Concrete finish isn’t just a design choice. It affects safety, cost over time, and how well a surface holds up against daily use and weather. Many homeowners and builders find themselves unsure whether to go with exposed aggregate or coloured concrete, especially for outdoor surfaces like driveways, walkways, or patios.
If the finish doesn’t match the way the space is used, it can lead to issues. Smooth surfaces may become slippery or show wear quickly. Textured finishes can hold dirt or take longer to clean if not maintained. Choosing the wrong type early on often leads to more sealing, faster wear, or uneven surface breakdown.
The best way to avoid long-term surface issues is to match the finish with the area’s usage, slope, and drainage. Both finishes work well in the right setting. The key is knowing which conditions suit each option so you can pour once and avoid rework.
Comparing the Two Finishes
Here’s a side-by-side view of how exposed aggregate and coloured concrete perform across key areas. Use this to quickly evaluate which works better for your project.
| Feature | Exposed Aggregate | Coloured Concrete |
| Surface Texture | Textured with exposed stones | Smooth or broomed depending on finish |
| Appearance | Natural variation hides dirt and marks | Consistent colour tone for modern contrast |
| Grip | Excellent grip underfoot, even in wet zones | Needs broom finish or sealers for traction |
| Cleaning | Holds dust and leaves; pressure washing helps | Easy to sweep but shows tyre marks and stains more easily |
| Sealing | Required every 2–3 years to protect and preserve colour | Sealing prevents UV fade and improves stain resistance |
| Installation Time | Two-day process (pour, delay, expose) | Faster install with one-day pour and finish |
| Cost Range | Higher due to materials and washback process | Lower upfront costs and quicker to install |
| Best Use Cases | Driveways, pools, outdoor steps, sloped zones | Patios, courtyards, paths with shade or visual focus |
Where Each Finish Performs Best
Outdoor concrete surfaces need to do more than look good. They need to stay functional under heat, rain, foot traffic, and vehicles. Finish type plays a major role in how well a slab handles those conditions.
Exposed aggregate holds up better on steep driveways, under high foot traffic, and in wet areas. The stones improve traction, and the surface doesn’t show patchy wear or scuffs as quickly.
Coloured concrete works well in flat areas where contrast or design consistency matters more. Smooth tones highlight landscaping, fencing, or architectural features. When sealed correctly, the colour stays consistent, and the surface stays easy to clean.
How Gradient and Runoff Affect Finish
Flat slabs don’t face the same wear as sloped ones. On inclines, smoother finishes can become a slip hazard when wet. In these cases, the built-in grip of exposed aggregate works better.
Drainage also plays a role. If water flows across the surface, a textured finish helps break up the flow and reduce pooling. Smooth surfaces, unless finished with non-slip additives, may require more frequent sealing or resurfacing.
Wear and Appearance Over Time
Exposed aggregate tends to keep its look even under rough conditions. The surface hides minor build-up from dust or garden debris. Sealing helps protect against moisture and light stains, but even unsealed, it ages well if the site is well-drained.
Coloured concrete needs sealing to preserve tone, especially darker colours exposed to sun. Without it, the finish can fade or absorb marks. With it, the surface is easy to maintain but still needs resealing every few years.
Cleaning Expectations
Both surfaces need care, but the cleaning process differs.
Exposed aggregate requires occasional pressure washing to clear out trapped material between stones. The surface hides most dirt, so missed cleans don’t show quickly.
Coloured concrete is easier to clean daily with a broom or hose, but it highlights stains. Leaves, tyre tracks, and oil can create visual patches unless sealed or cleaned often.
When Appearance Matters Most
Coloured concrete performs better when consistent tone and design matching are priorities. It works in courtyards, along modern paths, or in new builds with colour themes across fences, render, and trim.
Exposed aggregate suits natural settings—gardens, pool surrounds, or where light stone can offset timber or brick.
The finish depends on what you want the concrete to do. Blend into landscaping? Add contrast to architecture? Match a fence? The answer helps determine which option works better.
What Marcrete Recommends
We don’t recommend finishes based on looks alone. We assess the slope, use, and drainage of every site before quoting. Our approach is simple: use the finish that’s built for the conditions.
If your area handles traffic, footfall, or runoff—exposed aggregate performs better. If you want a visual match for a front path or entry point, coloured concrete makes more sense.
The goal is to avoid rework and keep the surface clean, safe, and solid without over-maintenance.
Still Deciding on a Finish?
You don’t need to make a surface decision alone. We install both finishes across residential and commercial projects in Newcastle. We check site access, measure fall, inspect the surrounding features, and recommend the option that suits the job long term.
If needed, we pour test sections so you can compare underfoot, in the sun, or after a washdown.
Once you pick a finish that suits your space, we handle the pour, finishing, sealing, and follow-up. No guesswork. You can contact us to discuss your project and get clear advice before the pour.