Find Professional Concreters in Australia
Whether you're planning a new driveway, need a house slab poured, or want a stunning exposed aggregate patio — this guide covers everything from costs and licensing to choosing the right finish for your property.
Why Hire a Licensed Concreter?
Concreting is more than mixing cement and pouring it onto the ground. Professional concreters bring essential expertise, equipment, and knowledge of Australian Standards that protect your investment.
Safe & Compliant
Licensed concreters follow Australian Standards AS 3600 (Concrete Structures) and AS 2870 (Residential Slabs and Footings). Compliance is mandatory for building approvals and ensures structural safety.
Built to Last
Proper site preparation, reinforcement, mixing ratios, and curing processes are critical for longevity. Professionals handle soil conditions, drainage, and climate factors specific to your location.
Properly Insured
Licensed concreters carry public liability insurance and workers' compensation, protecting you from liability if accidents occur on your property during construction.
Quality Guaranteed
Reputable concreters stand behind their work with warranties, giving you peace of mind that any defects will be addressed promptly and professionally.
Popular Concreting Services in Australia
From residential driveways to commercial warehouse floors, Australian concreters offer a wide range of specialist services.
Concrete Driveways
The most requested concreting service in Australia. A properly constructed concrete driveway delivers decades of reliable performance with minimal maintenance.
- Thickness: 100–150mm
- Reinforcement: Steel mesh (SL72 or SL82)
- Base: Compacted road base
- Finishes: Broom, exposed aggregate, stamped, or coloured
House Slabs & Foundations
Concrete slabs form the foundation of most Australian homes. These critical structural elements must comply with strict engineering specifications and soil classification requirements.
- Waffle pod slabs (reactive clay areas)
- Conventional reinforced slabs
- Stiffened raft slabs
- Strip footings with infill slabs
Patios & Outdoor Areas
Transform your outdoor living space with a durable concrete patio. Concrete patios withstand harsh Australian weather, require minimal maintenance, and can be customised with various finishes.
- Exposed aggregate (slip-resistant, perfect for pool areas)
- Stamped concrete (replicates pavers, stone, or tiles)
- Polished concrete (modern, sleek appearance)
- Coloured concrete (matches your home's aesthetic)
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
One of Australia's most popular decorative finishes, exposed aggregate reveals beautiful natural stones embedded in the surface. Highly durable, slip-resistant, and ideal for driveways and pool surrounds.
- Stone sizes typically 7mm to 15mm
- Multiple colour options available
- Costs approx. 30–50% more than plain concrete
- Exceptional visual appeal and longevity
Pool Surrounds & Decking
Concrete pool decks must be slip-resistant, comfortable underfoot, and resistant to chlorine and saltwater. Multiple finish options available for safety and style.
- Exposed aggregate with smooth stones
- Textured concrete finishes
- Coloured and sealed concrete
- Spray-on concrete coatings
Commercial Concrete Work
Commercial projects require concreters with appropriate licensing levels and experience handling large-scale, heavy-duty concrete installations.
- Warehouse floors and industrial slabs
- Car parks and access ways
- Footpaths and concrete tilt-up panels
- Specialised commercial finishes
Concreting Costs Across Australia
Concrete prices vary significantly by state, project type, and finish. Here's what you can expect to pay for standard plain concrete work.
| State / Territory | Cost Range (per m²) |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | $35 – $50/m² |
| Victoria | $25 – $40/m² |
| Queensland | $30 – $45/m² |
| South Australia | $30 – $45/m² |
| Western Australia | $40 – $55/m² |
| Australian Capital Territory | $20 – $35/m² |
Indicative prices for standard plain concrete. Decorative finishes, difficult access, and site preparation will increase costs.
Cost by Project Type
Basic Concrete Driveway
$65 – $100/m²- 100mm thick slab
- Steel mesh reinforcement
- Broom or stipple finish
- Standard site conditions
Decorative Driveway
$100 – $150/m²- Exposed aggregate, stamped, or coloured
- Enhanced reinforcement
- Professional finishing
- Sealing included
House Slab (100mm)
$70 – $120/m²- Engineering included
- Waffle pod or conventional
- Excavation and base prep
- Steel reinforcement
Concrete Patio
$75 – $130/m²- Decorative finishes available
- Proper drainage and fall
- Suitable for entertaining
- Multiple finish options
What Affects Your Concrete Quote?
