What exposed aggregate actually is
Exposed aggregate concrete is standard structural concrete with the top layer of cement paste washed back to reveal the stone within the mix. What you're left with is a hard-wearing textured surface where the natural colour of the aggregate does the decorating.
Because the strength comes from the same concrete underneath, an exposed aggregate driveway in Hobart is every bit as structural as a plain slab. The difference is entirely in the finish — and in how carefully the wash-off is timed. Too early and you lose stone; too late and the surface stays flat and dull. That timing is judgement built from experience, and it's the part that separates a great exposed job from an average one.
- Excellent grip on sloping driveways
- Hides tyre marks and general wear
- Wide range of stone colours and sizes
- Same structural strength as plain concrete
Coloured and decorative concrete options
If exposed aggregate isn't the look you're after, coloured concrete gives you a solid, consistent tone through the slab using oxide, and works well when you want the concrete to sit quietly against the house rather than stand out.
We also do feature borders, contrasting bands between panels, and honed or sealed finishes where you want more shine. On outdoor areas around Hobart we'll always talk through slip resistance as well as looks — a finish that looks great dry is no good if it's slick after a frost.
- Coloured / oxide concrete
- Feature borders and bands
- Sealed and honed finishes
- Matched to your home's palette
Where decorative concrete works best
Driveways are the most common use — an exposed aggregate driveway lifts the entire street presentation of a house and is a genuine value-add when it comes time to sell. Beyond that, we pour decorative concrete for entertaining areas, courtyards, pool surrounds, paths and front entries.
Because it's poured in place, decorative concrete handles curves, slopes and odd-shaped areas that pavers struggle with, and there are no joints for weeds to come through later.
Getting it right the first time
Decorative work is unforgiving — the finish is the product, and it can't be fixed up afterwards. That's why we prepare the base to the same standard as any structural slab, use consistent mixes across the pour, and plan the job so the whole area goes down in one go rather than in patches that never quite match.
Our crew brings over 50 years of combined experience to this work, we're fully licensed and insured, and quotes are free. Tell us the area and the look you're after and we'll come out and price it.