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Whether you need a new driveway or revamping your patio, exposed aggregate concrete can be a good choice as a construction material. Its use for driveways, patios, and poolside construction can create durable, aesthetic and shining surfaces.
Though exposed aggregate concrete is more costly than plain concrete, polished concrete or N-class concrete, it generates worth in the long run. It helps to maintain a contemporary and stylish look around your property.
The cost of exposed aggregate concrete depends on its strength and other factors. This cost guide will explain everything about exposed aggregate concrete.
Exposing aggregates are another type of decorative concrete made by sandblasting the top layer of cement mortar to expose the aggregates. The aggregate may contain small stones, gravel, pebbles, sand, shells, and even glass within the concrete mix. This technique gives a rough texture that is very appealing, as well as offers a high capacity to endure pressure.
A specialised concrete mix fills the mould with concrete as a regular concrete mix. Once it hardens, washing uses a chemical or mechanical procedure that reveals the aggregates beneath. The floor is painted, after which it is varnished or laminated to enhance the product's sturdiness.
Durability: Exposure to concrete aggregates is extra sustainable and sturdy enough for use in regions that experience visitors, which includes driveways and patios. The type of aggregate you select determines the level of durability, which, in any case, is high.
Low Maintenance: Unlike other decorative types of concrete, this type does not have to be polished. Thus, the only significant maintenance work is sealing it when installed and then sealing it again after approximately five years. This is to ensure it does not scratch or rub against other surfaces in a manner that would cause damage.
Aesthetic Appeal: Exposed aggregate concrete blends stones, glass, shells and pebbles, giving the concrete an attractive ornamental aspect. It comes in different colours and textures to suit every individual’s preference.
Slip-Resistance: The product's surface is rougher than a standard kitchen sponge; this is beneficial as it will not slip around the sink or bath. This feature makes it a good solution for areas such as the driveway, the pool deck and other areas that need high safety standards.
Versatility: The exposed aggregate concrete can be utilised in several ways. It is suitable for driveways, patios, walks, and swimming pools. It makes it possible for you to choose an aggregate that suits your requirements in this respect.
Customisation: Aggregate size, colour, and type can be modified depending on the client’s preference to fit the property. Concrete also allows for almost any preferred appearance, from a smooth finish to a rugged look.
Cost: Exposed aggregate concrete is more costly than plain or polished concrete. Its creation and installation are also more time-consuming than other flooring forms, and the materials used can sometimes be expensive.
Appearance: Although many enjoy the aesthetics of exposed aggregate, it may only complement or be suitable for some architectural styles. If you desire a more professional and highly contemporary finish, consider polished or coloured concrete.
Professional Installation: Exposed aggregate concrete is best installed through specialised equipment and skilled personnel. It is, therefore, important to hire a qualified contractor for the job to be done correctly and as required.
Potential Staining: Although exposed aggregate concrete has a natural finish, it is only effective if sealed properly; it may develop stains or get damaged. Resealing is required at least every five years; periodic maintenance is necessary to keep it in good condition.
Damage in High-Traffic Areas: Other aggregate varieties, such as decorative stones, can deteriorate with time or get damaged, especially in high-traffic areas. Using sand or similar materials in such areas might not be ideal, but gravel or any other strong material might be more advisable.
Several factors influence the overall cost of exposed aggregate concrete.
Type and Size of Aggregate: The type of aggregate you will choose will determine the rock's price. For instance, materials like crushed stone and pebbles will be cheaper than shells or some other materials like glass, which has been coloured. The other factor is the aggregate size, where one has to spend more if the size of the stones to be crushed is large.
Design Complexity: You must pay a higher price if you want a special or complex design. A basic design costs less than a complex design since designing a small pattern requires extra effort and resources.
Location: Your home's location determines the labour price and other raw materials for construction. Prices differ with the region and could be higher for the urban areas or regions with higher living standards.
Site Condition: Concrete cost may also rise if the site upon which the concrete is placed is in a bad state or requires much preparation. Some floors may require a proper ground or drainage system before installation.
Exposed aggregate concrete is quite durable and can span some couple of decades depending on the frequency of maintenance that is given to it. Properly maintained uncovered aggregate concrete can stay 25 to 30 years of publicity to the elements. Its lifespan depends on several factors:
Quality of Materials: With better quality aggregate and concrete mixes, the strength increases, and the structures have a longer durability.
