Best Concrete Finishes for Brisbane Driveways: A Visual Guide

Choosing the right finish for your concrete driveway is one of the biggest decisions you'll make during a driveway project. The finish affects the look, feel, durability, maintenance, and cost of your driveway. Here's our guide to the most popular options in Brisbane.

1. Broom Finish (Plain Concrete)

The classic choice. A broom is dragged across the fresh concrete to create a textured, non-slip surface.

Pros:

• Most affordable option
• Non-slip surface — great for steep driveways
• Clean, simple look
• Easy to maintain
• Can be sealed for a wet-look finish

Cons:

• Can look plain compared to other finishes
• Prone to tyre marks (cosmetic only)

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners, steep driveways, side paths, and shed slabs.

Cost: $65 – $85 per m²

2. Exposed Aggregate

The premium choice for Brisbane driveways. The top layer of concrete is washed away to reveal the decorative stone underneath.

Pros:

• Stunning visual appeal — each driveway is unique
• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Excellent non-slip surface
• Hides dirt and stains well
• Adds significant value to your property

Cons:

• Higher cost than plain concrete
• Requires sealing every 3-5 years
• Stone selection affects the final look

Best for: Front driveways where street appeal matters, entertaining areas, pool surrounds.

Cost: $100 – $150 per m²

3. Coloured Concrete

Oxide pigments are mixed into the concrete to create a uniform colour throughout the slab.

Pros:

• Wide range of colours available
• Colour goes all the way through (won't wear off)
• Can be combined with other finishes (coloured + exposed)
• More character than plain concrete

Cons:

• Colour can vary slightly between batches
• More expensive than plain concrete
• Some colours fade slightly over time

Best for: Homeowners wanting more character than plain concrete without the cost of exposed aggregate.

Cost: $75 – $100 per m²

4. Covercrete (Stencil Pattern)

A decorative coating applied over new or existing concrete to create patterns like brick, tile, or stone.

Pros:

• Can be applied over existing concrete
• Wide range of patterns and colours
• Creates the look of pavers at a lower cost
• Good for refreshing old driveways

Cons:

• Surface coating can wear over time
• Requires resealing every 2-3 years
• Not as durable as exposed aggregate

Best for: Renovating existing driveways, matching specific design styles, budget-friendly decorative option.

Cost: $80 – $120 per m²

Which Finish Should You Choose?

Here's our recommendation based on common scenarios:

Scenario	Recommended Finish
Best street appeal	Exposed aggregate
Tightest budget	Broom finish (plain)
Steep driveway	Broom finish (best grip)
Matching existing pavers	Covercrete
Modern home	Exposed aggregate or coloured
Rental property	Broom finish

See Our Work

Check out our project gallery to see examples of each finish type on real Brisbane driveways. Every project shown is work completed by the Concrete Concepts Group team.

Get a Free Quote

Not sure which finish is right for your driveway? Contact us and we'll visit your property to discuss options and provide a free quote. We can bring stone samples for exposed aggregate so you can see exactly what your driveway will look like.

Call Jarrod on 0424 698 986 for a no-obligation chat.