How much does concreting cost in Carlton?
Mix of Victorian terraces, interwar semis and some newer apartment blocks near Broadway. Heritage conservation areas cover much of the older residential streets — check with your tradie if heritage concealment cabling is needed. Travel surcharges are rarely a factor — Carlton is well within the inner Melbourne tradie belt.
Carlton falls within a heritage conservation area. For concreter work this can mean requirements around concealed runs, material matching, and council notification for certain changes. Always confirm heritage conditions apply to your specific property before work begins.
Difficult near Lygon Street and Melbourne University. Residential side streets are slightly better. Permit zones throughout.
How Carlton compares to nearby suburbs
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
| Suburb | Concreter rate | Zone | Tradie supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fitzroy 🏛 | Inner | Tight | |
| Parkville | Nearby | Good | |
| Brunswick | Inner | Good | |
| Collingwood 🏛 | Inner | Mixed | |
| North Melbourne | Nearby | Good |
Concreting in Carlton costs $75–$150 per sqm for a standard plain concrete slab, with decorative options like exposed aggregate running $120–$200/sqm. Most residential driveways fall in the $2,600–$9,000 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 Carlton, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of July 2026.
Detailed Pricing — Carlton 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete slab (per sqm) | $75/sqm | $110 | $150 |
| Coloured concrete (per sqm) | $95/sqm | $140 | $200 |
| Exposed aggregate (per sqm) | $120/sqm | $160 | $200 |
| Stamped / stencilled (per sqm) | $120/sqm | $155 | $200 |
| Polished concrete (per sqm) | $100/sqm | $170 | $270 |
| Spray-on resurfacing (per sqm) | $50/sqm | $65 | $80 |
| Driveway — plain (typical 40 sqm) | $2,600total | $4,000 | $6,000 |
| Driveway — exposed aggregate | $4,800total | $6,500 | $9,000 |
| Concrete path / footpath | $75/sqm | $110 | $160 |
| Concrete patio / entertaining | $80/sqm | $125 | $180 |
| Shed slab (typical 20 sqm) | $1,500total | $2,200 | $3,500 |
| Old concrete removal | $30/sqm | $50 | $80 |
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Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Concreting Work in Carlton
Carlton is a heritage conservation area with strong Italian architectural influence. Many properties date to the 1870s–1920s with multiple renovations layered on top. Electricians encounter complex legacy wiring where previous owners have added circuits without upgrading the switchboard. University precinct properties often have unusual configurations. Carlton's terraces typically have narrow access and limited ceiling space, making cable runs more challenging.
Common concreting issues in Carlton: Foreshore areas have basalt rather than sandstone substrate. Heritage sidewalk requirements apply to front paths. Small job sizes typical — courtyards and rear paths.
Access & parking: Permit-only residential streets — some areas near Broadway have metered parking.
Concreting rates in Carlton typically range from $50–$125/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $80/sqm. This reflects Carlton's position in the inner zone of Melbourne, where moderate demand and mixed housing stock keep prices close to the Melbourne metro average.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Carlton
Finish type
Plain concrete ($75–$150/sqm in Carlton) is the cheapest. Coloured ($95–$200/sqm), exposed aggregate ($120–$200/sqm), and polished ($100–$270/sqm) all cost progressively more.
Area size
Larger areas in Carlton 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 Carlton site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Carlton adds $30–$80/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 Carlton 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 Carlton
Frequently Asked Questions
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 price guides are produced independently. Pricing is compiled from public quotes, industry rate guides, and marketplace data, and no tradesperson can influence a published figure. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get multiple quotes. Last reviewed July 2026. Read our full methodology →