Concrete Design & Finishes Guide
Modern concrete finishes offer stunning aesthetics, exceptional durability, and endless customisation. Explore every decorative option available in Australia — from exposed aggregate to polished, stamped, coloured, and spray-on finishes.
Why Choose Decorative Concrete?
Decorative concrete is 20–40% cheaper than premium pavers, lasts 30–50+ years, and offers endless design flexibility with low ongoing maintenance.
Durability
Lasts 30–50+ years, withstands Australian climate extremes, resists cracking better than individual pavers, no weed growth or ant nests.
Cost-Effective
20–40% cheaper than premium pavers initially, lower maintenance costs long-term, increases property value.
Design Flexibility
Endless colour and pattern options, seamless integration with landscaping, custom designs possible.
Low Maintenance
Simple sweep-and-wash cleaning, re-seal every 2–3 years, no sand replacement or relevelling.
Popular Concrete Finishes in Australia
🪨 Exposed Aggregate
Most Popular • 10x Slip-ResistantReveals natural stones within concrete by removing the top cement layer. Textured, decorative, and exceptionally durable.
$95–$140/m²- 7mm (smooth, pool-friendly) • 10mm (standard) • 14mm+ (bold, heavy traffic)
- White quartz, natural river pebbles, dark granite, multicolour blends
- Best for: Driveways, pool surrounds, patios, pathways
- Seal every 2–3 years with wet-look or penetrating sealer
- 30–50% more expensive than plain concrete
- Difficult to repair invisibly
🧱 Stamped (Patterned)
Premium Look • Endless PatternsStamping mats pressed into fresh concrete replicate pavers, stone, brick, tile, or wood — seamless surface with no actual joints.
$100–$150/m²- Natural stone/flagstone patterns ($110–$140/m²)
- Brick & paver patterns ($100–$135/m²)
- Wood plank patterns ($120–$150/m²)
- Integral colour, colour hardener, or antiquing release agent
- Most expensive decorative option
- Requires highly skilled installer
- Can be slippery when wet if over-sealed
🌈 Coloured Concrete
Great Value • Wide PaletteColour added throughout the mix (integral) or applied to the surface, transforming plain grey into any hue.
$80–$120/m²- Integral colour (+$12–$28/m²) — colour throughout, no fading
- Colour hardener (+$18–$35/m²) — strengthens surface
- Concrete stain (+$25–$45/m²) — translucent, variegated
- Earth tones, modern neutrals, or bold custom colours
- Can show efflorescence (white deposits)
- Surface-applied colours can wear/fade without UV sealer
✨ Polished Concrete
Modern • Low MaintenanceGround with diamond abrasives to create a smooth, glossy floor. Exposed aggregate creates depth. Improves with age.
$80–$150/m²- Matte/satin 400-grit ($80–$110/m²) — slip-resistant
- Semi-gloss 800-grit ($90–$125/m²) — popular for retail
- High-gloss 1500–3000 grit ($110–$150/m²) — mirror-like
- Best for: Living areas, retail, restaurants, offices, garages
- Can be slippery when wet (high-gloss)
- Cold underfoot in winter, hard surface
🧹 Broom / Textured
Budget-Friendly • Slip-ResistantMost economical finish — a broom or texture tool dragged across wet concrete creates a functional, slip-resistant surface.
$65–$95/m²- Standard broom ($65–$85/m²) — light texture
- Heavy broom ($70–$90/m²) — deeper grooves
- Skip trowel ($75–$95/m²) — randomised pattern
- Best for: Functional driveways, service areas, budgets
- Basic appearance, no design flexibility
- Grooves collect dirt, shows stains easily
💨 Spray-On / Overlays
Resurfacing • Quick UpgradePolymer-modified cement coating over existing concrete creates a new decorative surface without demolition.
$40–$120/m²- Spray-on ($60–$100/m²) — textured stone look
- Micro-topping ($70–$120/m²) — smooth modern overlay
- Epoxy coating ($40–$90/m²) — high-gloss, chemical resistant
- Best for: Resurfacing old concrete, pool decks, garages
- Surface-deep only — can peel if poorly applied
- 10–15 year lifespan before needing replacement
🪞 Honed Concrete
Elegant • Slip-SafeSimilar to polished but ground to a matte finish rather than high gloss. Smooth without being slippery — perfect for wet areas.
