When we lay a driveway in our region of Phillip Island and Bass Coast our customers always face the dawnting question. Plain Concrete, Coloured Concrete or Textured Concrete (Exposed Aggregate)?

You would think this is a simple question – believe me it’s not. There are so many variables, new house, old house, modern, contemporary, classic, every structure suits a different finish.

In this news clip we have tried to clarify the difference’s between the different styles. There are definitely concrete finishes that suit building styles and landscape designs however sometimes it really does come down to personal preferences.

See below the definitions of the different concrete driveway finishes:

What is Exposed Aggregate? Traditionally, when concrete is laid it is smoothed off to create an even finish. Whilst this technique produces a clean, uniform finish, smooth surfaces can look a little boring and are less practical in terms of traction and durability. Exposed aggregate concrete, on the other hand, utilises exposed stones and pebbles to create colour and texture as well as improved traction and durability. To produce an exposed aggregate driveway, we expose the internal structure of the concrete for an elegant natural finish, perfect for outdoor areas that require a little more grip.

The different colours, textures and effects which can be created using exposed aggregate are virtually limitless. Almost any type of stone or sand can be used to create an aggregate with varying sizes and grades used to create different effects. Mixing quartz into aggregate, for example, will result in a glossy finish that catches the light. This effect can be played up even further with the use of coloured glass. Because the materials used in exposed aggregate concrete are so wide-ranging, the colour options available are virtually limitless. Colours can range from chic neutrals to bold hues like emerald green and rose pink.