Choosing between honed concrete and exposed aggregate surfaces affects both your project’s appearance and long-term performance. Both options offer distinct advantages for different applications.
We at Superfloor Australia regularly help clients navigate this decision based on their specific needs. The right choice depends on factors like slip resistance, maintenance requirements, and aesthetic preferences.
What Makes These Concrete Finishes Different
The Honing Process Creates Smooth Surfaces
Honed concrete transforms rough surfaces through mechanical grinding with diamond-embedded discs. Professional contractors use progressively finer grits, start at 30-grit and advance to 3000-grit for mirror-like finishes. This process removes approximately 1-3mm of surface material, exposes the aggregate beneath while it creates a perfectly smooth texture. The process requires specialised equipment (200-800kg) and takes 6-12 hours per 100 square metres depending on desired gloss level.
Industrial-grade machines operate at 1750 RPM, generate heat that densifies the concrete surface. Water cooling prevents thermal damage during the process. Professional installers apply chemical hardeners between stages to increase surface density. The final result produces a reflective surface with 70-90% light reflectance, matches natural stone appearance at half the cost.
Exposed Aggregate Reveals Natural Materials
Exposed aggregate construction involves the application of surface retarders within 2-4 hours of concrete placement. These chemical solutions delay surface cure by 6-24 hours while they allow subsurface concrete to harden normally. Contractors then pressure wash at 2000-4000 PSI to remove the softened cement paste, reveal decorative stones, pebbles, or glass pieces embedded throughout.
The aggregate selection determines final appearance and performance. River pebbles provide rounded textures, while crushed granite creates angular patterns. Glass aggregates reflect light but require careful handling during installation. Professional teams achieve consistent exposure depth of 3-6mm across the entire surface. This process creates permanent texture that won’t wear smooth under traffic, unlike applied coatings that deteriorate over time.
Surface Characteristics Define Performance
Honed surfaces measure 0.02-0.05mm surface roughness, create slip-resistant properties without visible texture. This smoothness facilitates easy cleanup with standard equipment while it maintains grip underfoot. Exposed aggregate surfaces feature 2-5mm texture variations that provide superior traction in wet conditions.
These distinct surface characteristics directly impact how each finish performs in different concrete floor finishes and applications.
Which Surface Performs Better Long-Term
Slip Resistance Shows Clear Performance Differences
Exposed aggregate delivers superior traction with coefficient of friction values of 0.40 or higher on wet surfaces, compared to honed concrete’s lower range according to Australian Standard AS 4586. Pool surrounds and driveways benefit from exposed aggregate’s textured surface that maintains grip even during heavy rainfall. The 2-5mm aggregate protrusion creates natural channels that redirect water flow away from foot contact points.
Honed concrete requires slip-resistant sealants for wet-area applications, which adds $8-12 per square metre to project costs. Without treatment, honed surfaces become hazardous when moisture accumulates. Exposed aggregate works best for outdoor entertainment areas, vehicle access zones, and any location where water exposure occurs regularly.
Weather Resistance Determines Surface Lifespan
Exposed aggregate withstands freeze-thaw cycles without surface deterioration because the aggregate stones expand and contract at similar rates to the concrete matrix. Melbourne’s concrete testing facility documented zero surface failures after 300 freeze-thaw cycles on properly installed exposed aggregate surfaces. The textured finish hides minor surface imperfections that develop over time.
Honed concrete shows thermal stress cracks more readily due to its smooth surface profile. UV exposure causes gradual colour fade on honed finishes within 5-7 years, while exposed aggregate maintains consistent appearance with proper installation and maintenance. Salt air exposure near coastal areas accelerates honed surface deterioration and requires repolish every 3-4 years compared to exposed aggregate’s maintenance-free performance.
Maintenance Costs Favour One Clear Winner
Professional reseal of exposed aggregate costs $4-6 per square metre every 5 years, while honed concrete requires annual polish at $12-18 per square metre plus reseal. Pressure wash removes most stains from exposed aggregate with standard 2000 PSI equipment (available at most hardware stores). Oil stains penetrate honed surfaces deeper and require chemical treatment plus professional restoration.
Repair complexity differs significantly between finishes. Exposed aggregate patches blend seamlessly when proper aggregate match occurs. Honed concrete repairs create visible seam lines that require full-section refinish to achieve uniform appearance, which increases repair costs by 300-400% compared to exposed aggregate solutions.
These performance differences directly impact your project budget and timeline, making cost analysis the next critical factor in your decision process.
What Does Each Surface Actually Cost
Polished concrete floors cost from under $25 per square metre to around $50 per square metre for grind and seal polished concrete on average, while honed concrete ranges $75-110 per square metre. The price difference stems from honed concrete’s specialised equipment requirements and extended installation time. Professional contractors invest $150,000-250,000 in machines for honed concrete compared to standard pressure wash equipment for exposed aggregate. Labour rates reflect this complexity with honed concrete technicians earning $85-95 per hour versus general concrete finishers at $65-75 per hour.
Installation Timeline Affects Project Costs
Honed concrete installation requires 3-5 days per 100 square metres with cure time, multiple passes, and final polish. Exposed aggregate completes in 1-2 days with surface retarder application and pressure wash. Weather delays impact honed concrete more severely since the process requires dry conditions and controlled temperatures (10-30 degrees Celsius). Rain delays add $200-400 per day in equipment rental and crew standby time. Exposed aggregate tolerates light moisture and continues work in overcast conditions.
Equipment and Labour Requirements Drive Price Differences
Professional contractors need specialised equipment with diamond segments and industrial-grade machines for honed concrete. These machines weigh 200-800kg and require certified operators with extensive experience. Exposed aggregate uses standard concrete equipment plus pressure wash systems available at most hardware stores. The technical skill gap between finishes creates a labour shortage for honed concrete specialists, which drives hourly rates higher across the industry.
Long-Term Value Calculation Reveals Clear Winner
Exposed aggregate delivers superior return on investment over 15-20 year periods. Annual maintenance costs average $2-3 per square metre compared to honed concrete’s $8-12 per square metre for polish, reseal, and stain treatment. Property value studies show exposed aggregate adds 3-5% to home value in outdoor applications, while honed concrete provides 2-4% increase primarily for indoor spaces. Replacement costs favour exposed aggregate since surface wear requires only pressure wash and reseal versus complete rework for honed surfaces. Insurance assessors value exposed aggregate 15-20% higher for outdoor claims due to slip resistance benefits and weather durability.
Final Thoughts
The honed concrete vs exposed aggregate decision centres on your specific application and priorities. Exposed aggregate delivers superior performance for driveways, pool surrounds, and outdoor entertainment areas where slip resistance provides the most value. Its textured surface and weather durability make it the practical choice for high-traffic outdoor zones.
Honed concrete performs best in indoor applications like showrooms and modern residential spaces where smooth aesthetics take priority. The polished finish creates sophisticated appearances but needs slip-resistant treatments for wet areas. Budget-conscious projects benefit from exposed aggregate with lower installation costs ($45-65 per square metre) and minimal maintenance requirements.
Professional installation determines long-term performance for both finishes. We at Superfloor Australia help clients select the right finish based on their specific needs and provide quality installation that maximises durability and aesthetic appeal. Our team delivers precision preparation and expert craftsmanship for results that last decades.