Updated April 2026· Independently researched·8 min read
Most concreting jobs in Darwin cost $3,000–$10,350
for a typical residential driveway
A standard plain concrete driveway in Darwin costs $3,000–$6,900. Exposed aggregate runs $5,500–$10,350. Per-sqm rates start from $86/sqm for plain slabs and go up to $230/sqm for decorative finishes.
+6.9%Concreting costs in Darwin have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Concreting Cost in Darwin
$138
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$69–$173
Emergency Rate
$288–$805
Common Job
$173–$460
Budget $92/hrAverage $138/hrPremium $230/hr
Concreting in Darwin costs $86–$170 per sqm for a standard plain concrete slab, with decorative options like exposed aggregate running $140–$230/sqm. Most residential driveways fall in the $3,000–$10,350 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 Darwin, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in Darwin costs $86–$170 /sqm, with most averaging $125 /sqm. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Darwin quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Darwin 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Plain concrete slab (per sqm)
$86/sqm
$125
$170
Coloured concrete (per sqm)
$110/sqm
$160
$230
Exposed aggregate (per sqm)
$140/sqm
$185
$230
Stamped / stencilled (per sqm)
$140/sqm
$180
$230
Polished concrete (per sqm)
$115/sqm
$195
$310
Spray-on resurfacing (per sqm)
$57/sqm
$75
$92
Driveway — plain (typical 40 sqm)
$3,000total
$4,600
$6,900
Driveway — exposed aggregate
$5,500total
$7,450
$10,350
Concrete path / footpath
$86/sqm
$125
$185
Concrete patio / entertaining
$92/sqm
$145
$205
Shed slab (typical 20 sqm)
$1,725total
$2,525
$4,025
Old concrete removal
$34/sqm
$57
$92
Getting quotes for concreting work in Darwin? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Plain concrete ($86–$170/sqm in Darwin) is the cheapest. Coloured ($110–$230/sqm), exposed aggregate ($140–$230/sqm), and polished ($115–$310/sqm) all cost progressively more.
Area size
Larger areas in Darwin 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 Darwin site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Darwin adds $34–$92/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 Darwin 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 Darwin
1
Get quotes from licensed Darwin 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 Darwin
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — Darwin councils may require approval for larger slabs
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Darwin?
A standard plain concrete driveway in Darwin costs $3,000–$6,900 for a typical 40 sqm area. Exposed aggregate driveways are $5,500–$10,350. Actual cost depends on size, finish, site preparation, and access.
How much does exposed aggregate cost per sqm in Darwin?
Exposed aggregate in Darwin costs $140–$230 per sqm including supply and installation. It's one of the most popular decorative finishes for driveways and patios.
How long does concrete take to cure?
Concrete reaches initial set within 24–48 hours but takes 28 days to reach full strength. You can usually walk on it after 24 hours and drive on it after 7 days, but check with your concreter.