It’s common for property owners to improve the appearance of their property with new concrete in Adelaide. Besides enhancing curb appeal, it also gives added functionality, whether you choose to install a new driveway, patio, stairs, or footpath.
When you call in an expert team to handle the installation, one of the main questions they’ll ask is, ‘what finish would you like?’ But if it’s your first time adding new concreting to your property, you may be unaware of the different options available. So, let’s take a look at the different types of finishes you can choose from, along with things to consider when making a decision.
Plain Concrete Finish
A smooth, troweled finish is perhaps the most common type of concrete in Adelaide finish that’s used in different applications. Concreters achieve this finish by using a trowel to smoothen the surface after laying and levelling the concrete. Depending on the team you hire and the scale of the project, a manual or mechanical trowel may be used to achieve this finish.
One of the greatest benefits of this finish is that it keeps costs low since it’s not as expensive to achieve and requires minimal maintenance. It’s also one of the quickest finishes, making it ideal for industrial applications that can’t afford much down time.
Textured Concrete Finish
If you prefer a bit of texture in your concrete, you can opt for a textured concrete in Adelaide finish. It’s much more subtle than options like exposed aggregate, while still offering impressive traction. Because of its slip resistance, textured concrete is preferable for areas that are prone to slippery conditions, like walkways and patios, as the traction helps prevent slips and falls.
Some common textures include the broom finish, which is achieved by running a broom over the troweled surface, ensuring that the concrete is still fresh. Most types of textures are achieved by hand, so you get a more natural appearance. Besides its slip resistance, another benefit is that textured concrete looks fantastic and requires little to no maintenance.
Stamped Concrete Finish
Like the appearance of materials like brick, flagstones, or slates but don’t want to compromise on durability? If that’s the case, have a look at different stamped concrete options. In this type, concreters achieve the desired look by pressing the pattern on freshly poured concrete.
Once finished, your concreting project will appear similar to tile, brick, slates, or flagstones. Its biggest benefits are that it provides a uniform appearance and that it offers a wide range of applications from patios to driveways and footpaths.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Finish
If a simple, troweled finish isn’t the right choice for you, we recommend choosing exposed aggregate concrete instead. Like textured concrete, it gives you a textured surface, but it’s achieved in a different way. It gives a varied and decorative look thanks to the addition of crushed gravel or natural stones like granite or quartz. After pouring the concrete, the top layer of cement paste is washed off to reveal the textured aggregate underneath. You can choose from different types of materials to decorate your exposed aggregate surface.
It’s a common preference for pool decks, patios, and walkways because of its slip resistant surface. This makes it a great option for areas that are likely to get wet and have high levels of foot traffic. If you’re looking for greater durability, exposed aggregate concrete has a lower water to cement ratio than textured surfaces. This makes it tougher and long-lasting.
What To Consider When Choosing A Concrete Adelaide Finish
Not sure how to choose the right type of concrete finish for your project? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Purpose: What type of concreting are you installing on your project? Is it indoors or outdoors? Is it a driveway, pool deck, or stairs? Different areas of the property may require different finishes.
- Maintenance Requirements: Each type of concrete finish has different needs in terms of maintenance. Textured surfaces like a broom finish or exposed aggregate may require frequent resealing.
- Budget: Complexity of the installation can affect the overall cost. Decorative overlays and stamped concrete require additional materials, making it more expensive.
Choose A Concrete Finish That Complements Your Property
You can opt for a smooth, troweled finish, exposed aggregate, or textured concrete! Each type comes with different benefits in terms of costs, traction, and aesthetics. When choosing a specific finish for your property, make sure to consider factors like purpose, maintenance, and durability. So, if you’re ready to begin your next concrete project and want to discuss it with experts, get in touch with our team today!