Exposed aggregate is the most popular decorative concrete finish in South East Queensland, and for good reason. It combines the structural strength of standard concrete with a natural stone surface that looks stunning, resists slipping, and handles Brisbane's climate with ease.
Whether you're building a new driveway, upgrading an existing one, or planning a pool surround or entertaining area, this guide covers everything you need to know about exposed aggregate in Brisbane.
What Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete starts as a standard concrete pour with decorative stones mixed into the batch. Once the concrete is poured and levelled, the top layer of cement paste is washed away before it fully sets, revealing the natural stone aggregate underneath.
The result is a textured, slip-resistant surface with natural colour variation that looks far more premium than standard grey concrete.
How Much Does Exposed Aggregate Cost in Brisbane?
Pricing varies depending on the size of the area, site access, preparation required, and the aggregate blend you choose. Here are typical Brisbane prices for 2026:
| Project Type | Size | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard driveway | 40–60 m² | $5,000 – $9,000 |
| Double driveway | 60–80 m² | $7,500 – $12,000 |
| Pool surround | 20–40 m² | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Patio or entertaining area | 20–50 m² | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| Pathway | 10–20 m² | $1,500 – $3,000 |
Per square metre, expect to pay between $120 and $160 for exposed aggregate in Brisbane, compared to $80 to $110 for plain concrete. The premium reflects the decorative aggregate, additional finishing labour, and the sealer coat applied after curing.
Popular Exposed Aggregate Colours in Brisbane
The colour of your exposed aggregate depends on the stone blend used. Brisbane's most popular options include:
Warm Tones (Most Popular)
- Autumn Gold — warm honey and amber tones with flecks of brown. The most requested colour in Brisbane. Complements timber fencing, sandstone, and warm-toned brick.
- Outback — deeper terracotta and rust tones. Suits Queenslander homes and properties with earthy landscaping.
Neutral Tones
- Salt & Pepper — classic mix of black, white, and grey stones. Clean, modern look that suits contemporary homes.
- Riverstone — natural grey and cream pebbles. Subtle and versatile, works with almost any home style.
Cool Tones
- Charcoal — dark grey to black aggregate. Bold, modern look that pairs well with white or light-coloured homes.
- Blue Metal — blue-grey crushed stone. Industrial aesthetic popular in modern builds.
Most concrete suppliers in Brisbane carry sample boards you can view before committing. We bring samples to every quote consultation so you can see the colours against your home.
Design Ideas for Brisbane Homes
Driveway with contrasting borders — Use exposed aggregate for the main driveway surface with plain coloured concrete borders. This creates a framed effect that looks high-end and defines the edges cleanly.
Mixed finishes — Combine exposed aggregate for the driveway and front path with plain concrete for side paths and utility areas. This gives you the premium look where it matters most while keeping costs manageable.
Pool surrounds — Exposed aggregate is ideal around pools because of its natural slip resistance. Choose a lighter colour like Riverstone or Salt & Pepper to keep the surface cooler underfoot in summer.
Curved pathways — The textured surface of exposed aggregate looks particularly good on curved garden paths, where the natural stone blends with surrounding landscaping.
Feature entrance — Create a statement entrance with a different aggregate colour for the front path compared to the driveway. This draws the eye and adds visual interest.
Sealing and Maintenance
Exposed aggregate requires sealing to protect the surface and maintain its appearance. Here's the recommended schedule for Brisbane:
| Task | Frequency | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Initial seal coat | Applied after curing (included in install) | Included |
| Reseal | Every 2–3 years | $3 – $6 per m² |
| Pressure wash | Annually or as needed | DIY or $150 – $300 |
| Crack repair | As needed | $50 – $200 per crack |
Why sealing matters in Brisbane: The combination of intense UV exposure, heavy summer rain, and occasional hail means an unsealed exposed aggregate surface will deteriorate faster than in cooler climates. A quality penetrating sealer protects the stones, prevents colour fading, and stops water penetration that can cause surface pop-outs.
Recommended sealers: For Brisbane conditions, we recommend a penetrating sealer rather than a topical (film-forming) sealer. Penetrating sealers soak into the concrete and protect from within, without creating a slippery film on the surface. They also don't peel or flake in the heat.
How Long Does Exposed Aggregate Last?
With proper sealing and basic maintenance, an exposed aggregate driveway in Brisbane will last 25 to 35 years. The natural stone aggregate is incredibly durable — it's the same material used in road construction — and the textured surface actually hides minor wear better than plain concrete.
The most common issue we see with older exposed aggregate is colour fading from UV exposure on surfaces that weren't regularly sealed. This is purely cosmetic and can often be improved with a deep clean and fresh seal coat.
Choosing the Right Concreter
Not all concreters are experienced with exposed aggregate. The wash-off timing is critical — too early and you lose stones, too late and the surface won't expose properly. Look for:
- QBCC licensed — mandatory for residential work over $3,300 in Queensland
- Portfolio of exposed aggregate work — ask to see recent projects
- Knowledge of aggregate blends — they should be able to discuss colour options confidently
- Proper sealing included — the initial seal should be part of the quoted price
Get a Free Quote
At Concrete Concepts Group, exposed aggregate is one of our most popular services. We handle everything from excavation and preparation through to the finished sealed surface — no subcontractors, no shortcuts.
Request a free quote through our contact form or call us directly. We'll bring aggregate samples to your property so you can see the colours in your own setting before making a decision.
Related Articles
For detailed pricing, see our Exposed Aggregate Concrete Cost Guide. Learn about stone blend options in our Exposed Aggregate Colours Guide. Compare exposed aggregate with plain concrete in our Exposed Aggregate vs Plain Concrete Guide.
Get an instant price with our Concrete Cost Calculator or request a free on-site quote.
Get a Free Quote for Your Project
No obligation — we'll call you within 24 hours to discuss your needs.
Concrete Concepts Group
QBCC Licensed (#15299707) concreting professionals serving Brisbane and all surrounding areas. Over 100 projects completed with a 5-star reputation.
Homeowner's Guide to Concreting
13-page guide covering finishes, costs, council requirements, and maintenance tips for Brisbane homeowners.
Download Free
