
Geostone vs Coloured Concrete — What's the Price Difference?
Geostone exposed aggregate costs more than coloured concrete, but it's a modest step up rather than a big jump — and most customers feel it's worth it. Coloured concrete sits much closer to plain concrete, since it's really just an oxide added to the mix.
Updated August 2026
Geostone exposed aggregate costs more than coloured concrete, but it's a modest step up rather than a big jump — and most customers feel it's worth it. Coloured concrete sits much closer to plain concrete, since it's really just an oxide added to the mix.
The gap
Geostone is a modest premium over coloured concrete — not a dramatic jump — because of the material and the extra labour involved.
Coloured concrete
Coloured concrete is much closer in price to plain concrete, since it's just an oxide mixed into the same pour.
The short answer
Geostone exposed aggregate costs more than coloured concrete, but it’s a modest step up rather than a big jump — most customers feel it’s worth it for the finish you get. Coloured concrete, on the other hand, is priced much closer to plain concrete, because it’s really just an oxide mixed into the same pour rather than a different process.
Why Geostone costs more
Two things push the price up compared to coloured concrete:
- The material itself. Geostone aggregate costs more than a plain mix or an oxide colour added to one.
- The extra labour. A coloured pour is largely finished once it’s poured and set. Geostone needs more steps — exposing the stone, washing it back and sealing it — which adds time on site.
Where coloured concrete sits
Coloured concrete is just plain concrete with an oxide mixed in, so it’s a small step up from plain grey concrete — nowhere near the jump to Geostone. It’s a good option if you want some colour on a budget, but it won’t give you the textured, stone-exposed look and slip resistance that Geostone does.
Is it worth the difference?
For most homeowners, yes. The step up from coloured to Geostone is modest, not dramatic, and you’re getting a higher-end, textured finish that’s popular for driveways, paths and pool surrounds. The only way to know the exact numbers for your job is a quote — get in touch and we’ll price it properly.
Common questions
Related questions
01Why does Geostone cost more than coloured concrete?
02Is coloured concrete a cheaper way to get a decorative look?
03Is the extra cost of Geostone worth it?
Keep reading
More guides
Is Architectural and Decorative Concreting the Same Thing?
No, they're not the same term, even though people use them interchangeably because the two overlap quite often. Architectural concrete is a structural element finished with an aesthetic, exposed look. Decorative concreting is a finish applied to non-structural elements to improve appearance.
Concrete Driveway Options in Sydney - Plain vs Coloured vs Exposed Aggregate
For a concrete driveway in Sydney, plain concrete is the classic, cost-effective option from around $120+/m², coloured concrete lets you match your home's colour scheme from around $180+/m², and Geostone exposed aggregate is the premium, stand-out option from around $260+/m².
How Much Does Exposed Aggregate Concrete Cost in Sydney?
Exposed aggregate (Geostone) driveways and paths in Sydney typically start from around $260+ per square metre installed — generally more than double the cost of plain concrete — with the final price driven by the size of the job, steel specs, site access, the Geostone mix and the finish.
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