concrete driveway cost
Exposed Aggregate Driveway
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed Aggregate Driveway
Welcome to Boadmix Pty Ltd

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete is a popular choice in Australia for driveways, patios, and landscaping thanks to its durability and natural stone finish. Broadmix supplies high-quality mixes for residential and commercial projects, offering a strong, attractive solution backed by expert advice.

Exposed aggregate concrete is one of Australia’s most popular choices for driveways, patios, pathways, and landscaping projects — and it’s easy to see why. This decorative aggregate concrete combines the structural strength of standard concrete with the natural beauty of exposed stone, creating a finish that looks premium and performs in the real world. Broadmix is a trusted name among exposed aggregate concrete suppliers in Australia, delivering high quality aggregate concrete mixes and supply solutions for residential, commercial, and landscaping projects. If you’re after a durable, attractive exposed concrete finish backed by expert advice, Broadmix is your go-to supplier.

Decorative Concrete

What Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative form of concrete where the surface cement paste is removed — during or shortly after placement — to reveal the natural stones, pebbles, and aggregates embedded within the mix. The result is a textured, visually distinctive exposed concrete finish that immediately sets a project apart from plain grey concrete.

The process works by applying a surface retarder to slow the curing of the top layer, then washing it away to uncover the aggregate below. What’s left is a surface rich in natural colour and texture — smooth river pebbles, crushed quartz, granite chips, or a custom stone blend, depending on the mix selected.

This approach delivers two important benefits in one finish. Aesthetically, it produces a natural stone appearance with real depth and character that complements both modern and traditional Australian homes. Functionally, the raised texture of the exposed stones creates a slip-resistant surface that performs safely in wet conditions, making it ideal for high-traffic outdoor areas. It’s a strong, durable concrete finish built to handle decades of Australian weather.

Exposed Aggregate
Why Choose Us

What Is Aggregate Concrete?

Aggregate concrete is made from four core ingredients: cement, sand, water, and aggregates. Aggregates — which include materials like crushed rock, gravel, and natural stone — make up the bulk of the mix. They’re what give concrete its structural integrity, bearing capacity, and density.

Without aggregates, concrete would lack the strength to perform under the loads placed on driveways, slabs, pathways, and construction projects. The size, shape, and hardness of the aggregates directly influence the finished product’s durability and surface characteristics.

When aggregates are selected for their visual appeal and then intentionally exposed at the surface, the result is decorative exposed aggregate concrete. Broadmix is a trusted supplier of quality aggregate concrete mixes across Victoria, offering products designed for consistent strength, reliable workability, and exceptional surface finish. As experienced aggregate concrete suppliers in Australia, we help builders, concreters, and homeowners source the right mix for every project.

Benefits of Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete continues to be one of the most requested outdoor surface finishes in Australia — and for good reason. It delivers across every dimension that matters

Durable and Long-Lasting

Once poured and sealed correctly, exposed aggregate concrete handles heavy vehicle loads, constant foot traffic, and the extremes of the Australian climate without cracking or deteriorating. It outlasts timber decking, pavers, and plain concrete in most outdoor applications — making it a genuinely long-term investment for any property.

Attractive Decorative Finish

The natural stones and pebbles visible in the surface give exposed aggregate a rich, organic appearance that plain concrete simply cannot replicate. Every stone blend produces a slightly different colour palette and texture, making each finished surface unique. Broadmix offers a curated range of decorative aggregate concrete mixes — including the Goulburn River Mix, Satluj Mix, Ravi Mix, Beas Mix, and Jhelum Mix — so you can choose a finish that suits your home’s style.

Slip-Resistant Surface

Safety is non-negotiable in wet outdoor environments. The textured profile created by the exposed stones provides natural grip underfoot, significantly reducing slip risk around pool surrounds, garden pathways, front entries, and commercial walkways — even in rain and wet conditions.

Low Maintenance

Sealed exposed aggregate concrete requires very little day-to-day attention. A periodic hose down handles most cleaning. Resealing every two to three years protects the surface and maintains its appearance. Compared to other decorative surfaces, the ongoing upkeep commitment is minimal.

Weather Resistant

Australia’s climate is demanding — UV exposure, heat, frost, and heavy rain all take a toll on outdoor surfaces. Exposed aggregate is engineered to handle it. The density of the concrete mix and the hardness of the natural aggregates make this decorative aggregate concrete highly resistant to surface degradation, fading, and cracking caused by temperature extremes and moisture cycles.
Modern Appeal

Popular Applications of Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate concrete is one of the most versatile outdoor surfaces available. Its combination of strength, texture, and decorative appeal makes it suitable across a wide range of residential, commercial, and landscaping applications across Australia.

