Concrete finishes have come a long way, offering homeowners a blend of strength, style, and customisability. Two leading options—exposed aggregate concrete and honed concrete—differ significantly in appearance and feel, which influences where each is best used. In this guide, we’ll cover the distinctions between these finishes, their key benefits, and expert recommendations for their application around your home.
Exposed vs Honed Aggregate Concrete
Key Takeaways
Exposed and honed aggregate concrete are both popular choices for adding durable, stylish surfaces to your home. Each finish offers unique advantages, making them suitable for a range of indoor and outdoor applications. By working with an experienced concrete specialist, like the team at CoastCrete, you can customize these finishes to enhance your home’s functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Learn the Basics to Aggregate Concrete Finishes
Concrete finishes have come a long way, offering homeowners a blend of strength, style, and customizability. Two leading options—exposed aggregate concrete and honed concrete—differ significantly in appearance and feel, which influences where each is best used. In this guide, we’ll cover the distinctions between these finishes, their key benefits, and expert recommendations for their application around your home.
What is Honed Aggregate Concrete?
Honed aggregate concrete is achieved by grinding the concrete surface until it has a smooth, matte finish, exposing the embedded aggregates just beneath the surface. This refined process gives honed concrete a sleek and contemporary look, ideal for areas where a polished, sophisticated finish is desired.
Benefits of Honed Aggregate Concrete
- Long-lasting colour and finish: Honed concrete holds its colour over time, without fading or discoloration.
- Slip-resistant options: Adding a slip-resistant sealant makes honed concrete a safe choice for pool surrounds, bathrooms, and outdoor areas.
- Low maintenance: The smooth surface makes it easy to clean, requiring little upkeep compared to other materials.
At CoastCrete, we offer honed concrete solutions that combine durability with aesthetic appeal, perfect for both interior and exterior applications.
What is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete is crafted by removing the top layer of concrete, revealing decorative stones, gravel, or sand within the mix. This creates a unique, textured surface that’s visually striking and naturally slip-resistant, making it an excellent option for outdoor applications.
Benefits of Exposed Aggregate Concrete
- Customizable and cost-effective: Achieve a distinct look at a fraction of the cost of high-end paving materials.
- Naturally slip-resistant: The textured surface improves traction, especially in wet conditions.
- Highly durable and weather-resistant: Exposed aggregate is designed to withstand outdoor elements, requiring minimal maintenance.
For a durable and customized finish, CoastCrete’s exposed aggregate concrete is an ideal solution for driveways, walkways, and patios.
Comparing Applications: Exposed vs. Honed Aggregate Concrete
Depending on the area and use, one finish may be more suitable than the other. Here’s a breakdown of the best applications for honed and exposed aggregate concrete finishes.
Driveways and Car Parks
- Recommended Finish: Exposed Aggregate
- Why: Exposed aggregate concrete is exceptionally durable and can handle the heavy foot and vehicle traffic typical in driveways and car parks. Its textured surface also offers natural slip resistance, which is essential for these high-traffic areas.
Pool Surrounds
- Recommended Finish: Honed Concrete
- Why: Honed concrete’s smooth, non-abrasive surface makes it comfortable for bare feet and is more pleasant to walk on around the pool. Adding a slip-resistant sealer enhances safety in wet conditions, making it an ideal choice for pool areas.
Alfresco and Patio Areas
- Recommended Finishes: Exposed Aggregate or Honed Concrete
- Why: Both finishes are popular for alfresco and patio areas, depending on the look and feel desired. Honed concrete offers a sleek, polished look, while exposed aggregate provides a more textured, rustic appeal that complements outdoor spaces.
- Discover CoastCrete’s alfresco area options to see how these finishes can elevate your outdoor spaces.
Walkways and Garden Paths
- Recommended Finishes: Exposed Aggregate or Honed Concrete
- Why: Both options are suitable for walkways, with exposed aggregate offering excellent slip resistance and honed concrete providing a clean, refined look. Many homeowners match their walkway finish with their driveway to create a cohesive design.
Bathroom Floors
- Recommended Finish: Honed Concrete
- Why: Honed concrete is smooth and comfortable underfoot, making it a preferred choice for bathrooms. For added safety, a slip-resistant sealer can be applied, minimizing the risk of falls in wet areas.
- Learn more about polished concrete floors, a practical option for bathroom spaces.
Kitchen Benches and Floors
- Recommended Finish: Honed Concrete
- Why: The smooth, even surface of honed concrete makes it ideal for kitchens, where a level, easy-to-clean surface is essential. Exposed aggregate’s uneven surface is less suitable for areas requiring seamless finishes.
- Explore honed concrete options for kitchens, ideal for a modern kitchen finish.
Maintenance Tips for Exposed and Honed Concrete
To ensure your concrete surfaces retain their appearance and durability, consider these maintenance tips:
- Regular cleaning: Both honed and exposed aggregate concrete surfaces benefit from periodic cleaning to remove dirt and prevent staining.
- Apply sealants: For both types of concrete, applying a sealant every few years can enhance durability and protect against weather exposure.
- Repair minor cracks: Small cracks should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
FAQ: Exposed vs. Honed Aggregate Concrete
How much does honed or exposed aggregate concrete cost?
The cost varies based on factors like area size, customisation, and materials used. Contact CoastCrete for a detailed quote specific to your project needs.
Is exposed aggregate concrete slippery?
Exposed aggregate concrete has a naturally textured surface that provides slip resistance, making it suitable for outdoor areas where safety is a priority.
How long does aggregate concrete last?
With proper maintenance, both honed and exposed aggregate concrete surfaces can last for decades, even in high-traffic or outdoor areas.
Choosing CoastCrete for Your Aggregate Concrete Needs
Selecting the right concrete finish for your home requires careful consideration of both functionality and aesthetic preferences. At CoastCrete, we bring years of experience in creating beautiful, durable concrete finishes tailored to meet your specific needs. From driveways and alfresco areas to pool surrounds and kitchen floors, our skilled team will guide you in selecting and maintaining the ideal concrete finish.
Ready to start your project? Contact CoastCrete today to schedule a consultation and discover how our aggregate concrete solutions can enhance your property. Let us help you achieve the stunning, low-maintenance surfaces you’ve always wanted!
