There are a lot of choices to make when it comes to concrete. From the mix you choose to the
formwork, a lot goes into making your finished product look great and stand up to the test
of time. The concrete mix design and its pouring is only the first part of a concrete
project. One of the most critical decisions is what kind of concrete finish you'll use.
There are several types, and they have their pros and cons. This blog post will look at the
different finishes available and help you pick the right one for your next project!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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