Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Post-war brick homes and fibro beach cottages mixed with newer apartments. Many properties are being renovated or knocked down and rebuilt. Local Sutherland Shire tradies typically work at Melbourne rates without the travel surcharge. Brighton is in outer Melbourne — tradies from the inner city often add $39–$80 travel. Using a local Sutherland Shire tradie avoids this.
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Parking & access in Brighton
Good parking throughout residential streets. Beachside properties may have limited access.
Most concreting jobs in Brighton cost $2,910–$10,040
for a typical residential driveway
A standard plain concrete driveway in Brighton costs $2,910–$6,695. Exposed aggregate runs $5,335–$10,040. Per-sqm rates start from $85/sqm for plain slabs and go up to $225/sqm for decorative finishes.
+6.8%Concreting costs in Brighton have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Concreting Cost in Brighton
$135
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$65–$170
Emergency Rate
$280–$780
Common Job
$170–$445
Budget $90/hrAverage $135/hrPremium $225/hr
Concreting in Brighton costs $85–$165 per sqm for a standard plain concrete slab, with decorative options like exposed aggregate running $135–$225/sqm. Most residential driveways fall in the $2,910–$10,040 range depending on size and finish.
Prices depend on the finish type, slab thickness, site access, soil conditions, and whether old concrete needs removing first. We've compiled this data from concreters across Brighton and nearby suburbs, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in Brighton costs $85–$165 /sqm, with most averaging $120 /sqm. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Brighton quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Brighton 2026
Local tip for this area: The Shire and St George area offer genuinely competitive trade pricing. Take advantage of this by getting multiple quotes — tradies here are used to competing on price. Fixed-price quotes (rather than hourly) often deliver the best value for defined scope jobs.
Service
Low
Typical
High
Plain concrete slab (per sqm)
$85/sqm
$120
$165
Coloured concrete (per sqm)
$105/sqm
$155
$225
Exposed aggregate (per sqm)
$135/sqm
$180
$225
Stamped / stencilled (per sqm)
$135/sqm
$175
$225
Polished concrete (per sqm)
$110/sqm
$190
$300
Spray-on resurfacing (per sqm)
$55/sqm
$75
$90
Driveway — plain (typical 40 sqm)
$2,910total
$4,460
$6,695
Driveway — exposed aggregate
$5,335total
$7,225
$10,040
Concrete path / footpath
$85/sqm
$120
$180
Concrete patio / entertaining
$90/sqm
$140
$200
Shed slab (typical 20 sqm)
$1,675total
$2,450
$3,905
Old concrete removal
$33/sqm
$55
$90
Prices verified April 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology
Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
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What to Know About Concreting Work in Brighton
Brighton is Melbourne's premium bayside suburb with large homes and high-end renovation activity. Electricians working here handle significant projects — heated driveways, pool and spa electrical systems, outdoor entertainment area wiring, and whole-home automation. Salt air from Port Phillip Bay accelerates corrosion of external electrical fittings, requiring marine-grade components for beachside properties.
Common concreting issues in Brighton: Pool surrounds, driveways, and outdoor entertaining slabs. Sandy substrate requires engineering for larger pours. Marine-grade sealers needed for salt exposure.
Access & parking: Good in residential areas — difficult near the esplanade and town centre.
Concreting rates in Brighton typically range from $49–$115/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $75/sqm. This reflects Brighton's position in the south zone of Melbourne, where good tradie supply and easier access keep prices below the Melbourne metro average.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Brighton
Finish type
Plain concrete ($85–$165/sqm in Brighton) is the cheapest. Coloured ($105–$225/sqm), exposed aggregate ($135–$225/sqm), and polished ($110–$300/sqm) all cost progressively more.
Area size
Larger areas in Brighton often get a lower per-sqm rate. A 20 sqm shed slab will cost more per sqm than a 60 sqm driveway due to fixed setup costs being spread over less area.
Site access & preparation
If a bobcat or pump truck can't access your Brighton site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Brighton adds $33–$90/sqm. This includes saw-cutting, breaking, and disposal. Factor this in if you're replacing an old driveway or patio.
Reinforcement & thickness
Driveways need stronger reinforcement (typically SL82 mesh or rebar) than paths. Thicker slabs (100mm+ for driveways vs 75mm for paths) use more concrete.
Season & weather
Concrete cures best in mild Brighton conditions. Very hot or very cold weather can affect scheduling and may require additives, which add to the cost.
How to Save Money on Concreting in Brighton
1
Get quotes from licensed Brighton concreters — prices vary widely
2
Ask for an all-inclusive price covering excavation, formwork, reinforcement, concrete, and finishing
3
Check if old concrete removal is included or quoted separately
4
Ask about expansion joints and control joints — proper jointing prevents cracking
5
Consider combining jobs (driveway + path + patio) for a better per-sqm rate in Brighton
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — Brighton councils may require approval for larger slabs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Brighton?
Driveway costs in Brighton depend on size, finish, thickness, and site preparation. Plain grey concrete is the most affordable; exposed aggregate and coloured concrete cost more per sqm. In Brighton, where properties feature post-war brick homes, 1970s apartments, and newer developments, driveway sizes and access conditions vary. Access constraints may require concrete pumping, which adds to the cost.
How much does exposed aggregate cost per sqm in Brighton?
Exposed aggregate in Brighton costs more per sqm than plain concrete, reflecting the premium finish and additional labour for washing and sealing. Prices are competitive, with good tradie supply from across the St George and Sutherland areas. The stone selection affects the final price — local river pebble is cheaper than imported decorative aggregates. Sealing is essential and needs reapplying every 2–3 years to maintain the finish.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches initial set in 24–48 hours (walkable), working strength at 7 days, and full design strength at 28 days. Avoid heavy loads on new concrete for at least 7 days. In Brighton, seasonal temperatures affect curing — summer heat can cause surface cracking if not managed with curing compounds, while winter slows the process. Your concreter should advise on curing specifics for the time of year.
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, leading tradie marketplaces, peak industry body data, and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed April 2026. Read our full methodology →
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