CRANBOURNE & SOUTH-EAST MELBOURNE
EXPOSED
AGGREGATE
CRANBOURNE
Melbourne's most popular driveway finish — installed by locally based specialists with over 15 years of hands-on experience across the City of Casey.
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CRANBOURNE, VIC
What Is It
What Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative finish where the surface cement is removed to reveal the natural stones and pebbles within the mix. The result is a textured, visually rich surface that is both durable and slip-resistant. It has become the most popular choice for residential driveways, pool surrounds, and outdoor entertaining areas across Melbourne's south-east for good reason.
The process works by applying a chemical surface retarder to the freshly poured concrete. The retarder holds back the setting of the top layer of cement while the concrete below cures normally. Once the slab has reached the right strength, the surface is pressure washed to remove the soft cement and reveal the aggregate beneath. The stones you see are locked permanently into the concrete matrix and cannot peel, chip, or delaminate.
A properly installed and sealed exposed aggregate surface will perform well for 25 to 30 years with minimal upkeep. It handles vehicle loads, foot traffic, and the Australian climate equally well, and it looks considerably better than plain concrete from the day it is poured.
HOW ITS DONE
THE INSTALLATION PROCESS
Every exposed aggregate job follows the same five-step process. Getting each step right — particularly the base preparation — is what separates a surface that lasts 30 years from one that cracks within five.
base & finish options
Available Finishes
The cement base colour is chosen first and forms the background of the finished surface. The aggregate mix is chosen second and determines the stone colours, sizes, and texture. These two choices together define the look of the finished driveway, and because the aggregate distributes naturally through the mix, no two pours look exactly alike.
Most Popular
grey cement base
The most widely used option. Grey cement provides a neutral, cool background that lets the aggregate stones stand out. It works with virtually any home style and holds its appearance well over years of use.
Light Homes
Off-White Base (BrightonLite)
The most widely used option. Grey cement provides a neutral, cool background that lets the aggregate stones stand out. It works with virtually any home style and holds its appearance well over years of use.
Contemporary
Dark cement base
A dark cement base that creates a high-contrast, striking finish. Popular on modern dark-facade homes and increasingly requested on new builds in Clyde North and Officer. The aggregate stones read sharply against the dark background.
Warmer Tones
Coloured Oxide Mixes
Iron oxide pigments added to the cement produce warm earthy tones including terracotta, sandstone, tan, and honey. These bases suit brick homes well and work with landscaping that uses warm or natural tones.
Premium
Custom Blends
We work with Cranbourne PreMix to source custom aggregate blends including premium river pebbles, quartz mixes, and multicoloured stone combinations. These mixes create a genuinely one-of-a-kind result for higher-end projects.
Refined Look
Honed and Pavilion Finish
A mechanically ground surface that reveals the stones in a smoother, flatter profile. The honed finish is more refined and less textured than standard exposed aggregate. It suits alfresco areas and contemporary pool surrounds well.
base & finish options
BEST SUITED APPLICATIONS
The cement base colour is chosen first and forms the background of the finished surface. The aggregate mix is chosen second and determines the stone colours, sizes, and texture. These two choices together define the look of the finished driveway, and because the aggregate distributes naturally through the mix, no two pours look exactly alike.
Driveways
We lay single, double, and triple-width driveways across Cranbourne and the City of Casey, handling everything from excavation and base preparation through to the pour and finish. Every driveway is formed, reinforced, and finished to last.
Patios and Alfrescos
A well-laid concrete patio or alfresco transforms how a home's outdoor space looks and functions. We work with homeowners and builders across the south-east on new builds and renovations, laying surfaces that handle furniture, foot traffic, and the Australian climate without issue.
Garage and Shed Pads
A concrete slab is only as good as what is underneath it, so we spend the time getting the sub-base depth, compaction, and reinforcement right before anything is poured. A properly prepared garage or shed slab will sit flat and stay crack-free for many years.
