencilled or stamped concrete is patterned to look like pavers, brick, tiles or stone. It can look striking, but it is usually at the higher end on cost and needs sealing and resealing to keep it looking fresh. Smooth sealed surfaces can become slippery when wet unless a non-slip additive is used, which matters because councils often require a non-slip finish.

Feature	Plain	Coloured (colour-through or oxide)	Exposed aggregate	Stencil or stamped
Look	Simple grey, usually broomed	Even colour to match your home	Natural, textured stone finish	Patterned to look like pavers, brick or stone
Slip resistance	Good with a broom finish	Good with a broom finish	Good, textured surface	Can be slippery when sealed and wet unless a non-slip additive is used
Shows dirt and tyre marks	Shows marks and oil more easily	Darker tones hide some marks	Hides dirt and marks well	Pattern hides some marks
Maintenance and resealing	Low, sealing optional	Usually sealed, reseal from time to time	Usually sealed, reseal from time to time	Sealed, regular resealing to keep it looking fresh
Relative cost	Usually the most affordable	Mid	Higher	Higher
Heat	Lighter, reflects more heat	Depends on colour: lighter stays cooler, darker absorbs more heat	Depends on stone and colour mix	Depends on colour: lighter stays cooler

Whichever finish you like, remember that the layback section may have to be plain concrete under council rules. You can find more about our finishes on our concrete driveways page.

How long before you can drive on a new concrete driveway?

Concrete keeps getting stronger for weeks after it is poured. Light foot traffic is usually fine after a few days. Most guidance says to wait at least about 7 days before driving a car on new concrete.

Concrete reaches its design strength at around 28 days. Until then, keep heavy vehicles off the driveway. That includes removal trucks, skip bins and delivery trucks. This is worth planning around if you are moving into a new home, because moving day is often when the heaviest vehicles turn up.

Weather affects curing too, so your installer may adjust the timing of the pour or how the slab is protected afterwards.

Do you need council approval for a driveway?

Often, yes, at least for the part that crosses council land. For example, Camden Council’s access driveway specification says council approval and inspection apply to access driveways. It also says the layback (kerb crossing) section must be plain uncoloured concrete, and that driveways must have a non-slip finish.

Camden Council’s specification also notes that driveway approval given with a new building DA does not cover second driveways. So if you are planning an extra driveway, for example for a granny flat or side access, it needs to be looked at separately.

Rules vary between councils, so check with your own council before pouring. In Sydney South West that is usually Camden, Campbelltown or Wollondilly, depending on where you live. Your estate may also have its own design guidelines about colours and materials. If you are building in Wilton, for example, see our guide to Panorama Wilton landscaping, driveway and fencing guidelines.

Which driveway is better for the environment and a cooler home?

Sydney South West gets hot in summer, and your driveway choice affects how your front yard feels.

Lighter colours stay cooler

Lighter-coloured surfaces reflect more heat, while dark surfaces absorb it. A Western Sydney University cool-roads trial in Blacktown, Campbelltown and Parramatta found that lighter surface coatings lowered road surface temperatures by about 5.6°C on average during the day and 2°C at night. A charcoal driveway might look sharp, but a lighter tone will be more comfortable underfoot on a summer afternoon.

Trees and green space make the biggest difference

The same trial found tree shade cut road surface temperatures by about 16°C. Other Western Sydney University research comparing new and established Western Sydney suburbs found that larger green spaces, permeable surfaces and lighter roof colours reduce summer heat. Wilton’s planning controls (the Wilton DCP) also push for bigger backyards, trees in yards, front gardens and lighter colour palettes to reduce urban heat.

Let the rain soak in

Hard surfaces send rain into drains instead of letting it soak into the ground. You can reduce this by leaving garden beds or turf strips beside the driveway, setting falls toward garden areas where allowed, and keeping some permeable areas in your yard. These small choices also cut down the amount of concrete you need, which can help with cost.

How to compare driveway quotes properly

The lowest total is not always the best value. Check that each quote covers the same scope.

