What Is Concrete Used for in Homes Today?

Concrete is one of the most commonly used material in the construction. Even though it has been around ever since the ancient times, laying a nice and solid concrete slab is still a skill that professionals do best.

Being so widespread, concrete found its way into the households, as well. There are at least 6 different uses for concrete today, some of them less usual as others.

1. Concrete foundations

These concrete foundations are used for homes, but also garages, sheds and other objects you have on your property. Making concrete foundations for your projects involves some serious knowledge in concreting, so you need a real concreter to do it.

To place foundations, you need to do some digging. The ground then needs to be cleared and the gravel needs to be poured in and settled. That is the very basic preparation before adding concrete.

How Much Does a Concrete Foundation Cost?

Your concrete foundation is actually all about pouring and curing different types of concrete slabs. Concreting prices in Australia vary from $50 to $110 depending on the type of concrete, method of pouring and many more. Ask for a quote from different concreters in Australia to get a better idea about the price of your project.

2. Pathways

From just simple concrete slabs poured in straight lines, to manually poured, multi-shaped tiles that are aligned in a winding garden pathway, there is no limit to what you can do with your concrete paths. They can be simple or complex, but they are best done in concrete. Garden pathways are usually the first concreting DIY projects people try.

How Much Does a Concrete Pathway Cost?

You can expect a simple concrete pathway to cost you anywhere between $45 and $50 per square metre. In this case, this is a simple, concrete slab pathway with no special stencils, stamps or finishes. All these additions cost extra.

3. Driveways

The driveways are useful because they make it easier for your car to go into your garage than it would be if it would go over soil and grass. Moreover, this is a much cleaner solution and the wheels don’t spread the mud all over the place. Concrete is a very durable and sturdy material, so it is a perfect material for your driveway.

How Much Does It Cost to Do a Driveway?

Expect everything from $75 to $95 per square metre if your driveway is sloping. Driveways have to be built according to the regulations issued by the Australian Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. This is the reason why the price per square metre for a driveway is bigger than the price for regular concrete slab. For the same reason, it is advisable to find an experienced concreter who can make your driveway for you.

4. House floors

Concrete has been used for inside floors for big factories, halls and different public places. However, it has found its place in modern homes and bars. The industrial trend in interior design has spread like a wildfire.

Designers had to find a way to use the sturdy and crude appearance of the concrete and to make it more appealing and suitable for everyday surrounding. Concrete floors are now polished, treated and used as wonderful, glossy surfaces that add to the ambient lights.

How Much Does It Cost to Polish a Concrete Floor?

Polishing concrete floor costs from $50 to $65 per square metre if you are ordering the basic grind and seal treatment that doesn’t require too much aggregate visibility and your floors are not complicated with areas that are difficult to reach. If any of these factors comes into play, the price can even double.

5. Concrete Furniture

It is not just the floors that are made of concrete in today’s households. Polished and shined kitchen counters and even benches are increasingly popular. They may come across as cold and uncomfortable, but you will find many satisfied customers that love their concrete furniture. It is especially true for those who prefer minimalist design.

You can see entire bathrooms designed to be entirely from concrete. Concrete tables, sinks and many more pieces that people now use indoors.

6. Patios

Now that the indoors are covered, it is time to move outdoors. Your outdoor living room will sustain heavy furniture, a lot of chairs and even a BBQ if you set the foundations right. You can use it for nice evening dinners or to change setting for your family lunch.

Of course, if the weather is nice, you can place two sunbeds, some shade and a little table and enjoy sunbathing, right there on your own patio.

How Much Does It Cost to Put In Concrete Patio?

This will cost you anywhere from $50 to $85 per square metre. Therefore expect to pay anywhere from $450 to $765 for a patio that is 3m x 3m. This is the price of a concrete slab and not the price of a pergola or a shade that you need to instal separately if you want to have them.

Besides these uses, you can use concrete to create outdoor furniture and a nice garden BBQ. You can pour it into moulds and create interesting flowerbeds. Some people even use concrete to make eye-catching finish on their walls.

The uses of concrete are many and with the new technologies that allow it to have even more interesting finish and features, concrete will not be forgotten soon. There are people who build their entire houses out of concrete. However, it is better to start small, so a new and fresh walkway or a patio can and should be on your agenda.

This project doesn’t have to break your bank and it can still be done by professionals. How? Get different quotes for your concreting project from different concreters in Australia. It will give you a chance to work within your budget.