Concreting Cost in Melbourne (2026)
Melbourne's reactive clay soils are the defining factor in a concreting job, and winter slows the pour.
| Ready-mix concrete (at 100mm) | 2.52 m³ | $806 |
| Or bagged concrete (small jobs) | ≈151 × 20kg | |
| Reinforcement mesh & prep | 24 m² | |
| Pour & finish labour | $1,680 |
How we estimate this
Concreting in Australia in 2026 typically costs $65–$120 per square metre for plain concrete, rising to $100–$180/m² for exposed aggregate, coloured or polished finishes.
Pricing reviewed: June 2026.
What a concreting costs in Melbourne
Melbourne sits on notoriously reactive clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically with moisture, and that movement is the dominant concreting factor here: a slab or driveway has to be designed and reinforced to cope, with deeper footings, more steel and sometimes a site classification and engineering, or it cracks as the ground moves. This is why a cheap Melbourne slab is a false economy.
The cold, wet winters are the other factor, as concrete needs mild conditions to cure properly, so a winter pour needs more care and can face delays, and the good concreters are busiest over the warmer months. The deep local trade pool keeps planned work competitive. For any Melbourne slab, the ground conditions and the reinforcement they demand, rather than the concrete volume, are what set the price.
Compare against the national picture: Concreting Cost in Australia →
Concreting Cost in other cities
Frequently asked questions
How much does concreting cost in Australia?
Typically $65–$120/m² for plain concrete in 2026, and $100–$180/m² for decorative finishes like exposed aggregate or polished.
What’s the cheapest concrete finish?
A plain or broom finish is cheapest. Exposed aggregate, coloured and polished finishes cost more but look better.
Does old concrete need removing first?
Usually yes, removal and disposal of old concrete plus base prep are added to the cost of the new slab.