What is Exposed Aggregate & Finish Options
Exposed aggregate concrete starts as standard concrete mix with carefully selected decorative stones, pebbles, or aggregates blended throughout. The magic happens in the finishing process. Once we pour and level the concrete, we apply a surface retarder chemical that slows the curing of the top cement layer. After the concrete beneath has set properly, we wash away this surface layer using specialised equipment and techniques, revealing the beautiful stones embedded in the surface.
The depth of exposure you choose determines the final appearance and texture. Shallow exposure creates a subtle, refined look with stones just breaking through the surface, while deeper exposure produces a more dramatic, heavily textured finish with greater slip resistance. We control this precisely based on your aesthetic preferences and functional requirements.
You’ve got three main finish options for exposed aggregate in Canberra. Water washing is our most popular method, where we use pressurized water to gently remove the surface cement, creating a smooth, natural finish that’s perfect for driveways and patios. Grinding and polishing mechanically removes the surface layer and can be performed weeks or even months after installation, giving you flexibility in project timing. Seeding involves scattering additional decorative aggregates onto the surface before exposure, allowing for even more customisation in colour and texture patterns.
Each finishing technique offers different benefits for Canberra conditions. We’ll recommend the best approach based on your specific application, expected traffic levels, and the local soil conditions at your property.
Exposed Aggregate Applications
Exposed aggregate works brilliantly across multiple applications around your Canberra property. We install these decorative concrete surfaces in residential and commercial settings throughout the ACT, each application designed to handle our region’s specific climate challenges while delivering outstanding visual appeal.
Driveways & Vehicle Access
Our exposed aggregate driveways handle daily vehicle traffic while resisting oil stains and tyre marks far better than plain concrete. The textured surface provides excellent traction in wet conditions and prevents that dangerous ice sheet effect during Canberra’s frosty winter mornings.
Outdoor Entertainment Areas & Alfresco Zones
Perfect for Canberra’s outdoor living culture, exposed aggregate patios stay cooler underfoot during summer compared to standard concrete. The natural stone finish complements landscaping beautifully while creating a low-maintenance entertainment surface that handles everything from family barbecues to large gatherings.
Pathways & Garden Features
We create exposed aggregate paths that guide visitors through your garden while withstanding frost heave and root movement. These walkways integrate seamlessly with garden beds and provide safe, slip-resistant access year-round without the weed growth issues you get with pavers.
Pool Surrounds & Decking
The slip-resistant texture of exposed aggregate makes it ideal around pools where wet surfaces create safety concerns. Our installations drain efficiently and stay comfortable underfoot, even during Canberra’s hot summer days.
Commercial & High-Traffic Areas
Retail centers, office complexes, and hospitality venues across Canberra choose exposed aggregate for its durability and professional appearance under constant foot traffic.
Aggregate Stone Options & Colours
Choosing the right aggregate stone and colour palette transforms your concrete from functional to exceptional. We offer extensive options that suit Canberra’s architectural styles and natural landscape, from the earthy tones popular in established suburbs to contemporary colour schemes in newer developments.
For Canberra’s climate, we recommend mid-tone aggregates that hide dust during our dry summers while not showing frost residue during winter. Sealing your exposed aggregate protects against oil stains, enhances colour depth, and extends surface life by preventing water penetration during freeze-thaw cycles.
Our Exposed Aggregate Installation Process
Our installation process is designed to deliver superior results while minimising disruption to your property. We handle everything from initial site assessment through final sealing, with each step tailored to Canberra’s specific soil and climate conditions.
Site assessment and preparation starts with evaluating your property’s soil type, drainage patterns, and existing ground conditions. In Canberra’s clay-heavy soils, proper base preparation makes the difference between concrete that lasts decades and surfaces that crack within years. We excavate to appropriate depth, compact the subgrade thoroughly, and install proper drainage solutions where needed.
Base preparation involves laying compacted roadbase or crushed rock to create a stable foundation that won’t shift with our clay soil movement. We install reinforcement mesh or fibre additives depending on your project requirements and expected load conditions.
Concrete pouring and placement happens with specific mix designs formulated for Canberra’s temperature extremes. We pour, screed, and level the concrete to precise specifications, timing everything around weather conditions to achieve optimal curing.
Aggregate exposure begins once the concrete reaches the right consistency. We apply surface retarder, then use specialised washing equipment to reveal the stones at your chosen depth. This timing is critical—too early and we wash away too much, too late and the stones won’t expose properly.
Sealing and finishing happens after adequate curing time. We apply high-quality sealers that protect against Canberra’s UV exposure, freeze-thaw cycles, and daily wear. Most residential projects complete within 3-5 days from start to finish.
FAQ About Exposed Aggregate Canberra
Exposed aggregate typically costs between $120-160 per square meter for residential projects in Canberra. This runs about 15-25% higher than plain concrete, but you’re getting superior durability and visual appeal that handles our climate extremes far better than standard options.
Initial costs are comparable to mid-range paving, but over 10-15 years you’ll save significantly with exposed aggregate. Pavers in Canberra suffer from weed growth, displacement during freeze-thaw cycles, and ongoing maintenance that exposed aggregate eliminates.
Exposed aggregate performs exceptionally well in our frost conditions. The textured surface drains water efficiently, preventing the pooling that causes frost damage in plain concrete. We’ve seen our installations withstand decades of Canberra’s harsh winter cycles without cracking or spalling.
We recommend resealing every 3-5 years in Canberra’s climate. The sealer protects against UV damage during our intense summers and prevents water penetration during wet winters that can lead to freeze-thaw damage.
Yes, we can repair localised damage or resurface sections if needed. Minor surface repairs blend well with existing aggregate, though large areas may require complete replacement to achieve uniform appearance.
With proper installation and periodic sealing, exposed aggregate surfaces last 25-30+ years in Canberra conditions, far outlasting pavers or decorative overlays.
Get Started with Canberra's Exposed Aggregate Specialists
We service properties throughout Canberra and the ACT, including Belconnen, Woden Valley, Tuggeranumba, Gungahlin, Molonglo Valley, Weston Creek, Queanbeyan, and all surrounding suburbs. Whether you’re in an established area like Yarralumla or a newer development in Denman Prospect, we bring the same attention to detail and climate-specific expertise to every project.
When you contact us, we’ll arrange a free on-site consultation where we assess your property’s specific conditions, discuss your aesthetic preferences, and provide transparent pricing with no hidden costs. We’ll show you aggregate samples, explain the installation process timeline, and answer any questions about how our exposed aggregate solutions will perform in your particular location.
Our quotes include everything—site preparation, materials, installation, finishing, sealing, and complete cleanup. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting and when the project will be completed before we start any work.
Most residential projects complete within 3-5 days from start to finish, and we schedule around your needs to minimize disruption to your family’s routine. We handle all the heavy lifting while you watch your property transform.
Ready to enhance your Canberra property with exposed aggregate concrete that combines durability with distinctive visual appeal? Contact us today for your free consultation and quote. We’ll show you why more Canberra homeowners choose our exposed aggregate solutions for driveways, patios, and outdoor areas that perform beautifully for decades.
