FAQs

What is exposed aggregate concrete?

Exposed aggregate is not a new concept. It has been in existence for over a hundred years now. This technique is believed to have started the decorative concrete trend. The name says it all. Exposed aggregate is a type of concrete in which the top layer is removed. It does not affect the functionality of the concrete surface; rather, it is intentionally done to expose the aggregate underneath.

Aggregates can include a wide variety of objects, including gravel, sand, glass, and quartzite. The finished result can be compared to a more flexible version of marble or granite.

What are the benefits of aggregate concrete?

Exposed aggregate allows you to have a beautiful surface without worrying about the hefty cost, which is the case with other finishes. You can have spectacular effects at a reasonable price. The entire process is quick, resulting in a rugged and non-skid surface.

One more benefit of using exposed aggregate is that it is weather resistant and can take heavy loads. This is why it is a fantastic choice for almost any flatwork, such as patios, driveways, and pool decks.

How do you clean exposed aggregate?

Cleaning exposed aggregate concrete is as simple as washing the surface regularly to remove loose dirt, you can use a mild detergent. Remove spillages, use an absorbent material or mop up the excess with a rag. Treat with a suitable degreasing compound A.S.A.P. Finish by resealing your surface within 24 months to maintain the Works Warranty.

For more information on cleaning exposed aggregate visit MAINTAINING YOUR DECORATIVE SURFACE

What are the pros and cons of exposed aggregate?

There are many pros and cons. Some of the pros include: Low maintenance, High Quality, Highly aesthetic appeal and very durable.
There are a few cons that you should be aware of with exposed aggregate. The first is that it is not a DIY type of surface. You should always have an expert hired to do the placing and installing for you, such as CoastCrete. Concrete is also prone to damage, especially without the proper sealant used, which should be correct for your location and the site itself.

For more information about the pros and cons of using exposed aggregate for your home or commercial space, we invite you to read our blog post about this topic on our exposed aggregate pros and cons post.

Is it hard to maintain exposed aggregate concrete surfaces?

Residents and business owners love exposed aggregate because it looks attractive. At the same time, it is not as demanding as other finishes. It is highly durable and has low maintenance requirements. You only need to sweep the floor to maintain its look regularly.

If the exposed aggregate is installed for your driveway or patio, you may need to rinse the surface off with a hose from time to time. Every six months to a year, resealing may be necessary. The frequency will depend on the amount of traffic it receives.

Is honed and polished concrete durable?

Yes, honed and polished aggregate concrete is durable. The durability of honed and polished aggregate concrete depends on several factors, including the quality of the materials used, proper installation techniques, and regular maintenance.

Honed and polished aggregate concrete undergoes a multi-step process that involves grinding, polishing, and sealing the surface to achieve a smooth and glossy finish. This process not only enhances the appearance of the concrete but also strengthens its surface, making it more resistant to wear and tear.

How long does it take for honed aggregate to dry?

The drying time for honed aggregate concrete can vary depending on several factors, such as weather conditions, humidity levels, and the specific mix design used. In general, honed aggregate concrete typically takes around 7 to 14 days to fully dry and cure. However, it’s important to consult with a concrete professional such as CoastCrete for the specific product being used to determine the exact drying time in your particular situation.

What is the difference between honed and polished concrete?

It’s common to find contractors that use these two terms interchangeably. In a way, they are similar because they both entail a mechanical process, which is applied to the existing concrete surface. This step often involves cutting and refining until the desired finish is achieved.
After the initial process of grinding, however, the difference between honing and polishing aggregate emerges. The surface reveals the exposed aggregate in honed concrete, which can go from zero (nil) to full exposure. It mainly involves grinding and sealing, whereas polished concrete undergoes a more thorough refinement process, incorporating grouting and the use of chemical hardeners.

Is polished concrete better than tiles?

Tile is said to be one of the best flooring options out there because it is tough, long-lasting, and cheap. Meanwhile, polished concrete is considered trendy these days. There are no signs that its popularity will dwindle in the coming years.

However, polished concrete has more benefits than tile. Whilst tile is durable, it is not as resistant to marks and scratches as polished concrete. Drop a piece of furniture on a tile, and it will likely crack, unlike polished concrete. It’s also easier to maintain than tile, which has difficult-to-clean grout. Please read this blog post for more information.

Is honed aggregate slippery?

