Plain Concrete vs. Exposed Aggregate: What’s Best for You?

27 March 2023

Too many options are nice until they aren’t. The finish will be something you consider whether you’re installing a new concrete slab, patio, or driveway. Do you go for a conventional, robust, and aesthetically pleasing plain concrete finish? Or are you interested in the exposed aggregate finish’s aesthetic benefits?

We understand if you’re unable to respond to that query straight away. As South Eastern Suburbs, Melbourne’s dependable concrete services and excavation work company, we have assisted hundreds of customers in choosing the best for them. We will do the same for you. Continue reading to learn how to choose wisely so your Melbourne property benefits for many years.

Installation

The most popular building material in the world is concrete, and for a good reason. Concrete, which offers a steady and even base, is a resilient resource that isn’t frequently praised in the field of home improvement but is essential for maintaining the strength of your home, parking your cars safely, or protecting your commercial site. Plain concrete combines cement, aggregate, and water that is incredibly strong under compression.

Contrarily, exposed aggregate concrete can be installed using a variety of methods. However, the most typical procedure entails trowelling smooth concrete that has been poured before spraying chemicals that have been particularly prepared to prevent the top layer from hardening. Before power washing expose the aggregate beneath and destroys the top layer of concrete, this wet surface is shielded for 24 hours.

Appearance

Plain concrete is just plain when it comes to decorative possibilities. This is not to say that a more traditional finish is monotonous. Instead, many Melbourne residents like the tidy appearance of a regular concrete patio, pathway, or driveway. On the other hand, exposed aggregate finishes provide more creative flexibility and a wide range of aggregate options, including granite, limestone, quartz, and many more.

Longevity

Plain concrete can withstand Melbourne’s harshest weather conditions for 30 years and requires very little maintenance (or more). Plain concrete is a powerhouse that requires very little care and can withstand various weather conditions, including Melbourne’s infamous “four seasons in a day” weather. Concrete with exposed aggregate is exactly as strong and long-lasting as plain concrete. However, an aggregate surface might be more prone to weathering and corrosion because of the rough surface. You may experience more cracks and deterioration than a plain concrete surface under comparable conditions, from chipped aggregate to dirt and grime piling up between surface variations.

Maintenance

While sealing your concrete provides long-lasting protection, you can also take care of unsealed concrete by sweeping trash or using a hose or pressure washer to clean the surface. Plain concrete is the easiest to clean because a water blast won’t damage it. Concrete with exposed aggregate needs more upkeep than plain concrete. This is due to the surface’s unevenness, which enables dirt, trash, grime, and muck to become embedded in the surface and give your driveway or pathway a worn-out, unkempt appearance. Although it can be tempting to use a power washer to clean up the mess, doing so could cause small pebbles, stones, or other aggregate material to become loose.

Each concrete finish has a variety of benefits and drawbacks that you must consider. Choosing a concrete type is a very personal decision that involves factors including installation, appearance, intended use, and maintenance preferences. You can call our team at Andy Concreting for obligation-free advice so we can guide you in choosing the right type of concrete that is best for you. Contact us at 0401 948 172 or request a free quote today!

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