Concrete Patio Cost Adelaide 2026: Plain, Coloured & Exposed Aggregate

(copy exactly)

Title: Concrete Patio Cost Adelaide 2026: Plain, Coloured & Exposed Aggregate

---

A concrete patio is one of the best investments you can make in an Adelaide home. In a city where outdoor entertaining is part of the culture for nine months of the year, a well-finished patio adds usable space, reduces maintenance, and increases the home's appeal. But there's a big range in what you'll pay — and what you'll get.

---

2026 Concrete Patio Price Guide

Finish	Price per m²
Plain grey broom finish	$65–$90/m²
Coloured / oxide concrete	$80–$120/m²
Exposed aggregate	$90–$150/m²
Honed concrete	$100–$160/m²
Pool surround (non-slip grade)	$90–$140/m²

Includes supply, labour, formwork, reinforcement, standard ground prep, and initial sealing. Drainage, existing concrete removal, and retaining walls are additional.

---

Typical Patio Sizes and Total Costs

Patio Size	Area (approx)	Broom Finish	Exposed Aggregate
Small patio (dining area)	20–30 m²	$1,300–$2,700	$1,800–$4,500
Medium patio (living + dining)	35–50 m²	$2,275–$4,500	$3,150–$7,500
Large entertaining area	60–80 m²	$3,900–$7,200	$5,400–$12,000
Pool surround + entertaining	80–120 m²	$5,200–$10,800	$7,200–$18,000

---

Which Finish Is Right for Your Patio?

Plain broom finish

The most budget-friendly option. The drag pattern from the broom provides texture and grip. Works well under a pergola or in shaded areas. Shows marks and staining more visibly than decorative finishes.

Coloured / oxide concrete

The same structural concrete, with a mineral oxide pigment added to the mix. Creates earthy tones — slate, charcoal, sandstone, terracotta. A more consistent, premium look than plain grey. Requires sealing to preserve colour.

Exposed aggregate

The most popular choice for Adelaide patios. The pebbled surface hides leaf stains, BBQ splashes, and foot traffic wear. Multiple aggregate colour options available to match your home. Excellent long-term value.

Honed concrete

Ground-back smooth after curing to reveal a polished stone-like surface. Contemporary look, popular in architectural renovations. Highest cost and requires professional maintenance sealing. Not recommended in areas that get leaf or organic debris — staining can be visible.

---

Pool Surrounds: What's Different

Pool surrounds need specific consideration beyond a standard patio:

Slip resistance: The AS 4586 standard covers slip resistance for wet pedestrian surfaces. Pool surrounds should meet at least P3 or R11 rating in the wet condition. Exposed aggregate and brushed finishes naturally achieve this; honed concrete can be too smooth unless textured additively.

Chemical resistance: Salt water pools use chlorine generators that produce hypochlorous acid. Over time, this can etch and bleach unsealed concrete. A polymer-modified sealer or specialty pool-surround sealer is essential.

Drainage falls: All concrete around a pool must be laid with a minimum 1:80 fall away from the pool coping and toward a drainage point. This keeps the pool surround from becoming a standing-water trap and prevents pool chemicals from ponding against the house structure.

Expansion joints: Water temperature changes around pools cause more expansion and contraction than a standard patio. Expansion joints (with flexible sealant, not rigid cut joints) are placed around the pool coping perimeter.

We install pool surrounds across Adelaide — call us for a site-specific quote.

---

Adelaide Climate: What You Need to Know

Adelaide summers are among the harshest conditions for fresh concrete in Australia. Three things to be aware of:

UV and surface sealing

South Australia's UV index regularly hits 12+ in summer (extreme). UV breaks down unsealed concrete surfaces faster than in cooler states. Seal your patio after 28 days cure and re-seal every 5–7 years.

Hot weather pours

We avoid concrete pours on days above 37°C or when a strong northerly is forecast. The evaporation rate is too high, weakening the surface and making decorative finishes inconsistent. If a contractor says they'll pour in a heatwave without mitigation — it's a red flag.

Winter pours

Adelaide winters are mild and actually excellent for concrete. The slower cure produces a stronger surface. If you're planning a patio, late autumn (April–May) and winter bookings often have shorter lead times.

---

What's Involved in a Patio Install

Site assessment — We check levels, drainage direction, soil type, existing structures, and any overhead or underground services.

Demolition (if required) — Existing concrete, pavers, or garden beds are removed and disposed of.

Ground prep — Excavation to the correct depth, compaction of sub-base, and laying of a crushed rock or sand bed.

Formwork — Timber or steel forms are set to the correct height, accounting for drainage falls.

Reinforcement — Steel mesh (F72 standard, heavier on reactive soils) or polypropylene fibre is placed.

Pour — Concrete truck or pump delivers the mix; crew places, screeds, and finishes.

Finishing — Broom drag, aggregate washing, or trowelling depending on chosen finish.

Cure and seal — Hessian curing for 7 days; final sealer after 28 days.

---

Get a Free Quote

Opal SA Construction installs concrete patios, entertaining areas, and pool surrounds across Adelaide metro — from Gawler to Morphett Vale, Modbury to Glenelg.

SA Licence BLD 317725 · Own crew, no subcontractors · Free written quote within 48 hours.

Call Javed: 0466 801 058 or fill in our quote form.

---

FAQs

How long does a concrete patio take to complete?

A standard 40–60 m² patio takes one day to pour, with prep work the day before if site conditions require it. Formwork is removed 2–3 days after the pour, and the surface is light-use ready in 7 days. Full cure at 28 days.

Do I need a permit for a concrete patio?

In most cases, no. A ground-level concrete patio is exempt development under SA's planning rules. If it's attached to a structure (like a roofed pergola), the structure itself may require approval but the concrete slab generally doesn't. We advise during the site visit.

Can I pour concrete over my existing patio?

In some cases yes — an overlay (50–75mm) can be placed over a structurally sound existing slab. We assess whether the existing slab can support an overlay or whether removal is better value. Overlays are cheaper per m² but have limitations on thickness and finish options.

How do I clean and maintain my concrete patio?

Regular sweeping and occasional hosing is all that's needed day-to-day. For stubborn stains, a diluted alkaline cleaner (pH 9–11) and a stiff brush works well. Avoid pressure washing too aggressively on exposed aggregate — it can displace loose surface pebbles. Re-seal every 5–8 years.

---

Published: 3 May 2026 · Opal SA Construction · BLD 317725

---

---