Thickness of Concrete: Thicker slabs are usually more intense and robust, withstanding wear and tear.
Traffic: Some parts of the road can get more used than others depending on the intensity of traffic within the particular area.
Maintenance: This will ensure that the surface is sealed and cleaned frequently to avoid any signs of deterioration.
The exposed mixture of concrete costs between $100- $150 is consistent with square meters, now not with the labour value.
Aside from material costs, employing expert concreters to do the paintings will cost $67.50 per hour for labour, but this may depend on the location within Australia.
Compared to normal class concrete, which ranges between $60-$85/sqm, or reinforced concrete, which ranges from $65-$90 /sqm, exposed concrete comes out a bit costlier. Although it costs a touch more than other products, it has a pleasant appearance and is used for areas that require lengthy-lasting maintenance, including driveways and pool decks.
When buying concrete in bulk from a dealer, it's purchased in cubic meters and has fees between $200 to $350 per step per cubic meter, depending on the grade of the concrete favoured.
Depending on the specifics of the upkeep task, you may want to consist of concrete-slicing fees for reducing through concrete. These vary with the depth of the concrete, with expenses ranging from $15 per metre for a 100mm intensity to $40 per metre for a 300mm depth. This helps determine all the related costs before starting on the actual project.
Here is an average cost (per sq/m):
Spray-on Concrete: $50 to $75
Plain Concrete: $60 to $85
Reinforced Concrete: $65 to $90
Coloured Concrete: $75 to $90
Exposed Aggregate: $100 to $150
Stencilled Concrete: $100 to $150
Exposed aggregate concrete is expensive compared to the others. However, due to its beauty and longevity, it is well suited for the investment of many homeowners.
In selecting concrete, the type of grade used in the project is another factor that should be considered. The strength of concrete is given in megapascal or MPa.
20 MPa: Best for house slabs, footpaths, or common driveways.
25 MPa to 32 MPa: Perfect for exposed aggregate driveways for a seamless appearance.
40 MPa to 50 MPa: Suitable for parking lots or any area that experiences heavy traffic, such as industrial areas and driveways.
Exposed aggregate concrete generally needs a higher compressive strength of 25 MPa and above for areas with higher traffic.
On average, concreters in Australia can cost about $67.25 per hour, but it might change depending on the council you are in. Although this rate may sound high, concreters use specific tools that offer a faster process, thus minimizing the concrete's cost per m2 or m3.
Since concrete is a permanent investment, going for the lowest cost may only sometimes be the most effective. Selecting the right nearby concrete contractor guarantees a professional touch and artistry to your projects and reliability.
Does exposed aggregate concrete get slippery surfaces?
No, exposed aggregate concrete is slip-resistant because it has a rough surface that minimises the chances of slips. This makes it ideal for use in areas like the driveways and surrounding pools.
Is exposed aggregate concrete useful for the interior spaces?
Although the application of exposed aggregate is most common in the exteriors of buildings, the material with a rough texture that forms the exposed aggregate can be applied indoors. Shiny concrete is normally used indoors because of its smooth surface.
Is exposed aggregate concrete repairable if it cracks?
Small cracks visible on exposed aggregate concrete can be fixed using patching agents or an overlay. Wider gaps may need professional work to make the surface flat again.
What is the minimum thickness of exposed aggregate concrete used to construct driveways?
Exposed aggregate concrete should be at least 100mm thick for driveway construction. For areas with traffic or loads more than the normal recommended, the slab thickness should be 150mm to enhance durability.
Careful planning and wise decision-making are necessary for minimizing expenses for your exposed aggregate concrete project. A professional contractor's experience, whether from concreters, concrete cutters, concrete driveway experts, house slab concreters, pool concreters, or exposed aggregate concreters, can significantly help. These professionals protect you from potential hazards and unexpected costs by offering precise estimates and guaranteeing top-notch work. It's crucial to consult with experts to get a better understanding of the prices based on your specific needs. Their guidance ensures you achieve the finest results while staying within your budget. Speak with nearby professionals about your project to receive a comprehensive quote that aligns with your demands and budget.
Costs of various services and materials in this cost guide should be taken as estimates. These depend on location, preference and demands in the market.
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