Site Accessibility
Difficult access requiring pumping adds $170–$230/hour to your project cost.
Ground Preparation
Excavation, removal of soil, and base preparation can significantly vary in cost.
Reinforcement Requirements
Steel mesh costs an additional $10–$30/m² depending on grade and type.
Concrete Type & Finish
Decorative options like exposed aggregate or stamping cost significantly more than plain.
Project Size
Larger projects often benefit from better per-square-metre rates.
Location & Timing
Urban areas have more competitive pricing. Off-peak seasons may offer better rates.
Licensing Requirements by State
In most Australian states and territories, concreters must hold appropriate licences for residential work above certain value thresholds. Always verify your concreter's licence is current and valid.
Regulator: NSW Fair Trading
Requires Certificate III in Concreting (CPC30320) or equivalent, plus a minimum of 2 years relevant experience.
Regulator: Victorian Building Authority (VBA)
Certificate III in Concreting required with additional business compliance requirements.
Regulator: QBCC
Three licence classes available: Contractor, Nominee Supervisor, and Site Supervisor. Certificate III in Concreting required.
Regulator: Consumer and Business Services (CBS)
Building Work Contractor Licence required. Concreting falls under general building work category.
Regulator: Building and Energy
Two licence types: Building Practitioner and Building Contractor.
Regulator: NT Government
Certificate III in Concreting required for work valued over $12,000 (including materials and GST).
Regulator: WorkSafe Tasmania
Licence required for concreting work valued over $5,000 including materials and GST.
Regulator: Access Canberra
Licence required for concreting work valued over $5,000 including materials and GST.
💡 Always Verify Licences
- Check the licence number with your state's building authority before work begins
- Confirm current public liability insurance is in place
- Ensure workers' compensation coverage covers all tradespeople on site
- Ask to see licence documentation — reputable concreters are happy to share
How to Choose the Right Concreter
Follow this step-by-step process to find a qualified, reliable concreter for your Australian project.
Verify Licensing & Insurance
Check their licence number with your state's building authority and confirm they have current public liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage.
Review Their Experience
- Ask how long they've been in business
- Request examples of similar completed projects
- Check if they specialise in your project type (residential vs commercial)
Get Multiple Detailed Quotes
Obtain at least 3–5 quotes that clearly outline cost breakdown, concrete specifications, finish type, project timeline, payment schedule (typically 10% deposit with staged payments), and warranty details.
Check Reviews & References
- Read online reviews on Google, ProductReview, and trade directories
- Ask for references from recent similar projects
- Visit completed projects if possible
- Check for any complaints with your state's building regulator
Understand the Specifications
A professional quote should specify concrete strength (typically 25–32 MPa for residential), slab thickness, reinforcement type, finish and sealing requirements, and compliance with AS 3600 and AS 2870 standards.
Ask the Right Questions
- "Are you licensed for this type of work in my state?"
- "What Australian Standards will you follow?"
- "What's included in your warranty?"
- "How long will the project take?"
- "Do you handle council permits and inspections?"
🚩 Red Flags to Watch For
- Quotes significantly lower than others — may cut corners on materials or workmanship
- Unwilling to provide licence details or insurance certificates
- No written quote or contract provided before work commences
- Pressure to pay large deposits upfront (10–20% is the industry standard)
- Vague specifications or unclear scope of work
- Cash-only payments requested with no receipt or record
Getting Quotes: What to Expect
Being prepared with the right information helps concreters provide accurate quotes and ensures you can compare them fairly.
Information to Provide
- Project dimensions (length, width in metres)
- Project type (driveway, slab, patio, etc.)
