How Much Does An Exposed Aggregate Driveway Cost?

As a general guide, an exposed aggregate driveway using standard locally sourced stone typically sits somewhere around $80 to $150 per square metre installed, with graded river pebble or basalt finishes tracking higher and premium or imported aggregates higher again. Regional NSW pricing, including the Northern Rivers, generally comes in below metro Sydney rates for comparable work. These figures move depending on your site, so treat them as a starting point for budgeting rather than a quote.

• Standard locally sourced aggregate: generally the most affordable option
• Graded river pebble or basalt: a step up in cost, with a more refined finish
• Premium or imported aggregate: the highest cost tier, chosen for a specific look
• Site prep, access and slope: can shift the price regardless of aggregate choice

The aggregate itself is only one part of the exposed aggregate driveway price. Site preparation is often the bigger variable, particularly on rural and semi-rural Northern Rivers blocks where soil type, slope and existing surface all play a role. Removing an old driveway, cutting and compacting a new base, or working around a sloped site all add labour before a drop of concrete goes down. Reinforcement, slab thickness and the number of sealer coats also affect the final figure. As a rule, larger driveways cost less per square metre than small ones, since setup, formwork and delivery costs are spread across more area. A 20 square metre courtyard job will generally sit higher on the exposed aggregate cost per m2 scale than a 60 square metre driveway, even with the same finish.

Plain concrete is the cheaper option upfront, generally landing somewhere in the range of $60 to $90 per square metre for a standard driveway, well below what most homeowners pay for an exposed finish. The exposed aggregate vs plain concrete cost gap reflects the extra labour involved in exposing and finishing the aggregate, along with the aggregate material itself. For a lot of Northern Rivers homeowners the decision comes down to whether the slip resistance, texture and street appeal of an exposed finish is worth the premium over a plain slab. If you're still weighing up your options, our comparison guide on exposed aggregate vs plain concrete breaks down the pros and cons of each.

A properly scoped exposed aggregate quote should cover excavation, base preparation, reinforcement, the concrete pour itself, the aggregate exposure process and at least one coat of sealer. What often gets missed in a quick quote is the cost of removing an existing driveway, any additional site work needed for a sloped or reactive soil block and the cost of a concrete pump if truck access is restricted. When you're comparing quotes, it's worth asking exactly what's included so you're comparing like for like rather than comparing a stripped-back price against a complete one.

For most driveways, the answer comes down to how long you plan to stay in the property and how much you value the finish. Exposed aggregate is more slip resistant than plain concrete, hides everyday marks and wear better, and tends to add more to kerb appeal. It's also a durable, long-lasting surface when it's installed properly, which offsets some of the upfront premium over the life of the driveway. If budget is the main driver, plain concrete remains a solid, functional option. If you want a finish that lifts the street presence of the home, the extra spend on exposed aggregate is generally where Northern Rivers homeowners see the most value.