Concrete Driveways
New concrete driveways, extensions and crossovers built to handle Caloundra's coastal weather. Plain, exposed, coloured or stamped finishes. Call Caloundra Concreters today!
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Exposed Aggregate in Caloundra, QLD
Hard-wearing, slip-resistant exposed aggregate for driveways, paths and pool surrounds across Caloundra and the southern Sunshine Coast. Call Caloundra Concreters today!
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Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Caloundra for Driveways, Paths and Pool Surrounds
Exposed aggregate in Caloundra is one of the most popular finishes we pour, and it suits the coastal look of the area. Instead of a smooth grey surface, the top layer of cement paste is washed away to reveal the stones inside the concrete. You choose the stone, from rounded river pebbles to quartz or granite blends, and we either mix it through the batch or seed it across the surface after screeding. The result is a textured, natural-looking slab that hides tyre marks, leaf stains and everyday dirt far better than plain concrete.
Our local conditions shape how we do the job. Summer heat and humidity speed up the set, so we apply the surface retarder promptly and judge the wash-off time on the day rather than following a fixed schedule. Heavy wet-season downpours can ruin a freshly exposed surface, so we watch the forecast closely and cover the slab with plastic when needed. Shaded areas near the beaches also pick up mould and salt film. A good penetrating or acrylic sealer helps protect the stone and makes cleaning much easier.
Most of our exposed aggregate work goes into concrete driveways, front paths and pool surrounds, where the grippy texture is a real plus on wet feet. We also pour exposed finishes for paths and patios, so your entertaining area can match your driveway. If you're weighing up finishes, we can walk you through stone samples and talk about how each one will look once it's washed and sealed.
- Choice of river pebble, quartz and granite aggregate blends
- Seeded or mixed-through aggregate depending on the look you want
- Surface retarder application timed to local heat and humidity
- Pressure wash-off and stiff-broom exposure of the stone
- Diluted acid wash to remove cement haze
- Penetrating or acrylic sealer with optional anti-slip additive
- Saw-cut control joints to manage cracking
- Exposed aggregate pool surrounds, paths, patios and driveways
How We Pour and Expose Aggregate Concrete in Caloundra
From compacted base to sealed stone, here's what happens on site.
Step 1: Excavation, Base and Formwork
We dig out to the right depth, then compact a crushed rock base to suit the sandy and clay soils found around the coast. Timber or steel formwork sets the shape and falls so rainwater drains away from your house. Reinforcing mesh goes in on bar chairs so it sits in the right part of the slab.
Step 2: Pouring and Placing the Aggregate
The concrete is poured, screeded flat and bull floated. If you've chosen a seeded finish, we broadcast your selected stone evenly across the surface and tamp it in. Edges are tooled so the finished slab has clean, neat borders.
Step 3: Retarder Spray and Wash-Off
We spray a surface retarder that slows the set of the top layer while the slab underneath hardens. When the timing is right, we wash away the cement paste with a pressure washer and stiff broom to reveal the stone. Getting this timing right is the difference between a clean, even finish and stones that pull loose.
Step 4: Joint Cutting, Cleaning and Sealing
Control joints are saw-cut to help guide any shrinkage cracks into straight lines. Once cured, the surface gets a diluted acid wash to lift cement haze. We then roll on a sealer to bring out the colour of the stone and help protect it from stains, salt and mould.
Why Exposed Aggregate Suits Caloundra Homes
A grippy, hard-wearing finish that handles sand, salt and summer storms.
Better Grip When It's Wet
The exposed stone gives a textured surface that's much less slippery than smooth concrete. That matters around pools, on sloping driveways and on paths that get soaked in summer storms. Adding an anti-slip additive to the sealer gives a little more grip again.
Hides Everyday Dirt and Wear
Oil drips, tyre marks, sand and leaf litter blend into the mixed tones of the stone. Your driveway looks cleaner for longer between washes. Small marks that would stand out on plain grey concrete are hard to spot.
Tough Finish for Coastal Conditions
The wearing surface is stone rather than a thin cement layer, so it stands up well to foot traffic and vehicles. Sealed properly, it resists salt film and mould growth in shady, humid spots. Upkeep is mostly a wash and a reseal when the surface starts to dull.
Local Exposed Aggregate Concreters Who Know Coastal Conditions
We Time the Wash-Off for Local Weather
Hot, humid days on the coast change how fast concrete sets. We judge retarder and wash-off timing on site instead of relying on a set clock. That's how we get an even spread of exposed stone without loose or buried patches.
Base Work Suited to Coastal Soils
Sandy soils near the beaches and heavier clays further inland behave differently under a slab. We prepare and compact the base to suit what we find when we dig. A solid base helps prevent sinking and cracking down the track.
Sealing Advice for Salt, Sun and Mould
We explain the difference between penetrating and acrylic sealers and which suits your spot. Pool surrounds, shady side paths and sun-baked driveways all have different needs. You'll know how to look after your finish before we leave.
One Crew for the Whole Outdoor Area
We handle excavation, formwork, pouring, exposing and sealing ourselves. We can also pour matching paths, patios and slabs, or suggest permeable paving where drainage is a concern. Your driveway and entertaining areas end up looking like one planned job.
Exposed Aggregate Questions from Caloundra Homeowners
Common questions answered
How long before I can walk or drive on new exposed aggregate?
It depends on the concrete mix, the weather and how heavy the vehicle is. Foot traffic comes well before cars, and the slab keeps gaining strength for weeks after the pour. We'll give you clear guidance for your job once we know the mix and conditions.
What affects the cost of an exposed aggregate driveway?
The main factors are the size of the area, the stone you choose, how much excavation and base work is needed, and site access for the concrete truck or pump. Removing an old slab adds to the job, as does the type of sealer. We price each job after seeing the site so the quote reflects your actual conditions.
Can you turn my existing plain concrete into exposed aggregate?
Not by washing it, because the retarder has to go on while the concrete is still fresh. If your old slab is cracked or sunken, removing it and pouring new exposed aggregate is usually the best option. If it's sound, we can talk through other finishes that may suit.
Will heavy rain damage my exposed aggregate on pour day?
A heavy downpour on fresh concrete can wash out the surface or leave pitting, which is a real risk in our wet season. We check the forecast, reschedule if storms are likely and keep plastic on hand to cover the slab. Once the surface is exposed and cured, rain is no problem.
How often does exposed aggregate need resealing near the coast?
That comes down to sun exposure, traffic and the type of sealer used. Driveways in full sun and areas close to the beach tend to need it sooner. When the stone looks dull and water stops beading on the surface, it's time for a clean and reseal.
Exposed Aggregate Service Areas
We provide Exposed Aggregate throughout Caloundra, QLD and surrounding suburbs.
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