Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Exposed aggregate driveways, pool surrounds, patios and pathways across North Brisbane.
Exposed aggregate concrete across North Brisbane
Exposed aggregate is the decorative concrete finish we’re asked for more than any other, and it’s easy to see why. Instead of a flat grey surface, you get the natural stone within the concrete revealed — a textured, richly coloured finish that looks premium, grips underfoot and asks almost nothing of you in maintenance. OZI Concreting installs exposed aggregate in North Brisbane across driveways, pool surrounds, patios and pathways.
How it's done
Exposed aggregate isn’t a coating applied on top — the stone is in the concrete itself. After the slab is placed and finished, the top layer of cement paste is removed to reveal the aggregate beneath, either by washing it off at exactly the right moment or by grinding and honing the surface once it has cured. Timing is everything: too early and you strip too much, too late and the stone stays buried. It’s a finish where experience genuinely shows in the result.
The problems we solve
From slippery surfaces and shifting pavers to dull concrete and high-maintenance finishes, we create exposed aggregate surfaces that combine style, safety and long-lasting performance.
Plain, Dull Concrete
Plain grey concrete that looks tired and drags down the appearance of an otherwise nice home.
Shifting & Weedy Pavers
Pavers that shift, sink, stain and grow weeds through every joint.
Slippery Wet Surfaces
Surfaces around pools and wet areas that become slippery underfoot.
Stained Driveways & Paths
Driveways and paths that show every oil spot, tyre mark and bit of dirt.
High-Maintenance Finishes
Homeowners wanting a premium look without the ongoing maintenance of natural stone or paving.
Choosing the Right Aggregate
Uncertainty about which aggregate blend will actually suit the house once it's down
Benefits
- Modern appearance: a premium, textured look that lifts the whole property
- Excellent durability: it's structural concrete, not a surface treatment that wears off
- Textured surface: the exposed stone provides natural grip underfoot, well suited to wet and barefoot areas
- Low maintenance: no joints to weed, no pavers to relay, just an occasional wash
- Wide range of colours: stone blends from pale quartz and granite through to dark charcoal
- Hides marks well: the texture and colour variation disguise everyday dirt far better than plain grey
Where it works best
Driveways
The single most common use, and the biggest visual upgrade to a street frontage
Pool surrounds
The texture is a genuine safety benefit around water
Patios and alfresco areas
Pairs well with modern homes and landscaping
Pathways and side access
Durable and low-maintenance in high-traffic areas
Entry paths & feature areas
Where you want a step up from plain concrete
Do's and Don'ts
Do’s
- Ask to see a physical sample of the blend, outdoors, before deciding — printed and on-screen colours mislead
- Consider how the aggregate colour works with your roof, render and landscaping
- Choose lighter blends for pool surrounds and any barefoot area, since they run cooler
- Seal it, and reseal it on the interval we recommend — sealing keeps the colour rich and resists staining
- Ask about honed or polished exposed aggregate if you want a smoother, more refined version
Don'ts
- Don't expect a perfectly uniform surface — natural stone varies, and that variation is the point
- Don't pressure-wash aggressively at close range; you can damage the surface and lift stone
- Don't use harsh acid cleaners without checking with us first
- Don't let oil, fuel or fertiliser sit on the surface — clean spills up promptly, especially if unsealed
- Don't assume all exposed aggregate is the same price; blends vary significantly in cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete where the surface paste is removed to expose the decorative stone within the mix. The stone was always there — the finish just reveals it.
Yes. It uses a specialised decorative mix and takes more time and skill to finish, so it costs more per square metre. Most clients consider it worth it on a driveway or pool surround where it's on show.
Washed is exposed while the concrete is still green, giving a natural pebbled texture. Honed (or polished) is ground back after curing for a flatter, smoother, more refined surface — a premium option that costs more again.
A wide range of blends, from pale quartz and sandy tones to dark charcoals and multi-coloured mixes. Availability varies by supplier, so we'll show you what's realistically available for your job.
Considerably less so than smooth trowelled concrete — the exposed stone provides natural texture. It's a common choice around pools for exactly that reason.
We strongly recommend it. Sealing deepens the colour, makes cleaning easier and helps resist oil and organic staining. It needs reapplying periodically — we'll advise the interval for your finish.
Regular hosing, an occasional gentle wash, and prompt clean-up of oil or organic spills. It's one of the lowest-maintenance decorative surfaces available.
Natural stone holds its colour well. What dulls over time is the sealer, which is why resealing restores the look rather than replacing the surface.
We can often get close if the original blend is still available, but weathered concrete never matches new concrete exactly. We'll be upfront about what's achievable.
No — it's part of the concrete itself, not an overlay. It's poured as new concrete. If you have an existing slab you want to upgrade, talk to us about your options.