The driveway to the building should be both sturdy and aesthetic. It should tolerate the traffic and look beautiful at the same time, so choosing the right material is essential. The material should give you safety and allow easy maintenance. Of all the available materials, exposed aggregate and plain concrete driveways are the most popular. 

While these two are practical choices for driveways in Melbourne —exposed and concrete— you can pick the right one based on your requirements and aesthetic preferences.

Below is the guide that offers you the right comparison between two products and helps you decide the best for your property. 

Understanding the meaning:

Exposed aggregate: Unlike a smooth mixture, exposed aggregate consists of a textured, decorative and durable mixture that can hide stains on the driveway. Though it’s suited near all the buildings, it looks particularly better in modern and contemporary homes. 

Plain concrete: The mixture is smooth, financially affordable and offers a clean and sophisticated look to your driveway. However, it cannot hide stains, and it can show tyre marks and stains easily. Unless you maintain the driveway, it will look unpleasant in front of your building.

What’s better in Melbourne weather:

1. Rain and frequent weather: Some parts of Melbourne receive high rainfall that happens unexpectedly. To ensure that your driveway doesn’t wither, you have to choose exposed aggregate that offers better resistance against pressure. 
2. Coastal suburbs: In humid areas where there is more moisture and salt content, the saltiness can accelerate surface deterioration. So, it’s better to choose an exposed aggregate that offers harder harder-wearing surface. If it’s installed correctly, it performs better than a smooth concrete floor.
3. Local regulations and rules: Always ensure that you are following the rules properly in your suburb. 

Other Factors You Need to Consider:

1. Aesthetic appeal

Exposed aggregate and concrete offer both high aesthetics to the driveway. The first is more suited to modern homes as it offers a textured look. The latter is suitable for commercial buildings and offices as it gives a sleek and smooth finish. You have to decide depending on your requirements. Exposed aggregate works better for landscaping, contemporary builds and vintage homes, while concrete is better suited for homes having a sleek finish. 

2. Longevity of the driveway

Whether it’s exposed aggregate or concrete, the installation should be proper. Then it can last up to 20+ years. It should have a correct subbase and reinforcement so that you can get a durable driveway for your property. It tends to resist wear and tear and hides blemishes better than exposed concrete. 

3. Safety and resistance to wet conditions

Exposed aggregate offers better resistance to vehicles when it becomes wet. It’s better for Melbourne rains as it offers proper resistance when you travel. Plain concrete driveways become slippery when wet; however, adding a broom finish or non-slip additive will help increase the traction. 

4. Maintenance costs

Both exposed and plain concrete need proper sealing every 3 – 5 years. You have to seal the driveways to ensure longevity and achieve aesthetics, as it enhances surface colour. Sealing will also hide small stains and will not go away when pressure-washed. If there are cracks and chips on the driveway, call a professional to repair the issues. To keep both exposed aggregate and plain concrete in good condition for years, regular care is essential. You can follow these practical driveway maintenance tips to prevent cracks, stains, and surface damage over time.

5. Costs of installation and repair

When compared to a plain driveway, exposed aggregate is costlier. The plain concrete is simple to install and requires low upfront work. Exposed concrete may cost more; however, it justifies the cost by giving you a durable driveway.

Final ThoughtsWhen compared to plain concrete, exposed aggregate offers better benefits, both in terms of durability and aesthetics. However, depending on your requirements, you can select any one of them. For a simple driveway, choose a plain concrete driveway in Melbourne and to get an aesthetic and anti-slippery driveway, choose exposed aggregate.