How Much Does a Concrete Slab Cost?

If you are thinking of a new shed, patio, or driveway, one of the first things to consider is concrete slab cost or how much is a concrete slab. Australian homeowners usually pay around $70 to $150 per square meter for their concrete slab, but these prices vary with size, thickness, site conditions, and finish. A small slab for a shed may cost about $1,000, while a large foundation for a house may cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 or even more.

Because concrete slabs are the strongest support of the home project, it is important to know the factors that determine the price so that you can plan accordingly and not have any surprise costs.

This blog will guide you on how much a concrete slab is, the types, installation costs, pros, cons, and how to hire the right tradies to do it the best way. Let’s dive deeper into it.

What is the Average Concrete Slab Cost in Australia? 

The average cost of concrete slab or concrete per m² cost relies on several factors: size, thickness, and finish. The following table provides you with an average estimated cost:

The cost per square meter concrete slab in Australia varies by state. Areas such as Sydney and Melbourne tend to be more pricey because of higher labor and material costs compared to other regions.

How Much Does a Concrete Slab Cost? (By Size and Purpose)

Here’s a closer look at how slab prices vary by use:

• Small project (1.5m x 1.5 m shed pad): $250-400

• Moderate patio area (4m x 4m): $1,000-2,000

• Single car driveway: $2500-4500

• Double car garage or house foundation: $10,000-20,000+

1. Additional Costs to Consider

Concrete slab labour cost: Installation labor costs between $40 and $60 per m², depending on complexity and location.

Cost of installation on a concrete slab: Costing includes preparation of the site, formwork, pouring, and finishing. Usually costing $70–$100 per m² for standard slabs.

Cement slab cost: How much for a slab of cement? The cement part of a slab costs approximately $30–$50 per m², depending on strength and additives.

2. Concrete Slab Prices by State

Since tradie rates and material costs differ across Australia, location plays a big role:

3. What’s Included in Concrete Slab Installation Cost?

When hiring a concrete specialist, the overall cost of having a concrete slab installed is comprised of much more than only the concrete mix itself. Here's what you're really paying for, with price estimates expected in Australia for 2025:

• Material costs: The concrete mixes, steel mesh, formwork, and finishing tools are generally $50-80 per m², depending on the type of slab.

• Site preparation: Leveling, compacting, and stabilizing the base soil typically adds $20-35 per m².

• Pouring & Finishing: The cost of putting the concrete down, smoothing, and curing the slab is usually $40-60 per m².

• Cleanup & disposal: The disposal of any leftover materials or waste is noted during the pour, typically $5-10 per m².

• Optional extras: Optional extras, like coloring, polishing, sealing, or patterning, are an additional $20-50 per m².

In total, the labor cost for your concrete slab will normally be 40%-60% of your total costs, depending on the complications of access and the size of the slabs. It is always recommended to hire licensed tradies from a trusted platform.

Factors Affecting Concrete Slab Prices

Let’s understand the factors that affect the prices:

• Size and thickness: Bigger or thicker slabs necessitate greater quantities of concrete and reinforcement, thereby substantially raising the overall project cost. 

• Type of reinforcement: The use of either steel mesh or rebar adds strength to the slab but incurs additional costs for materials and labor. 

• Concrete strength: Every project includes a strength specification; therefore, concrete that has a higher MPa rating will typically be more durable and have higher load-bearing properties.

• Site conditions: Poor soil, uneven ground, or restricted access may result in higher costs. 

• Location: Labor costs and availability of materials differ by state in Australia, which will also alter labor costs. 

• Finishing options: Improving aesthetics in the form of polished, colored, or patterned surface treatment adds to the cost of the slab and makes it more specific to the client’s needs. 

• Seasonal demand: Depending on the time of year (e.g., summer), demand is greater, which may increase pricing temporarily. 

• Complexity of the actual project: Custom shapes or designs could use different formwork that may be more labor-intensive, which could raise contractor material and labor costs. 

• Drainage costs: Slopes or special water movement management (i.e., negative preparations) could add additional costs for the preparation of the slab. 

• Accessibility of sites: Depending on the site location or access for delivery, or setup of delivery and material, costs can add more to the overall labor price.

Advantages of a Concrete Slab

1. Longevity: Concrete slabs survive for years and even decades with hardly any repairs; thus, it is a long-standing investment.

