Sunshine Coast Concreting Services: Driveways, Slabs & Exposed Aggregate
Concreting on the Sunshine Coast is not just about forming it up and pouring. Ground conditions, excavation, compacted roadbase, drainage, reinforcement, concrete strength, access and the finish all need to suit the property and how the concrete will actually be used.
We handle concrete driveways, house and shed slabs, exposed aggregate, pool surrounds, patios and commercial concreting across Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Buddina, Kawana, Caloundra, Coolum, Buderim, Nambour and surrounding hinterland areas. From flat coastal blocks to sloping properties through Woombye, Montville and Maleny, we look at levels, subgrade, stormwater, truck access, pump requirements, existing concrete and spoil removal before work starts.
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FOR YOUR HOME
Residential Concreting Services on the Sunshine Coast
We handle residential concreting from the coastal strip through to the hinterland, including driveways, structural slabs, pool surrounds, patios, retaining walls, paths, steps and crossovers. Before anything is poured, we look at ground conditions, access, drainage, finished levels, reinforcement and how the concrete will actually be used.
Concrete Driveways
A good driveway starts underneath the concrete. Depending on the site, preparation can include excavation, removal of unsuitable material, compacted crushed-rock roadbase, formwork, reinforcing mesh and correct falls before pouring. Residential driveways commonly use normal-class concrete such as N25 or N32, with slab thickness and reinforcement matched to ground conditions, vehicle loads and design rather than using one blanket specification everywhere.
House & Extension Slabs
House and extension slabs are structural concrete, so the supplied engineering and footing design control the job. Preparation can include excavation, edge beams, waffle pods or raft construction, vapour barriers, termite provisions, reinforcement, plumbing penetrations and pre-pour checks. Extensions also need accurate finished floor levels and careful detailing where the new slab meets the existing structure, services and surrounding finishes.
Shed & Garage Slabs
A garden shed slab and a workshop floor are not automatically the same specification. We look at shed dimensions, roller-door rebates, thickened edges, bolt-down points, drainage falls and expected loads before pouring. Cars, caravans, hoists, heavy shelving and workshop machinery can all change the required slab thickness, reinforcement and concrete strength, with supplied engineering followed where the loads require it.
Concrete Pool Surrounds
Pool surrounds need to handle water, bare feet, heat and pool chemicals at the same time. Exposed aggregate, honed concrete and lighter coloured finishes are common Sunshine Coast options, but slip resistance matters just as much as appearance. Coping levels, isolation joints, drainage grates, pool-fence footing locations and falls should also be planned before concrete is placed around the pool.
Concrete Patios & Outdoor Areas
Patios and alfresco areas need to work with door thresholds, landscaping and stormwater. Finished levels and falls should move water away from the house, with strip drainage incorporated where needed. Broom, exposed aggregate, coloured and decorative finishes suit different uses, while pergola or patio-roof footings and thickened sections can also be allowed for before the slab is poured.
Concrete Retaining Walls
Retaining work is common on sloping blocks through Buderim, Palmwoods, Woombye and the hinterland. Depending on the design, construction may involve reinforced poured concrete, core-filled blockwork or concrete sleepers. Footings, reinforcing steel, agricultural drainage pipe, free-draining backfill and surcharge loads all matter because trapped water behind a retaining wall can create significant pressure, movement and longer-term structural problems.
Concrete Paths & Footpaths
Paths still need proper preparation if they are going to stay level and drain correctly. We look at excavation, compacted base, reinforcement, control joints and falls so water moves away from the house instead of pooling beside it. Side-access paths also need to work around weep holes, termite inspection zones, stormwater pipes, clotheslines, bins and established tree roots.
Concrete Steps & Stairs
Concrete steps need accurate set-out so risers, treads and landings remain consistent from top to bottom. We form and reinforce stairs for entries, patios, retaining-wall areas and sloping blocks while allowing for drainage and slip resistance. Outdoor finishes can include broom concrete, exposed aggregate and other textured surfaces, with handrail and National Construction Code requirements considered where they apply.
