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What does concrete resurfacing cost?

Last Updated Sep 17, 2018 · Written by Rob Schneider · 7 min read

Concrete resurfacing can be a brilliant home improvement, but how much does it cost? It can be an inexpensive way to improve your driveway or patio and will look much better than plain concrete. The cost of the job will depend on its size and the type of concrete resurfacing you want.

On average, concrete resurfacing costs between $100 and $150 per square metre and the average job may cost $3000 to $4500. If the concrete needs repairing, the cost may be higher and if you need to have a slab poured first, the cost may be higher than having pavers laid

We look at all types of concrete resurfacing and their costs.

  1. What is concrete resurfacing?
  2. How much does coloured concrete cost?
  3. How much does pebblecrete cost?
  4. How much does stencilled concrete cost?
  5. How much does stamped concrete cost?
  6. Choosing a concrete resurfacing service

What is concrete resurfacing?

Concrete resurfacing involves putting a thin coat of concrete over existing concrete. It is often sprayed on after cracks in concrete have been repaired. The thin spray coat can be coloured or multi-coloured. Stencilled concrete uses stencils to create patterns and stamped concrete creates texture. Pebbled concrete is a different process and has been popular for decades. Each process has a different price, with coloured concrete being the least expensive and stamped concrete the most expensive.

Before choosing the least expensive option, have a looked at stencilled and stamped driveways and patios. They can look like bricks, natural stone, cobblestone or bush rock, but even stamped concrete may be less expensive than bricks or stone and will look like real brick or stone. Coloured concrete can be a good choice for some patios or driveways, but consider the other options, too.

How much does coloured concrete cost?*

Coloured concrete is usually sprayed over a plain concrete surface. If you already have a slab, extra charges may apply for cleaning and repairing the slab. Then the coloured concrete will be sprayed on. The colour goes through the concrete mix, so it won't wear off as concrete paint may do.


Coloured concrete can be either a single colour or acid dyes can be used. Acid dyes have fewer colour options, but create complementary colours in concrete. Spray on coloured concrete may cost between $70 and $95 per square metre. The price will depend on the size of the area and other factors. A smaller driveway or patio may cost more than a larger area because the concretors will factor in travel and setup time.

How much does pebblecrete cost?*

Pebblecrete is a different process than coloured, stencilled or stamped concrete. It's other name, exposed aggregate, may be more appropriate because that is what pebblecrete is. Aggregates are added to the mix and applied so the aggregates are on the surface of the driveway or patio.altPebblecrete can be applied as a single colour or patterns can be created. Plain pebblecrete will cost less than a patterned surface because it is easier to apply. The average cost of pebblecrete is around $80 per square metre more than plain concrete and it might cost around $2100 on a flat surface. A sloping surface will cost approximately $100 more and a steeply sloping surface will cost more. It costs approximately $1200 to $1500 more than plain concrete, but gives a beautiful finish that will stand the test of time.

How much does stencilled concrete cost?*

Stencilled concrete is a two-part process. First a base coat is applied and then a stencil is placed over the surface and another colour is sprayed on. The stencil can be in many patterns and when the stencilling is done, the driveway or patio can resemble stone, brick or have a coloured surface. Many patterns are available and usually one pattern won't cost more than another, but if you want two patterns and colours, the cost will be higher and patterns will cost more.alt

On average, concrete stencilling costs between $100 and $150 per square metre and the average job may cost $3000 to $4500. If the concrete needs repairing, the cost may be higher and if you need to have a slab poured first, the cost may be higher than having pavers laid. Concrete stencilling can last a long time, but get comparative quotes if you need to have a concrete slab laid first. Pavers are generally laid over a crushed rock and sand surface and may be less expensive, but get quotes first to be sure.

How much does stamped concrete cost?*

Stamped concrete is stencilled concrete with a difference. The concrete is stamped to give it texture. It may be stamped between the "pavers" but the "pavers" will also be stamped to give texture. When stamped concrete is applied by experts, it's hard to tell whether a driveway or patio is made of real stone because between the colours and the texture, a stamped surface can look identical to real stone.


Stamped concrete starts at around $120 per square metre, but prices can be higher in some areas. For complex patterns and/or if you want different textures, the price may be higher still. Like stencilled concrete, many patterns are available and you can choose from natural stone colours or colours that will brighten the appearance of your driveway or patio.

Choosing a concrete resurfacing service

Depending on the type of concrete resurfacing you want, you should choose a service that has a portfolio of jobs they have done before. They should be well established in your area and be able to show you examples of their work.altMany concretors do exposed aggregate surfaces and you can choose them from their colour choices and other services, such as patterns and more intricate designs. A plain surface is fairly easy to apply and you may get quality work from a company that charges a cheaper rate.

Coloured concrete is also easy to apply and you may want to choose a company that offers a lower rate. However, choose your colours first because not all coloured concrete companies may have the colours you want. If it is a more complex design, be sure the service you choose can create a complex design.

Stencilled and stamped concrete require experience and rather than choose the lowest quote, look for a company that can provide proof of their ability to give you the look you want. Both techniques require installers with experience in stencilling and/or stamping concrete and you want to choose a company that will guarantee their work and show you other designs they have created.

In general, stencilling and stamping concrete requires about two weeks before the surface is ready to be used. A company that tells you it will be ready in a week may not be a company you can trust.altHave a look at our Concrete Resurfacing pages and find a pattern you like. Then get three quotes for the pattern you choose, but only choose a company that can show you they have created that pattern before. Many concretors who can create resurfacing patterns can also pour a slab for you. To be sure, ask when you get quotes and find a company who can pour a slab if you need one and do the concrete resurfacing as well. The cost may be less expensive than having a concretor pour the slab and then contacting a concrete resurfacing company to resurface the concrete because they will calculate both costs and may offer a discount for both pouring the slab and resurfacing the concrete.

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.

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