Updated May 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Fitzroy is almost entirely Victorian and Federation terraces, many with original wiring and plumbing. Heritage overlays apply in the conservation areas around Georgina and Lennox streets. Tradies in the inner west are experienced with this stock. Travel surcharges are rarely a factor — Fitzroy is well within the inner Melbourne tradie belt.
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Heritage overlay — City of Melbourne
Fitzroy 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.
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Parking & access in Fitzroy
Street parking in Fitzroy is tight, especially around Brunswick and Gertrude Streets. Most tradies factor 10–20 minutes for parking on weekday jobs.
How Fitzroy compares to nearby suburbs
Local tip for this area: The inner west has a healthy mix of tradies — from sole operators to larger firms. Sole traders often offer better rates for routine work, while larger firms may have better availability for urgent jobs. Ask neighbours for recommendations — word-of-mouth referrals often lead to the best value.
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
Most concreting jobs in Fitzroy cost $3,120–$10,765
for a typical residential driveway
A standard plain concrete driveway in Fitzroy costs $3,120–$7,175. Exposed aggregate runs $5,720–$10,765. Per-sqm rates start from $90/sqm for plain slabs and go up to $240/sqm for decorative finishes.
+6.8%Concreting costs in Fitzroy have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Concreting Cost in Fitzroy
$145
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$70–$180
Emergency Rate
$300–$835
Common Job
$180–$480
Budget $95/hrAverage $145/hrPremium $240/hr
Concreting in Fitzroy costs $90–$175 per sqm for a standard plain concrete slab, with decorative options like exposed aggregate running $145–$240/sqm. Most residential driveways fall in the $3,120–$10,765 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 Fitzroy and nearby suburbs, plus leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in Fitzroy costs $90–$175 /sqm, with most averaging $130 /sqm. GST included — verified May 2026. Get free Fitzroy quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Fitzroy 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Plain concrete slab (per sqm)
$90/sqm
$130
$175
Coloured concrete (per sqm)
$115/sqm
$165
$240
Exposed aggregate (per sqm)
$145/sqm
$190
$240
Stamped / stencilled (per sqm)
$145/sqm
$185
$240
Polished concrete (per sqm)
$120/sqm
$205
$320
Spray-on resurfacing (per sqm)
$60/sqm
$80
$95
Driveway — plain (typical 40 sqm)
$3,120total
$4,785
$7,175
Driveway — exposed aggregate
$5,720total
$7,750
$10,765
Concrete path / footpath
$90/sqm
$130
$190
Concrete patio / entertaining
$95/sqm
$150
$215
Shed slab (typical 20 sqm)
$1,795total
$2,625
$4,185
Old concrete removal
$35/sqm
$60
$95
Prices verified May 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.
What to Know About Concreting Work in Fitzroy
Fitzroy is Melbourne's oldest suburb and one of its most heritage-dense. Victorian-era terrace houses dominate, many with original wiring that hasn't been touched since the 1950s. Electricians working in Fitzroy routinely encounter knob-and-tube wiring, asbestos-backed meter boards, and undersized switchboards that need upgrading before any new work can proceed. Heritage overlay restrictions apply across most of the suburb — concealed cabling and sympathetic installation methods are standard requirements.
Common concreting issues in Fitzroy: Rear lane driveways and small courtyard slabs. Front footpaths often council-maintained. Limited scope per job but steady demand from investor-owners upgrading rental properties.
Access & parking: King Street corridor has no off-street parking — residential side streets are permit-only zones.
Concreting rates in Fitzroy typically range from $50–$125/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $80/sqm. This reflects Fitzroy'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 Fitzroy
Finish type
Plain concrete ($90–$175/sqm in Fitzroy) is the cheapest. Coloured ($115–$240/sqm), exposed aggregate ($145–$240/sqm), and polished ($120–$320/sqm) all cost progressively more.
Area size
Larger areas in Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Fitzroy adds $35–$95/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 Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy
1
Get quotes from licensed Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — Fitzroy councils may require approval for larger slabs
Before you commit — compare your options
Side-by-side guides covering the decisions that most change your final concreting cost.
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Fitzroy?
Driveway costs in Fitzroy 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 Fitzroy, where properties feature a mix of terraces, cottages, and inter-war homes, 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 Fitzroy?
Exposed aggregate in Fitzroy costs more per sqm than plain concrete, reflecting the premium finish and additional labour for washing and sealing. Prices are in the mid-to-upper range, reflecting moderate access difficulty and solid demand. 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 Fitzroy, 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 May 2026. Read our full methodology →