Updated July 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Post-war brick homes on standard suburban blocks. Most electrical and plumbing is from the 1960s–80s and approaching replacement age. Strong local tradie supply keeps rates competitive. Most Melbourne tradies service Footscray at standard rates, though some add a small travel fee of $18–40 depending on their base.
🅿️
Parking & access in Footscray
Mixed — commercial precinct tight, residential streets fine. Not a major factor for most jobs.
How Footscray compares to nearby suburbs
Local tip for this area: Western Melbourne is the most price-competitive trade market in the metro area. Even so, prices vary 30%+ between tradies for identical work — always get multiple quotes. Local Facebook community groups often have reliable tradie recommendations specific to your suburb.
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
Most concreting jobs in Footscray cost $2,600–$9,000
for a typical residential driveway
A standard plain concrete driveway in Footscray costs $2,600–$6,000. Exposed aggregate runs $4,800–$9,000. Per-sqm rates start from $75/sqm for plain slabs and go up to $200/sqm for decorative finishes.
+5.3%Concreting costs in Footscray are up around 5.3% over the past year, re-verified against 90+ sources in July 2026.Year on year
Average Concreting Cost in Footscray
$120
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$60–$150
Emergency Rate
$255–$710
Common Job
$150–$405
Budget $80/hrAverage $120/hrPremium $200/hr
Concreting in Footscray 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 Footscray, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of July 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in Footscray costs $75–$150 /sqm, with most averaging $110 /sqm. GST included — verified July 2026. Get free Footscray quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Footscray 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
You're in.
A local installer will be in touch about your job. No spam, no middleman.
Prices verified July 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 Footscray
Footscray is undergoing rapid gentrification with heritage workers' cottages being renovated alongside new apartment developments. Electricians encounter aging infrastructure — many homes have 1960s wiring with outdated fuse boxes that need upgrading. The increasing density of apartment developments drives demand for commercial-grade electrical work, while heritage cottage renovations require careful integration of modern wiring into older structures.
Common concreting issues in Footscray: Driveways, paths, and shed slabs on flat terrain. Easy access for concrete trucks. Among the most affordable rates in Melbourne.
Access & parking: Good — most properties have off-street parking and wide street access.
Concreting rates in Footscray typically range from $44–$105/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $65/sqm. This reflects Footscray's position in the west zone of Melbourne, where good tradie supply and easier access keep prices below the Melbourne metro average.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Footscray
Finish type
Plain concrete ($75–$150/sqm in Footscray) 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 Footscray 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 Footscray site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Footscray 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 Footscray 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 Footscray
1
Get quotes from licensed Footscray 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 Footscray
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — Footscray 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 Footscray?
A standard plain concrete driveway in Footscray costs $2,600–$6,000 for a typical 40 sqm area. Exposed aggregate driveways are $4,800–$9,000. Actual cost depends on size, finish, site preparation, and access.
How much does exposed aggregate cost per sqm in Footscray?
Exposed aggregate in Footscray costs $120–$200 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.
How much does it cost to remove old concrete in Footscray?
Old concrete removal in Footscray costs $30–$80 per sqm, covering breaking, removal, and disposal. Thicker slabs and reinforced concrete cost more to remove.
Do I need council approval for concreting?
In most Footscray councils, minor concreting (driveways, paths, patios) doesn't require a permit. However, work affecting stormwater drainage or within easements may need approval. Check with your local council first.
What's the cheapest type of concrete finish?
Plain grey concrete is the most affordable at $75–$150/sqm in Footscray. Spray-on resurfacing ($50–$80/sqm) is also budget-friendly for refreshing existing concrete.
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 →