Concrete Finish Types Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula
Concrete Finish Types
Your concrete finish sets the tone for your property. That’s why at Sturdy Concreter, we provide everything from stylish exposed aggregate driveways to slip-resistant broom and trowel finishes. Whatever your project, we’ll help you choose a finish that looks great, performs well, and adds real value.
Call us today or request a Free Quote online to compare finishes and pricing for your project.
Popular Concrete Finishes (Overview)
- Exposed Aggregate – decorative stone revealed at the surface for a striking, slip-resistant look.
- Coloured Concrete – integral oxides mixed through the pour (charcoal, sandstone, terracotta, more).
- Polished / Honed / Burnished – sleek architectural look (great for alfresco/indoor-outdoor flow).
- Stamped & Stencilled Concrete – patterns that mimic stone, slate, or brick.
- Broom, Trowel & Textured – practical, grippy finishes ideal for driveways and paths.
- Spray-On / Resurfacing – refresh tired concrete with modern coatings and patterns.
- Grind & Seal – diamond-ground surface sealed for a clean, low-maintenance sheen.
- Painted / Colour-Seal – colour refresh and surface protection for existing slabs.
- Decorative Cuts, Borders & Bands – crisp detailing to elevate plain areas.
Concrete Finish Types Images
Popular Concrete Finishes (Overview)
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
A perennial Melbourne favourite, exposed aggregate combines premium appearance with excellent slip resistance, making it perfect for driveways, paths, and pool surrounds. We offer a wide selection of stone mixes and colours and professionally seal your surface to enhance colour, resist stains, and handle weather.
Call for samples and a Free Quote.
Coloured Concrete (Integral Oxides)
Coloured concrete gives a modern, cohesive look that ties in with façades and landscaping. Because oxides are integrally mixed, colour won’t peel like paint. Popular tones include charcoal, sandstone, limestone, terracotta, and more. Finish with broom, trowel, stipple, or decorative cuts.
Ask for a colour chart and a Free Measure & Quote.
Polished, Honed & Burnished Concrete
For a sleek, contemporary aesthetic, consider polished or honed concrete (great for alfresco areas) or burnished concrete (steel-trowelled sheen). Where used outdoors, we pair these with appropriate slip treatments and quality sealers for safety and durability.
Want that architectural look? We’ll recommend the right spec and sealing system.
Stamped & Stencilled Concrete
Get the character of stone, slate, or brick with the practicality of concrete. Stamped concrete uses moulds for a realistic relief; stencilled concrete provides sharp patterns with faster installation. Choose borders, bands, and colour hardeners/antique release for depth.
Explore pattern books and pricing — request a Free Quote.
Broom, Trowel & Textured Finishes
The workhorse finishes for driveways and footpaths:
- Broom finish concrete – uniform linear texture, excellent grip.
- Trowelled finish – smooth, tidy, great for garages and slabs (add texture where needed).
- Stipple/float textures – balanced traction and appearance.
These are cost-effective, durable and perfect for high-traffic areas.
Spray-On Resurfacing & Recolouring
Revive old, sound concrete with spray-on resurfacing or recolour systems. Add patterns, borders, and modern colours without full replacement. Ideal for driveway resurfacing or dated patios.
We can assess your slab and advise if resurfacing will suit.
Grind & Seal
Grind & Seal exposes the fines or small aggregates lightly, then seals the slab for a clean, easy-care finish. Great for garages, studios, and alfresco transitions. Options range from matte to gloss.
Painted & Colour-Seal Systems
For existing concrete needing a quick refresh, we offer concrete paints and colour-seal coatings in popular concrete paint colours. These improve appearance and add UV/stain protection(best on properly prepared surfaces).
Detailing: Decorative Cuts, Bands & Borders
Elevate plain concrete with saw-cut patterns, feature bands, or contrasting borders. Detailing adds visual structure and can align with garden edges, façades, and paths.
Sealing & Maintenance
We recommend sealing exposed aggregate, coloured, stamped, and honed/polished surfaces to protect from stains, moisture, and UV. Reseal intervals vary (typically 2–3 years outdoors). Basic care: broom/blower, occasional wash, prompt oil stain treatment.
Concrete Finish Pricing (Guide)
Pricing varies by area (m²), finish type, site access, base prep, and sealing:
- Broom / Trowel (plain) – most cost-effective.
- Coloured – mid-range (oxide and sealing).
- Exposed Aggregate / Stamped / Stencilled – premium (materials & finishing time).
- Polished/Honed/Burnished & Grind & Seal – assessed per application/spec.
- We provide fixed, itemised quotes with clear inclusions (thickness, mesh, joints, finish, sealing).
Call us for pricing or request a Free Quote with finish recommendations for your site.
Our Process
1
Measure & Consult
Goals, traffic, slip requirements, colour/pattern options.
2
Fixed Quote
Clear scope: prep, reinforcement, finish, and sealing.
3
Prep & Formwork
Base compaction, levels, falls, edges.
4
Pour & Finish
Chosen finish applied by specialists.
5
Cure & Seal
Strength development and long-term protection.
6
Care Guide
Maintenance and reseal timings.
Benefits of Choosing Sturdy Concreter
- Finish experts across exposed, coloured, stamped/stencilled, broom, honed, burnished & more.
- Durability first — correct prep, reinforcement, joints and curing.
- Slip-resistant options for driveways, paths, pools, and stairs.
- Design flexibility — colours, cuts, borders, and patterns.
- Local knowledge — Melbourne & Mornington conditions and standards.
Need the Best Concreter in Melbourne?
Give Us A Call!
Service Areas
We install and resurface concrete finishes across Melbourne’s South Eastern Suburbs and the Mornington Peninsula, including:
- Bentleigh
- Moorabbin
- Cheltenham
- Mentone
- Parkdale
- Mordialloc
- Brighton
- Hampton
- Sandringham
- Oakleigh
- Clayton
- Dandenong
- Noble Park
- Keysborough
- Glen Waverley
- Mount Waverley
- Frankston
- Seaford
- Langwarrin
- Skye
- Mount Eliza
- Mornington
- Mount Martha
- Rosebud
- Rye
- Sorrento
- Portsea
Not sure if we service your suburb? Call us — we’re nearby.
Concrete Finish FAQs
1. Which finish is best for a driveway?
For traction and curb appeal, exposed aggregate or broom-finished coloured concrete are top choices.
2. Are exposed aggregate surfaces slippery?
No — exposed aggregate is naturally slip-resistant, especially when properly sealed.
3. Will coloured concrete fade?
Integral oxides are mixed through the slab; sealing helps retain colour and resist stains/UV.
4. What’s the difference between polished, honed, and burnished?
Polished/honed are mechanically refined surfaces; burnished is steel-trowelled sheen. We’ll advise the right option and slip treatment.
5. Can you resurface old concrete instead of replacing it?
Often yes — spray-on resurfacing or grind & seal can modernise sound slabs.
6. How often should I reseal?
Typically every 2–3 years outdoors (usage and exposure dependent).
7. Can I add borders or patterns to plain concrete?
Absolutely — decorative cuts, bands and stencils add definition and style.
8. Do stamped/stencilled finishes last?
Yes, with correct prep and sealing. We’ll specify the right maintenance.
9. Is broom finish the most affordable?
Yes — plain broom (or trowel/texture) is the best value for paths and driveways.
10. Can finishes be matched across driveway, paths and patio?
Yes — we routinely match finishes for a cohesive look across outdoor areas.
Get Advice & a Free Quote
Not sure which finish suits your driveway, patio, paths or steps? We’ll help you compare cost, traction, look, and maintenance to pick the perfect option.