Concrete Driveway Crossovers
Driveway crossovers connect the private driveway to the road through the verge, so finished levels, kerb profile, drainage and vehicle clearance all matter. Sunshine Coast Council has specific requirements for work within the road reserve, with standard residential and heavy-duty crossover drawings applying in different situations. The crossover should be planned with the driveway rather than treated as an afterthought.
PLANNING A PROJECT?
Planning a Driveway, Slab or Outdoor Concrete Area?
Call us with your suburb, approximate dimensions, preferred finish and a brief description of the site. We’ll discuss the access, levels, existing surface and likely preparation before arranging the next step.
FOR BUSINESSES
Commercial Concreting Services on the Sunshine Coast
We handle commercial concreting for builders, businesses and property owners across the Sunshine Coast, including slabs, car parks, hardstands and workshop floors. Commercial work needs closer attention to engineering, compaction, services, drainage, vehicle loads, access and pour sequencing so the concrete suits the site and intended use.
Commercial Concrete Slabs
Commercial slabs are built to the project specification rather than a generic residential setup. Before pouring, we check subgrade preparation, compaction, vapour barriers, mesh or bar reinforcement, penetrations and in-slab services against the drawings. Depending on the design, N25, N32 or other concrete specifications may be nominated, along with slab thickness, jointing, reinforcement, curing requirements and the required surface finish.
Car Parks & Concrete Hardstands
Car parks and hardstands need to carry repeated vehicle loads while shedding stormwater properly. We look at sub-base preparation, slab thickness, reinforcement, falls, pits, grates, kerbs, dish drains and vehicle movements before concrete is placed. Light-vehicle parking, loading areas and truck or machinery hardstands can require different pavement designs, with staged pours used where part of an operating site must remain accessible.
Warehouse & Industrial Concrete
Warehouse and workshop floors need to cope with forklifts, storage racking, machinery and repeated wheel traffic. Important details include slab thickness, reinforcement, floor flatness, control-joint layout, saw cuts, armoured joints and locally thickened areas under concentrated loads. Steel-trowelled or machine-finished surfaces are common, with sealers or surface hardeners considered where oils, chemicals, dust or heavy traffic are expected.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
Specialty Concreting Services on the Sunshine Coast
Not every concrete job starts with a completely new slab. We also handle removal, resurfacing, sealing, grinding and saw cutting where existing concrete is damaged, worn, uneven or needs modification, repair or preparation for another finish.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Exposed aggregate combines decorative stone with a textured surface suited to Sunshine Coast driveways, paths and pool surrounds. A surface retarder is commonly applied before the cement paste is washed back to expose the aggregate. Pebble, quartz-style and darker blends create different colours, textures and maintenance requirements.
Concrete Removal & Replacement
Widespread cracking, settlement, root damage or a failed base can mean patching is only cosmetic. The affected slab can be saw-cut and removed so the ground underneath can be inspected. Poor compaction, water movement, unstable fill and incorrect levels should be addressed before new roadbase, reinforcement and replacement concrete are installed.
Concrete Resurfacing & Overlays
Resurfacing can refresh a structurally sound driveway, patio or pool surround without demolishing the entire slab. Preparation may include pressure cleaning, diamond grinding, removal of failed coatings and minor repairs before a spray-on, stencilled or textured polymer-modified overlay is applied. The existing slab still needs to be stable.
Concrete Sealing & Resealing
Sealers can help protect exposed aggregate, coloured and decorative concrete from moisture, staining and weather exposure. Penetrating products retain a natural appearance, while film-forming sealers can deepen colour and sheen. Existing cloudy, worn or flaky coatings need proper preparation before resealing, with slip resistance considered around wet areas.
Concrete Grinding & Surface Preparation
Diamond grinding can remove old coatings, surface contamination and minor high points while creating a suitable profile for resurfacing or sealing. It can also help correct smaller trip edges and transitions where local treatment makes more sense than demolishing an entire slab.
