Concrete Finishes: Which One is Right for You

Trowelled Finish

Trowelled finish is a smooth, hard finish that's achieved by using a trowel to level and compact the surface of the concrete. Trowelled finishes are durable and easy to clean, making them excellent for high-traffic areas. It's an ideal match for a basic, modern look with minimal maintenance requirements. It is both simple and elegant, making it perfect for a veranda, patio or driveway.

Exposed Aggregate Finish

Exposed aggregate finish is achieved by washing away the top layer of concrete to reveal the stones or gravel used in the mix. Next, concrete is poured and allowed to cure for 24 hours with a specific curing chemical that slows the hardening of the surface cement. Next, the surface is pressure washed to uncover the aggregates below the surface. This type of finish is very durable and slip-resistant, making it an excellent choice for pool decks and driveways, where you get to show off your new concrete property.

Broom Finish

Broom finish is a textured, slip-resistant finish that's achieved by using a broom to create lines on the surface of the concrete. It's an excellent choice for areas that see a lot of foot traffic, like patios and pool decks. Broom finishes are easy to clean and maintain, and they provide good traction when the surface is wet. In addition, they are straightforward to achieve, making this finish affordable. After the freshly poured concrete was trowelled, a broom was dragged and brushed across the surface to create a rougher, lined texture on the surface. 

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is a textured finish that's achieved by using a stamping tool to create patterns on the surface of the concrete. It's an excellent choice for concrete driveways and patios. Concrete stamps are available in a variety of shapes. Stone, brick, tile, and other designs are among them. Many stamping processes can provide the looks of different building materials such as bricks, stone panels and tiles. When colour is applied, the effects are compelling.

Salt Finish

The salt finish is a textured, slip-resistant finish that's achieved by using rock salt to create patterns on the surface of the concrete. To achieve this finish, the salt is 'seeded' onto the surface before the concrete has fully set. The rock salt is then washed away, leaving a finely textured, slip-resistant surface with tiny pits all over the concrete surface. This finish is exceptionally long-lasting and slip-resistant, making it an excellent option for pool decks and sidewalks.

To summarize, it's advantageous to be aware of the different sorts of concrete finishes since no two concrete jobs are alike; you should always select the most appropriate finish for your liking and requirements. Furthermore, each finish has its own set of benefits and shortcomings. Hopefully, this blog post will help you pick the right one for your next project! Is there any concrete finish that you would like to know more about? Give us a call on 03 4420 4768 or send your question by filling out the Contact Us form below! We would love to hear from you.