How much does concreting cost in Northcote?
Federation and interwar worker's cottages and semis mixed with post-war brick homes. Good tradie supply from the inner north keeps pricing competitive. Many homes are mid-renovation, creating steady demand. Travel surcharges are rarely a factor — Northcote is well within the inner Melbourne tradie belt.
Generally good in residential streets. High Street commercial area is tighter.
How Northcote compares to nearby suburbs
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
| Suburb | Concreter rate | Zone | Tradie supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thornbury | Nearby | Good | |
| Fairfield | Nearby | Good | |
| Fitzroy 🏛 | Inner | Tight | |
| Clifton Hill | Nearby | Good | |
| Preston | Nearby | Good |
Concreting in Northcote 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 Northcote, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of July 2026.
Detailed Pricing — Northcote 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 |
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Prices include GST. Based on Melbourne metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Concreting Work in Northcote
Northcote has transformed from a working-class suburb to a popular inner-city residential area. The housing stock is predominantly Edwardian and interwar, with many homes undergoing extensive renovation. Electricians working in Northcote handle a steady flow of renovation electrical work — rewiring, switchboard upgrades, and kitchen and bathroom electrical fitouts. Solar installations are increasingly popular on the suburb's predominantly single-storey housing.
Common concreting issues in Northcote: Driveways via rear lanes are the most common job. Older concrete paths and steps need replacement after 40+ years. Slab-on-ground homes from the 1940s sometimes need re-levelling.
Access & parking: Better than most inner-city suburbs — most homes have rear lane access and some off-street parking.
Concreting rates in Northcote typically range from $54–$134/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $80/sqm. This reflects Northcote's position in the inner zone of Melbourne, where moderate demand and mixed housing stock keep prices close to the Melbourne metro average.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Northcote
Finish type
Plain concrete ($75–$150/sqm in Northcote) 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 Northcote 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 Northcote site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Northcote 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 Northcote 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 Northcote
Frequently Asked Questions
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 →