Honed aggregate can look slippery, giving people the wrong impression that it is a slippery surface. However, many residents and commercial businesses turn to honed concrete aggregate because of the matte appearance, unlike polished concrete, which is typically recognisable for its unbeatable sheen.

Honed aggregate offers an even finish that can look shiny and slippery, but it is actually a non-slip surface. It’s why this type of surface is used on pool surrounds and commercial settings. However, a non-slip treatment may be required for added safety.

What is burnished concrete?

Burnished concrete is a finishing technique used to achieve a smooth and shiny surface on concrete floors. This process helps to close the pores of the concrete, enhancing its appearance and revealing the natural beauty of the aggregate. Burnished concrete is known for its durability, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to stains and wear. It is a popular choice for various applications, providing a glossy and visually appealing finish to both commercial and residential spaces.

Are burnished and polished concrete floors high maintenance?

Maintenance is absolutely low stress with polished and burnished concrete floors. However, it does not mean you should not clean the flooring on a daily basis. You will need a dust mop, and it’s highly recommended that you dry mop the surface every day. It helps remove dust and debris, which can cause any abrasions on the decorative concrete.

Every six months or whatever is advised by the contractor, you will need to reseal the polished surface. It ensures that the shiny floor maintains its sheen, strength, and other properties like water resistance. Read our concrete cleaning guide to learn more.

Can you polish already burnished concrete?

If the burnished concrete is structurally sound, it can be polished just like any other concrete. There are a few exceptions, however. For instance, if you have a newly burnished floor, you may not want to polish it right away. It’s always a good idea to wait at least 28 days before you start polishing the surface. That ensures that the floor has cured adequately.

Polishing after placement is not a bad thing, but it’s important to make sure the concrete surface is smooth and has no flaws. Otherwise, the polishing process will be much more demanding and will take a longer time to finish.

Is burnished or polished concrete waterproof?

Everyone nowadays wants a waterproof flooring solution. Burnished and polished concrete will give you precisely what you’re looking for, provided that they are sealed properly. It is one reason why households love burnished, polished concrete, even for wet areas, such as bathrooms. These concrete options are known for their high resistance to liquid spills and moisture.

Make sure that the concreter that you have hired knows how important it is for you to ensure that the surface is waterproof. The sealing process guarantees that the concrete underneath will not come in contact with water.

Why should I choose seamless edging for my pool?

A seamless pool edge may be the perfect choice for you and your family. It allows you to achieve an attractive edge, which you cannot find in ordinary pools. Your pool probably takes up most of your backyard space. Therefore, you want it to be cleverly designed.

Most swimming pools have heavily pronounced borders. They are not only unsightly but can also be less safe for pool users. With a seamless edge, your pool’s structure is protected. You also do not have to worry about the ugly borders surrounding the pool water.

What materials are used for pool edging?

Poured concrete is one of the most commonly used materials for pool edging. The reasoning behind such a choice is simple. Poured concrete creates a seamless edge, allowing you to connect the deck and pool. The result is a unified design that blends the area seamlessly. Plus, your pool can appear larger. You may need to watch out for cracking, especially under the Perth sun. Our team can make the surface less prone to cracks and breaks, so it stays and looks the same for the years to come.

Precast concrete is another material used. It is available in different textures and styles. It also blends well with other concrete and stone materials.

Is seamless pool edging easy to clean?

Yes, seamless pool edging is generally easy to clean. The absence of grout lines or joints makes it easier to maintain and keep clean compared to pool edging with visible seams. Seamless pool edging surfaces can be wiped or hosed down, eliminating the need to scrub grout lines or deal with accumulated dirt or debris. Regular cleaning and occasional sealing can help preserve the cleanliness and appearance of the seamless pool edging, making maintenance a relatively straightforward task

How is the seamless look achieved?

The goal of a seamless pool edge is to make sure that the usual borders of the pool are hidden to have a flawless finish. The seamless look is smooth and sleek, with the pool surround flowing and wrapping around the water. There is an unbroken, fluid line that matches the fluidity of the pool water.

A special grade material allows the creation of a seamless appearance. This material has the right amount of flexibility and rigidity so that it remains durable whilst contouring to the shape of your pool.

Are concrete tabletops durable?

Yes, Concrete is a material known for its durability. As a testament to concrete’s durability, historical structures like the Coliseum, Pantheon, and Pompeii still exist today. Concrete tabletops can even be reinforced with glass fibres, which can help make the tabletops more robust and lightweight. Such a reinforcement increases the lifespan of the countertop while also providing support for long, continuous spans and overhangs. You can’t achieve that with granite and other popular materials.

