Exposed aggregate in Rockhampton.
The decorative concrete finish that suits the Rockhampton climate best. Washed or honed to reveal a select stone mix, grippy underfoot, hides the red dust, and sealed against the Central Queensland sun. For driveways, paths, alfresco areas and pool surrounds.
Why exposed aggregate works in Rockhampton.
Exposed aggregate is concrete with the top layer of cement washed or ground back to reveal the decorative stone in the mix. The result is a textured, speckled surface that reads as a premium finish without the cost of pavers or natural stone. In Rockhampton it has become the default decorative driveway choice, and for good reasons that are specific to this climate.
First, grip. A plain steel-trowelled surface gets slick when a wet-season downpour hits. The stone texture of exposed aggregate stays grippy underfoot and under tyres, which matters on a sloping Frenchville or Norman Gardens driveway. Second, dust. Rockhampton’s red soil shows every mark on plain grey concrete; the speckled aggregate surface hides dust, tyre scuffs and the general grime of a CQ summer far better. Third, the sun. We finish with a UV-stable sealer so the colour holds rather than bleaching out, and a re-coat every few years keeps it looking new.
Stone choices and finishes.
- Washed finish: sprayed with a surface retarder, then hosed back the next day to expose the stone. The classic, cost-effective method.
- Honed finish: ground back with a grinder for a smoother, more refined surface. Dearer, but a high-end look for alfresco areas.
- Stone mix: from local river pebble in warm browns and golds through to charcoal and quartz blends. We bring samples so you can match the house.
Built on a proper base.
A decorative finish is only as durable as the slab beneath it. We pour exposed aggregate on a correctly prepared and reinforced base with proper falls and control joints, so the surface that looks good on day one stays crack-free. On reactive black-soil sites the base is detailed for the ground movement, the same principle as our driveways and house slabs. Read more on slab prep on reactive soil.
A worked example.
A 45m² exposed-aggregate driveway with a washed finish and warm river-pebble mix on a stable Norman Gardens block runs around $6,500 to $8,500 supplied, finished and sealed. A honed alfresco area in the same stone costs more per metre for the extra grinding. Get a free measure and quote for your area and stone choice.
Related services and areas.
Prefer a through-colour rather than exposed stone? See coloured and stencil concrete. Doing the whole driveway? See driveways and paths. Compare finishes and costs first on our concreting cost guide.
Exposed aggregate questions.
Is exposed aggregate good for Rockhampton driveways?
Yes. Exposed aggregate is one of the best finishes for Rockhampton’s climate. The stone surface is grippy underfoot when wet, it hides the red dust and tyre marks far better than plain grey concrete, and a UV-stable sealer keeps the colour from fading in the Central Queensland sun. It is the most popular decorative driveway finish we pour in the region.
How much does exposed aggregate cost per square metre in Rockhampton?
Exposed aggregate in Rockhampton runs about $130 to $200 per square metre supplied, finished and sealed in 2026. The range depends on the stone mix chosen, the finishing method (washed or honed), the area and access. It sits above plain concrete because of the select stone and the extra finishing labour.
Does exposed aggregate need sealing?
Yes. We seal exposed aggregate after curing to lock in the colour, repel oil and stains, and protect against the harsh UV. In Rockhampton’s sun a topical sealer is usually re-coated every two to four years to keep it looking fresh. We include the first seal and tell you the re-coat schedule.
Free exposed aggregate quote.
We bring stone samples to the site visit so you can match the finish to your home.