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Exposed aggregate: the on-trend choice for driveways

Exposed aggregate driveways are surging in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. They’re highly durable, easy to clean, and have a texture that's non-slip and inhibits build-up of dirt and moss. Best of all, they look gorgeous in front of any home! The give an earthy vibe that softens the look of concrete, helping it to naturally blend in to landscaping.

What is exposed aggregate?

Also known as washed aggregate, exposed aggregate is achieved by applying Dulux Avista Exposed Aggregate Surface Retarder to freshly laid concrete. This washes away the top layer of cement paste to expose the stone mix. The surface is then coated in Dulux Avista Exposed Aggregate Sealer to build a long-lasting protective finish.

You can go for numerous different looks by varying the colour and volume of stones in the mix. You can stick with the simple black, white and grey palette of standard concrete, or use a pebble mix in various designer shades.

Exposed aggregate driveway inspiration

Dulux Avista Accredited Applicators around Australia have been sharing the results of their impressive driveway projects. We've rounded up some of our favourite looks to inspire you. Which driveway suits your house?

SLH Concreting & Resurfacing laid a stunning driveway using a pebble mix in sandy shades. The warm tones perfectly complement the detailed facade of the charming brick home. Similarly, Inspec Coatings resurfaced a large semi-rural driveway using a pebble mix in moody dark grey tones, creating a surface that has much more character than an expanse of single shade concrete.

SLH Concreting & Resurfacing laid this driveway at a home in Geelong, Victoria using a pebble mix in warm, sandy tones.
SLH Concreting & Resurfacing laid this driveway at a home in Geelong, Victoria using a pebble mix in warm, sandy tones.
Inspec coatings in Galston, NSW, used a stone mix in dark grey shades to give depth and character to this homestead’s expansive driveway.
Inspec coatings in Galston, NSW, used a stone mix in dark grey shades to give depth and character to this homestead’s expansive driveway.

Sydney Wide Concrete Coatings proved that plain concrete can have lots of charm when the aggregate is on show. We love the elegant simplicity of their garage and driveway project. Simplicity was also the winner for Dynamic Concrete Resurfacing, with this textured driveway in mid-greys that blends seamlessly into the facade and landscaping.

When simple is best. Sydney Wide Concrete Coatings let the natural character of the concrete flecks take centre stage on this driveway surface.
When simple is best. Sydney Wide Concrete Coatings let the natural character of the concrete flecks take centre stage on this driveway surface.
Dynamic Concrete Resurfacing in Melbourne’s northern suburbs laid this textured driveway in intricate grey tones that perfectly complement the exterior colours of the home.
Dynamic Concrete Resurfacing in Melbourne’s northern suburbs laid this textured driveway in intricate grey tones that perfectly complement the exterior colours of the home.
Using exposed aggregate in commercial settings

Durable, easy to clean and non-slip, exposed aggregate is a highly popular specification for commercial projects as well. It ticks many boxes, including safety standards and low-cost maintenance, but crucially, it's a great looking, premium finish.

As part of the recent expansions at the Cairns Convention Centre, Dulux Avista Exposed Aggregate Concrete Sealer protected and enhanced the rich terracotta hues of the driveways. This clear coating will uphold the integrity of the textured surface and resist fading from UV exposure, weathering and friction.

Dulux Avista Exposed Aggregate Concrete Sealer protected and enhanced the rich terracotta hues of the driveways at Queensland's Cairns Convention Centre.
Dulux Avista Exposed Aggregate Concrete Sealer protected and enhanced the rich terracotta hues of the driveways at Queensland's Cairns Convention Centre.
Durable, easy to clean and non-slip, exposed aggregate is a popular specification for commercial projects.
Durable, easy to clean and non-slip, exposed aggregate is a popular specification for commercial projects.
Find out more

Feeling inspired? Find an accredited applicator in your area so you can explore possibilities for your home or commercial project!