Q-crete’s Exposed Concrete range combines durability with visual appeal, making it a popular choice for driveways, paths, patios and pool surrounds across Southeast Queensland. By revealing the natural beauty of river stones and crushed quarry aggregates, this finish adds texture, slip resistance and character to any outdoor space.
Why Choose Q-crete Exposed Concrete?
Exposed aggregate finishes are created by removing the surface layer of cement paste to reveal the embedded stones beneath. Q-crete offers a wide selection of colours and aggregate blends, allowing you to customise the look to suit your home or project. Our mixes are designed for consistent exposure and long-term performance, with expert advice available to help you select the right finish.
Q-crete uses proven techniques such as water washing, acid etching and surface retarders to achieve even exposure and a clean, professional result. We also offer coloured matrix options for added design flexibility.
Applications
- Driveways and footpaths
- Patios and pool surrounds
- Landscaping and garden edging
- Public walkways and civic spaces
Product Range
Choose from a wide selection of decorative finishes including:
Product disclaimer
Q-crete Decorative concrete contains aggregates and other materials that originate from natural quarry products therefore some variation in appearance and consistency may occur from batch to batch. The illustrations and/or samples pictured are intended as a guide only and not an exact representation of the finished product. We recommend making final colour selections from an actual sample.
Australian Standards AS1379 - Specification and Supply of Concrete.
Sustainability Options
Q-crete offers low carbon exposed concrete mixes using supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag. These options help reduce embodied carbon while maintaining the strength and aesthetic quality of the exposed finish. Learn more about sustainability at Q-crete.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Exposed Aggregate texture coloured?
There are various ways of producing an exposed aggregate concrete finish including; water washing, abrasive blasting, acid etching & stencil blasting. The most common technique for producing exposed aggregate concrete finishes is via the "water wash off technique". This technique removes the cement matrix at the surface of the concrete slab via brushing & flushing the surface with water soon after the poured concrete has stiffened.
Colouring the Concrete Matrix
The cement matrix (cement, water & sand) between the course aggregate particles in a standard expose mix is grey. This matrix can also be coloured in a number of ways to provide a more stylish effect via the application of mineral oxide pigments, chemical stains, dyes, tints and coloured sealers.
Concrete Surface Set-Retarders
The use of water based surface set-retarders are commonly used in the water wash off technique and are developed specifically to slow the setting time of the surface of the slab to a predetermined depth, without affecting the set of the mass of the concrete.
Retarding the surface enables the concrete to bear the weight of the placer without leaving indents in the concrete & allow a more even exposure of the aggregate matrix.
How much texture can be created in the Concrete?
The maximum exposure recommended is 1/3 for the aggregate or particle size. This is to ensure a sufficient depth of the aggregate is embedded into the concrete for an adequate bond.
Finishing and Sealing Exposed Concrete
An acid-wash treatment is usually necessary to remove any fine cement film left on the surface of the concrete & after the exposing; this is highly recommended prior to sealing.
Ready to expose your project’s potential?
Q-crete’s exposed concrete mixes are crafted for style and strength. Speak to our team about colour options, aggregate blends and finish techniques.