Plain Concrete vs Exposed Aggregate: Which Finish Is Best for Your Driveway or Outdoor Project?

08 August 2025

Andy Concreting compares plain concrete vs exposed aggregate to help you choose the best driveway or outdoor finish for your Melbourne property.

Selecting the most suitable concrete finish is a decision that influences safety, durability and kerb appeal for decades. For homeowners comparing plain concrete vs exposed aggregate, understanding the strengths and limits of each option is essential before any mix is poured.

Understanding the Basics

A sound choice begins with knowing how the two finishes are produced and what that means in practice.

What is Plain Concrete?

Plain concrete is the familiar grey slab created by pouring, screeding and trowelling a blend of cement, sand, coarse aggregate and water. Once cured, it presents a smooth or lightly broomed surface that blends easily with modern, minimalist landscapes and tight budgets.

What is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?

Exposed aggregate uses the same base mix, but the top layer of cement paste is gently washed away while the slab is still green. This reveals decorative pebbles, crushed granite or coloured quartz embedded within, delivering natural texture, sparkle and subtle colour variation.

Plain Concrete vs Exposed Aggregate: The Comparison

Criterion	Plain Concrete	Exposed Aggregate
Appearance	Uniform grey; can be coloured or stencilled	Decorative stones create a feature finish
Slip Resistance	Adequate with broom finish	Excellent, thanks to the textured surface
Durability	High compressive strength	Equally strong; surface wear is often lower
Maintenance	Sweep, pressure-wash, and reseal every 4–5 years	More frequent resealing (3–4 years) to protect the stones
Cost	Lowest material and labour outlay	Roughly 15–30 % higher due to extra finishing steps
Best Fit	Garages, utility areas, and large slabs	Driveways, pool surrounds, statement paths

Both finishes comply with Australian Standard AS 3600 when installed by licensed professionals, yet their surface characteristics create the practical differences outlined above.

Ideal Use Cases

Plain concrete shines where function and budget outweigh ornamentation. Long driveways, shed floors, and in-fill garages benefit from its uniform surface, making sweeping, hosing and future coatings straightforward. Its thermal mass can also moderate internal temperatures in enclosed areas.

Exposed aggregate is the choice when hardscape must double as a design feature. The gritty profile provides extra grip on sloping driveways, garden steps and pool decks—especially valuable during Melbourne’s wet winters. A contrasting plain-concrete border can frame the aggregate elegantly while keeping costs in check.

Partner with Specialists in South-East Melbourne

Andy Concreting brings three decades of local expertise to every pour, from precise excavation through to the final seal. Whether you prefer the understated efficiency of plain concrete or the decorative flair of exposed aggregate, our qualified team delivers compliant, long-lasting work across the South-Eastern suburbs—including Narre Warren, Berwick, Cranbourne and surrounds. We construct driveways, pathways, outdoor entertainment areas and garage infills using Australian-made materials and proven curing practices.

Plain Concrete vs Exposed Aggregate: Let Andy Concreting Handle Your Concrete Needs

Making the final call between plain concrete vs exposed aggregate comes down to balancing budget, slip resistance and visual impact. Plain concrete offers economy and simplicity; exposed aggregate provides premium style and added traction. Whichever finish suits your vision, we at Andy Concreting will prepare the site, pour the mix and complete the surface to the highest standard.

Contact us for an obligation-free quote and discover why discerning homeowners across Melbourne’s south-east trust us for flawless concrete and excavation work.

Related blog article: Exposed Aggregate Driveways: Crafting a Stunning Look Mixed with Durability

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