How much does concreting cost in Paddington?
One of Brisbane'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 Brisbane 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.
Hilly terrain with limited street parking on Given Terrace and Latrobe Terrace. Residential streets are narrow but manageable.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bardon | Mid-ring | Good | |
| Milton | Nearby | Good | |
| Rosalie | Nearby | Good | |
| Red Hill | Nearby | Good | |
| Petrie Terrace | Nearby | Good |
Concreting in Paddington Brisbane 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 Paddington Brisbane, plus hipages, ServiceSeeking, and Airtasker listings as of June 2026.
Detailed Pricing — Paddington 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 include GST. Based on Brisbane metro area, Mar 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What to Know About Concreting Work in Paddington
Paddington is Brisbane's premier heritage suburb, with steep hillside streets lined with beautifully preserved Queenslander homes. Electricians face unique challenges here — the timber and tin construction of Queenslanders requires specialised wiring techniques, and the heritage overlay means external conduit and cable runs need council approval. Many homes still have original 1920s–1940s wiring that needs complete replacement to meet modern safety standards.
Common concreting issues in Paddington: Heritage overlays restrict driveway materials and finishes. Steep sites need engineered retaining before any slab work. Most jobs require hand-mixing or pump delivery due to access constraints.
Access & parking: Metered parking throughout — tradies regularly add $18–$37 to quotes for parking costs.
Concreting rates in Paddington typically range from $51–$124/sqm, with most concreters quoting around $78/sqm. This reflects Paddington's position in the inner premium zone of Brisbane, where higher demand, heritage properties, and access constraints push prices above the Brisbane metro average.
What Affects Concreting Costs in Paddington Brisbane
Finish type
Plain concrete ($75–$150/sqm in Paddington Brisbane) 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 Paddington Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Brisbane 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 Paddington Brisbane 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, 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 →