Exposed Aggregate Driveway Cost in Brisbane (2026)
In Brisbane an exposed-aggregate driveway is priced per square metre by area, stone and base, with the non-slip finish suiting wet storm-season grades.
Your exposed aggregate driveway details
A double driveway is typically 50-70m².
Your estimate sits within the typical range.
Your estimate sits within the typical range.
Where the money goes
Estimated breakdown for your configuration
Exposed aggregate is more slip-resistant and hides marks better than plain or coloured concrete, which is why it is the most common premium driveway finish in Australia.
Ways to save
- A standard local aggregate looks great and costs much less than imported stone, ask to see finished driveways, not just samples.
- Pour the driveway and any paths together in one visit to share the concrete pump and crew cost.
- Confirm reinforcement and expansion joints are included, cracking is the main complaint and it is almost always a prep issue.
How we estimate this
An exposed aggregate driveway in Australia typically costs around $80 to $130 per square metre supplied and laid in 2026, so a double driveway often lands around $4,000 to $9,000. Premium stone, excavation and sealing push it toward the top of the range.
Pricing reviewed: October 2026.
What a exposed aggregate driveway costs in Brisbane
An exposed-aggregate driveway in Brisbane is costed by the area, the decorative stone and the base, because it is a concrete slab poured over a compacted base then washed back to expose the aggregate, a premium finish dearer than plain concrete. The stone is the main lever, as a standard aggregate is cheaper than an imported or coloured pebble, so the area, the stone and the base lead the figure.
The exposed stone gives a non-slip surface that is a real advantage in Brisbane, because the storm-season downpours leave a driveway wet and a steep concrete drive can be slippery, so the grip of exposed aggregate suits a sloping block running up to a Queenslander's under-house parking. The slab is graded to shed the subtropical rain, poured and reinforced, then the surface washed to reveal the stone and sealed. The humidity and heat mean the pour is cured so it reaches strength. Service labour near the national baseline keeps it a touch below the southern capitals. It is decorative concreting by a concreter rather than a licensed building trade, with a licensed builder for any retaining.
An exposed-aggregate driveway is decorative concreting by a concreter rather than a licensed building trade, so no building licence is required for the driveway itself, though any retaining wall or structural work needs a licensed builder, with building work licensed in Queensland under the state regulator. For a Brisbane home, the clearest way to price an exposed-aggregate driveway is by the area, the stone and the base, with the non-slip finish suiting wet storm-season grades.
Compare against the national picture: Exposed Aggregate Driveway Cost in Australia →
Exposed Aggregate Driveway Cost in other cities
Frequently asked questions
How is an exposed-aggregate driveway priced in Brisbane?
By the area, the decorative stone and the base, because it is a concrete slab washed back to expose the aggregate, so a standard stone is cheaper than an imported or coloured pebble, lifting a Brisbane driveway above plain concrete.
Is exposed aggregate good for a steep Brisbane drive?
Yes. The exposed stone gives a non-slip surface, a real advantage as storm-season downpours leave a driveway wet, so it suits a steep drive running up to a Queenslander's under-house parking in Brisbane.
Does the storm season affect an exposed-aggregate driveway in Brisbane?
It is graded for it. The slab is graded to shed the subtropical rain, and the non-slip exposed finish gives grip when a storm leaves a Brisbane driveway wet.
Do I need a licence for an exposed-aggregate driveway in Brisbane?
No. It is decorative concreting by a concreter, not a licensed building trade, though any retaining wall or structural element needs a licensed builder, with building work licensed in Queensland under the state regulator.