Concrete installations like driveways, patios, stairs, and pool surrounds can do wonders for improving your Melbourne property’s curb appeal and value. Besides choosing a design for your upcoming project, you need to select the right finish.
Concrete specialists like Galcon Contractors provide an array of finishes to give your project a distinct look, including exposed aggregate. Let’s discuss what it means to get an exposed aggregate concrete finish and its various benefits for your Melbourne property:

What is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
It’s a type of concrete finish that contains visible aggregates like sand, rocks, and pebbles. Professional concreters in Melbourne achieve this finish by removing the top layer of cement to show the decorative aggregate underneath.
7 Benefits of Choosing Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Melbourne
1
Improved Traction and Slip-Resistance
A prominent advantage of choosing exposed aggregate concrete is that you get better traction with its surface. It has a thick, rugged texture that makes the surface slip-resistant, even when it’s wet. You can also select the size, shape, and texture of the aggregate used for your project to achieve your preferred level of traction.
This increase in traction makes exposed aggregate concrete the best choice for outdoor areas that are frequently exposed to moisture. For example, your driveway, walkways, patios, and pool surrounds.
2
Greater Durability and Longevity
Though concrete is pretty durable on its own, adding exposed aggregate to the mix makes it even more durable. That’s because regular concrete has a higher water content, making it more vulnerable to wear and tear from the environment.
Meanwhile, exposed aggregate has a lower cement-to-water ratio making it stronger. Then, there’s also the addition of exposed aggregate, which makes it tougher than and longer lasting than broom-finished or smooth concrete.
3
Low-Maintenance
If you’re planning an outdoor concrete installation, it needs to be durable enough to require little maintenance. Exposed aggregate provides impressive strength that makes it resistant to wear and tear, making it a low-maintenance choice. Since it doesn’t crack like regular concrete, you won’t have to worry about moss, weeds, or other plants growing through the cracks.
4
Customisable
We mentioned earlier that you can select the size, shape, and texture of the aggregate. But did you know that you can choose decorative stones as well? Concrete specialists like Galcon Contractors can customise the final look of your exposed aggregate by creating unique patterns and designs. You can also make requests to include natural stones like quartz and granite along with crushed aggregate.
5
Cost-Effective Choice
Because it requires far less maintenance than other concrete finishes, exposed aggregate concrete is cost-effective in the long run. We also recommend it for clients who want to get the project done quickly since it takes less time to install. This factor makes it an ideal option for applications in large areas that can’t afford long downtimes.
6
Improved Curb Appeal
While traditional, smooth concrete has a minimalist look, exposed aggregate concrete is different. Its rugged appearance can improve your Melbourne property’s curb appeal. It’s much more noticeable than regular concrete because of design elements like granite, stones, or pebbles.
7
Versatile Option
A great thing about choosing exposed aggregate concrete is that it’s highly versatile. You can integrate it into your entryways, sidewalks, driveway, pool surrounds, and stairs. This will give your Melbourne property a consistent and cohesive look. It also blends in with different types of architecture, while its natural tones complement decking and landscaping. So if you want something timeless that always looks good, exposed aggregate is the way to go.
Hire Local Professionals for Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Melbourne
Whether you’re planning to build a driveway, patio, or pool surrounds, exposed aggregate concrete is a great choice for your upcoming project. It offers various benefits like greater slip resistance, improved curb appeal, versatility, and durability. But to achieve these benefits, it needs to be installed by an experienced professional.
At Galcon Contractors, we specialise in a variety of concrete projects ranging from slabs and driveways to patios and crossovers. We can handle all kinds of exposed aggregate concrete projects in Melbourne thanks to an expert team and years of industry experience. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our finishes and range of services.
