Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Concrete is a highly useful material found in the walls of buildings to the columns that hold up major highways. However, exposed aggregate concrete is just as popular. It is essentially exposed to reveal the gravel or sand underneath. It provides a wide range of colours and a breadth of texture, making it quite interesting to use in residential and commercial projects.

However, exposed aggregate concrete does more than just sit pretty. The texture provides grip, so it’s a popular choice for paving driveways or use around pool decks and garden patios.

The colours of the exposed aggregate concrete helps the structure stand out in a visually pleasing way. This concrete also helps with soundproofing and sealing off noise, thanks to its uneven surface texture.

Another reason to consider exposed aggregate concrete is its easy maintenance and longevity. The concrete quality itself can last for decades by sealing the surface every few years. The exposed aggregate concrete colours remain fresh with regular cleans.

Exposed aggregate concrete is a type of decorative concrete. In addition to being easily maintained, it’s also budget-friendly for the amount of durability you’ll benefit from.

That being said, it’s understandably more expensive than regular concrete, as you pay extra for durability. Exposed aggregate concrete suppliers can charge anywhere from $100 to $150 per square metre. Usually, concrete suppliers will quote you in cubic metres, so your total cost could work out to $200 to $300 per cubic metre.

The final price of exposed aggregate concrete includes the following factors:

• The size of your project or site
• Excavation and levelling costs
• If drainage needs to be installed on-site
• The costs of pre-mixed concrete from the supplier
• The labour involved in creating the exposed aggregate concrete finish

Read our exposed aggregate cost guide to find out more.

Exposed aggregate concrete is extremely durable. This is why so many roads and building projects use this type of decorative concrete. It can last for 40 years or longer with the strength to withstand extreme weather conditions and heavy traffic flow.

This concrete has a slip-resistant texture that is also available in different grades. For example, you can get high-grade or high relief concrete that’s grainier and sandier. However, a grainier or sandier exposed concrete texture may not be right for barefoot use. In this case, you can get a low relief or finer texture. No matter which grade you use, exposed aggregate concrete is far more durable than standard concrete.