Pool Surrounds
Slip resistance around a pool is not optional, and exposed aggregate and honed aggregate are both well suited to the job. We install pool surrounds that meet safety requirements for wet areas and hold up to constant sun, water, and foot traffic.
Pathways
Garden paths, front entry pathways, side access, step surrounds, and council crossover reinstatements all require the same careful preparation and finishing as a driveway. We match the finish to your existing or planned driveway if possible to create a seamless look.
stairs
Concrete stairs are formed carefully to achieve consistent rise and tread dimensions that meet Australian building standards and feel natural underfoot. We finish them to match the surrounding driveway or path surfacenso the whole area ties together.
Pricing Guide
How Much Does Exposed Aggregate Cost?
Exposed aggregate in Cranbourne and the surrounding suburbs typically costs between $135 and $145 per square metre. The price moves within that range based on a few key factors, which we go through in detail during the free quote visit.
We provide a written itemised quote at no charge before any work starts. You will know exactly what you are paying for and why, with no vague estimates and nothing added later.
| Application | Typical Size | Price Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Car Driveway | 28-40sqm | $3500-$6500 |
| Double Driveway | 50-80sqm | $6500-$13000 |
| Triple or Large Driveway | 80-140sqm | $10000-$22000 |
| Pool Surround | 40-80sqm | $5500-13000 |
| Patio or Alfresco | 20-50sqm | $2800 -$8500 |
| Garden Path | 10-25sqm | $1400-$4200 |
| Council Crossover | 8-16sqm | $1100-$2800 |
All prices are indicative guides only and exclude GST. Final pricing depends on site conditions, mix selection, and scope of work. Contact us for a free itemised on-site quote with no obligation.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT PRICE:
Aggregate Mix and Base Colour
A standard grey base with a common aggregate mix sits at the lower end of the range. Premium custom blends, off-white bases, and oxide-tinted mixes carry a modest price increase.
Site Access & Preperation
Jobs that need significant excavation, limited concrete truck access, or work on poor existing sub-base conditions will cost more than a straightforward open-site pour on well-prepared ground.
Total Area
Larger jobs attract a lower per-square-metre rate. A single-car driveway of around 35sqm will cost more per metre than a double driveway of 80sqm or above.
Edge Detailing and Complexity
Curved edges, step surrounds, drainage channels, and complex layouts add forming time and increase the overall cost accordingly.
How does Exposed aggregate compare:
| FINISH | HONED CONRETE | EXPOSED AGGREGATE | PLAIN CONCRETE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per m2 | $175-195 | $135-145 | $100-120 |
| Slip Resistance | Oood | Moderate | Moderate |
| Kerb Appeal | High | High | Medium |
| Lifespan | 25-30 years | 20-25 years | 20-25 years |
| Fading/wear | Minimal | Minimal | Some fading |
| Reasealing needed | Every 2-3 years | Every 2-3 years | Every 3-5 years |
| Pool Surrounds | Ideal | Suitable | Suitable |
Why Choose It
Why Exposed Aggregate Is Worth It
Refined Contemporary Look
The smooth, flat stone reveal suits modern homes, architectural builds, and contemporary landscaping in a way that standard exposed aggregate does not. It is a finish that reads as considered and deliberate rather than purely functional.
Durable and Long-Lasting
The aggregate is revealed through grinding rather than surface removal, which means the stones are exposed at their full depth and held securely in the concrete matrix. A well-installed honed surface will last 25 to 30 years without needing replacement.
Suits Indoor to Outdoor Transitions
The smoother profile of honed aggregate makes it one of the few concrete finishes that works well for internal-to-external transitions, where a consistent look between an indoor polished concrete floor and an outdoor entertaining area is the goal.
Refined Contemporary Look
The smooth, flat stone reveal suits modern homes, architectural builds, and contemporary landscaping in a way that standard exposed aggregate does not. It is a finish that reads as considered and deliberate rather than purely functional.
