Coloured & stencil concrete in Rockhampton.

Decorative concrete lets you put a finish on a path, patio or pool surround that lifts the whole outdoor area without the cost and upkeep of pavers. In Rockhampton we pour three main decorative styles, and the right one comes down to the look you are after and how the area is used.

• Oxide coloured concrete: pigment mixed through the whole batch, so the colour runs all the way through the slab. The most durable colour option because there is no thin surface layer to wear off. Terracotta, charcoal, sandstone and slate tones are the popular CQ picks.
• Stencil concrete: a coloured base, then a paper stencil pattern, a colour-hardener broadcast over the top, and the stencil lifted to leave crisp mortar lines. Gives a brick, cobblestone or tile look for a fraction of paving cost.
• Stamped concrete: a textured rubber mat pressed into the fresh surface for a three-dimensional pattern such as slate, timber-plank or flagstone. The most premium decorative finish.

Sealed for the Central Queensland sun.

The Rockhampton UV is hard on any coloured surface. Through-coloured oxide concrete holds up best because the pigment is in the whole slab, but every decorative finish we pour is sealed after curing with a UV-stable sealer to lock in the colour, repel stains and bring out the depth of the finish. We recommend a re-coat every two to four years to keep it looking fresh, and we steer customers toward earthy tones that age gracefully rather than bright colours that can look tired faster.

Where it works best.

Coloured and stencil concrete is ideal for around-house paths, alfresco and patio areas, pool surrounds and entries where the look matters and the foot traffic is moderate. For a driveway that takes vehicle loads and red dust, many Rockhampton owners prefer exposed aggregate for its extra grip, but a coloured or stencilled driveway is absolutely an option. The base preparation is the same care as a house slab, with proper falls and joints.

A worked example.

A 30m² stencilled patio in a coloured brick pattern, sealed, on a stable block in Kawana runs around $4,200 to $5,400 supplied and finished. The same area in plain oxide colour is a little less; a stamped slate-look finish a little more. Get a free measure and quote for your area and chosen finish.

What is the difference between coloured and stencil concrete?

Coloured concrete has an oxide pigment mixed through the whole batch so the colour runs all the way through the slab. Stencil concrete starts with a coloured base, then a paper stencil pattern (brick, cobble, tile) is laid before a colour-hardener is applied and the stencil lifted, leaving mortar-look lines. Stamped concrete presses a textured mat into the surface for a 3D pattern. All three are sealed.

Will coloured concrete fade in the Rockhampton sun?

Through-coloured oxide concrete holds its colour well because the pigment is in the whole slab, not just the surface. The UV in Rockhampton will still dull a surface over years, so we finish with a UV-stable sealer and recommend a re-coat every two to four years. Earthy oxide tones (terracotta, charcoal, sandstone) age more gracefully than bright colours.

Is coloured concrete cheaper than exposed aggregate?

Usually a little. Oxide-coloured concrete runs about $120 to $180 per square metre in Rockhampton, while exposed aggregate is $130 to $200. Stencil and stamped finishes sit in the middle to upper part of that range because of the extra pattern work. The right choice is about the look you want, not just price.