Exposed Aggregate Driveway Cost in Sydney (2026)
In Sydney an exposed-aggregate driveway is priced per square metre by the area, the stone chosen and the base, as a poured slab washed back to reveal the aggregate.
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 Sydney
An exposed-aggregate driveway in Sydney is costed by the area, the decorative stone chosen and the base preparation, because it is a concrete slab poured over a compacted base and then washed or ground back to reveal the stone aggregate within, which gives a premium textured finish dearer than plain concrete. The stone is the main lever, as a standard local aggregate is cheaper than an imported or coloured pebble, so the area, the aggregate and the base lead the figure.
Exposed aggregate is popular in Sydney for a high-end, non-slip driveway that suits a quality eastern-suburbs home and its slopes, giving grip on a grade and a decorative look that lifts the frontage. The slab is poured, reinforced and jointed like any concrete drive, then the surface is treated and the top skin washed off to expose the stone, and a sealer brings out the colour. The base must be compacted and the slab thick enough for vehicles. The salt air near the coast is no issue for the finish. The city's highest trade rates lift the work, and the stone choice is where the cost really ranges. 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, in New South Wales under NSW Fair Trading. For a Sydney home, the clearest way to price an exposed-aggregate driveway is by the area, the stone chosen and the base, as a poured slab washed back to the aggregate.
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 Sydney?
By the area, the decorative stone chosen and the base, because it is a concrete slab washed back to reveal the aggregate, so a standard local stone is cheaper than an imported or coloured pebble, lifting a Sydney driveway above plain concrete.
Why is exposed aggregate dearer than plain concrete in Sydney?
Because it is a premium decorative finish, the slab is poured then treated and the top skin washed off to expose the stone, which is extra work and material over a plain grey slab in Sydney.
Is exposed aggregate non-slip in Sydney?
Yes. The exposed stone gives a textured, non-slip surface that suits a sloping eastern-suburbs driveway, giving grip on a grade while looking decorative on a quality Sydney frontage.
Do I need a licence for an exposed-aggregate driveway in Sydney?
No. It is decorative concreting by a concreter, not a licensed building trade, though any retaining wall or structural element needs a licensed builder, in New South Wales under NSW Fair Trading.