When it comes to upgrading outdoor concrete surfaces, decorative concrete offers more than just durability – it also adds visual appeal, texture and value to your home. Among the most popular choices in Perth are exposed aggregate and honed concrete. While both finishes start with the same concrete base, the end result (in terms of look, feel and function) is dramatically different.
You may be wondering – how do I choose between these two decorative concrete options?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some key differences between exposed aggregate and honed concrete, key benefits, use cases and maintenance requirements – helping you make an informed decision and ensuring you find the right fit for your home’s outdoor spaces.
What Are Exposed Aggregate & Honed Concrete?
At first glance, honed concrete and exposed aggregate may seem very similar, and they are closely related. Both finishes are founded on the same concrete mix, generally incorporating decorative stones or aggregates. However, their surface treatments set them apart in terms of texture, slip resistance and visual finish.
Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate is created by removing the top layer to reveal the decorative stones (aggregates) embedded in the mix. This results in a textured, natural looking finish that’s both robust and visually striking.
It’s a popular choice for:
- Driveways
- Paths
- Outdoor Entertaining Areas
- Public Spaces & Commercial Exteriors
The natural stone textures make it inherently slip-resistant and highly durable, making it ideal for outdoor zones that experience high traffic.
Honed Concrete
Honed concrete begins in the same way as exposed aggregate but undergoes further refinement. The surface is ground down using mechanical polishing equipment until it achieves a smooth, matte finish while still showcasing the aggregate below. It offers a clean, architectural appearance with a more luxurious feel underfoot.
Honed concrete is often chosen for:
- Pool Surrounds
- Front Entrances
- Patios & Courtyards
- Modern & Minimalist Properties
The surface is sealed to enhance its colour, increase slip resistance and protect it from the elements, giving it a sleek, low-sheen aesthetic.
Key Differences Between The Two Finishes
While both finishes are durable and attractive, they offer very different tactile and visual experiences. Understanding the distinctions in aesthetics, durability and maintenance will help you make an informed decision about your preferred finish for your outdoor project.
Aesthetics
- Exposed Aggregate offers a bold, natural appearance. The varied textures and colours of the stones give each project a unique, organic feel. It’s a fantastic way to make a design statement without overwhelming the rest of your home.
- Honed Concrete delivers a more uniform, modern finish. Its smooth surface and subdued sheen make it an ideal choice for homes with minimalist or contemporary architecture. It is available in a wide variety of aggregate colours and mixes, offering design flexibility while maintaining visual harmony.
Both finishes can be customised with:
- Stone and colour selection
- Borders and saw cuts
- Pigment additives for colour-matched results
Durability
Both options are incredibly durable when professionally installed and properly sealed. However, their durability in everyday use differs slightly:
- Exposed Aggregate tends to better disguise stains and surface wear thanks to its irregular texture and natural tones.
- Honed Concrete is also long-lasting, but may be more prone to showing stains, scuffs or dirt due to its smoother finish – particularly in high traffic areas.
Both finishes are suitable in Perth’s Mediterranean climate and resist UV degradation when sealed appropriately.
Maintenance
Maintenance levels vary depending on both where and how the decorative concrete surface is used:
- Exposed Aggregate: Requires occasional pressure cleaning and resealing periodically. Its coarse texture makes it more forgiving to dirt and stains.
- Honed Concrete: Needs more consistent cleaning to maintain its refined look. Sealing may need to be done more frequently in areas with heavy use or water exposure (e.g. pool surrounds).
Proper drainage and expert installation are essential for both finishes to avoid issues like cracking or water pooling over time.
Which Finish Suits Your Outdoor Space Best?
Your choice of concrete finish should align with the function of the space, your desired aesthetic and how much upkeep you are comfortable with. Here’s a look at how these finishes perform in common outdoor applications:
Driveways
Best Pick: Exposed Aggregate
Its textured finish makes it naturally slip-resistant and durable – key traits suiting vehicle traffic. It also helps to camouflage tyre marks, oil stains and dirt much better than smoother surfaces like honed concrete. For a functional and eye-catching decorative concrete driveway, exposed aggregate is a clear winner.
Pool Areas
Best Pick: Honed Concrete
The smooth, cool-to-touch surface is more comfortable under bare feet. With the right sealer or anti-slip additive, honed concrete becomes both stylish and safe, making it perfect for pool surrounds where safety is paramount. It is the perfect blend of visual appeal and functionality.
Alfresco & Outdoor Entertaining Areas
Best Pick: Depends on the look you’re after
- Choose exposed aggregate for a rustic or natural vibe that ties into landscaping and garden areas.
- Opt for honed concrete if you want a seamless, high-end look that blends effortlessly with modern exteriors.
Pathways & Front Entries
Best Pick: Either – based on your home’s architecture
- Exposed aggregate provides visual interest and better grip under foot, particularly in sloped or shaded walkways.
- Honed concrete creates a refined entrance and complements minimalist landscaping with clean edges and understated colour tones.
Customisation & Colour Options
Both finishes are highly customisable, making them suitable for a wide variety of property styles and outdoor designs.
Options include:
- Stone Selection: Choose from natural quartz, granite or other aggregate mixes.
- Pigment Colouring: Add earthy or bold hues to complement your home’s existing palette.
- Borders & Saw Cuts: Create definition and visual contrast between zones.
- Custom Blends: Tailored mixes to suit unique designs or architectural themes.
Customisation gives you the opportunity to align your outdoor decorative concrete surface with your personal taste and home design – whether that’s understated elegance or bold impact.
Expert Tips For Choosing The Right Surface
If you are still undecided about which finish suits your home best, our decorative concrete specialists have put together some practical tips to help inform you:
- Prioritise Function: High-traffic zones or wet areas (like driveways and pool surrounds) benefits from textured or anti-slip finishes.
- Assess Visual Impact: Do you want the surface to stand out or blend in with your home’s architecture?
- Think Long Term: How will the surface look after years of sun, foot traffic and weather exposure?
- Match Your Home’s Style: Honed concrete suits architectural and modern homes, while exposed aggregate works well with earthy, natural or classic home styles.
- Visit Real Life Examples: Whenever possible, visit one of our display centres (Factory Pools O’Connor, Barrier Reef Pools Joondalup or Barrier Reef & Factory Pools Mandurah) to get a sense of texture, tone and finish in natural light.
And finally, don’t select your finish based purely on what is trending at the time. Choose a finish that suits your space, needs and lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to exposed aggregate vs honed concrete, there’s no uniform, stock standard answer. Both finishes offer impressive style, performance and longevity, but each excels in different applications.
- Select exposed aggregate if you want a durable, slip-resistant finish with rich texture and low maintenance appeal.
- Choose honed concrete if you prefer a smoother, more refined finish that enhances contemporary or luxury designs.
Whichever you choose, investing in a high quality decorative concrete installation and the right sealer will help to ensure your surface stays beautiful for years to come.
If you still can’t decide, contact the team at Terrastone to discuss your outdoor project. We’ll help you find a suitable, stylish and practical solution for your home and lifestyle. Our team takes great pride in delivering finishes that stand the test of time for properties across Perth.