Exposed Aggregate vs. Stamped Concrete: Which One is Better?

Concrete can look pretty drab and dull in its natural form, but there are plenty of ways you can dress it up that also lead to a host of other benefits (like traction, durability and longevity). Exposed aggregate concrete and stamped concrete are both elevated versions that have increased aesthetic value, as well as a few other individual benefits.

If you’re planning to create a concrete driveway, pathway, or patio that features a more decorative form of concrete, there are many options to choose from, two of which are exposed aggregate concrete and stamped concrete.

This blog will explore just what these two types of decorative concrete are, including how they are formed and what customisation they allow, all so that you can choose the right one for your next project.

What is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?

When it comes to decorative concrete that’s both strong and grippy, it’s hard to go past the look and feel of exposed aggregate. This concrete is plain grey in colour, unless colour is added while it is mixed, but what makes it stand out is the inclusion of aggregates like stones, glass, beads and sand in the top layer.

These aggregates (which are not uniform in size or colour) are left ‘exposed’ in the concrete to create a textured look and appearance that many love for their properties. These aggregates stick up from the surface and can be felt underfoot, which will be fine if you have shoes on, but is not so great if you are walking about with bare feet.

Places where exposed aggregate concrete is seen include:

• Home driveways
• Front patios
• Outdoor flooring under verandahs

You will also see polished aggregate concrete on indoor surfaces like office floors. This is exposed aggregate that has been sanded down so the aggregates are still visible, but no longer pop out from the surface. It is often coated with a sealer to create a glossy, smooth surface to walk on.

How Exposed Aggregate Concrete is Created

To create exposed aggregate, you will need to combine your concrete with an aggregate and then a retarding agent. The aggregate can be seeded, which means it is thrown onto the top layer after the concrete has been poured, or mixed in, which is when the aggregate is mixed into the concrete before being poured.

No matter how to get the aggregates in there, adding the exposed aggregate retarder is the most important step. By adding an even layer of retarder, leaving it on for the required minutes, and then washing it off, you will expose the top layer of aggregates while leaving them firmly embedded in the set concrete underneath.

This can happen because the exposed aggregate retarder will slow the drying rate of the top level of concrete, while allowing the deeper layers to cure as normal. This is why you can wash away the higher layer with the tips of the aggregates and leave the lower layers intact!

Are you interested in exposed aggregate concrete? Make sure to read our blog on How To Choose The Right Exposed Aggregate Supplies For Your Outdoor Space so you know exactly what supplies you’ll need to DIY.

What is Stamped Concrete?

Do you want the look of bricks, bluestone or tiles without the hassle of having to lay them? Stamped concrete may be the answer you’re seeking! By using ‘stamps’ in fresh concrete, combined with colouring products, you can create a concrete surface that mirrors the look of wood, stone, brick and other popular flooring materials. You have a floor with all the durability of concrete, but the gorgeous look of your chosen material!

By using concrete instead of expensive, premium flooring materials, you can have the beautiful floor you’ve always wanted at a fraction of the price. It’s ideal for areas that you want to look beautiful for entertaining purposes, like your pool surrounds, your garden pathways or your front or back patio.

Types of stamp designs you can choose between will often include options like:

• Running brick
• Randomised stones
• Ashlar patterns
• Natural stone textures
• Flagstones

Check out our handy brochure to see what these patterns will look like when stamped in your concrete!

How Stamped Concrete is Created

You will need concrete stamps to create the pattern you are after. But most importantly, you will also need the right release agent. This is what you apply to the fresh concrete and the stamps themselves to make sure they don’t get stuck to your concrete as it dries.

Once you have poured your concrete, apply any topical colour hardeners before covering the concrete and your stamps with either liquid or powdered release agent. Quality release agents will not add any hues or texture to your concrete, although you can choose to add a colour to your liquid release agent if you like using a liquid release agent tint.

Once the stamps have been applied and removed, wait for your concrete to fully dry and cure before adding any protecting sealant. Drying time can vary depending on humidity, heat and if your stamped concrete is indoors or outside.

Should you harden or seal your stamped concrete? Find out about these two important processes in our blog, Concrete Surface Hardeners vs. Sealers: Understanding the Difference.

Similar But Different–What are Concrete Stencils?

If you have ever seen stencilled concrete, you may think it looks very similar to stamped concrete and get them confused. However, stencils are applied using paper or vinyl templates to dried concrete rather than fresh, wet concrete. They can fade if your concrete is not properly protected with a UV-resistant sealant.

Stencil styles you can often choose from include:

• Square tile
• Running brick
• Cobbled brick or stone
• Bluestone
• Herringbone

You can also get feature pieces that stand out in your concrete, like a compass, rosette and diamond-style highlights. Or, you might like to just have a decorative stencilled edge for your concrete.

Get a sense of what stencil styles you can pick from in this stencil pattern brochure.

Are you looking for concrete stencils in Melbourne? Shop our range for a fantastic variety of patterns and sizes.

Which One is Best for You?

Now that you know what exposed aggregate concrete and stamped concrete both are, which one will you choose? Both require fresh concrete for creation but have very different-looking end results.

Here are their features at a glance:

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

• Very slip-resistant
• Variety of aggregates available for customisation purposes
• Use of exposed aggregate retarder needed for proper revealing of materials
• Sealing recommended
• Best for outdoor use, unless sanded down flat for indoors

Stamped Concrete

• Partially slip resistant
• A wide range of stamp designs are available
• Best combined with colour hardener for a natural look
• Sealing recommended
• Great for use indoors and outside

Overall, aggregate concrete has a more detailed and natural look, while stamping your concrete gives you greater control over the design and can mimic other types of flooring materials. Both can provide extra traction on your concrete surface and provide high aesthetic value to the areas they are used in.

Both types are suitable for creation by a passionate concrete DIYer, but if you still want one of these looks and aren’t as confident in your skills, we recommend hiring a professional to do some or all of the process for you.

No matter which method of concrete detailing you choose, you can find all the stamping and exposed aggregate supplies in Melbourne you need at Australian Slate-Crete Supplies!

Choose Australian Slate Crete for All Your Decorative Concrete Needs

Do you want to beautify your indoor and outdoor spaces with decorative concrete? Whether you go for the ruggedness of exposed aggregate or the natural classiness of stamped concrete, you can find all the products and advice you need from the enthusiasts at Australian Slate-Crete Supplies.

Our team are experts in DIY concreting and are passionate about helping everyone who comes through our doors (physical or virtual) to realise their dream project. Whether you need quality stencils, a durable stamp, or exposed aggregate supplies in Melbourne, we are the business to trust for quality-assured products.

You can get in touch with our team over the phone by calling 03 9408 7722, or leave us a message using our online request form. We also welcome you to visit us at our store, located at 12 Yale Dr, Epping in Victoria.