Driveways

Exposed aggregate creates a durable, visually appealing driveway surface that handles daily vehicle loads and adds instant kerb appeal.

Walkways and Pathways

The slip-resistant texture makes it a safe, practical choice
for pedestrian areas in both residential gardens and public spaces.

Patios and Outdoor Entertaining Areas

A premium finish that enhances the look of any outdoor space, complementing landscaping and architectural features.

Pool Surrounds

Textured, slip-resistant, and water-resistant — ideal for the wet environments around pools and spas where safety is critical.

Commercial Spaces

Shopping centres, public plazas, commercial car parks, and
pedestrian plazas all benefit from the durability and low maintenance of exposed
aggregate.
Aggregate Concrete

Maintenance Tips for Exposed Aggregate Concrete

With the right care, exposed aggregate concrete will look great and perform well for decades. Follow these straightforward maintenance steps:

Reseal every 2–3 years

Resealing protects the surface from UV damage, staining, and moisture penetration. The frequency depends on traffic levels and exposure.

Clean with pressure washing

A regular pressure wash removes built-up dirt, algae, and surface grime without damaging the aggregate or sealer.

Avoid harsh chemicals

Strong acid-based cleaners can strip the sealer and damage the cement matrix. Use pH-neutral cleaning products.

Repair cracks early

Small cracks addressed promptly prevent water ingress, which can cause the crack to grow over time — particularly during freeze-thaw cycles.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Cost in Australia

Understanding the exposed aggregate concrete cost before starting a project helps with accurate budgeting. Costs vary depending on project specifics, but the following ranges provide a general guide for Australian conditions.

  • Standard exposed aggregate: $90 – $130 per m²
  • Premium decorative aggregate: $130 – $160+ per m² Several factors influence the final cost:
  • Aggregate type — Premium or imported stone blends cost more than standard mixes.
  • Site preparation — Excavation, drainage, and sub-base work add to the overall project cost.
  • Project size — Larger pours typically benefit from lower per-square-metre rates.
  • Design complexity — Custom colours, patterns, or intricate layouts increase labour and material costs.

Disclaimer – These figures are indicative only. Contact Broadmix for a free, accurate quote based on your specific project requirements.

Why Choose

Broadmix as Your Exposed Aggregate Concrete Suppliers?

Choosing the right supplier makes a real difference to the outcome of your project. Here’s why concreters, builders, and homeowners across Victoria choose Broadmix:

High-quality aggregate mixes

Every Broadmix product is formulated for consistent
strength, workability, and surface finish quality.

Reliable concrete supply

On-time delivery, competitive pricing, and a team you can
count on to get the job done.

Experienced industry knowledge

Our team understands what different projects need and provides practical advice to help you get the right result.

Residential and commercial capability

Whether you’re pouring a home driveway or supplying a large commercial project, Broadmix has the capacity and expertise to
deliver.

Wide range of decorative aggregates

Multiple stone blends and finish options give you genuine choice over the look and feel of your project.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Installation Process

A professional installation follows a clear step-by-step process that ensures a quality outcome every time:

  • Site preparation — Excavation, compaction, and sub-base installation to create a stable foundation.
  • Concrete mix preparation — The selected aggregate mix is batched and prepared to specification.
  • Pouring and levelling — Concrete is poured, screeded, and levelled to the required surface grade.
  • Surface retarder application — A chemical retarder is applied to the surface to slow the setting of the cement paste on top.
  • Washing to expose aggregates — Once the body of the concrete has cured sufficiently, the surface is washed to remove the retarded paste and reveal the aggregate below.
  • Sealing and curing — A quality sealer is applied to protect the surface, enhance colour, and extend the life of the finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

We can supply the same mix you used before, which gets you close. Aggregate is natural stone, though, so a new pour can look slightly different from an older surface that has weathered for years. Have the new section meet the old one at a planned joint, so any difference looks intentional.

Usually not as a thin layer. Exposed aggregate needs enough depth for the stones to bond properly, so most jobs mean removing the old slab and pouring a new one at full depth. Your concreter can check whether the existing base is worth keeping.

Wash too early and the stones loosen and pull out. Leave it too late and the cement paste hardens over them, so the finish needs acid etching or grinding to fix. Timing depends on the weather and the retarder used, which is why an experienced finisher matters on this job.

Smaller, rounded stones are kinder underfoot than large or sharp crushed rock. For entertaining areas and pool surrounds, ask about a finer aggregate blend. You keep the decorative look with a smoother feel.

Yes. The textured stone surface gives tyres and shoes more grip than plain smooth concrete. On very steep driveways, your concreter may suggest extra joints or a broom-textured strip to help with drainage and traction.