$85–$130/m²- Ground smooth with 400–800 grit diamond abrasives
- Subtle aggregate exposure, matte to low-sheen
- Best for: Pool surrounds, covered outdoor, modern patios
- Safer than polished when wet
- Shows dirt more than textured finishes
- Requires professional grinding equipment
Choosing the Right Finish
By Application
| Application | #1 Choice | #2 Choice | Budget Option | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Driveways | Exposed Aggregate | Stamped | Broom Finish | — |
| Pool Surrounds | Exposed Agg. (7mm) | Spray-On | Honed | Polished (slippery) |
| Patios | Stamped | Exposed Aggregate | Coloured & Sealed | — |
| Interior Floors | Polished | Honed | Micro-Topping | Broom (appearance) |
| Pathways | Exposed Aggregate | Coloured | Broom Finish | — |
| Commercial | Polished | Exposed Aggregate | Broom/Textured | — |
By Budget
Broom finish, basic plain, coloured (basic colours)
Exposed aggregate, coloured & sealed, basic polished, spray-on
Stamped, high-end polished, custom aggregate, decorative overlays
Custom stamped, decorative polished with inlays, artistic staining
By Climate Zone
Tropical North (QLD, NT)
Best: Exposed aggregate, spray-on (heat reflective). Use light colours. Avoid dark colours (too hot) and unsealed surfaces (mold).
Temperate Coastal (NSW, VIC, SA)
Best: Exposed aggregate (salt resistant when sealed), stamped, coloured. Marine-grade sealer essential.
Hot Inland (NSW, VIC, SA, WA)
Best: Light colours to reflect heat. Exposed aggregate or stamped work well. UV-resistant sealer essential.
Cool Southern (TAS, Southern VIC)
Any finish with quality sealer. Consider freeze-thaw resistant mixes. Good drainage essential.
Design Trends 2026
📐 Large Format Patterns
Oversized tile patterns, wide plank timber looks, minimalist geometric designs.
🌿 Natural & Organic
Earth tones dominating, natural stone replications, river rock exposed aggregate.
♻️ Sustainability Focus
Lighter colours for lower heat island effect, permeable concrete options, recycled aggregates.
🪵 Mixed Materials
Concrete with timber inserts, grass joints, concrete bordered with native plantings.
🎨 Warm Greys & Taupes
Moving away from stark grey. Warm neutrals with terracotta and ochre accents.
Colour Palettes
Modern Australian
Warm grey concrete, white aggregate accents, sandstone tones, charcoal borders.
Coastal Contemporary
Off-white/cream concrete, white quartz aggregate, soft blue-grey tones.
Earthy Natural
Terracotta/red oxide, tan & beige, natural river stones, warm browns.
Industrial Chic
Polished natural grey, dark charcoal, black aggregate, metallic accents.
Combining Finishes
Driveway with Border
Main: Broom finish. Border: Exposed aggregate or coloured. Creates defined edges and visual interest with 20–30% cost saving vs all decorative.
Pool Deck Gradation
Pool edge: Smooth exposed aggregate (7mm) for comfort. Outer areas: Stamped or coloured for aesthetics. Safety where it matters.
Patio Zoning
Dining area: Stamped concrete. Walking areas: Exposed aggregate. Creates distinct functional zones with multi-textured visual appeal.
Path & Feature
Main path: Coloured concrete. Feature sections: Stamped stone pattern. Creates directional interest points and focal areas.
Sealing Requirements by Finish
| Finish Type | Sealer Type | Frequency | Cost/m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom Finish | Penetrating | 3–5 years | $8–$12 |
| Coloured | UV-resistant topical | 2–3 years | $10–$15 |
| Exposed Aggregate | Wet-look or penetrating | 2–3 years | $10–$18 |
| Stamped | UV-resistant acrylic | 2–3 years | $12–$18 |
| Polished | Densifier + topical | 2–3 years | $10–$15 |
| Spray-On | Topical sealer | 2–3 years | $10–$16 |
Professional vs DIY
👷 Professional Recommended
- Stamped concrete (skill-intensive timing)
- Exposed aggregate (timing critical for exposure)
- Polished concrete (expensive equipment)
- Spray-on coatings (specialised tools)
- Any area over 30m² (team coordination)
- House slabs, pool surrounds, high-visibility areas
🔧 DIY Suitable
- Basic broom finish
- Small pathway projects (<10m²)
- Shed slabs (basic, non-structural)
- Requires thorough research, proper tools, 2–3 helpers
- Ideal weather conditions essential
- Note: Often doesn't save money once mistakes are factored in
Getting Quotes for Decorative Concrete
📋 Information to Provide
- Project type and size (dimensions in metres)
- Preferred finish type (show photos if possible)
- Colour preferences (can decide after initial quote)
- Site access details and current surface condition
- Timeline / deadline requirements
✅ Quote Should Include
- Specific finish type and specifications
- Colour details, sealer type and coats
- Site preparation and reinforcement specs
- Timeline, warranty details
- Samples or portfolio of past work
Frequently Asked Questions
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