Exposed Aggregate vs Standard Concrete in Perth: The Comparison
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Exposed Aggregate: Aesthetic and Textured Finish
- Standard Concrete: Standard and Cost-Effective
- Exposed Aggregate vs Plain Concrete
- Conclusion
Introduction
When it comes to enhancing the curb appeal of your Perth home with a driveway, walkway, or patio, choosing the right material is crucial. Exposed aggregate and plain concrete are two popular options, each offering unique benefits and aesthetic appeal. In this blog, we’ll compare exposed aggregate and traditional standard concrete, considering aspects like cost, design, texture, and maintenance to help you decide the best option for your home.
Exposed Aggregate: Aesthetic and Textured Finish
Exposed Aggregate Driveways
Exposed aggregate concrete, a decorative concrete finish, involves removing the top layer of concrete to reveal the aggregate (stones and pebbles) beneath. This method results in a textured surface with a high aesthetic appeal.
- Diverse Range of Finishes: Exposed aggregate is not just limited to driveways. Its versatility makes it suitable for pool surrounds, patios, and walkways, offering a cohesive look throughout your outdoor space.
- Colour and Texture Varieties: The choice of aggregate can range from subtle earth tones to vibrant hues, and from smooth river pebbles to rugged crushed stone, offering a multitude of design possibilities.
- Installation Techniques: The process of achieving the perfect exposed aggregate finish involves specific techniques that can affect the final look – from seeding aggregate on the surface to polishing for a smoother finish.
- Price Considerations: While generally pricier per square metre than plain concrete, the long-term benefits and low maintenance can offset the initial investment.
- Texture and Slip Resistance: The textured surface of an exposed aggregate driveway provides better slip resistance, a crucial factor in Perth's weather conditions.
Standard Concrete: Standard and Cost-Effective
Plain (Standard) Concrete Driveways
Plain concrete driveways, also known as standard concrete, offer a more traditional look. This type of concrete driveway features a smooth, untextured finish.
- Flexibility in Design: While often seen as the more ‘standard’ option, plain concrete can be enhanced through different finishing techniques such as brooming or stamping for added texture.
- Adaptability: Plain concrete is an excellent backdrop for various landscaping designs, allowing other elements of your outdoor space to stand out.
- Long-Term Performance: In Perth's climate, with its hot summers and mild winters, standard concrete's performance is reliable, though it may require some upkeep to manage cracks or discolouration over time.
- Lower Cost Per Square Metre: Ideal for homeowners looking for a cost-effective solution, plain concrete offers durability without the higher price tag of more decorative options.
- Simplicity and Elegance: Provides a clean and uniform look, suitable for a variety of home styles.
- Durability and Maintenance: While durable, concrete can be prone to cracks and may require resealing or resurfacing over time.
- Weather Considerations: In areas with extreme weather conditions, plain concrete may not provide the same level of slip resistance as exposed concrete.
Exposed Aggregate Vs Plain Concrete
Texture and Safety
Exposed Aggregate
The textured surface of exposed aggregate provides natural slip resistance. This is particularly beneficial around pool areas or in spaces that get wet, where safety is a concern. The texture also adds a tactile quality to the surface, enhancing the walking experience.
Plain Concrete
While its smoother finish can be more slippery when wet, certain texturizing methods like brooming can be applied to concrete to increase traction. However, these might not match the natural slip resistance of exposed concrete.
Aesthetic Versatility and Customisation
Exposed Aggregate
Offers a wide range of customization options. You can choose from various colours, stones, and methods of exposure to create a unique look. This flexibility allows homeowners to match or complement their home’s architectural style or landscape design.
Plain Concrete
Though it offers a more uniform look, plain concrete can be customised with different finishes or colours. However, it lacks the decorative aggregates of exposed aggregate, which provide a more upscale and diverse aesthetic.
Durability and Maintenance Requirements
Exposed Aggregate
Known for its durability, especially in harsh weather conditions common in Perth. It's also resistant to heavy traffic. The maintenance is relatively low; however, it may require resealing more frequently than plain concrete to maintain its decorative finish.
Plain Concrete
Also highly durable but may show age and wear more visibly. Cracks or discolouration can occur over time, requiring repairs or resurfacing to maintain its appearance.
Installation Complexity and Cost Implications
Exposed Aggregate
The installation of exposed aggregate is more complex and requires skilled craftsmanship, particularly in achieving the desired level of aggregate exposure and smoothness. This complexity often translates to a higher cost per square metre compared to plain concrete.
Plain Concrete
Easier and less expensive to install due to its simpler process. This makes it a budget-friendly option for larger areas where the cost can accumulate quickly.
Impact on Property Value and Curb Appeal
Exposed Aggregate
Can significantly enhance curb appeal and property value. Its upscale and custom look is often more attractive to potential buyers, making it a worthwhile investment for homeowners considering future resale.
Plain Concrete
While it may not add as much aesthetic value as exposed aggregate, its clean and well-maintained appearance can still positively impact street appeal. It's a practical choice that indicates good maintenance of the property.
Environmental Considerations
Exposed Aggregate
Some options incorporate recycled materials, making it a more environmentally friendly choice. The ability to use local aggregates also reduces the carbon footprint.
Plain Concrete
While it's a durable material, its environmental impact is higher due to the production process and lack of recycled content compared to some exposed aggregate options.
In summary, both aggregate concrete and plain concrete have their unique set of advantages for Perth homeowners. Exposed aggregate stands out for its aesthetic appeal, customisation options, and safety features, while plain concrete is admired for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and straightforward maintenance. The choice largely depends on individual preferences, budget considerations, and specific requirements of the space in question.
At Handmade Concreting, we offer both exposed aggregate and plain concrete options, with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Whether you're looking for the luxury of exposed aggregate or the understated elegance of plain concrete, our team is ready to bring your vision to life with expertise and precision.
Conclusion
Choosing between exposed aggregate and plain concrete for your driveway or patio in Perth depends on various factors, including your budget, desired aesthetic, maintenance willingness, and specific landscaping needs. Exposed aggregate offers a unique, decorative finish with a range of customisation options, while plain concrete provides a classic look and is generally more budget-friendly.
Handmade Concreting in Perth provides expert services in both exposed aggregate and plain concrete driveways, offering quality installation and design tailored to your preferences.
Head over to our blog post
Exposed Aggregate: Top Landscaping Trends for Perth in 2023
or our
youtube page for everything you need to know about Exposed Aggregate Concrete applications in Perth.
Request
A Free Quote
Submit your request and we'll get back to you soon to organise a quote!
We are Perth's leading concrete contractors, and have been delivering excellence for over 10 years.
CONNECT
Proudly Powered by West Digital Agency