How Much Does Shotcrete Cost for 10 Square Metres in New Zealand?
By PumpX Team ·
Shotcrete is concrete (or mortar) sprayed at high speed onto a surface, commonly used for retaining walls, bank stabilisation, pools and repairs. If you have a small area, say around 10 square metres in Wellington, you may find that the price per square metre looks high. There is a reason for that, and it is worth understanding before you ask for quotes.
This post is general information only. Prices in New Zealand change, so do not rely on any ballpark here. Ask for current quotes in New Zealand dollars, and check what consents or engineering sign-off your project needs.
Why small shotcrete jobs cost more per square metre
Shotcrete needs a specialist crew, a pump, compressor and spraying equipment, plus the material. All of that has to be mobilised whether the area is 10 square metres or 100. Contractors therefore tend to quote a minimum charge or a mobilisation fee, so small jobs cost more per unit than big ones.
What affects the price
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Area and thickness | More volume means more material and more time. Thickness is often 75 to 150 mm or more, set by an engineer |
| Reinforcement | Mesh or bars need fixing before spraying, either by you, the contractor or a fixer |
| Wet or dry process | Different methods suit different jobs and contractors |
| Access | Steep sites, narrow access or long hose runs raise the cost |
| Surface preparation | Excavating, cleaning, drainage and installing weep holes |
| Finish | Rough sprayed, trowelled or screeded |
| Engineering | Retaining walls usually need design and often consent |
| Site location | Travel from the contractor's base |
| Minimum charge | Mobilisation, minimum hours or minimum volume |
Quote by what, not just by area
A quote per square metre without thickness is meaningless, because a 75 mm layer and a 150 mm layer use very different volumes of material. When comparing quotes, make sure each one states:
- the thickness and strength of shotcrete
- the reinforcement (and who supplies and fixes it)
- whether drainage is included
- the finish
- the minimum charge
- whether GST is included
- what is excluded, such as excavation or consent costs
Shotcrete or conventional pumped concrete?
For some small walls or banks, formed and poured concrete delivered by a line pump can be an alternative, particularly when access allows formwork. Shotcrete tends to win where forming is awkward, the surface is irregular or the site is steep. Ask your engineer which method suits your project, and ask contractors to quote the options if they offer both. Our pump vs chute vs wheelbarrow guide explains the basic placement options for poured work.
How to get quotes
- Take photos and measurements of the area, including slope and access.
- Get an engineer's design if it is a retaining wall or structural element.
- Ask at least two or three shotcrete contractors for written quotes.
- Ask about minimum charges so you are not surprised.
- Check insurance and experience on similar projects.
You can look for specialists in the PumpX concrete pumping directory. Not every pumping company does shotcrete, so ask directly.
Plan for the unexpected
Banks and walls often turn up surprises once the surface is exposed: loose material, water seepage or extra excavation. Ask contractors how they deal with variations and how they price them, and keep a contingency in your budget. It is also worth asking how long the finished surface should cure before any backfilling or loading. Neighbouring properties, access across other people's land and weather can all affect timing, so build in a buffer and talk to everyone affected before the crew arrives.
Questions worth asking a shotcrete contractor
Ask how many similar projects they have completed, whether they can show examples and what warranty or guarantee they offer. Ask who is responsible for dealing with the engineer and the council, how they manage overspray and dust, and what protection they provide for neighbouring surfaces and plants. A good contractor will answer these plainly and put the answers in writing. If a quote is vague, treat it as a warning and ask for more detail.
Key takeaways
- Small shotcrete jobs are usually priced with a minimum charge, so per-square-metre rates look high.
- Thickness, reinforcement, access and engineering decide the real cost.
- Get written quotes that list thickness, inclusions and exclusions.
- Compare shotcrete with formed and pumped concrete if access allows.
- Check consent and engineering requirements before you start.
Need a specialist? Search PumpX for operators in your region.
Original question on Reddit: r/diynz: Shotcrete: experiences, pricing for 10m2 in Wellington