Durable and Long-Lasting
The aggregate is revealed through grinding rather than surface removal, which means the stones are exposed at their full depth and held securely in the concrete matrix. A well-installed honed surface will last 25 to 30 years without needing replacement.
Suits Indoor to Outdoor Transitions
The smoother profile of honed aggregate makes it one of the few concrete finishes that works well for internal-to-external transitions, where a consistent look between an indoor polished concrete floor and an outdoor entertaining area is the goal.
Exposed aggrgeate FAQs
We have answered the questions we hear most from homeowners across Cranbourne and the south-east. If you do not see yours here, just give us a ring — we are always happy to talk through a job before you commit to anything.
How much does exposed aggregate cost per m² in Cranbourne?
In Cranbourne and the City of Casey, exposed aggregate typically ranges from $135 to $145 per square metre. The price depends on the aggregate mix, cement base colour, site access, and total area. Larger jobs generally attract a lower per-metre rate. We always provide a free, written, itemised quote on-site before any work begins. No guesswork, no surprises.
Is exposed aggregate slippery when wet?
No. Exposed aggregate is one of the most slip-resistant concrete finishes available. The texture of the exposed stones provides natural grip underfoot, which is why it is the standard choice for pool surrounds, sloped driveways, and external stairs. It performs significantly better than plain or polished concrete in wet conditions and no added anti-slip treatment is required.
How long does an exposed aggregate driveway last?
A well-installed, correctly sealed surface will typically last 25 to 30 years. The long-term result comes down to the quality of the base preparation, the concrete mix, and the installation process. We have been doing this for over 15 years and we get each stage right.
How long before I can drive on exposed aggregate?
You can walk on the surface after 24 hours. Wait at least seven days before driving a standard passenger vehicle on it and a minimum of 28 days before parking anything heavy. Concrete keeps gaining strength for up to 28 days after the pour, so the longer you can wait before loading it, the better.
How often does exposed aggregate need to be resealed?
Every two to three years is the general recommendation depending on sun exposure and traffic levels. Pressure washing before you reseal helps the sealer bond properly. Staying on top of resealing is the most effective thing you can do to protect the surface and keep the colour of the aggregate looking sharp.
Can exposed aggregate crack?
All concrete can develop minor cracking over time, particularly in areas with expansive clay soil, and much of Cranbourne sits on exactly that. The best protection is correct installation: solid sub-base compaction, the right mix design, correctly placed control joints, and proper curing time. When these steps are done right, cracking is uncommon. We have laid thousands of square metres across this area and we understand the local ground conditions well.
What is the difference between exposed aggregate and honed aggregate?
Both finishes reveal the decorative stones within the concrete but the method and result differ. Exposed aggregate uses a chemical retarder and pressure wash to remove the surface cement, producing a coarser, more textured finish. Honed aggregate is mechanically ground back after curing to create a smoother, flatter stone reveal. Exposed aggregate suits driveways and pool surrounds where grip matters. Honed aggregate works better for alfresco areas and contemporary homes where a more refined look is preferred.
Do you service my suburb?
We are based in Cranbourne and work across the full City of Casey including Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne West, Cranbourne South, Berwick, Clyde, Clyde North, Narre Warren, Hampton Park, Hallam, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Dandenong South, Keysborough, Pearcedale, Officer, Pakenham, and Frankston. Give us a call if you are not sure and we will confirm straight away.
Where we work
Exposed aggregate service areas
- Cranbourne
- Cranbourne East
- Cranbourne North
- Cranbourne West
- Cranbourne
- Pakenham
- Clyde
- Clyde North
- Berwick
- Narre Warren
- Narre Warren South
- Frankston
- Hampton Park
- Hallam
- Lynbrook
- Lyndhurst
- Doveton
- Endeavour Hills
- Dandenong South
- Keysborough
- Pearcedale
- Officer