Updated June 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Predominantly 1950s–70s brick homes and low-rise apartments. More affordable than nearby Coogee and Randwick, attracting buyers who are renovating. Good tradie supply from the eastern suburbs. Travel surcharges are rarely a factor — Morningside is well within the inner Brisbane tradie belt.
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Parking & access in Morningside
Good parking throughout residential streets. Not a factor.
How Morningside compares to nearby suburbs
Local tip for this area: The eastern suburbs have solid tradie coverage without the extreme premiums of harbourside postcodes. Getting quotes is straightforward here and will typically reveal competitive pricing. For rental property work, ask if your tradie offers a property manager rate.
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
Most concreting jobs in Morningside cost $2,600–$9,000
for a typical residential driveway
A standard plain concrete driveway in Morningside 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 Morningside have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Concreting Cost in Morningside
$138
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$69–$172
Emergency Rate
$290–$807
Common Job
$172–$463
Budget $94/hrAverage $138/hrPremium $231/hr
Concreting in Morningside 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 Morningside, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of June 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in Morningside costs $89–$172 /sqm, with most averaging $128 /sqm. GST included — verified June 2026. Get free Morningside quotes →
Detailed Pricing — Morningside 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 Brisbane metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Concreting Work in Morningside
Morningside is a mid-ring eastern suburb with a mix of pre-war Queenslanders and post-war brick homes. Electricians work on a steady stream of renovation electrical work — upgrading switchboards, installing safety switches, and rewiring homes that still have original 1950s–1960s wiring. The suburb's gradual gentrification means more homeowners are investing in quality electrical upgrades.
Common concreting issues in Morningside: Driveway replacements and new garage slabs. Flat terrain makes pours straightforward. Larger lot sizes mean bigger jobs — double driveways are common.
Access & parking: Good — most homes have driveways and garages. Easier tradie access than northern beach suburbs.
Concreting rates in Morningside typically range from $49–$118/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $74/sqm. This reflects Morningside's position in the east zone of Brisbane, where moderate demand and mixed housing stock keep prices close to the Brisbane metro average.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Morningside
Finish type
Plain concrete ($75–$150/sqm in Morningside) 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 Morningside 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 Morningside site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Morningside 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 Morningside 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 Morningside
1
Get quotes from licensed Morningside 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 Morningside
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — Morningside 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 Morningside?
A standard plain concrete driveway in Morningside 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 Morningside?
Exposed aggregate in Morningside 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 Morningside?
Old concrete removal in Morningside 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 Morningside 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 Morningside. 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 →