Exposed Aggregate Driveways
Stone on top. Strength underneath.
Exposed aggregate is the Gold Coast’s favourite driveway for good reason: it’s textured underfoot, forgiving of dirt and leaf litter, and looks at home on everything from beach shacks to new estates. We wash the surface at exactly the right moment to reveal the stone, then seal it to lock in the colour.
Often chosen with concrete driveways, concrete sealing & maintenance, pool surrounds.
Typical job: 4–6 days · Site measure: free
What’s included
- Stone sample boards at your site measure
- Removal of existing surface
- Sub-base, steel and edge forming
- Pour, wash-off and acid etch clean
- Two coats of penetrating or gloss sealer
Finish options
- Natural river blends — Earthy browns, creams and greys that suit most homes.
- Coastal pebble — Lighter, beachy tones that stay cooler in summer sun.
- Charcoal base — Dark oxide matrix with contrast stone for a modern look.
Specification
| Stone size | 7–14 mm graded aggregate |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 100–125 mm reinforced |
| Sealer | Penetrating matte or solvent gloss |
| Reseal | Every 2–3 years recommended |
What affects the price
Every job is priced after a free site measure. Your fixed, itemised written quote shows each of these:
- Stone blend — standard river pebble or premium imported mixes
- Driveway area and how many pours it needs
- Demolition and disposal of existing surfaces
- Sealer type and any anti-slip additive
Guides: What affects the cost of a concrete driveway?, Exposed aggregate vs plain concrete, Concrete vs pavers for a driveway
Exposed Aggregate Driveways questions, answered
Is exposed aggregate slippery when wet?
No — it’s one of the grippiest finishes available. If you choose a gloss sealer we add an anti-slip additive so it stays safe in wet weather.
Does exposed aggregate cost more than plain concrete?
Typically 20–35% more, because of the stone, the extra finishing labour and sealing. Most clients find the lower maintenance and longer-looking-new finish worth it.
How long after pouring is the stone exposed?
Usually a few hours after the pour, once the surface has set enough to hold the stone. We spray a retarder on the surface, then wash off the top layer of cement to reveal the stone.
Do oil stains show on exposed aggregate?
Far less than on plain grey concrete. The mix of stone colours hides drips and tyre marks, and a good penetrating sealer stops oil soaking in long enough to be cleaned off.
Which aggregate blends suit Gold Coast homes?
Light river blends suit coastal and Hamptons-style homes, warm brown pebbles suit brick and timber, and charcoal-based mixes suit modern rendered homes. We bring physical samples so you can see them against your house.
Get a fixed written quote
Call 0404 859 045 or request a free site measure.
