Been checking out ways to jazz up your driveway, patio or pool area? Bet you’ve stumbled across “exposed aggregate” and “aggregate concrete” while having a squiz online. These concrete finishes are quite popular for outdoor areas, but what’s the actual difference between them?
Let’s break it down in plain English so you can make the right choice for your next project.
What Is Aggregate Concrete?
First up – let’s have a yarn about what aggregate concrete actually is. Basically, it’s your standard concrete mix with aggregates chucked in – ya know, those little bits like crushed rock, gravel, sand, or recycled concrete that make up about 60–80% of the whole concrete mix.
Think of aggregate concrete as the backbone of all concrete types. It’s what gives concrete its grunt, toughness, and structure. Without aggregates, concrete would crack, shrink, and pretty much fall to pieces quicker than a dodgy camping chair at a Boxing Day barbie.
The aggregates in aggregate concrete come in various sizes:
- Fine aggregates – Sand and materials smaller than 6mm
- Coarse aggregates – Crushed stone, gravel, and materials larger than 6mm
These materials are mixed with cement and water to create the concrete that’s used in everything from footpaths to skyscrapers across Melbourne and beyond.
What Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
Now, here’s where things get a bit more flash. Exposed aggregate concrete kicks off as your regular aggregate concrete, but with a bit of a twist! The top layer of cement paste gets stripped away to show off (or “expose”) all those fancy aggregates hiding underneath.
Exposed aggregate concrete is essentially a design choice – a way to show off those beautiful stones, pebbles, or other decorative materials that would otherwise be hidden within the concrete. It’s like having a mullet haircut but for your driveway – business on the bottom, party on top!
With exposed aggregate concrete, you get all the durability and strength benefits of standard concrete, plus a decorative finish that can dramatically enhance the look of your outdoor spaces.
Key Differences Between the Two
1. Appearance
The most obvious difference is how they look. Standard aggregate concrete typically has a smooth, uniform appearance. The aggregates are fully embedded in the cement paste, giving you that classic, uninterrupted concrete look we’re all familiar with.
Exposed aggregate concrete, on the other hand, shows off the natural beauty of the aggregates. You can see the actual stones, pebbles, shells, or whatever decorative aggregates were used in the mix. This creates a textured, multi-coloured surface that adds character and visual interest to any area.
2. Installation Process
When it comes to installation, there’s a fair bit of difference between the two.
Aggregate concrete installation is straightforward:
- Mix cement, water, and aggregates
- Pour into the prepared area
- Level and smooth the surface
- Allow to cure
- And you’re sorted!
Exposed aggregate concrete requires additional steps:
- Mix cement, water, and carefully selected decorative aggregates
- Pour into the prepared area
- Level and smooth the surface
- Wait until the concrete reaches the right stage of hardness
- Wash away or brush off the top layer of cement paste to expose the aggregates
- Seal the surface after curing
These extra steps make exposed aggregate concrete installation a bit more involved and typically a job for experienced concreters like our team at Concrete By Bayleaf.
3. Texture and Grip
When it comes to safety, especially around pools or in areas that get a fair bit of rain (hello, Melbourne winters!), the texture difference matters.
Standard aggregate concrete is relatively smooth, which can become slippery when wet.
Exposed aggregate concrete provides better traction thanks to its naturally textured surface. Those exposed stones create a non-slip surface that’s particularly valuable for driveways, pool surrounds, and areas prone to getting wet.
4. Customisation Options
With standard aggregate concrete, your design options are a bit limited. You can chuck some colour in the mix, but the surface still looks pretty much the same all over.
Exposed aggregate concrete gives you heaps more design choices:
- Take your pick from river pebbles, crushed granite, quartz, or even recycled glass
- Mix up different coloured stones for something really unique
- Chuck it in with coloured concrete for even more eye-catching results
- Create fancy patterns or borders if you’re feeling flash
This is why exposed aggregate concrete has become so popular with homeowners who want to add a bit of luxury to their outdoor areas without spending a fortune.