The concrete finish can be heat-resistant, which is primarily useful for kitchen counters where you could place hot plates.

How to maintain a concrete tabletop?

Concrete is naturally porous, so it requires a sealer to prevent the material from absorbing stains and liquid spills. Food-grade sealers may be needed if the tabletop will be installed in a food prep area like your kitchen or bar. Note that the sealer does not mean you can place hot pans and pots. The high temperatures can quickly damage the sealer, so make sure to use heat protection like a trivet.

As for cleaning, you just require a pH-neutral cleaner. Don’t use rough pads or abrasive cleaners, which can degrade the sealer. Learn more about concrete tabletop maintenance from our concrete countertop care guide.

Do concrete tabletops stain?

Not really. Counters made from concrete are made to last for years; however, they can be vulnerable to stains. It’s a common issue with kitchen tabletops since food messes can easily stain the surface. The key is in the sealer and wax. These products should be used to help homeowners protect the surface of the counters.

Make sure that you wipe away the spills and messes when you see them. That way, they do not stick on the tabletop. But the good news is that if you’re used to tile, you don’t have to worry about cleaning grout lines.

Will the tabletop scratch or crack?

In terms of scratching If cut directly, it will indeed cause minor scratches. But the good news is that damage can be limited with the sealer on top, which makes repairs easier.

When looking at cracking, Natural shrinkage will cause minor cracks to appear. However, they do not affect the structure of the concrete table top. In fact, shrinkage can enhance its look.

Are concrete tabletops expensive?

Concrete tabletops are typically designed by hand. Because of the handcrafted nature of the material, it means that you will most probably pay more. The added labour and premium material used will increase the total cost of the project.

However, compared to other materials, concrete tabletops are so much more affordable. Plus, concrete is durable and can be styled according to your preferences. It certainly increases the long-term value of your home. Therefore, concrete tabletops are worth the investment.

What is polished concrete?

A polished concrete overlay is a building material used for flooring. It is perfect if you want to renovate the existing floor of your house to give it a polished look.

How durable are polished overlays?

Polished concrete overlays are very durable, making them an especially good option for reception areas and showrooms that need to impress, and also be able to withstand heavy foot traffic.

Does polished concrete stain?

After installing the polished concrete overlays, the constructors seal the surface, making it stain resistant. However, you should wipe off any spill on the surface.

If you use polished concrete on your garage floor and it gets an oil stain, professionals will try to grind off the topcoat of the floor to try and remove the stain. If that doesn’t work, they continuously purge the floor.

If that still doesn’t work, you can try applying a layer of solid coloured epoxy on the flooring to cover the stain

Is polished concrete slippery?

Just like other hard flooring materials, polished concrete is not slippery if it is dry. However, if it becomes wet, it could be slippery and could cause an injury. To make it less slippery, you can use either the grind and seal or honed finish that have anti-slip properties.

Constructors can also add an anti-slip agent to the sealer, depending on how anti-slip you want your floor to be.

How much does liquid limestone cost?

Liquid limestone can be costly. The price is primarily based on the square metre. On average, it costs $65 per square metre, but this can vary depending on the slope of the surface, access difficulty, and other special treatments.

The cost of installing liquid limestone depends on the size of the surface you want it on, the design and finish you want for the liquid limestone, and the location of your property. Before they begin the job, the constructors will give you a cost estimate for the whole project.

Will it crack or stain?

One of the main reasons why people prefer liquid limestone over concrete is its ability to resist cracking. While it is one of the most crack-resistant materials, it depends on the quality used and the skills of the people who install it.

To keep liquid limestone from staining, you should get it sealed. You can use either a water-based sealant or an acrylic-based one. However, for best results, you should use the acrylic-based one. The sealant also helps the liquid limestone maintain its finish for longer.

How long does it take for liquid limestone to dry?

The time of pouring the liquid limestone depends on the size of the targeted area and its complexity. It also depends on the type of finishing and pattern you want on the liquid limestone.

After installation, it is best to avoid traffic on the surface for about 24 hours to allow it to heal. You can walk on it the following day.

Can I colour the Liquid Limestone?

Yes, you can have your liquid limestone in whatever colour you want. Constructors could add any tint to the limestone, cement, and adhesive mixture before pouring it on the ground. However, you should understand that the colour compromises the thermal properties of the limestone.

Honed and Polished Aggregate

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