- Preferred finish type
- Site access details
- Special requirements (slopes, drainage, decorative)
- Your suburb and postcode
- Preferred timeline for completion
What a Quote Should Include
- Detailed scope of work
- Concrete specifications (strength, thickness)
- Reinforcement details
- Site preparation included
- Finish type and sealing
- Total cost breakdown
- Timeline with start and completion dates
- Warranty and licence information
Types of Concrete Finishes Available
From budget-friendly broom finishes to premium polished concrete, there's a style and price point for every project.
Broom Finish (Plain)
Traditional textured finish with brush strokes. Cost-effective and functional, perfect for utility areas and budget-conscious projects.
Exposed Aggregate
Beautiful natural stones visible on the surface. Highly durable, slip-resistant, and ideal for driveways, pool surrounds, and pathways.
Stamped / Patterned
Replicates the look of pavers, natural stone, brick, or tiles. Authentic appearance without mortar joints and fully customisable patterns.
Coloured Concrete
Pigmented throughout or surface-applied colour. Wide colour range available with no fading when integral colour is used.
Polished Concrete
Glossy, reflective surface with a contemporary look. Extremely durable, low maintenance, and perfect for modern interior and exterior spaces.
Spray-On / Overlays
Textured coatings in various colours applied over existing or new concrete. Great for resurfacing old concrete surfaces and pool decks.
Understanding Australian Concrete Standards
Professional concreters work to these standards to ensure your concrete meets building code requirements and performs as expected over its design life — typically 50 years.
Concrete Structures
AS 3600Governs the design and construction of structural concrete, including strength requirements (20–100 MPa), reinforcement specifications, durability for Australian conditions, and quality control and testing procedures.
Residential Slabs & Footings
AS 2870Specific to residential construction, covering site classification based on soil type, footing design for different soil conditions, drainage requirements, and construction specifications for house slabs.
Specification & Supply of Concrete
AS 1379Governs ready-mix concrete supply including ordering procedures, manufacturing standards, delivery requirements, and quality assurance for all concrete delivered to your site.
Concrete vs Alternative Materials
Understanding how concrete compares to other common materials helps you make the best choice for your project.
Concrete Advantages
- Lower installation cost
- Faster installation time
- No weed growth between joints
- Seamless surface finish
- Better for vehicle traffic
Paver Advantages
- Individual replacement possible
- More design flexibility
- Permeable options available
- Can look more upscale
Concrete Advantages
- Longer lifespan (30+ years vs 15–20)
- Lighter colour reflects heat
- Lower maintenance requirements
- Better appearance options
Asphalt Advantages
- Lower upfront cost
- Quicker installation
- Better in very cold climates
- Easier repairs
Common Concrete Problems & Maintenance
Understanding typical concrete issues and how to prevent them will help you protect your investment for decades.
⚠️ Typical Issues
Cracking
Some minor cracking is normal, but excessive or wide cracks indicate problems such as inadequate reinforcement, poor soil preparation, insufficient control joints, or rapid drying in hot weather.
Spalling
Surface concrete breaking away, often caused by water penetration, corrosion of reinforcement steel, poor quality concrete, or inadequate cover over reinforcement.
Settlement
Uneven sinking due to poorly compacted base, soil movement (particularly reactive clays), erosion under the slab, or tree root interference.
✅ Preventative Maintenance
Regular Sealing
Apply quality concrete sealer every 2–3 years to protect the surface from water and stains.
Proper Drainage
Ensure water flows away from concrete surfaces to prevent undermining and erosion.
Prompt Repairs
Fix small cracks before they worsen. Early intervention prevents costly major repairs.
Regular Cleaning
Remove debris, oil stains, and organic matter regularly to maintain appearance and prevent damage.
Avoid Overloading
Respect the designed load capacity. Don't park heavy vehicles on standard residential slabs.
When to Start Your Concreting Project
Ideal pouring temperature is between 10°C and 35°C. Avoid extreme heat (causes rapid drying and cracking) and freezing conditions (affects curing and strength development).
🌏 Southern Australia
VIC, SA, TAS
☀️ Northern Australia
QLD, NT
🌊 Coastal Regions
All coastal areas
Ensure adequate reinforcement cover in marine environments.
🏜️ Western Australia
WA metro & regional
Frequently Asked Questions
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