Exposed Aggregate Concrete Brisbane — Premium Stone Finishes
Exposed aggregate is Brisbane's most popular decorative concrete finish, and for good reason. It combines natural beauty with exceptional durability, slip resistance, and low maintenance. At Concrete Concepts Group, we offer a wide range of stone blends and colours to create stunning driveways, patios, pool surrounds, and pathways that enhance your property's value and kerb appeal.
Exposed aggregate concrete has become the finish of choice for Brisbane homeowners who want something more than standard grey concrete but don't want the ongoing maintenance of pavers. The technique involves pouring concrete with a specially selected stone mix, then washing away the top cement layer at precisely the right time to reveal the beautiful natural stones beneath. The result is a textured, decorative surface that's both visually striking and incredibly practical.
The key to a great exposed aggregate finish is the stone selection. In Brisbane, the most popular blends include Canberra Mix (warm gold and brown tones), Goulburn Mix (grey and charcoal tones), and Balmoral Mix (multi-coloured natural stones). We bring physical samples to every consultation so you can see and feel the options against your home's colour scheme. The stone blend you choose will dramatically affect the final look, so we take time to help you make the right decision.
One of the biggest advantages of exposed aggregate in Brisbane's climate is its superior slip resistance. The exposed stones create a naturally textured surface that provides excellent grip, even when wet — making it the ideal choice for pool surrounds, outdoor entertaining areas, and driveways that get regular rainfall. This is a significant safety advantage over smooth-finished concrete or polished surfaces.
Maintenance is minimal but important. We recommend applying a penetrating sealer within 28 days of pouring and resealing every 2-3 years. This protects the surface from staining, enhances the stone colours, and extends the life of your concrete. Between seals, regular sweeping and occasional pressure washing will keep your exposed aggregate looking fresh for decades.
Why Choose Concrete Concepts for Exposed Aggregate Brisbane
Our Process
Design Consultation
We bring stone samples to your property so you can see and feel the options. We'll help you choose the perfect blend for your project and provide a detailed written quote.
Site Preparation
Excavation, compaction, formwork installation, and steel reinforcement are completed to ensure a solid foundation. Proper drainage is installed where needed.
Pour & Expose
Concrete is poured with your chosen aggregate mix, levelled, and floated. At precisely the right time (usually 4-8 hours depending on conditions), the surface is washed with a retarder and pressure washer to reveal the stones.
Seal & Protect
After 28 days of curing, a high-quality penetrating sealer is applied to enhance stone colour, protect against staining, and ensure long-lasting beauty. We provide a sealer maintenance schedule.
Exposed Aggregate Brisbane Pricing
Exposed aggregate pricing in Brisbane varies based on the stone blend, project size, and site conditions. Here are current rates from our recent projects:
| Type | Price Range | Estimate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Blend | $110 – $130/m² | $5,500 – $6,500 | Popular Canberra or Goulburn mix |
| Premium Blend | $130 – $150/m² | $6,500 – $7,500 | Multi-colour or custom stone mix |
| Designer Blend | $150 – $170/m² | $7,500 – $8,500 | Rare stones, specialty finishes |
| Exposed + Coloured Border | $120 – $160/m² | $6,000 – $8,000 | Two-tone with coloured concrete border |
All prices include GST, formwork, reinforcement, concrete with aggregate, finishing, initial sealer application, and cleanup. Excavation quoted separately. Minimum 15m² project size.
How Does It Compare?
| Feature | Exposed Aggregate | Plain Concrete | Pavers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | $110 – $170 | $75 – $95 | $120 – $200+ |
| Slip resistance | Excellent | Good (broom finish) | Good |
| Maintenance | Seal every 2-3 years | Seal every 3-5 years | Re-sand, re-level regularly |
| Kerb appeal | High — premium look | Moderate — clean look | High — classic look |
| Heat retention | Low — light stones reflect | Medium | High — dark pavers absorb |
| Lifespan | 30+ years | 30+ years | 20-25 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete reveals the natural stones within the concrete mix by washing away the top cement layer before it fully sets. This creates a textured, decorative surface with excellent slip resistance and visual appeal. The technique has been used for decades and is now the most popular decorative concrete finish in Brisbane.
How much does exposed aggregate cost in Brisbane?
Exposed aggregate typically costs between $110 to $170 per square metre in Brisbane, depending on the stone blend, project size, and site conditions. A standard driveway (50m²) would cost approximately $5,500 to $8,500. We provide free, detailed quotes for every project with no hidden costs.
How do I maintain exposed aggregate?
Exposed aggregate is low maintenance. Apply a penetrating sealer within 28 days of pouring and reseal every 2-3 years. Between seals, sweep regularly and pressure wash occasionally (use a fan nozzle, not a turbo nozzle). Avoid harsh chemicals and acidic cleaners. With proper care, exposed aggregate will look beautiful for 30+ years.
Can exposed aggregate be used around pools?
Absolutely — exposed aggregate is one of the best choices for pool surrounds. The textured surface provides excellent slip resistance when wet, it stays cooler than dark-coloured surfaces, and it's resistant to pool chemicals. We use specific stone blends that complement pool environments.
What stone blends are available?
We offer a wide range of stone blends including Canberra Mix (warm gold/brown), Goulburn Mix (grey/charcoal), Balmoral Mix (multi-colour), and several premium designer blends. We bring physical samples to every consultation so you can see the options against your home.
How long before I can walk/drive on exposed aggregate?
Light foot traffic is safe after 24-48 hours. Vehicles should wait a minimum of 7 days, ideally 14 days. The concrete reaches full strength at 28 days, which is when we apply the initial sealer. We provide detailed aftercare instructions with every project.
Want to see exposed aggregate samples? Book a free consultation.
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Exposed Aggregate Brisbane — Areas We Service
We provide exposed aggregate brisbane services across Brisbane and South East Queensland, including: