Updated June 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Mix of Federation homes, interwar apartments and post-war development. The distance from the Sydney CBD (especially without a direct motorway) means tradies from the mainland add travel time — the Manly ferry is popular but impractical for tools. Most Sydney tradies service Manly at standard rates, though some add a small travel fee of $22–40 depending on their base.
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Parking & access in Manly
Parking near the Corso and beachfront is very limited. Tradies working in central Manly often factor extra time into quotes. Side streets are better.
How Manly compares to nearby suburbs
Local tip for this area: Premium area tradies sometimes quote higher because they can. Counter this by getting quotes from tradies based slightly further out — operators from neighbouring suburbs who travel in for work. The quality is often identical at a lower rate.
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
A standard plain concrete driveway in Manly 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.
+6.8%Concreting costs in Manly have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Concreting Cost in Manly
$150
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$75–$185
Emergency Rate
$310–$870
Common Job
$185–$495
Budget $100/hrAverage $150/hrPremium $250/hr
Concreting in Manly 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 Manly, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of June 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in Manly costs $75–$150 /sqm, with most averaging $110 /sqm. GST included — verified June 2026. Get free Manly quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Manly 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
Prices verified June 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology
Prices include GST. Based on Sydney metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Concreting Work in Manly
Manly property profile: Federation cottages, inter-war bungalows, 1960s apartment blocks, and renovated beach houses from the 1910s–1970s era. Premium beachside suburb on the Northern Beaches with ferry access and strong tourism.
Common concreting issues in Manly: Pool surrounds, outdoor entertainment areas, and driveway replacements. Marine-grade sealers mandatory for exposed surfaces. Sandy substrate requires deeper footings than clay areas.
Access & parking: Very difficult near the Corso and beachfront — residential areas further from the beach are easier.
Concreting rates in Manly typically range from $55–$130/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $80/sqm. This reflects Manly's position in the north shore zone of Sydney, where higher demand, heritage properties, and access constraints push prices above the Sydney metro average.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Manly
Finish type
Plain concrete ($75–$150/sqm in Manly) 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 Manly 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 Manly site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Manly 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 Manly 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 Manly
1
Get quotes from licensed Manly 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 Manly
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — Manly 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.
A standard plain concrete driveway in Manly 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 Manly?
Exposed aggregate in Manly 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 Manly?
Old concrete removal in Manly 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 Manly 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 Manly. 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 June 2026. Read our full methodology →