Handmade Concreting is the go-to team for concreters Hillarys homeowners trust - delivering coastal-grade driveways, patios and pool surrounds built to handle the salt air, sandy soils and lifestyle demands that come with living near the Indian Ocean in Perth's northern suburbs.

Hillarys sits 21 km north-northwest of the Perth CBD in the City of Joondalup (postcode 6025), bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and the Mitchell Freeway to the east. It's one of Perth's most desirable coastal suburbs, and the concrete work here needs to reflect that - both in quality and finish. With over 10 years concreting across Perth's northern suburbs, we understand exactly what Hillarys properties need, from the soil beneath your feet to the sea breeze blowing off the marina. You can also view our Hillarys services for a full overview of what we offer in the area.



What Makes Concreting in Hillarys Different from Other Perth Suburbs?

Hillarys sits on Perth's Swan Coastal Plain, which means deep, sandy soils with low load-bearing capacity and variable drainage. That's not a problem if your concreter accounts for it - but it's a serious issue if they don't. On sandy blocks like these, we compact the sub-base in layers before any pour, building up a stable platform that resists settlement and cracking over time. Skip that step and you'll be looking at cracked concrete within a few years.

The coastal exposure adds another layer of complexity. Salt-laden air from the Indian Ocean and Hillarys Boat Harbour accelerates corrosion of steel reinforcement if cover depth is inadequate. We specify a minimum 32 MPa concrete mix for all coastal work in Hillarys, ensure correct reo cover throughout, and recommend a penetrating sealer rated for coastal exposure. A Perth-generic concreter who doesn't factor in the marine environment is cutting corners that will cost you down the track.

The suburb also has two very distinct housing profiles. The original Whitford Development Scheme homes - built in the 1970s and 80s on generous 600-800 sqm blocks - often have mature landscaping, ageing asphalt or paver driveways, and established gardens that need careful access management. Newer infill builds on tighter lots present different challenges: restricted vehicle access, pump pours, and precision formwork in compact footprints. We've worked across both, and our approach is tailored to whichever situation your property presents.



The Most Popular Concrete Finishes for Hillarys Driveways and Patios

Exposed aggregate is the dominant driveway finish in Hillarys, and for good reason. It suits the coastal street aesthetic, handles heavy vehicle traffic without showing wear, and provides natural slip resistance in a suburb where sea spray and wet feet are part of daily life. Pricing runs from $135-$145/m², with an average 60 sqm driveway coming in at $8,100-$8,700 (excluding earthworks and sealing). You can read more about the finish on our exposed aggregate driveway page.

For patios, pool surrounds and alfresco areas, liquid limestone is the most requested finish in Hillarys. It stays significantly cooler underfoot than standard grey concrete in the Perth sun - a real advantage in a suburb built around outdoor living near the beach and marina. We source our liquid limestone through Limecrete, ensuring consistent quality and colour. For premium entertaining slabs, honed concrete is another strong option: it delivers a clean, sophisticated look that suits the more contemporary infill builds appearing throughout the suburb.

• Exposed aggregate driveways: $135-$145/m² - durable, slip-resistant, coastal street appeal
• Liquid limestone patios and pool surrounds: cool underfoot, ideal for Hillarys outdoor living
• Honed concrete alfresco slabs: $185-$195/m² - premium finish for entertaining areas
• Standard grey concrete: $90-$100/m² - practical for sheds, side paths and utility pads

Anti-slip finishes deserve a specific mention for alfresco and pool surrounds in Hillarys. Wet surfaces near pools and the beach are a genuine safety concern. We texture pool surrounds appropriately so they meet slip-resistance requirements without sacrificing the clean coastal look.

Replacing Old Driveways and Managing Access in Hillarys

A large proportion of our Hillarys work involves upgrading existing driveways on established blocks. Older asphalt driveways crack, sink and fade. Paver driveways shift on sandy soil and become uneven over time. Replacing them with exposed aggregate or liquid limestone is one of the most cost-effective ways to lift the street appeal and value of a 1970s-80s brick-and-tile home.

The demolition and removal process for old asphalt or pavers is straightforward, but the sub-base work underneath is where the real value lies. Sandy coastal soils need thorough re-compaction after the old material is stripped - if we skip that, the new concrete slab will have the same problems as the old one. We quote earthworks separately and transparently so you know exactly what's involved before we start.

Access on mature Hillarys blocks can be tight, particularly where established trees, garden beds and boundary walls limit how equipment can move. We assess access carefully at quoting stage and plan pours accordingly. For infill lots with restricted truck access, we use concrete pumps to place the mix precisely without compromising the finished result. Any new or modified driveway crossover in Hillarys also requires approval from the City of Joondalup - we're familiar with their crossover requirements and can advise you on that process, including their crossover subsidy policy, which may contribute to your material costs.

