Updated June 2026· Independently researched·14 min read
Largely newer homes built post-2000, many still under 20 years old. Electrical and plumbing is generally in good shape — common work is upgrades and additions rather than replacements. Strong growth area with high tradie demand. North Lakes is in outer Brisbane — tradies from the inner city often add $35–$69 travel. Using a local Hills District tradie avoids this.
🅿️
Parking & access in North Lakes
Ample parking throughout. Modern estate with wide streets. Not a factor.
How North Lakes compares to nearby suburbs
Local tip for this area: Modern housing stock in the Hills means most jobs are faster and cheaper than older suburbs. Ask for fixed-price quotes rather than hourly — on modern homes, experienced tradies work quickly and fixed pricing gives you certainty. Check if your home is still under builder’s warranty before paying for defect-related repairs.
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
Suburb
Concreter rate
Zone
Tradie supply
Mango Hill
Nearby
Good
Griffin
Nearby
Good
Kallangur
Nearby
Good
Deception Bay
Nearby
Good
Narangba
Nearby
Good
Most concreting jobs in North Lakes cost $2,600–$9,000
for a typical residential driveway
A standard plain concrete driveway in North Lakes 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 North Lakes have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages.Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Average Concreting Cost in North Lakes
$120
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$60–$152
Emergency Rate
$253–$704
Common Job
$152–$400
Budget $78/hrAverage $120/hrPremium $202/hr
Concreting in North Lakes 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 North Lakes, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of June 2026.
Quick answerConcreting in North Lakes costs $74–$147 /sqm, with most averaging $110 /sqm. GST included — verified June 2026. Get free North Lakes quotes →
Detailed Pricing — North Lakes 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 North Lakes
North Lakes is a rapidly growing master-planned community north of Brisbane. The housing is predominantly modern (2000s–2020s) with electrical systems that are generally in good condition. Electricians here focus on additions and upgrades — home theatre wiring, outdoor entertainment areas, EV charger installations, and solar panel systems. The modern builds mean less rewiring work but strong demand for new circuit additions and smart home integration.
Common concreting issues in North Lakes: New driveway extensions, outdoor entertaining slabs, and pool surrounds. Modern clay substrate with good compaction. Large flat blocks simplify all concrete work.
Concreting rates in North Lakes typically range from $44–$106/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $64/sqm. This reflects North Lakes's position in the hills zone of Brisbane, where good tradie supply and easier access keep prices below the Brisbane metro average.
What Affects Concreting Costs in North Lakes
Finish type
Plain concrete ($75–$150/sqm in North Lakes) 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 North Lakes 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 North Lakes site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in North Lakes 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 North Lakes 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 North Lakes
1
Get quotes from licensed North Lakes 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 North Lakes
6
Verify the concreter is licensed and insured — North Lakes 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 North Lakes?
A standard plain concrete driveway in North Lakes 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 North Lakes?
Exposed aggregate in North Lakes 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 North Lakes?
Old concrete removal in North Lakes 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 North Lakes 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 North Lakes. 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 →