Concrete Cutting & Saw Cutting
Saw cutting creates control joints, isolates sections for demolition and produces clean edges for partial replacement. Handheld saws, floor saws and diamond blades may be used depending on access and depth. Cutting is also useful where existing concrete needs modification for drainage, plumbing, electrical services or extensions.
WHY CHOOSE US
Why Choose Sunshine Coast Concreting Services?
A concrete quote on the Sunshine Coast should tell you more than an area and a price. Ground conditions, access, drainage, excavation, base preparation, reinforcement, concrete specification, finish and disposal can all change what is actually involved in the job.
HOW IT WORKS
Our Concreting Process on the Sunshine Coast
Concrete itself is only one part of the job. Inspection, excavation, base preparation, drainage and reinforcement often determine how well the finished slab performs long before the concrete truck arrives.
01
Quote & Site Check
We start with the project type, location, approximate dimensions and finish. On site we check existing levels, slope, stormwater, old concrete, underground services and access for trucks or machinery. Tight side access or long distances from the truck may mean a concrete pump is required.
02
Excavation & Base Preparation
Old concrete or unsuitable material is removed where required. The subgrade is shaped, then suitable roadbase or foundation material is placed and compacted. Formwork sets the slab dimensions and levels, while drainage, rebates, penetrations and thickened edges are incorporated before reinforcement goes in.
03
Concrete Pour & Finish
Specified mesh or reinforcing bar is supported on suitable chairs or spacers so it stays in the intended position during the pour. Concrete is then placed, screeded and finished as broom, exposed aggregate, coloured, steel-trowelled or another finish suited to the project.
04
Joints, Curing & Completion
Control joints are positioned to help manage shrinkage cracking and may be tooled during finishing or saw-cut later. Decorative concrete may then require wash-off or sealing. Curing follows, with foot traffic, vehicles and heavy loads kept off until the concrete has developed sufficient strength.
LOCAL CONDITIONS
Sunshine Coast Ground, Drainage & Council Conditions
The Sunshine Coast is not one uniform construction environment. Ground profile, elevation, slope, drainage, access and what is uncovered during excavation can all change how a driveway, slab or outdoor concrete area needs to be prepared.
Coastal Ground & Low-Lying Sites
Low-lying coastal sites can need closer attention to subgrade stability, fill, drainage and groundwater. Queensland guidance also identifies coastal land below 5m Australian Height Datum as having a higher likelihood of acid sulfate soils. That does not mean every coastal property has an issue, but deeper excavation or significant ground disturbance may require additional investigation.
Coffee Rock & Hidden Coastal Layers
Apparently simple sandy ground can change once excavation starts. Sunshine Coast Council heritage information records coffee rock beneath sandy deposits at Mooloolaba Spit. It is not present beneath every coastal property, but it is a useful local example of why ground conditions should be assessed rather than assuming the subgrade will remain uniform.
Sloping & Hinterland Blocks
Around Buderim, Woombye, Palmwoods, Montville and Maleny, slope and access can become as important as the concrete itself. Excavation, cut-and-fill areas, retaining, spoil removal, finished levels and stormwater all matter. Steeper sites can also require longer pump runs or more difficult machinery access, changing how the job is prepared and priced.
Driveway Crossovers & Council Requirements
For Sunshine Coast Council-controlled roads, the crossover runs through the verge between the road and property boundary. Council lists RSD-100 and RSD-101 for residential driveways, RSD-102 for heavy-duty crossings and RSD-200 for kerb and channel profiles. Standard crossovers can proceed under standard conditions where the checklist is satisfied, while non-standard arrangements may need further assessment.
MATERIALS & FINISHES
Concrete Materials, Finishes & Options
The right finish depends on where the concrete is going and how it will be used. On the Sunshine Coast, grip, heat, weather exposure, traffic and maintenance matter alongside appearance.
Plain Concrete
Plain grey concrete is a practical option for driveways, paths, shed slabs and service areas. Broom finishes provide outdoor grip, while steel-trowelled surfaces create a flatter, denser finish for garages, workshops and protected areas.
