pazza_italiana78

Aggregate concrete vs plain

pazza_italiana78
4 years ago

Soon I'll be ready to complete my front landscaping and thinking of having steps, possibly just 2, continuing from my front porch to footpath. My concrete driveway is standard and was thinking of going for the exposed aggregate look for my steps. Not sure if the two types of concrete will clash. Just want to give my front garden an extra nice look without spending to much. Yes, I know exposed aggregate can be costly! In front of the bedroom window I do want to add a garden bed and landscape rocks, as well as some grass in the front yard.
So as for the exposed aggregate look for my steps, next to the plain concrete driveway...... thoughts anyone?

Comments (3)

  • dreamer
    4 years ago

    I think the change of surfaces would be good and would add interest. If your driveway is the standard grey colour, then you could use an aggregate that it's base is grey, with the added coloured stone.
    I like the look of this one from Boral.

  • dreamer
    4 years ago

    Only thing is, I don't know whether a concrete specialist would spend their time to just pour two steps.

  • PRO
    Mars Landscapes
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Exposed aggregate is not costly when compared to plain. More expensive p/m2 yes, but not costly. When you consider value for money, I feel that exposed is the best value for money product on the market in regards to horizontal surfaces in particular if it is from scratch. As the comment above reads, you will struggle to find a concreter who is willing to do just 2 steps and also doing exposed on steps is a difficult task due to the boxing removal and retardant spraying process which has to be done just right. If it is just 2 steps, I'd be looking into stone cladding the concrete steps (pavers glued to formed concrete) as it is the entrance to your home and really should be finished at a high level.

    Not sure if you have existing concrete steps and their condition but it may be an option to look at a company like Alternative Surfaces or similar who can change the look of what is existing. Might be the cheapest way to tackle this.