If you're working on a project in a neighbouring suburb, our work across the northern coastal corridor means we're equally well-placed to help - see our post on Concreters Duncraig - Local Concrete Specialists North Perth for more on how we approach similar properties in the area. We also regularly work in Padbury, Craigie, Kingsley, Kallaroo, Sorrento, Marmion and Warwick.

Sealing and Long-Term Maintenance for Coastal Concrete in Hillarys

The sealer you choose matters as much as the concrete mix in a coastal suburb like Hillarys. UV radiation in Perth is intense, and salt air adds a second layer of degradation risk. A standard acrylic sealer that works fine in an inland suburb won't hold up the same way within a kilometre of the ocean. We recommend a penetrating silane-siloxane sealer for exposed aggregate driveways and liquid limestone in coastal locations - it bonds into the concrete surface rather than sitting on top, providing long-term moisture and salt resistance without changing the appearance of the finish.

For honed concrete alfresco slabs, a semi-gloss or matte polyurethane or epoxy topcoat gives a durable, easy-clean surface that holds up to outdoor entertaining. We advise resealing every three to five years depending on sun exposure and foot traffic. Getting the sealer right the first time significantly extends the life of the concrete and reduces maintenance costs over the long run.

We also advise homeowners on expansion joint placement - critical in Perth's climate where temperature swings cause concrete to expand and contract. Correctly placed and filled control joints prevent random cracking and keep the slab looking clean for years. It's a detail that's easy to get wrong and hard to fix after the fact.

Why Perth Homeowners Choose Handmade Concreting

We've been concreting across Perth's northern suburbs for over 10 years, and Hillarys is one of our most active areas. Our team is fully licensed, and we bring genuine coastal concreting expertise to every job - not just a standard formula applied everywhere. We carry a consistent 5-star rating from Perth homeowners who value straight-talking advice, quality workmanship and transparent pricing. We work with Limecrete for our liquid limestone supply, ensuring the finish quality matches what we quote. Whether you're upgrading an old driveway on a mature Hillarys block or pouring a new alfresco slab on an infill build, we give you honest advice and deliver concrete that lasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the coastal environment in Hillarys affect what type of concrete or sealer I should use for my driveway?

Yes - salt-laden air near the Indian Ocean and Hillarys Boat Harbour can accelerate corrosion of steel reinforcement if cover depth is inadequate. We use a minimum 32 MPa concrete mix for coastal work in Hillarys, maintain correct reo cover throughout the pour, and specify a penetrating silane-siloxane sealer rated for coastal exposure. This combination protects against moisture ingress and surface degradation that a standard inland concrete spec simply won't handle as well over time.

What concrete finish is most popular for driveways and patios in Hillarys?

Exposed aggregate is the most popular driveway finish in Hillarys - it suits the coastal aesthetic, provides natural slip resistance and handles Perth's UV and traffic load well. Liquid limestone is the go-to choice for patios and pool surrounds because it stays cooler underfoot than standard grey concrete in the summer sun, which matters a lot in a suburb built around outdoor living. For premium entertaining slabs, honed concrete at $185-$195/m² is the finish most suited to contemporary infill builds.

Do I need City of Joondalup approval before concreting a new driveway crossover in Hillarys?

Yes - any new or modified driveway crossover in Hillarys requires approval from the City of Joondalup before work starts. The City also has a crossover subsidy policy that may contribute toward your material costs, depending on your property type and crossover dimensions. We're familiar with Joondalup's requirements and can walk you through the approval process so there are no surprises before we pour.

Can you replace an old asphalt or paver driveway on an established Hillarys block with decorative concrete?

Absolutely - replacing an ageing asphalt or paver driveway is one of the most common jobs we do in Hillarys, and upgrading to exposed aggregate or liquid limestone delivers a noticeable improvement in street appeal and property value. The process involves demolition and removal of the existing surface, thorough sub-base re-compaction on the sandy coastal soils, then forming and pouring the new slab with correct reinforcement. Access on mature established blocks is manageable with proper planning - we assess this at quoting stage.

How much does an exposed aggregate driveway cost in Hillarys WA?

An exposed aggregate driveway in Hillarys costs $135-$145 per square metre, with an average 60 sqm driveway running $8,100-$8,700. That price includes steel reinforcement, mesh, chairs and setup - earthworks and sealing are quoted separately because they vary depending on what's already on site and your soil conditions. We provide a detailed, itemised quote so you know exactly what's included before any work begins.

Ready to Get Started on Your Hillarys Concrete Project?

If you're planning a new driveway, patio, pool surround or alfresco slab in Hillarys, we'd love to help. Handmade Concreting offers free, no-obligation quotes and genuine advice on the right finish for your property and budget. Call us on 0407 255 644 or visit our contact page to get in touch. We're based in Padbury and work across Hillarys and the surrounding northern suburbs every week.