How Much Does Concreting Cost in 2025?

Professional concreting in Australia ranges from $75 per square metre, with typical residential projects costing between $2,000 and $15,000.

Key Facts: The average concreting cost in Australia is $75–$100 per m² for standard finishes, but premium finishes can exceed $170 per m². Labour accounts for half of the total concrete costs across Australia. Site preparation can add 15–25% to your final project budget.

Concrete is valued for its durability and versatility in projects like driveways, patios, shed foundations, and decorative pathways. If you’ve ever wondered how much does concreting cost, the answer depends on location, project specifications, and finish. 

Concrete does last for decades with minimal maintenance, but most concreting costs between $75 and $100 per square metre for standard concreting work, with premium finishes and difficult sites pushing costs beyond $170 per square metre.

This guide breaks down current pricing across Australia, explains what drives these costs, and shows you practical ways to get better value from your concreting project.

How much does concreting cost in Australia based on location?

Disclaimer: These cost estimates come from thorough research on industry and third-party rates. Please only use the listed prices as a benchmark when setting your budget. Moreover, as different areas have local taxes and service fees, the rates listed below are subject to change.

Metropolitan areas charge more than regional centres, with Sydney and Perth leading the national rates. Meanwhile, remote locations face extra challenges with logistics, which adds to the standard pricing. Note that the average hourly wage for a concreter in Australia is about $45 to $85.

City (State/Territory)	Average cost per m²	Hourly labour rate
Sydney (NSW)	$80–150	$55–$80
Melbourne (VIC)	$80–$150	$55–$80
Brisbane (QLD)	$75–$135	$50–$75
Perth (WA)	$80–$170	$55–$75
Adelaide (SA)	$75–$125	$45–$65
Hobart (TAS)*	$80–$140	$50–$70
Canberra (ACT)	$85–$145	$50–$75
Darwin (NT)	$80–$100	$65–$85

 

Here’s what typical concreting projects cost around Australian homes for those asking how much does a concrete slab cost. These figures are based on the average of $75 to $170 per square metre for a standard concrete slab:

Concrete work	Typical size	Average total cost
Concrete driveway	50–80 m²	$3,750 to $13,600
Patio or alfresco area	30–50 m²	$2,250 to $8,500
Shed slab	20–40 m²	$1,500 to $6,800
Footpath	15–25 m²	$1,125 to $4,250
Concrete pool surround	40–60 m²	$3,000 to $10,000
Garage floor	35–55 m²	$2,620 to $9,350
House slab	150–250 m²	$11,250 to $42,500

These prices cover standard grey concrete with basic finishing. Decorative options cost more; for example:

• Exposed aggregate adds 30-50% to the base price.
• Coloured concrete increases costs by about 30%.
• Stamped or polished finishes can double the standard rate.

Smaller projects, such as kitchen concrete benchtops, cost more per square metre because contractors apply minimum charges and fixed setup costs regardless of project size.

Several factors affect your final concreting bill. Understanding these helps you budget and identify where you might adjust plans to manage costs.

Location and labour costs

Where you live determines concreting prices. If you’re comparing concrete price per square metre across cities, factor in delivery surcharges and availability of skilled labour. For example, Sydney concreters charge $55 to $80 per hour, while Brisbane typically rates $50 to $75 an hour. 

Meanwhile, Perth’s busy construction industry drives rates higher through strong demand. In comparison, Adelaide offers better prices thanks to stable market conditions. Rural areas offer a unique set of challenges. Although labour costs are lower, challenges with material delivery and contractor availability can negate these savings.

Local council requirements also affect costs. Some areas mandate specific concrete grades or inspections that increase expenses.

Type of concrete and finish

Your finish choice drives costs more than most other factors. Below are price estimates for this add-on cost. 

• Plain grey concrete: The most affordable option at $75 to $150 per square metre.
• Coloured concrete: Adds $20 to $40 per square metre using oxide additives.
• Exposed aggregate: Costs $120 to $200 per square metre due to decorative stones and special surface treatment.
• Polished concrete: Runs $100 to $270 per square metre, requiring multiple grinding and sealing steps.
• Stamped patterns: Reaches $120 to $160 per square metre for designs that mimic brick, slate, or timber
• Stencilled designs: Costs $120 to $200 per square metre.
• Spray-on resurfacing: For existing concrete, costs $50 to $80 per square metre.