Coloured Concrete
Coloured concrete uses oxide pigment mixed through the batch. Charcoal, grey, sandstone and earth tones are common choices. Darker colours absorb more heat, while lighter finishes can show dirt and tyre marks more easily.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate reveals decorative stone by washing back the surface cement paste at the right stage. Pebble, quartz-style and darker blends create different colours and textures while providing useful grip for driveways, paths and pool areas.
Decorative & Patterned
Stamped and stencilled concrete can reproduce stone, brick, slate or paver-style patterns. The finished look depends on the pattern, base colour, contrasting tones and surrounding landscaping, so the design should suit the property.
Honed & Polished
Honed concrete is mechanically ground to expose aggregate and suits entries, alfresco areas and some pool surrounds. Polished concrete is generally better suited to internal or protected spaces where a smoother, refined surface is preferred.
Concrete Sealing
Sealing can help reduce staining and protect decorative concrete from moisture and weather exposure. Penetrating sealers retain a natural appearance, while film-forming products can deepen colour and sheen. Slip resistance also matters in wet areas.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What to Expect From Your Concrete Project
Concrete work can involve machinery, pump hoses, excavation, weather delays and temporary access restrictions. Knowing what to expect makes the project easier to plan around.
Access & Concrete Pumping
Tight side access or a long distance from the concrete truck may require a pump. Driveway width, slope, overhead clearance and room for excavators or bobcats can all affect how the job is set up.
Weather & Pour Scheduling
Heavy rain can delay excavation, base preparation or the pour, while hot and windy conditions can speed up finishing times. Sunshine Coast weather can change quickly, so pour dates sometimes need to move.
Site Disruption & Clean-Up
Excavation and demolition can create noise, dust, spoil and temporary access restrictions. Vehicles, bins, pets and neighbouring access may need planning, with excess material and site debris handled as part of the agreed scope.
Curing & When You Can Use It
Concrete gains strength progressively. Foot traffic, vehicles and heavier loads may need to stay off for different periods depending on the mix, slab design, curing conditions and intended use.
PRICING GUIDE
How Much Does Concreting Cost on the Sunshine Coast?
Concrete pricing is more useful as a range than a single square-metre figure. Published Sunshine Coast cost guides show substantial variation between plain, decorative and resurfaced concrete, while excavation, access, demolition, pumping, drainage, reinforcement, slab thickness and site conditions can materially change the final quote.
Published Sunshine Coast Pricing Guide
Work Type | Typical Range |
|---|---|
Plain concrete / broom finish | $73 – $145 / m² |
Coloured / oxide concrete | $92–$195/m² |
Exposed aggregate | $115–$195/m² |
Stamped / stencilled concrete | $115 – $195 / m² |
Concrete resurfacing | $48–$78/m² |
Old concrete removal 20 m² shed slab | $29–$78/m² Approx. $1,450–$3,400 total |
These figures come from a Sunshine Coast pricing guide last verified in September 2026. They are budgeting ranges rather than our fixed rates and include GST.
What Affects Your Concrete Quote?
The finish is only one part of the price. Two areas with the same square metres can still require very different amounts of work.
Our advice: Compare what is included in each quote, not just the final price.
WANT AN ACTUAL PRICE?
Get a Quote for Your Concrete Project
Tell us what you’re planning, where the property is and approximately how large the area is. If you have photos or already know the finish you want, send those through as well.
WHAT CAN GO WRONG
Coastal Subgrade Failure: Why Good Concrete Can Still Crack
A new exposed aggregate driveway can look perfect when it is finished, but the surface is only as reliable as the ground supporting it.
On a low coastal site, problems can start where loose sandy material or poorly compacted fill is left beneath the slab, roadbase preparation is inconsistent, drainage allows water to track along an edge, or reinforcement is poorly supported.
After repeated heavy rain, water can move through weak material beneath the concrete. Fine particles shift, local support reduces and part of the slab can begin to settle. The concrete then has to bridge an unsupported area, increasing the risk of cracking and differential movement.
