How much do concrete slabs for sheds cost? | 2023 cost guide

When you're thinking of building a shed, the first step you'll need to do is to hire a licensed concreter to construct a concrete slab for it to sit on (unless you already have one).

Keep reading this guide to learn more about concreting prices, how much concrete slabs for sheds cost, and everything else you need to know for your project.

Overview

• How much does concreting cost?
• How much does a concrete shed slab cost?
• Factors that may affect your concreting cost
• What does a concreter do?
• Types of concrete applications
• Getting concreter quotes

How much does concreting cost?

Concreting costs can range from $50 to $150 per square metre, depending on the amount of levelling required, the style of finish utilised, and the size of the work. You should anticipate spending $200 to $300 per cubic metre. Your pricing will also be affected by the type of concrete you use.

How much does a concrete shed slab cost?

The concrete slab's cost is typically determined depending on the type and size of the area that has to be covered. If your slab is on flat ground with convenient access, anticipate a lower price. If the concrete needs to use a concrete pump to pour the concrete, it will be more expensive.

• Plain concrete: $50 – $90 per square metre 
• Exposed aggregate finish: $100 – $150 per square metre
• Spray-on concrete: $60 – $80 per square metre
• Reinforced concrete pathway: $70 – $90 per square metre
• Decorative stencilled concrete driveway: $95 – $145 per square metre

Please note that these prices are estimations and can depend on various factors. 

The cost of installing a concrete slab is calculated per square metre. In general, you should determine the slab's cost by calculating the square metres of the area to be covered and acquiring multiple concreter quotes for the concrete slab price per square metre.

Concreters determine their rates by taking numerous factors:

1. What is the size of the job?

Because set-up, travel, and other time-consuming factors must be incorporated into the price, the job's size might substantially influence the concrete slab cost.

2. Location

Market dynamics in your region, as well as the distance between you and the base of operations of a concreting firm, may influence their estimates.

3. The thickness of the slab

A concrete slab for a home may be thicker than a slab for a shed. It will need more concrete, resulting in a higher concrete slab cost per square metres.

Factors That May Affect Your Concreting Cost

The size of your site will affect the cost of the work since more time and concrete are required, as well as the time and effort needed to dig and level your property. The entire cost will climb if extensive drainage is necessary on your property, and access to your site can make an impact since it affects both the timeframe and the intricacy of your task..

What Does a Concreter Do?

A concreter specialises in building a wide range of constructions out of concrete or cement. This includes home slabs, pathways, roads, building foundations, and sidewalks. Their processes include pouring, shaping, smoothing, finishing, and sometimes colouring concrete. Concrete contractors complete their tasks using highly specialised materials and tools.

More specifically, concretors are responsible for the following tasks:

• Cutting concrete into chunks for removal or cutting expansion joints into the concrete 
• Mixing water, cement, sand, and aggregates on-site to make concrete
• Cleaning concrete regularly for reasons such as preparation for resealing, removal of dirt, moss, and algae
• Cleaning dirty and dull concrete
• Polishing concrete
• Making concrete connections to allow for shrinkage and expansion
• Digging foundation trenches
• Reinforcing concrete to strengthen it
• Building constructions such as patios, paths, and  driveways
• Removing concrete that is no longer required, including old driveway, worn and tired paths, small concrete slabs, or even an entire concrete pool.

Types of Concrete Applications

There are several types of concrete to choose from, and you can use some for the same purpose. It is determined by the results you aim to achieve. 

1. Spray-On Concrete 

Spray-on concrete is a popular alternative owing to its quick application and decorative design elements that enhance the appearance of your home.

2. Coloured Concrete 

Coloured concrete may drastically alter the appearance of your walls, both externally and internally. Moreover, coloured concrete is made using dyes and comes in various colours.

3. Concrete Pools

Concrete is a common pool material choice because of its stability and resistance to accidents, weather, and water. Concrete pools are also visually appealing.

4. Concrete House Slabs

Concrete house slabs are an excellent choice as a base for your home because of their affordability, stability, and durability.

5. Concrete Footpaths 

Concrete, the most frequently-used material used on sidewalks, provides a single layer or individual block option for footpaths.

6. Concrete Driveways

What else would you want lying underneath heavy vehicles? Concrete driveways are an excellent alternative for a driveway since they come in various finishes and luxury driveway designs.

7. Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate is decorative option that combines stone and concrete in a visually appealing way. It’s one of the most highly-favoured driveway ideas, and may also be used as an idea for pathways and patios.

8. Concrete Framework 

You can use timber and concrete to build a concrete structure for your home.

9. Concrete Foundations 

Last but not least, the foundation of your property is critical. A strong foundation may make the difference, and concrete is preferred.

Getting Concreter Quotes

While you can lay a slab alone, hiring a concreter makes the process much more straightforward and ensures a professional result. Before experts come out and assess your property, provide them as much information as you can about the job. You can make a better judgement about your project and preferred concreter based on multiple quotes. 

Further Reading

• How Much Does Concrete Polishing Cost? | 2023 Cost Guide
• Decorative Concrete vs Pavers: The Pros and Cons
• How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Concrete Driveway? | 2023 Cost Guide

All the costs quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are to be used as an AUD cost guide and may vary locally, and are subject to market changes.