Choosing the Right Concrete Colour & Finish for Alfresco and Patio Areas (Perth Guide 2026)

Concrete patios and alfresco areas in Perth are exposed to:

• Direct sunlight for most of the year
• High summer temperatures
• Winter rain and moisture
• BBQs, outdoor furniture and foot traffic

The wrong colour can absorb heat and become uncomfortable, while the wrong finish can become slippery or difficult to maintain. Selecting the right combination ensures your outdoor area is functional, safe and visually cohesive.

Light Grey & Natural Concrete Tones

The most popular choice for Perth homes.

Why they work well:

• Reflect heat better than dark colours
• Reduce glare compared to white surfaces
• Suit modern, coastal and contemporary homes
• Age gracefully over time

Light greys and natural concrete tones are ideal for year-round comfort.

Warm Neutral & Sand Tones

Often used to complement limestone, paving or coastal homes.

Benefits:

• Blend naturally with landscaping
• Pair well with timber and stone features
• Less stark than plain grey

These tones are especially popular in coastal suburbs and outdoor entertaining areas.

Charcoal & Darker Colours

Used selectively for architectural impact.

Important considerations:

• Absorb more heat
• Can cause glare in direct sun
• Require careful placement and sealing

Pro Tip: Dark concrete is best used in shaded alfresco areas or as feature sections, not large exposed slabs

Honed Concrete

A smooth, refined finish achieved by grinding the surface.

Best for:

• Modern patios and alfrescos
• Seamless indoor–outdoor transitions
• Low-maintenance outdoor areas

Honed concrete offers a premium look and stays comfortable underfoot when sealed correctly.

Exposed Aggregate

A textured finish that exposes natural stone.

Best for:

• Slip resistance
• High-traffic alfresco areas
• Homes with kids or pool access

Exposed aggregate balances durability with natural texture.

Coloured Concrete

Pigments mixed through the concrete for consistent colour.

Why homeowners choose it:

• Colour runs through the slab
• Doesn’t peel or flake
• UV stable when sealed

Coloured concrete allows customisation while maintaining strength.

Architectural Concrete

A bespoke option combining colour, finish and detailing.

Ideal for:

• High-end outdoor spaces
• Custom seating, steps or planters
• Statement alfresco designs

Architectural concrete adds long-term value when done correctly.

Heat Management

• Lighter colours reflect heat
• Honed finishes feel cooler than dark textured surfaces
• Proper sealing helps regulate surface temperature

Slip Resistance

• Exposed aggregate offers the highest natural grip
• Honed concrete requires slip-rated sealers
• Finish selection is critical near pools and wet zones



Comfort and safety should always guide colour and finish selection.

When choosing concrete for alfresco or patio areas, consider:

• Roof and wall colours
• Paving, decking or garden features
• Pool coping and surrounds
• Interior flooring tones

A cohesive palette creates a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces — a key feature of modern Perth homes.

Concrete colour and finish affect pricing due to materials, labour and sealing requirements.

General cost influences include:

• Finish type (honed vs exposed)
• Pigments or aggregates used
• Surface area and access
• Drainage and reinforcement
• Sealing requirements

While decorative finishes cost more upfront, they often reduce long-term maintenance and increase property appeal.

❌ Choosing dark colours for full sun areas

❌ Ignoring slip resistance requirements

❌ Not testing samples in natural light

❌ Skipping sealing

❌ Selecting trends over long-term usability

Mistakes in outdoor areas are costly and difficult to reverse.

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