Bespoke Concrete Cost for Commercial Interiors: A Guide

Quick answer: Bespoke concrete cost for commercial interiors depends on size, mould complexity, finish type, and installation conditions – not just square metres. Indicative material costs typically start from £150/m² for standard finishes and rise to £600/m² or more for high-specification, polished or pigmented concrete across complex projects.

Budgeting for bespoke concrete is rarely straightforward. Unlike off-the-shelf materials with fixed list prices, every bespoke concrete element is made to order – and cost varies significantly depending on what you’re asking it to do, what it needs to look like, and where it needs to go.

This guide breaks down the main cost drivers, walks through how pricing typically structures across a project, and outlines what you’ll need to prepare for an accurate quote. Whether you’re pricing up a single reception desk or specifying concrete across an entire fit-out, understanding the levers behind the cost helps you make better design decisions earlier in the process.

What Factors Drive Bespoke Concrete Pricing?

Several variables interact to determine cost. Surface area is the most obvious – but it is rarely the most significant.

Mould complexity is often the dominant cost factor. Simple rectangular elements with clean edges are far cheaper to produce than forms with curves, integrated cut-outs, or recessed detail. The more complex the geometry, the more labour-intensive and expensive the mould.

Finish specification also moves the needle considerably. A raw or lightly ground finish sits at the lower end of the cost range. A fully polished, tightly toleranced commercial surface – particularly one with integral pigment or exposed aggregate – commands a significant premium. Acid-etched and sandblasted finishes sit in the middle ground.

Other factors to account for include:

• Pigment and colouring – Custom colour matching adds to material cost.
• Reinforcement type – Fibre-reinforced or rebar-cast elements add structural cost but extend lifespan.
• Sealant specification – A basic penetrating sealer is far cheaper than a high-durability topical system suited to high-footfall commercial environments.
• Delivery logistics – Panel weight, access restrictions, and distance all affect delivery cost.
• Installation conditions – Floor build-up, structural loading, multi-storey sites, and site access all introduce variation.

How Does Bespoke Concrete Pricing Typically Break Down?

Understanding the cost components helps you identify where value is being added – and where there may be room to adjust scope without compromising the design intent.

A standard commercial bespoke concrete project might break down roughly as follows:

These figures are indicative. A small batch of highly bespoke elements – say, three custom-profiled bar tops with an integral sink – will have a very different cost profile to a large run of identically formed wall panels across a hotel corridor.

Projects at higher volume benefit from better unit economics. Once a mould is made, reusing it across multiple identical pieces spreads the tooling cost and reduces the effective price per unit. This is the single most powerful lever available in commercial concrete specification.

What Design Choices Help Manage the Fit-Out Budget?

Cost-conscious specification doesn’t mean compromising on aesthetic. Several design decisions can reduce bespoke concrete cost without diluting the quality of the finished result.

Standardise Where Possible

The more a mould can be reused across a project, the lower the amortised cost per element. A repeat panel format with minor variation – different embedments, for example, or a small recess – is significantly more cost-effective than a unique form at every location.

Choose Finish Strategically

Not every surface demands a full polished finish. Specifying a premium polished surface where it will be seen and touched – front-facing countertops, feature walls – while using a simpler ground or raw finish in secondary positions balances quality with cost.

Batch Your Orders

Concrete production is efficient at scale. Where phased delivery isn’t required, consolidating elements into a single production run reduces setup time and per-unit overhead.

Simplify Geometry at the Detailing Stage

Curved returns, non-standard radii, and complex cut-outs all add mould labour. Early-stage coordination between designer and producer can often achieve the same visual result with a simpler – and cheaper – form.

How Do Tooling and Mould Costs Work?

Mould creation is typically a one-off investment charged at the start of a project. Steel moulds are the most expensive upfront, but they last indefinitely and are worth the investment on high-volume runs. Timber moulds cost less to produce and offer excellent finish quality, but typically yield 20 to 30 panels before they need replacing – making them better suited to smaller runs or highly bespoke one-off elements.

