Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Auckland

The finished look comes almost entirely from the aggregate in the mix and how far back the surface is washed. A darker basalt reads as charcoal and modern; a river stone mix reads warmer and more textured; a fine wash shows less stone and gives a tighter, more even surface than a deep wash. It is worth choosing the mix against the house rather than off a brochure, and we can arrange samples so you are looking at the real thing before the truck is booked.

Exposed aggregate driveways

For a driveway, exposed aggregate is a genuinely practical choice as well as a good looking one. The texture gives grip on a wet or sloping drive, which matters on a lot of Auckland sections, and the stone surface disguises the marking that shows up quickly on plain or coloured concrete. Like any concrete driveway, how long it lasts is decided underneath it - the excavation, the base course, the reinforcing and the drainage - which is why we do the whole job rather than pouring over someone else's preparation.

Paths, patios and commercial areas

Exposed aggregate is not only for driveways. We lay it for entranceways, paths, patios, pool surrounds and courtyards, and for commercial footpaths and shared spaces where a hard wearing non slip surface is wanted and plain concrete would look institutional.

Exposed aggregate compared with the alternatives

Against plain or broom finished concrete, exposed aggregate costs more and looks considerably better, with more grip and better resistance to marking. Against honed or polished concrete, it is more textured and more forgiving, where honed is smoother and more refined but shows wear and marking more readily. Against pavers, it is a continuous surface with no joints to weed or resand, but a paver can be lifted and relaid if a service ever has to be dug up. There is no single right answer and it depends on the site, the look you are after and the budget - we are happy to talk it through before you commit.

Looking after it

Exposed aggregate needs very little. Wash it down occasionally, deal with oil promptly, and reseal it when the surface starts to look dry rather than on a fixed schedule. We will tell you what the mix and sealer we use actually need rather than quoting a generic figure.

What it costs

There is no single per square metre rate for exposed aggregate, and any contractor quoting one before seeing your site is guessing. The price is driven by the area, the excavation and spoil removal required, the ground conditions and how much base course they demand, the reinforcing and thickness needed, truck and pump access, drainage, and the aggregate chosen. We will come and measure it and give you a fixed written price with the mix and specification set out, so it can be compared properly against any other quote.

Get a price

If you are considering an exposed aggregate driveway, path or patio anywhere in Auckland, call us on 09 426 0680 or send an enquiry and we will come and look at it.