The exposed aggregate finish was never the real problem.
The failure started underneath it.
Resurfacing does not correct this type of movement. The affected section may need to be removed so drainage, subgrade and supporting base can be corrected before replacement concrete is placed.
SERVICE AREAS
Concreting Across the Sunshine Coast
We work across coastal, urban and hinterland parts of the Sunshine Coast. Ground conditions, slope, access and drainage can vary significantly, so each site needs to be looked at on its own merits.
Coastal Sunshine Coast
Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Buddina, Kawana Waters, Birtinya, Mountain Creek, Marcoola and Coolum Beach. Coastal sites can involve sandy ground, lower levels and drainage considerations that affect preparation and finish selection.
Southern Sunshine Coast
Caloundra, Pelican Waters, Baringa, Nirimba and surrounding areas. Common work includes driveways, slabs, pool surrounds, patios and crossovers across newer and established residential areas.
Central & Elevated Areas
Buderim, Sippy Downs, Forest Glen and Nambour. Slope, retaining, excavation, level changes and access for trucks, pumps or machinery can become more important on elevated or tighter sites.
Hinterland
Woombye, Palmwoods, Montville, Maleny and surrounding areas. Steeper driveways, longer pump runs, cut-and-fill, spoil removal, retaining and drainage can all change how the job is prepared and priced.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
What Our Customers Say
Real feedback from local homeowners across Toowoomba and the surrounding suburbs.
QUESTIONS
Sunshine Coast Concreting FAQs
Concrete projects can vary considerably depending on the site, ground conditions, access, drainage, intended loads and finish. These are some of the most common questions homeowners and property owners ask before organising concreting on the Sunshine Coast.
How much does a concrete driveway cost on the Sunshine Coast?
The cost of a concrete driveway depends on much more than the square metres. Excavation, old-concrete removal, spoil disposal, roadbase preparation, access, concrete pumping, drainage, reinforcement, slab thickness, crossover work and the selected finish can all affect the final price. Plain broom concrete is generally cheaper than coloured, exposed aggregate or decorative finishes because the materials and finishing process are simpler. A flat, open-access driveway will also usually be easier to build than a steep or restricted site requiring additional excavation or pumping. The most useful comparison is therefore the full scope of the quote, not just the advertised rate per square metre.
Do I need Sunshine Coast Council approval for a new concrete driveway?
The section of driveway inside your property is different from the driveway crossover, which passes through the verge or road reserve between the road and the property boundary. Sunshine Coast Council distinguishes between standard and non-standard crossover arrangements. A standard residential crossover that satisfies Council's requirements can generally proceed under the applicable standard conditions, while non-standard, commercial or industrial crossings may require additional assessment or approval. Council standard drawings include RSD-100 and RSD-101 for residential driveways and RSD-102 for heavy-duty vehicle crossings. The road type, kerb profile, stormwater and finished driveway levels should all be checked before the crossover is poured.
How much does exposed aggregate concrete cost per square metre?
Exposed aggregate generally costs more than plain concrete because the decorative aggregate, surface-retarding process, washback and finishing require additional materials and labour. Published Sunshine Coast pricing guides currently place exposed aggregate broadly around $115–$195/m², but that should only be treated as a budgeting range. Excavation, access, pumping, reinforcement, slab thickness, drainage, aggregate selection, sealing and the size of the project can all change the final price.A large, open-access driveway may have a very different square-metre cost from a smaller pool surround or difficult-access job, even when the same exposed aggregate finish is selected.
What is the average price of a concrete slab on the Sunshine Coast?
The price of a concrete slab depends on what the slab is being built for. A small garden shed slab, house extension, garage floor and structural building slab can all require different excavation, thickness, reinforcement, edge beams, concrete strength and engineering.For example, a published Sunshine Coast budgeting guide currently places a 20 m² shed slab at roughly $1,450–$3,400, but actual pricing can move considerably depending on access, ground preparation, pumping and the slab design.