The economic logic is straightforward: the more times a mould is used, the lower its contribution to the cost of each piece. On a project with 100 identical panels cast from the same steel form, the tooling cost per panel becomes negligible. On a project with 20 different panel types, each cast once, the mould cost is a significant proportion of the total budget.

Where a project involves multiple elements with minor variations, a skilled producer will design a master mould with pre-engineered modifications – reducing the number of separate moulds required and keeping tooling costs in check.

What Affects the Cost of Installing Bespoke Concrete?

Installation cost is often underestimated in early project budgets. The weight and rigidity of concrete elements mean that handling, access, and fixing method all have real cost implications.

Key variables include:

• Site accessibility – Restricted access (narrow corridors, upper floors without goods lifts, or city-centre sites with limited parking) increases handling time and cost.
• Structural capacity – The floor or substrate must be able to take the load. Where it cannot, additional structural work is required before installation.
• Fixing method – Surface-mounted elements are simpler than those with recessed or integrated fixings. Plumbing or electrical integration adds specialist trade coordination.
• Programme constraints – Concrete elements that need to go in before other trades have finished, or that require protection after installation, can extend the on-site programme.

For reference, erection cost per square metre generally reduces as element size increases. Larger panels mean fewer individual lifts and less repetitive handling – translating to lower installation cost per m².

What Information Do You Need to Get an Accurate Quote?

The more detail you can provide upfront, the more accurate and useful your quote will be. Concrete producers cannot price effectively from vague briefs. To avoid wide contingency ranges, prepare the following before making contact:

• Element schedule – List every concrete component with dimensions, quantity, and location.
• Finish specification – Polish level, pigment (if any), aggregate type, and sealant requirement.
• Structural information – Floor loading capacity and substrate type.
• Site access details – Floor level, lift availability, access restrictions.
• Programme – Required lead time, delivery windows, installation phasing.
• Drawings or models – Even sketch-level drawings help a producer assess mould complexity early.

A complete brief enables accurate pricing, avoids costly variations during production, and reduces the risk of delays on site.

Request a Project Quote

Bespoke concrete for commercial interiors is a considered investment – and the right producer will help you specify it to deliver the best outcome within your budget. Whether you’re at concept stage or ready to proceed, a project-specific quote gives you the clarity to plan with confidence.

Request a project quote →

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Typical Cost per m² for Bespoke Concrete in Commercial Interiors?

Bespoke concrete cost per m² for commercial interiors typically ranges from £150 to £600+, depending on finish specification, mould complexity, and project volume. Highly polished or pigmented elements at the premium end of specification will sit toward the top of this range. Simpler finishes on larger, repetitive runs are generally at the lower end.

Does Project Size Affect the Price of Bespoke Concrete?

Yes, significantly. Larger projects and higher quantities allow mould costs to be spread across more units, which reduces the effective cost per element. A run of 100 identically formed panels will be cheaper per unit than a one-off bespoke piece of equivalent total area.

How Much Does a Bespoke Concrete Mould Cost?

Mould costs vary from approximately £500 for a simple rectangular form to £10,000 or more for a complex, highly detailed custom shape. Steel moulds last indefinitely and suit high-volume production. Timber moulds are lower cost but typically produce 20–30 panels before replacement is needed.

What Is Included in Bespoke Concrete Installation Costs?

Installation costs include labour (typically £250–£500 per day per tradesperson), handling equipment, fixings, and any required site protection. Site-specific factors – such as restricted access, multi-storey delivery, or structural preparation – can significantly affect the total.

What Details Do I Need to Request a Quote for Bespoke Commercial Concrete?

To receive an accurate quote, you will need to provide an element schedule with dimensions and quantities, finish specifications, structural and substrate information, site access details, delivery requirements, and any drawings or models available. The more complete your brief, the more precise – and reliable – the pricing will be.

Is Bespoke Concrete More Expensive Than Other Commercial Interior Materials?

Bespoke concrete typically commands a higher upfront cost than standard materials such as laminate or porcelain tile, but it is competitive with premium stone and solid surface options. Its durability, low maintenance requirements, and design flexibility often make the lifecycle cost highly favourable in commercial applications.