Project size and complexity

Bigger projects allow contractors to spread their fixed costs over larger areas, lowering the concreting cost per m2. In contrast, very small jobs may see a higher concrete per square metre cost because contractors apply minimum charges.

That said, complex designs still increase expenses regardless of the size of the project. Curved edges, multiple levels, or detailed patterns prolong labour times and waste materials. When estimating how much a concrete slab costs without accounting for your desired design, you’d be surprised how much it can add as much as 15% to simple rectangular slab costs.

Concrete thickness and reinforcement

The thickness of a slab directly affects how much concrete is needed, which in turn influences how much does concrete cost per cubic metre when ordering from suppliers. The table below summarises typical choices and their uses.

Slab type / Reinforcement	Common use	Approx. thickness/volume	Estimated added cost*
Standard slab	Foot traffic, light vehicles	100 mm thick (0.1 m³ per m²)	Base price
Heavy-duty slab	Heavy vehicles, high loads	150–200 mm thick	50–100% more than a standard slab
Steel mesh (SL72 or SL82)	General reinforcement for paths and patios	–	Adds $10–$12 per m²
Thicker mesh (SL92)	Driveways and high-stress areas	–	Adds $12–$15 per m²
Fibre reinforcement	Added crack resistance, light-duty slabs	Mixed through concrete	Adds $7–$10 per m³
Edge thickening	Load-bearing edges, slab stability	Extra concrete and labour	Variable
Post-tensioned slab	Reactive or unstable soils	Tensioned cables in slab	Adds $25–$40 per m²

Site preparation and accessibility

Site preparation alone consumes 10-20% of your total budget.

Soil is the biggest concern. For example, standard soil excavation costs $50 to $150 per cubic metre to remove, but rocky soil costs much more. This can indirectly affect the quote for concrete since delivery and pouring become more complex. However, levelling, compaction, and base preparation are usually included in a concreter’s site preparation quote.

Other considerations include slope and plumbing. For the former, you may need to install a retaining wall before starting to ensure a stable base, while for the latter, account for the installation of a septic tank nearby.

Accessibility is another. If a concrete truck can’t easily get to your site, you might need concrete pumping services, adding $170 to $230 per hour to your bill. If your site is tucked down a narrow side passage where wheelbarrows barely fit, expect labour costs to climb dramatically, as workers need to manually haul concrete in buckets instead of wheeling it straight from the truck.

Permit and regulations fees

For larger concreting jobs, it’s important to budget for permits, engineering requirements, and compliance with Australian standards. Additionally, the final price of concreting may increase due to specific site needs and finishing touches.

Securing permits often depends on the state or territory; you can earmark $200 to $800 for a typical permit. Some territories also have special requirements. In Victoria, for example, the bigger the project value, the more expensive the permit.

In some cases, geotechnical reports are required to assess soil stability, particularly for sloping sites or areas with reactive clay. These can cost an additional $500 up to $1,500.

Other additional costs

You should also expect to pay for extra costs that are important for the whole job but that you might not normally think of when doing concrete work. Below is a table detailing these common extra works.

Cost item	Typical price range*	Common uses
Soil testing and slab design	$500–$800	Determines appropriate slab type and reinforcement
Independent inspections	$200–$470 each	Quality and compliance checks at various stages
Surveyor (boundaries)	$400–$3,000	Confirms correct siting before work begins
Standards compliance	Included in professional service costs	AS 3600 (concrete structures), AS 2870 (residential slabs), and NCC termite/moisture requirements
Soil removal	$55–$150 per m³	Disposal of excavated soil
Old concrete removal	$60–$100 per tonne	Demolition and disposal
Drainage (agricultural pipes)	$50–$80 per linear metre	Prevents water pooling around the slab
Concrete sealing	$25–$40 per m²	Protects against stains and weathering
Curing compounds	$8–$15 per litre	Improves strength and reduces cracking
Temporary safety fencing	$5–$9 per metre per week	Site security during work
Power floating	$8–$15 per m²	Produces a smooth, dense finish
Debris disposal	$150-$200 per m³	Proper disposal of construction debris like timber formwork or packaging
Crack repairs	$300–$500 per crack	Post-installation remedial work if required

*Costs vary by location, project complexity, and contractor rates.

