How much does concreting cost in Paddington?
One of Sydney's densest heritage terrace precincts. Most homes are Victorian or Edwardian terraces under Woollahra Council's heritage overlay. Electrical work often requires concealed cabling runs, and any structural changes need council sign-off, adding time and cost. Travel surcharges are rarely a factor — Paddington is well within the inner Sydney tradie belt.
Paddington falls within a heritage conservation area. For concreter work this can mean requirements around concealed runs, material matching, and council notification for certain changes. Always confirm heritage conditions apply to your specific property before work begins.
Paddington's narrow streets and terrace-lined rows make parking genuinely difficult — tradies with large vans often need to park 1–2 streets away and carry tools. Expect this to be factored into quotes.
How Paddington compares to nearby suburbs
Prices shift suburb-to-suburb based on travel time, parking, and local housing stock.
| Suburb | Concreter rate | Zone | Tradie supply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surry Hills Heritage | $65–$110/m² | Inner | Plentiful |
Concreting in Paddington costs $86–$170 per sqm for a standard plain concrete slab, with decorative options like exposed aggregate running $140–$230/sqm. Most residential driveways fall in the $3,000–$10,350 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 Paddington and nearby suburbs, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of February 2026.
Detailed Pricing — Paddington 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete slab (per sqm) | $86/sqm | $125 | $170 |
| Coloured concrete (per sqm) | $110/sqm | $160 | $230 |
| Exposed aggregate (per sqm) | $140/sqm | $185 | $230 |
| Stamped / stencilled (per sqm) | $140/sqm | $180 | $230 |
| Polished concrete (per sqm) | $115/sqm | $195 | $310 |
| Spray-on resurfacing (per sqm) | $57/sqm | $75 | $92 |
| Driveway — plain (typical 40 sqm) | $3,000total | $4,600 | $6,900 |
| Driveway — exposed aggregate | $5,500total | $7,450 | $10,350 |
| Concrete path / footpath | $86/sqm | $125 | $185 |
| Concrete patio / entertaining | $92/sqm | $145 | $205 |
| Shed slab (typical 20 sqm) | $1,725total | $2,525 | $4,025 |
| Old concrete removal | $34/sqm | $57 | $92 |
Prices include GST. Based on Sydney metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
How Prices Vary Across Paddington
Concreting costs in Paddington 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.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Paddington
Finish type
Plain concrete ($86–$170/sqm in Paddington) is the cheapest. Coloured ($110–$230/sqm), exposed aggregate ($140–$230/sqm), and polished ($115–$310/sqm) all cost progressively more.
Area size
Larger areas in Paddington 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 Paddington site easily, manual labour increases costs. Sloping blocks, retaining walls, or soft soil may need extra preparation.
Old concrete removal
Removing existing concrete in Paddington adds $34–$92/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 Paddington 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 Paddington
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Methodology
Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), 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 guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no commercial relationship with any service provider. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed March 2026. Read our full methodology →