Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete Expensive?

There is a growing trend towards the use of aggregate concrete as a paving material in Australia and the world over. Exposed aggregate Perth, as its name suggests, is a type of paving used in various outdoor surfaces such as patios and driveways that gives a natural look with its embedded elements such as marble or pebbles.

Cost Comparison Between Exposed Aggregate Concrete and Other Options

So how does exposed aggregate concrete to the other methods in terms of cost? Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs and other comparative factors between asphalt and exposed aggregate concrete for your consideration.

Expect to spend about $100 to $150 per square metre for asphalt as compared to $70 to $110 for exposed aggregate concrete.

Asphalt lasts about 20 years while exposed aggregate concrete can last for 40 plus years.

You can have exposed aggregate concrete in various colours and materials while asphalt is primarily black.

Asphalt requires Resealing every 3 to 5 years while exposed aggregate concrete only needs occasional maintenance.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Cost Estimates in Australia

The total cost of your exposed aggregate project depends on several factors such as size, material, labour, the shape of your project, drainage, and additional aesthetic requirements. However, it’s not really that expensive as compared to other options in the market such as asphalt. You will spend about $70 – $110 per square metre depending on the nature of your project using exposed aggregate concrete.

So, the short answer to the question of whether exposed concrete is expensive is no. It’s actually a cheaper alternative and can be used if you are on a budget depending on the material you choose.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Is Trendy, But Can I Afford It?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a more aesthetic alternative to traditional concrete paving and also happens to be easier to maintain in the long run. However, anyone looking to put up an exposed aggregate concrete surface anywhere in their compound would be worried about the total cost. Is exposed aggregate concrete more expensive than traditional paving? Can you afford exposed aggregate concrete? If you would happen to have these questions, then you’ve come to the right place.

Cost Breakdown for An Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Here are some of the cost considerations you should have at the back of your mind when preparing for your exposed aggregate concrete project.

• Ground preparation costs– This cost varies from site to site. You may need to do some excavation on your site before laying the aggregate concrete.
• Material costs– Again, this depends on the materials you use. Do keep in mind that exposed aggregate concrete comes in various forms, colours, and sizes. Crushed sand or gravel is relatively cheap compared to the other materials.
• Maintenance costs– As mentioned before, exposed aggregate concrete, whether used on a patio, exposed driveway or elsewhere requires little maintenance over the years. You may, however, need to do a bit of maintenance and cleaning to remove dirt and other foreign objects that get stuck between the gravel/pebbles.