For structural slabs, the supplied engineering and footing design should control the specification rather than relying on a generic square-metre rate.
How long after pouring concrete can you drive on a driveway?
Concrete begins hardening quickly, but it develops strength progressively over time. That means a driveway can look dry well before it is ready to carry vehicle loads. The appropriate wait depends on the concrete mix, slab thickness, curing conditions, weather and the type of vehicle using the driveway. A passenger car places a different load on the slab to a loaded work ute, caravan, boat or heavier vehicle. Rather than relying on one universal number of days, the best approach is to follow the guidance provided for the actual concrete specification and project. Keeping vehicles off too early reduces unnecessary stress while the slab is still gaining strength.
What concrete thickness is required for a residential driveway?
Residential driveways are often built somewhere around the 100–125 mm range, but that should not be treated as a mandatory specification for every property. The appropriate thickness depends on the ground underneath, base preparation, reinforcement, vehicle loads, driveway design, crossover requirements and any engineering supplied. A driveway used by normal passenger cars may need a different specification to one regularly carrying caravans, boats, loaded work vehicles or heavier equipment. Thickness is also only one part of the system: poor compaction, inadequate drainage or weak edge support can still cause problems even when the concrete itself is relatively thick.
Should I use N25 or N32 concrete for my driveway?
N25 and N32 refer to normal-class concrete strength grades, with N32 having a higher characteristic compressive strength than N25. That does not mean N32 is automatically the correct choice for every driveway. The concrete grade needs to work with the slab thickness, reinforcement, subgrade preparation, joints and expected vehicle loads. A higher-strength mix cannot compensate for poor roadbase compaction, inadequate drainage or incorrectly positioned reinforcement. The better question is whether the complete driveway specification suits the site and how the driveway will be used rather than selecting the concrete purely by the MPa number.
What is the best non-slip concrete finish for a pool surround?
There is no single best pool finish because grip, heat, appearance, maintenance and budget all matter.
Common options include exposed aggregate, honed concrete with an appropriate slip-resistant treatment, broom-finished concrete and lighter coloured decorative finishes. Exposed aggregate provides natural texture, while honed concrete can create a smoother premium appearance but needs careful consideration of slip resistance and sealing around wet areas.
The surrounding design matters just as much as the finish. Falls, drainage grates, coping levels, isolation joints, pool-fence footings and surface temperature should all be considered before the concrete is placed.
How do you prepare sandy coastal soil or reactive ground before pouring concrete?
Concrete performance depends heavily on what is supporting it. On coastal Sunshine Coast sites, the ground can include loose sand, imported fill, changing soil layers or higher groundwater conditions. Unsuitable or unstable material may need to be removed, the subgrade shaped and compacted, and suitable roadbase or foundation material installed before the slab is formed and reinforced. Elevated and hinterland properties can present different issues such as slope, cut-and-fill areas, rock, retaining and machinery access. The important point is that the slab preparation should respond to the actual ground found on site, rather than assuming every Sunshine Coast block needs exactly the same base preparation.
Can you pour concrete over an old cracked driveway?
Sometimes new concrete or resurfacing can work with an existing slab, but significant cracking or movement usually needs more investigation first. If the old driveway has settled because of poor compaction, unstable fill, tree roots, drainage problems or loss of support underneath, simply covering the surface does not correct the underlying cause. Cracks or movement can eventually transfer into the new work. Where the slab is badly failed, the better approach may be to saw-cut and remove the affected concrete, inspect and correct the subgrade and drainage, install suitable base material and reinforcement, then pour the replacement slab. Resurfacing is generally better suited to structurally stable concrete with mainly surface-level deterioration.
GET IN TOUCH
Need a Concreter in Toowoomba?
Tell us what you’re planning, where the property is and roughly how large the area is. If you have photos, plans or already know the finish you want, send those through as well.
We can then look at the likely access, excavation, drainage, base preparation and concrete requirements before working out the next step.
Request a Free Quote
Tell us about your concrete project and we’ll be in touch to arrange a quote.