Updated April 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Most concreting jobs in Melbourne cost $2,725–$9,450
for a typical residential driveway
A standard plain concrete driveway in Melbourne costs $2,725–$6,300. Exposed aggregate runs $5,050–$9,450. Per-sqm rates start from $79/sqm for plain slabs and go up to $210/sqm for decorative finishes.
+5.5%Concreting costs in Melbourne have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Concreting Cost in Melbourne
$126
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$63–$158
Emergency Rate
$263–$735
Common Job
$158–$420
Budget $84/hrAverage $126/hrPremium $210/hr
Concreting in Melbourne costs $79–$160 per sqm for a standard plain concrete slab, with decorative options like exposed aggregate running $125–$210/sqm. Most residential driveways fall in the $2,725–$9,450 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 Melbourne, plus hipages, leading tradie platforms, and leading tradie platforms listings as of February 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in Melbourne costs $79–$160 /sqm, with most averaging $115 /sqm. GST included — verified April 2026. Get free Melbourne quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Melbourne 2026
Service
Low
Typical
High
Plain concrete slab (per sqm)
$79/sqm
$115
$160
Coloured concrete (per sqm)
$100/sqm
$145
$210
Exposed aggregate (per sqm)
$125/sqm
$170
$210
Stamped / stencilled (per sqm)
$125/sqm
$165
$210
Polished concrete (per sqm)
$105/sqm
$180
$285
Spray-on resurfacing (per sqm)
$52/sqm
$68
$84
Driveway — plain (typical 40 sqm)
$2,725total
$4,200
$6,300
Driveway — exposed aggregate
$5,050total
$6,800
$9,450
Concrete path / footpath
$79/sqm
$115
$170
Concrete patio / entertaining
$84/sqm
$130
$190
Shed slab (typical 20 sqm)
$1,575total
$2,300
$3,675
Old concrete removal
$32/sqm
$52
$84
Getting quotes for concreting work in Melbourne? Get a quote from a verified local tradie — free, no obligation.
Prices verified April 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.
Advertise with us
Reach Australian homeowners
Get your business in front of people planning their next project
How Prices Vary Across Melbourne
Concreting costs in Melbourne vary by suburb. Inner-city areas tend to have higher rates due to demand and access constraints, while outer suburbs and growth corridors are often more competitive. Getting multiple quotes from providers across your area is the best way to find a fair price.
Get a fair concreting quote in Melbourne
Licensed & reviewed professionals. No obligation, no spam.
Plain concrete ($79–$160/sqm in Melbourne) is the cheapest. Coloured ($100–$210/sqm), exposed aggregate ($125–$210/sqm), and polished ($105–$285/sqm) all cost progressively more.
Area size
Larger areas in Melbourne 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 Melbourne site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Melbourne adds $32–$84/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 Melbourne 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 Melbourne
1
Get quotes from licensed Melbourne 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 Melbourne
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — Melbourne councils may require approval for larger slabs
Frequently Asked Questions
Concreting costs by Melbourne suburb
Select your suburb for a tailored price guide with local pricing notes and nearby comparisons.
How much does a concrete driveway cost in Melbourne?
A standard plain concrete driveway in Melbourne costs $2,725–$6,300 for a typical 40 sqm area. Exposed aggregate driveways are $5,050–$9,450. Actual cost depends on size, finish, site preparation, and access.
How much does exposed aggregate cost per sqm in Melbourne?
Exposed aggregate in Melbourne costs $125–$210 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.