2. Pest immunity: Unlike wood, concrete is not a habitat for termites and other insects.

3. Firm ground: They are the rocks on which houses, terraces, carports, or driveways are built or laid.

4. Temperature control: Summer heat can be effectively moderated by concrete, as it can naturally cool down the room.

5. Rainproof: Rain, floods, boiling summers, and freezing winters are no match for them in Australia.

6. Cost-effective long-term: The ongoing costs of maintenance and the short life expectancy are the decisive factors for their economic viability over the years.

7. Flexibility: They apply to a wide range of residential, commercial, and outdoor projects.

Drawbacks of a Concrete Slab

1. Risk of Cracking: The slab of concrete is likely to crack after some time due to earth movement or sometimes due to improper installation.

2. Irreversible Structure: The installation of a slab is a process that cannot be done again easily, and it cannot be removed from its place.

3. Difficulties of Heating: The heating of the underfloor provides warmth to the room; without it, the concrete will still feel hard and cold indoors.

4. Heavy Initial Investment: The cost for slabs that are larger or have more reinforcement is higher.

5. Drainage Problems: Inadequate site grading can lead to water accumulating around the slab.

6. Repair Difficulties: In most cases, the damaged slab would be repaired through cutting and then the replacement of the section.

7. Finishing and Decorating Increase Costs: The installation of polished or patterned concrete slabs leads to an increase in the overall cost.

8. Difficulties in Installation: Skilled workers are required to make it so that the difficult shapes and patterns are used.

9. Volatile Material Prices: The price of concrete varies according to every segment of the market, and it goes up or down from time to time, depending on the supply, demand, and transport costs.

10. Necessary Site Preparation: All the extra digging or soil treatment adds time and cost to the whole process.

Concrete Cost Estimator (Example Calculation)

Let’s take a simple 6m x 4m (24m²) patio slab example:

Use this as a reference when budgeting for your own slab.

Trusted Tradie Network: Hire Verified Concreters Across Australia

It requires a lot of money to install a concrete slab, and with the right verified local tradesman, it can turn out the way you want. The Trusted Tradie Network provides the connection of homeowners all over Australia with skilled concreters who give open quotes, have their credentials verified, and offer top-notch workmanship that you can rely on.

Comparing slab costs, project design discussions, and receiving advice on concrete type, thickness, and finish that would be suitable for your area are all of the platform's strengths. From the beginning to the very end, i.e., preparation of the site, pouring, and finishing, Trusted Tradie engages professional people, and the whole process is smooth and hassle-free.

Conclusion

The price of a concrete slab in Australia differs according to the slab size, thickness, site conditions, and finishing options. The prices of standard slabs are approximately $90–$150 per m², while high-strength options can cost even more. Knowing these factors and their advantages and disadvantages provides assistance to homeowners in making decisions.

Decide on the size of your slab, select the appropriate type of concrete, and obtain expert advice to make sure that the installation is trouble-free. Start your project now and reap the benefits of a dependable foundation that will serve you for many years.

FAQs

1. What is the average cost per square meter for a concrete slab in Australia?

In 2025, the average m² price for a concrete slab is likely to be in the range of $75 to $160 at the most, placing it between the geographical area, the size of the slab, and the type of finish applied.

2. What is the difference between the concrete driveway cost and the concrete slab cost?

The concrete driveway cost is usually higher than the concrete slab cost because a driveway needs to handle vehicle weight and constant pressure. On average, the concrete driveway cost ranges from $80 to $150 per square meter, depending on design and finish. The concrete slab cost, used for sheds, patios, or base flooring, is usually lighter and thinner (about 75–100 mm), making it more affordable, and ranges $50 to $100 per square meter.

3. How much does it cost to pour a 6x6 concrete slab?

Around $3,000 to $5,800 will be the total labor and materials cost for a concrete slab measuring 6x6 m (36 m²).

4. What is the average labour cost for a concrete slab?

The cost per m² for professional concrete laying is approximately $50-$80.

5. Is it cheaper to pour your own concrete slab?

It is possible to get some savings, but the DIY slabs are usually improper in leveling and reinforcement, leading to cracks; therefore, hiring a professional is recommended for the slab's durability.