Typical pricing below

Coloured Concrete

Coloured concrete has oxide pigment mixed directly into the concrete before it's poured, so the colour runs through the full depth of the slab rather than sitting as a surface coating. It's used to complement a home's exterior on driveways, paths and patios, and because the colour is integral, it doesn't peel or wear through the way a painted or stained surface can.

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Pricing guide: How much does coloured concrete cost?

Coloured concrete typically adds $20 to $40 per square metre on top of standard plain concrete pricing, putting most driveways and patios in the range of $150 to $220 per square metre depending on the colour and finish.

Why homeowners choose it

Colour runs through the full slab, not just the surface
Won't peel or flake the way surface coatings and paints can
Wide range of standard oxide colours to match a home's palette
Can be combined with broom, trowel or exposed finishes
Resists fading better than surface-applied stains over time

How it works

1

Colour selection

An oxide colour is chosen from the supplier's standard range, based on physical samples rather than screen colours, which can vary.
2

Batching

The oxide pigment is dosed into the concrete mix at the batching plant so the colour is consistent throughout the pour.
3

Placement

Coloured concrete is poured and screeded the same way as standard concrete, but placed and finished quickly and consistently to avoid colour variation.
4

Surface finishing

The surface is floated, broomed or otherwise textured while still workable to achieve the chosen finish.
5

Sealing

A sealer is applied once cured to protect the colour from UV fading and staining, and to enhance the finished tone.

Hiring guide

Questions worth asking before you commit to a contractor.

Are they licensed and insured for this work?

Ask to see it, not just take their word for it. Insurance protects your property if something goes wrong on site.

What exactly is included in the price?

Site preparation, disposal of old material, and any council permits can be included or charged separately — get it in writing before you compare quotes.

Who will actually be on site?

Some contractors do the work themselves; others subcontract parts of it. Neither is wrong, but you should know who is doing your job.

What happens if something unexpected turns up?

Old concrete, tree roots or drainage issues are common surprises. Ask how a change of scope gets costed before it happens, not after.

What is the warranty on the work?

Materials usually carry a manufacturer's warranty. Ask specifically about the contractor's own workmanship warranty too.

More guides and advice

Frequently asked questions

How much does coloured concrete cost?

Will coloured concrete fade over time?

Some gradual fading from UV exposure is normal for any outdoor concrete, but because the colour runs through the slab rather than sitting on the surface, it fades far less noticeably than a painted or stained finish. Sealing slows this further.

Can I match an exact colour?

Coloured concrete is supplied from a standard range of oxide colours, so it's chosen from samples rather than matched precisely to a swatch. Some batch-to-batch variation is also normal and expected.

Is coloured concrete the same as exposed aggregate?

No. Coloured concrete uses pigment mixed through the mix for an overall colour, while exposed aggregate involves washing back the surface paste to reveal the stone underneath. The two finishes can be combined.