Honed Concrete Cost Calculator
Estimate the cost of honed (grind-and-seal) concrete. The cured slab is mechanically ground smooth to expose the sand and stone, giving a flat, modern finish popular for alfresco areas and driveways.
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Honed concrete gives a flatter, more refined look than exposed aggregate and is easier underfoot, but it can be more slippery when wet, so ask about an anti-slip additive for pool surrounds and steps.
💰 Ways to save
- A light salt-and-pepper grind is the cheapest honed look and still modern, deep exposure costs more for the extra passes.
- Specify a honed finish before the pour, retrofitting a honed look to an unsuitable slab costs more and looks worse.
- Bundle honing of driveway, path and alfresco in one mobilisation of the grinding gear.
or from $23/week over 5 years , indicative finance
How we estimate this
Honed concrete in Australia typically costs around $90 to $150 per square metre supplied and laid in 2026, more than plain or exposed aggregate because of the grinding and sealing labour. A mid-size alfresco or driveway often lands around $3,500 to $9,000.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
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Pricing reviewed November 2026. Indicative Australian costs, not a quote.
Understanding honed concrete costs in Australia
Honed concrete in Australia typically costs around $90 to $150 per square metre supplied and laid in 2026, more than plain or exposed aggregate because of the grinding and sealing labour. A mid-size alfresco or driveway often lands around $3,500 to $9,000.
The slab has to be poured with honing in mind, with suitable aggregate and enough thickness to grind. Colour oxide, sealing and the depth of grind are the main cost levers on top of the area.
Frequently asked questions
How much does honed concrete cost per m² in Australia?
Roughly $90 to $150 per square metre supplied and laid in 2026, depending on the depth of grind, colour and sealing. It costs more than exposed aggregate because of the extra grinding.
What is the difference between honed and polished concrete?
Honed concrete is ground to a smooth matte finish and sealed, usually outdoors. Polished concrete is ground much finer to a glossy indoor floor. Honed is the outdoor / driveway finish.
Are you a concreter / decorative concrete business?
Everyone on this page is working out what honed concrete costs because they are ready to hire. Put your business right beneath the calculator, in your state, so you are who they find. From $50/mo.