Exposed Aggregate vs Standard Concrete: Sydney 2026

Exposed aggregate concrete costs $90\u2013140/m\u00B2 installed in Sydney vs $65\u2013110/m\u00B2 for standard broom finish. Both use the same N25 mix, and the price difference is the retarder, pressure washing, and extra skilled labour for the exposed finish. Exposed aggregate grips better in the wet and looks dramatically better.

MixHub TeamUpdated 22 March 2026

Side-by-Side Comparison

FactorStandard (broom finish)Exposed aggregateWinner
Installed cost (Sydney)$65–110/m²$90–140/m²Standard
Concrete mixN25 (or N32 for driveways)Same (N25 or N32)Tie
AestheticsPlain grey, functionalNatural stone finish, premiumExposed
Slip resistance (wet)Medium (broom texture)High (stone aggregate)Exposed
MaintenanceSeal every 5–7 yrsSeal every 3–5 yrsStandard
RepairabilityPatch visible but acceptableVery difficult, full sectionStandard
Heat absorptionHigh (plain grey)Lower (aggregate colour variety)Exposed
Resale perceptionNeutralPositiveExposed
Use near poolsNot ideal, slipperyYes, preferred for wet areasExposed

How Exposed Aggregate is Made

Exposed aggregate is not a different type of concrete. It's the same N25 or N32 ready-mix with a specialised surface treatment applied at the right time:

  1. Pour the concrete normally. Same grade, same base prep, same reinforcement as standard concrete.
  2. Screed and level. Bring the surface to grade, same as any pour.
  3. Apply surface retarder. Immediately after initial finishing, a surface retarder spray is applied to the top 2–3mm. This delays setting of the surface paste while the body of the slab sets normally.
  4. Wait 6–24 hours. The body sets, but the retarder-treated surface stays soft.
  5. Pressure wash the surface. The soft cement paste is washed away, revealing the aggregate beneath. Timing is critical: too early and the aggregate falls out; too late and the paste has set.
  6. Apply sealer. Once fully dry (24–48 hours), apply an exposed aggregate sealer to protect the stone and cement matrix.

The timing of steps 3–5 requires an experienced concretor who can read the concrete's set state. This is why exposed aggregate costs more, and why you should not attempt DIY without experience.

Aggregate Options in Sydney (and What They Cost)

Aggregate typeAppearanceSydney cost premiumBest use
River pebbles (Hawkesbury)Rounded, brown/grey/creamStandard (+$0–10/m²)Driveways, paths, general
Basalt chipsAngular, dark grey/black+$10–20/m²Modern homes, commercial
Granite chipsSpeckled, grey/pink tones+$15–25/m²Feature areas, pool surrounds
Recycled glassTranslucent, coloured options+$25–45/m²Feature paths, decorative areas
Quartz/white marble chipsLight, bright, premium+$30–50/m²Pool surrounds, entry paths

Worked Example: 40m² Driveway, Standard vs Exposed Aggregate

Cost itemStandard (broom finish)Exposed aggregate (river pebbles)
Concrete (N25, 4m³)$920$920
Labour (pour and finish)$1,200$1,200
Reinforcement + base$800$800
Surface retarder spray—$120
Pressure washing—$200
Additional labour (timing + wash)—$400
Initial sealer$320 (standard)$480 (exposed agg. sealer)
Total installed$3,240 (~$81/m²)$4,120 (~$103/m²)

Verdict: For a 40m² driveway, exposed aggregate costs approximately $880 more than standard concrete (27% premium). For most Sydney homeowners, that's worth it for the aesthetic upgrade and improved slip resistance.

All Concrete Finish Options: Which is Right for You?

Broom Finish: $65–110/m²

Most common and affordable finish. A stiff broom is dragged across the wet surface. Provides reasonable slip resistance. Best for: budget-conscious projects, garage floors, utility areas.

Exposed Aggregate: $90–140/m²

Surface paste removed to reveal stone aggregate. High slip resistance, natural appearance. Best for: driveways, pool surrounds, entry paths, anywhere aesthetics matter.

Stencilled / Stamped: $100–170/m²

Patterns (brick, slate, cobblestone) stamped into wet concrete and coloured with oxide pigments. Best for: decorative areas, heritage homes, alfresco paving.

Polished Concrete: $80–150/m² (interior)

Existing slab ground and polished to a high sheen. Interior application only. Best for: warehouses, commercial fitouts, renovations. Avoid exterior use; dangerously slippery when wet.

Honed Concrete: $90–140/m²

Ground to a smooth, matte finish revealing aggregate without the textured look. Best for: upscale residential paths, commercial floors, modern architecture. Requires regular sealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does exposed aggregate cost in Sydney?
$90–140/m² installed in Sydney (March 2026), compared to $65–110/m² for standard broom finish. The premium covers surface retarder, pressure washing, and additional skilled labour.
What is exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed aggregate has the top cement paste removed (via surface retarder and pressure washing) to reveal the natural stone aggregate beneath, creating a textured, decorative finish.
Is exposed aggregate more durable than plain concrete?
Same structural strength. Both use N25 or N32 mix. The exposed finish is slightly more porous and benefits from sealing every 3–5 years.
Is exposed aggregate slippery when wet?
No, it’s less slippery than smooth concrete when wet. The textured stone surface provides natural grip. Popular for pool surrounds and sloped driveways.
Can I repair exposed aggregate concrete?
Patching is difficult because matching the exact aggregate blend and exposure depth is nearly impossible. For structural cracks, full section replacement is usually required. Sealing every 3–5 years prevents most damage.
What stones are used in Sydney exposed aggregate?
Common aggregates: river pebbles (Hawkesbury River, most affordable), basalt chips, granite, recycled glass, quartz. River pebbles are the standard; exotic aggregates add $10–50/m² to cost.
How long does exposed aggregate last?
25–40 years with proper maintenance. Reseal every 3–5 years to protect the aggregate surface.
Does exposed aggregate add value to a home?
Yes, perceived as a premium finish, particularly in Sydney owner-occupier markets above $1M. Adds more resale appeal than plain grey concrete.
What is the best concrete finish for a driveway?
Broom finish for budget/practical. Exposed aggregate for aesthetics and wet-weather grip. Stencilled for decorative patterns. All use N25 mix, and the finish is applied to the surface. Choose based on budget and appearance goals.

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