5. Maintenance Needs
Both types of concrete are relatively easy to maintain relative to alternatives such as timber decking or pavers, but there are some distinctions.
Aggregate concrete typically requires:
- A tidy clean from time to time
- Repairing any cracks when they appear
- Re-sealing every several years
Exposed aggregate concrete needs:
- Regular cleaning (occasionally a little more frequently due to all the nooks and crannies)
- Repairing any cracks when they appear
- More frequent resealing (typically every 2 to 3 years) to maintain the exposed bits looking flash and sealed
Although exposed aggregate concrete may require a little more TLC, most homeowners think the bonza appearance is worth the added elbow grease.
6. Durability and Lifespan
Both forms of concrete are as tough as nails, but exposed aggregate tends to be slightly more robust under wear and tear. Because you get to see the real stones and not cement paste, you don’t really notice surface wear so much over time. The rough texture of exposed aggregate also means little cracks and shoddy bits get absorbed in a more natural way by the bumpy surface.
7. Cost Considerations
As you’d probably guess, there’s a bit of a price difference between these options:
Aggregate concrete is usually cheaper, making it a good bet for bigger areas where you’re watching your pennies.
Exposed aggregate concrete costs a bit more due to:
- Potentially more expensive decorative aggregates
- More labour-intensive installation process
- Additional materials like surface retarders and sealants
- Specialised skills and experience required
But heaps of our customers reckon the spruced-up look of exposed aggregate concrete is well worth the extra cash, especially in spots where everyone can see it, like your front entrance or around the pool.
Which One is Right for Your Project?
Deciding between aggregate concrete and exposed aggregate concrete is really all about a few things:
- Budget – If you’re a little strapped for cash, regular aggregate concrete may be your ticket.
- Aesthetics – Looking for something with a little more oomph factor? Exposed aggregate looks heaps better.
- Safety – Need extra grip for wet spots? Exposed aggregate gives you better traction.
- Maintenance – If you can’t be bothered with much upkeep, standard aggregate concrete needs a bit less looking after.
- Area usage – Spots where everyone’s always walking might do better with exposed aggregate’s toughness and ability to hide wear and tear.
The Bottom Line
Both aggregate concrete and exposed aggregate concrete have their place in modern Australian landscapes. Standard aggregate concrete offers simplicity, affordability, and classic appeal, while exposed aggregate provides enhanced aesthetics, better slip resistance, and more design flexibility.
At Concrete By Bayleaf, we specialise in both options and can help you determine which is the perfect fit for your specific needs. We’ve been doing up Melbourne properties with top-notch concrete for donkey’s years, and we’d love to help you sort out an outdoor space that’s both practical and looks a treat.
Ready to check out your concrete options? Give us a bell for a no-strings chat about what you need for your project. We’re always up for a yarn and happy to share what we know to help you make the best call for your place.
FAQS
How do you pour exposed aggregate concrete at home?
To pour exposed aggregate concrete at home, prep the site, mix and pour the concrete, then smooth it out. Either mix the aggregate in or sprinkle it on top, apply a retarder, then after it’s set a bit, wash off the top layer to reveal the stones. Finish it off with a sealant, and you’ve got yourself a ripper surface that’s both sturdy and good-looking!
What is the concrete around a pool called?
The concrete surrounding a pool is typically called pool coping or pool decking, depending on which specific area you’re referring to. Pool coping’s the final trim on top of the pool wall, giving it a neat edge, while pool decking covers the whole area around the pool – perfect for kicking back after a swim.
How much is exposed aggregate per square metre?
As for exposed aggregate in Melbourne, you’re talking $120 to $180 per square metre, depending on the aggregate type, site preparation, and how difficult the task is. If you want an exact quote, best to give a bell to us at Concrete By Bayleaf for a free on-site consultation to talk about your project. Too easy!
