How to Choose the Right Concrete Finish for Your Perth Home (2025 Guide)
Choosing the right concrete finish can completely transform the look, feel and functionality of your outdoor spaces. With so many options available — exposed aggregate, honed concrete, coloured concrete, architectural concrete and standard grey — it can be challenging to know which surface suits your home, budget and lifestyle best.
In Perth, concrete must do more than look good. It needs to withstand heat, UV exposure, coastal air, sandy soils and heavy use. That’s why understanding your finish options is essential before you invest.
At Woodlands Construct, we help Perth homeowners make confident, informed decisions about the best concrete finish for driveways, patios, alfrescos, pool surrounds and pathways. This guide breaks down each option so you can choose what’s right for your home.
Table of Contents
1. Why Your Concrete Finish Matters in Perth
Perth’s conditions are harsh on outdoor surfaces. The wrong finish can:
- Fade quickly under UV
- Become slippery when wet
- Get too hot under summer sun
- Crack due to improper mix or poor preparation
- Look dated or inconsistent over time
The right finish ensures your surface stays
cool, safe, durable and visually appealing for years.
2. Popular Concrete Finishes for Perth Homes
Exposed Aggregate
A textured finish revealing natural stones for grip and visual appeal.
Best for: driveways, pathways, pool areas
Why Perth loves it: slip-resistant, durable, modern look
Honed Concrete
The surface is ground smooth to expose fine stones for a sleek, contemporary finish.
Best for: patios, alfrescos, pool surrounds
Benefits: cool underfoot, premium appearance
Coloured Concrete
Oxides are added to the mix for long-lasting colour throughout the slab.
Best for: alfresco areas, patios, modern landscaping
Benefits: no peeling or flaking, wide colour choices
Architectural Concrete
High-end, design-driven concrete with bespoke edging, custom forms and premium finishes.
Best for: feature areas, luxury homes, custom steps, bench seating
Benefits: visually striking, highly durable
Standard Grey Concrete
A classic, budget-friendly option that’s practical and long-lasting.
Best for: shed slabs, pathways, side access areas
Benefits: affordable and reliable
3. Best Concrete Finishes for Each Area of Your Home
Driveways
✔ Exposed aggregate
✔ Standard grey
✔ Coloured concrete (light tones for heat reduction)
Patios & Alfrescos
✔ Honed concrete
✔ Coloured concrete
✔ Architectural concrete
Pool Surrounds
✔ Honed concrete (coolest underfoot)
✔
Exposed aggregate (best grip)
✔ Sealed coloured concrete
Pathways & Side Access
✔ Exposed aggregate
✔ Standard grey
✔ Wash-finished concrete
Front Entry Statements
✔ Architectural concrete
✔ Polished or honed concrete
✔ Feature exposed aggregate blends
4. Cost Expectations for Different Finishes (Perth 2025)
Pricing depends on finish, preparation, access, thickness and location.
| Finish | Approx Cost Per m2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard grey | $80-$120m2 | Practical & affordable |
| Coloured concrete | $95-$130m2 | Extensive colour options |
| Exposed aggregate | $110-$150m2 | Slip resistant & durale |
| Honed concrete | $120-$160m2 | Premium finish |
| Architectural concrete | Varies | Custom designed; premium pricing |
Factors affecting price:
- Access
- Formwork complexity
- Thickness
- Reinforcement
- Sealing
- Aggregate choice
5. Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
❌ Choosing a finish based on looks only
Always consider heat, slip-resistance and maintenance.
❌ Ignoring sealing requirements
Sealing protects concrete from UV, stains and wear.
❌ Choosing dark colours for full-sun areas
Darker concrete absorbs heat quickly.
❌ Not planning drainage
Poor drainage leads to puddling and long-term damage.
❌ Hiring inexperienced concreters
Incorrect finishing leads to cracking, blotching and uneven colour.
Explore our specialist concrete services:
Ready to Elevate Your Outdoor Space?
Choosing the right concrete finish is the difference between an average outdoor space and one that looks incredible for decades. At Woodlands Construct, we help Perth homeowners select the perfect finish for their lifestyle, home design and budget.
👉 Request a free quote today and let us design a surface that lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
7.FAQ's
Have a question that we have answered?
Get in contact and we can give you an answer.
1. What is the most durable concrete finish for Perth homes?
Exposed aggregate and honed concrete are both extremely durable and UV stable.
2. What finish stays coolest in summer?
Light-coloured honed concrete is one of the coolest, especially for patios and pool surrounds.
3. Does all concrete need sealing?
Yes — Perth’s UV will fade and damage unsealed concrete.
4. Can I mix and match finishes?
Absolutely. Many Perth homes use exposed aggregate for driveways and honed concrete for alfresco spaces.
5. How long do concrete finishes last?
With proper prep and sealing, 20–30 years or longer.
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