• Is the area in square metres stated clearly, and does it include paths and extra slabs?
• Is the finish named exactly, including colour and sealing?
• Are slab thickness and reinforcement listed?
• Are excavation, fill and removal of the builder’s temporary crossing or rubble included?
• Are council layback and crossing works, approvals and inspections included?
• Is a pump or extra access work allowed for if needed?
• Are drainage, joints and edges described?
• Is it a fixed written price, or an estimate that could change?

The safest approach is to ask for a fixed written quote after a site visit. Someone who has seen your levels, soil and access can price the job properly, rather than guessing from a plan. If you want the driveway, fencing and landscaping done together, have a look at our packages.

Before your driveway is poured: a checklist for new home owners

• Handover timing: confirm when your builder hands over the site and plan the pour around it.
• Estate rules: check your estate’s design guidelines for colours, materials and front yard requirements.
• Council layback: check your council’s rules for the layback and crossing, including any approval or inspection.
• Drainage: know where water will run and whether you need a grated drain or stormwater connection.
• Matching paths: decide whether side paths, the entry path or a bin pad should be poured at the same time.
• Letterbox: decide where the letterbox goes so it sits neatly beside the driveway.
• Where the fence meets: plan how the fence, gates and driveway edges line up, and keep access open for the concrete truck.

Related guides: Leaning towards a decorative finish? Our exposed aggregate driveway guide covers colours and care. For the rest of the block, see front yard landscaping ideas and our Colorbond fence cost guide.

About Front and Back

Front and Back does landscaping, concrete driveways and fencing for new homes in Sydney South West, with one team and one quote. The owner is on site himself, takes a limited number of jobs per month, and gives a fixed written price with no surprise extras after a free site visit. We check estate rules and plan the work around your handover.

Sources

Facts in this guide come from these official and research sources. Rules can change, so always check the latest version with your council or estate.

• Access Driveways Specification – Camden Council
• Cool Roads Trial full report – City of Parramatta and Western Sydney University
• Heat impact of urban sprawl – Western Sydney University
• Wilton Development Control Plan coverage – Architecture & Design

Disclaimer: This article is general information for educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, engineering or planning advice. Laws, council rules, estate guidelines and product warranties can change and vary between properties, so check the latest requirements with your council, estate or a qualified professional before starting work. Front and Back is not responsible for decisions made based on this article alone.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a concrete driveway cost in Sydney South West?

There is no single price, because concrete driveway cost depends on the area in square metres, the finish, slab thickness and reinforcement, site preparation, slope, access and council layback works. The best way to know is to get a fixed written quote after a site visit.

What is the cheapest concrete driveway finish?

Plain concrete is usually the most affordable finish. Coloured concrete usually sits in the middle, while exposed aggregate and stencilled or stamped finishes are usually at the higher end.

Is a cement driveway the same as a concrete driveway?

Yes, in everyday use they mean the same thing. Cement is one ingredient in concrete, which is what the driveway is actually made from, so the same cost factors apply.

How long before I can drive on my new concrete driveway?

Most guidance says wait at least about 7 days before driving a car on new concrete. Light foot traffic is usually fine after a few days. Keep heavy vehicles such as removal trucks, skip bins and delivery trucks off until around 28 days, when concrete reaches its design strength.

Can the layback at the kerb be coloured or exposed aggregate?

Often not. For example, Camden Council’s specification says the layback section must be plain uncoloured concrete. Check with your own council, whether that is Camden, Campbelltown or Wollondilly, before pouring.

Which driveway colour is best for a cooler home?

Lighter colours are best, because lighter surfaces reflect more heat while dark surfaces absorb it. Adding trees, garden beds or turf strips beside the driveway helps even more with summer heat.

What should a driveway quote include?

A good quote should list the area, finish, slab thickness and reinforcement, site preparation, removal of any temporary crossing or rubble, council layback works, drainage, joints, edges and sealing. Ask for a fixed written price so there are no surprise extras.

Ready to find out what your driveway will cost? We will visit your block for free, check your estate rules and council requirements, and give you a fixed written price with no surprise extras. Call or text 0412 948 712 between 9am and 6pm, or request a quote online.