Concrete is one of the most versatile and durable materials you can use around a New Zealand home, but not all concrete looks — or performs — the same way. Whether you're planning a new driveway, patio, path or pool surround, understanding the difference between standard, exposed aggregate and coloured concrete will help you make a confident, informed choice.
Standard (Plain) Concrete
Standard concrete is the most common and cost-effective option. It's a mix of cement, sand, aggregate (crushed stone or gravel) and water, poured and finished with a steel trowel or broom to create a smooth or lightly textured surface.
A broom finish — where a stiff brush is dragged across the wet surface — is the most popular choice for driveways and paths in New Zealand because it provides good slip resistance, which is especially important in our wet winters. A steel-trowelled finish is smoother and better suited to indoor slabs or garage floors.
Pros:
- Most affordable option
- Widely available and quick to pour
- Easy to repair
- Practical and low-maintenance
Cons:
- Plain grey appearance
- Can look utilitarian in landscaped settings
- Surface can show stains and tyre marks over time
Standard concrete is a solid workhorse, but if kerb appeal matters to you, the other two options are worth considering.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Exposed aggregate concrete starts life as a standard pour, but before the surface fully cures, the top layer of cement paste is washed or brushed away to reveal the decorative stones, pebbles or shells within the mix. The result is a textured, natural-looking surface that's both attractive and highly functional.
In New Zealand, exposed aggregate is extremely popular for driveways, entertaining areas and pool surrounds. The aggregate itself can be chosen to suit your style — from local river pebbles and basalt chips to quartz, granite or even recycled glass. This means the finish can complement your home's exterior and garden beautifully.
Pros:
- Attractive, natural appearance
- Excellent slip resistance — ideal for wet NZ conditions
- Hides minor surface imperfections and staining better than plain concrete
- Durable and long-lasting with proper sealing
Cons:
- More expensive than standard concrete
- Requires sealing every few years to protect the surface and maintain appearance
- Repairs can be difficult to match exactly
- The textured surface requires occasional cleaning to remove moss or grime
For the best results, exposed aggregate should be sealed with a quality penetrating or film-forming sealer shortly after installation and resealed periodically — your concreter can advise on the right product and schedule.
Coloured Concrete
Coloured concrete uses pigments — either mixed through the entire batch (integral colouring) or applied as a surface hardener or oxide powder — to achieve a wide range of hues beyond standard grey. Popular choices in NZ include warm sandstone tones, charcoal, terracotta and slate grey, which complement the natural timber and stone used in many Kiwi homes.
There are two main methods:
Integral Colouring
Pigment is added directly to the concrete mix before pouring. The colour runs all the way through the slab, so chips and cracks are less noticeable. This is the most durable colouring method.
Surface-Applied Colour (Oxide or Hardener)
A dry-shake colour hardener or oxide powder is broadcast onto the freshly poured surface and trowelled in. This creates a denser, harder surface layer with rich colour, but the colour is only on the top — deeper chips may reveal grey beneath.
Coloured concrete is often combined with pattern stamping (stamped concrete) to mimic the look of pavers, slate or timber decking, though this adds further cost and complexity.
Pros:
- Wide range of colours to complement your home
- Can dramatically lift the appearance of driveways and outdoor living areas
- Integral colour is very durable
- Can be combined with exposed aggregate for a premium finish
Cons:
- More expensive than standard concrete
- Colour can fade over time, especially with UV exposure — sealing is essential
- Colour matching for repairs is challenging
- Requires an experienced concreter for consistent results
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Standard | Exposed Aggregate | Coloured |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Plain grey | Textured, natural stone | Custom colour |
| Slip resistance | Good (broom finish) | Excellent | Good–Excellent |
| Relative cost | $ | $$ | $$–$$$ |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate (sealing) | Moderate (sealing) |
| Repair ease | Easy | Difficult to match | Difficult to match |
| Best use | Slabs, paths, garages | Driveways, patios, pools | Driveways, entertaining areas |
Cost is relative and will vary depending on your location, site conditions, mix design and contractor. Always get at least two or three quotes.
NZ Climate and Building Code Considerations
New Zealand's climate varies enormously — from the frost-prone South Island to the humid, wet upper North Island. BRANZ research highlights that surface texture and sealing are particularly important in high-rainfall regions where moss and algae growth can make smooth surfaces slippery. Exposed aggregate naturally handles this better than a trowelled finish.
For any concrete work that forms part of a building (such as a garage floor connected to a dwelling), the NZ Building Code may apply, particularly around drainage and surface falls to comply with the E1 (Surface Water) provisions. Your concreter should be familiar with these requirements.
When to Call a Professional
All three concrete types require skilled installation for a quality, long-lasting result. Exposed aggregate and coloured concrete in particular demand experience — timing the aggregate wash-off or oxide application incorrectly can ruin the finish. A professional concreter will also ensure correct mix design, reinforcement (mesh or rebar), expansion joints and surface falls for drainage.
If your project involves any drainage connections or alterations to stormwater, a licensed drainlayer may be required — check with the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board if you're unsure.
You can find qualified, local concreters in your area at tradedirectory.co.nz — look for contractors who can show you examples of previous exposed aggregate or coloured work before you commit.