Renovation of a backyard. | Source: Ozra Construction Services Pty LtdHiring a concreter requires some research, but it pays off when the work meets Australian standards and stands the test of time.

Licencing and qualifications

Check that the concreter holds the correct licence for the job and location. In Australia, this might depend on how much the project is valued, including labour and materials, per territory or region. For example, in Queensland, a QBCC licence is needed for work valued over $3,300, while in New South Wales, the threshold is $5,000.

They should also carry appropriate insurance (e.g., workers’ compensation and/or public liability insurance) to protect everyone involved.

A competent concreter will know the relevant Australian Standards and local building codes that apply to your project. They should be able to explain how they will meet those requirements.

Experience and portfolio

Ask to see examples of work similar to what you need. If you are looking into the cost of a concrete footpath, for example, review past projects with that finish. Look at both recent and older examples. Work completed several years ago will show how well it has performed under weather, use, and ground movement.

Local experience can also be valuable. Concreters who work regularly in your area understand soil conditions, the effect of the climate on curing times, and council requirements.

References and reviews

Speaking with recent clients can provide useful insight. Ask about punctuality, communication, and how any unexpected issues were handled. A direct question about whether they would hire the same concreter again can be telling.

Don’t just look at a contractor’s concrete per square metre cost. Online reviews can also be helpful if you search for patterns rather than single comments. Note consistent concerns, as well as repeated praise for particular strengths. 

Detailed quotes and contracts

A professional quotation shouldn’t just tell you how much concrete costs per square metre. It should also list the cost of materials, labour, site preparation, and finishing. It should also state the grade of concrete, reinforcement type, and slab thickness. Lack of detail can lead to misunderstandings.

Be sure to review the payment terms as well. A deposit of around 10% is common, with further payments linked to specific stages of completion. The contract should include the agreed price, payment schedule, timelines, and warranty provisions for structural defects, and a process for approving changes. A valid quote should remain open for at least 30 days to give you time to compare options.

Keeping costs down doesn’t have to mean cutting corners. With planning and the right approach, you can make smart choices that protect your budget and the quality of the work.

• Choose simpler designs. Plain concrete with saw cuts can look neat and modern and cost considerably less than decorative finishes. A broom finish adds slip resistance without the additional labour and materials that come with options like stamping, stencilling, or exposed aggregate.
• Buy materials in bulk. Concrete suppliers often charge less per cubic metre for full truckloads, which usually range from six to eight cubic metres. If your project doesn’t need that much, coordinate with neighbours or nearby projects to share a delivery, reducing transport expenses.
• Book during quieter periods. Contractors’ prices can be more competitive during the cooler months, particularly June to August. By contrast, the weeks leading up to Christmas are among the busiest times of year; expect higher rates or longer wait times.
• Get proper site assessments. An on-site inspection allows the contractor to measure accurately, assess access, check ground conditions, and identify any potential obstacles before quoting. This means the price you receive is more likely to reflect the final cost.
• Compare multiple quotes. Get at least three written quotes that break down the costs of materials, labour, preparation, and finishing. If there’s a large difference in pricing, ask why. A very low price could be due to a thinner slab, a lower concrete grade, or less reinforcement, which may cost you more in repairs later.

A concrete plan for your next concreting project

Quality concreting represents a major investment that delivers decades of reliable service. While premium finishes and thorough site preparation increase upfront costs, they save money through extended life and fewer repairs.

When you’re ready to start your concreting project, connect with our licensed concreters and pavers. Our verified contractors deliver quality work backed by warranties and insurance, ensuring your concrete investment stands the test of time.