Quick answer: Concrete grinding in Geelong usually lands somewhere between $12 and $30 per square metre, depending on the size of the job, the condition of the slab and what is on it. A standard double garage often falls in the lower half of that range. Large, clean commercial floors can come in cheaper per square metre. Floors with thick old coatings, glue or heavy levelling needs cost more. These are rough guides only. The only honest number is one based on your actual slab.
A homeowner in Belmont rang us last month. Three quotes for the same garage. One said $600. One said $1,400. One said “depends”.
Which one was right? All of them, in a way. They were pricing different jobs.
Here is what actually moves the price of concrete grinding, so you can compare quotes properly.
What is concrete grinding, and why does it cost what it does?
Grinding uses a heavy machine with diamond tooling to strip the weak top layer off a slab. It removes old paint, sealers, glue and stains. It also opens up the concrete so a coating can grip.
It is loud, dusty work. The machines are expensive, the diamond tooling wears out, and a proper job needs dust extraction. That is what you are paying for. Not just the hours, but the gear and the clean result.
The 7 things that change the price
1. Floor size
Bigger floors cost less per square metre. The machine setup, travel and clean-up are the same whether it is 30 sqm or 300 sqm. Small jobs carry a higher rate because of that fixed effort.
2. What is already on the floor
Bare, clean concrete is the quickest. Old epoxy, thick paint, tile adhesive and bitumen glue take much longer and wear through tooling fast. If your floor has a coating that is peeling or failing, expect a higher price. It also helps to read up on why epoxy floors fail before you decide what to do next.
2b. How hard the concrete is
Some slabs are soft and grind easily. Others are dense and hard, especially older or well-cured concrete. Harder slabs need more passes and different tooling.
3. Levelling and repairs
High spots, lippage and uneven joins can be ground flat. Low spots, holes and cracks need filling. Cracks in particular add time. Our post on concrete cracks in Geelong covers your options.
4. Access
Tight garages full of stuff, stairs, and long carry distances all add time. If the space is cleared before we arrive, the job moves faster.
5. Dust control
Proper dust extraction is not optional on indoor jobs, and it is a workplace safety issue on commercial sites. Cheap quotes sometimes skip it. You will notice in your house.
6. The finish you want
A light grind to prep for epoxy is different to a heavy grind for polishing or removing thick coatings. Tell your installer what comes next. It changes the tooling and the passes.
7. Whether coating is included
Some quotes bundle grinding with the epoxy or flake system. Others price grinding alone. Always check which one you are looking at before comparing two numbers.
Rough price examples
These are ballpark figures to help you sense-check a quote. Your slab, your access and your finish will move them.
| Job | What affects it | Rough guide |
|---|---|---|
| Standard double garage, bare concrete | Clean slab, easy access | Lower end of the range |
| Garage with old paint or failing epoxy | Coating removal, more passes | Mid to upper range |
| Driveway or large outdoor slab | Size, surface condition | Varies with area |
| Warehouse or factory floor | Large area, may need levelling or line removal | Lower per sqm, higher total |
| Floor with glue, bitumen or heavy staining | Slow removal, tooling wear | Upper range or more |
Why the cheapest quote can cost you more
Grinding is the step most people never see once the floor is coated. So it is the easiest place to cut corners.
A light skim instead of a proper grind. No dust extraction. No moisture check. Then the coating peels in a year and you pay to do it all again.
Prep is where epoxy floors are won or lost. We wrote a full explainer on why grinding comes first, and it is worth a read before you sign anything.
Grinding vs acid etching: is etching cheaper?
Yes, it can be. But etching does not give the same rough profile as diamond grinding. It also does not remove old coatings, and it can leave residue if it is not rinsed well. For garages and commercial floors that will see real use, grinding is the safer bet.
How to compare grinding quotes properly
Ask each company the same questions:
- Is the price per square metre or a fixed total?
- Will you diamond grind the whole floor, or just parts?
- Is dust extraction included?
- Does the price include crack repair and patching?
- Is coating included, or is this grinding only?
If two quotes are far apart, the answers to these questions usually explain why. Our checklist for choosing an epoxy flooring company has more to ask.
Frequently asked questions
How much does concrete grinding cost in Geelong?
As a rough guide, most jobs fall between $12 and $30 per square metre. Size, floor condition and access all change the final number.
Is there a minimum charge for small jobs?
Often, yes. Machine setup, travel and clean-up take the same effort on a small floor, so very small jobs can carry a higher rate.
Do I need grinding before epoxy?
Yes. A coating can only bond as well as the surface under it. Grinding opens the concrete and removes the weak layer.
How long does grinding take?
A typical garage is usually done in a day. Larger or more difficult floors take longer.
Can grinding fix an uneven floor?
It can knock down high spots and smooth minor lippage. Low spots and holes need filling or levelling, which is a separate step.
Is grinding messy?
It should not be. With proper dust extraction, most of the dust is captured at the machine. Ask any installer whether extraction is included.
Want a real number for your floor?
Send us a few photos and the rough size. We will tell you what the floor needs and what it will cost, with no pressure.
Call Joe on 0433 249 998 or request a quote below.
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