Exposed aggregate gives Wellington driveways the best slip resistance and kerb appeal on sloped sections, plain concrete is the most affordable and lowest-maintenance option, and stamped concrete suits homeowners wanting a decorative, paved look without the cost of pavers. The right pick depends on your budget, driveway slope, and how much upkeep you’re willing to take on.
Choosing a finish for a new concrete driveway is about more than looks. Wellington's mix of sloped sections, exposed coastal sites, and wetter winters means the finish you pick affects grip, long-term durability, and how much maintenance you'll be doing a few years down the line. Here's how exposed aggregate, stamped, and plain concrete actually compare.
Exposed Aggregate vs Stamped vs Plain Concrete at a Glance
| Finish | Relative Cost | Slip Resistance | Maintenance | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plain (broom-finish) | $ | Good | Low | Budget-conscious, low-fuss driveways |
| Exposed aggregate | $$ | Best | Low–medium | Sloped sites, kerb appeal on a budget |
| Stamped concrete | $$$ | Fair (finish-dependent) | Medium–high | Decorative, paved look without pavers |
What Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete is poured like a standard slab, then the top layer of cement paste is washed or brushed away before it fully cures, revealing the stones and pebbles mixed into the concrete underneath. The result is a textured, non-slip surface with a natural stone look that suits Wellington's hillier streets and steeper driveways particularly well. It's one of the more popular upgrades homeowners choose over a plain concrete driveway when kerb appeal matters as much as function.
What Is Stamped Concrete?
Stamped concrete starts as a standard poured slab, but before it sets, a textured mould is pressed into the surface to mimic the look of brick, slate, or natural stone paving. Colour hardeners and release agents are often added at the same time, giving the finished driveway a decorative, multi-tone appearance. It's a way to get a paved aesthetic at a lower cost and with fewer joints than laying individual pavers, though the pattern is fixed once it's stamped and can't be rearranged later.
What Is Plain (Broom-Finish) Concrete?
Plain concrete, sometimes called broom-finish concrete, is a standard poured slab finished by dragging a broom across the surface while it's still workable. This creates fine grooves that provide grip underfoot and for tyres, without any decorative texturing or colour added. It's the simplest and most economical driveway finish, and remains the most common choice across Wellington for straightforward, no-fuss driveways and paths.
Which Concrete Finish Is Most Durable in Wellington's Climate?
All three finishes are durable when installed with proper base preparation and reinforcing, since durability comes mostly from what's underneath the surface rather than the finish itself. That said, exposed aggregate tends to hide surface wear and minor staining better than a smooth stamped finish, since the exposed stones break up the visual surface. Stamped concrete's colour hardener can fade slightly with UV exposure over the years, while plain concrete shows less colour change simply because there's less colour to begin with.
Which Concrete Finish Offers the Best Slip Resistance?
Exposed aggregate generally offers the best slip resistance of the three, since the textured stone surface provides natural grip even when wet, which matters through Wellington's wetter months. Broom-finish concrete also grips well thanks to the fine broom grooves. Stamped concrete can be more slippery when wet if it's been sealed with a high-gloss sealer, though a matte or textured sealer reduces this. If your driveway sits on a slope, we'd generally recommend exposed aggregate or broom-finish over a glossy stamped surface.
How Much Does Each Concrete Finish Cost in Wellington?
Plain concrete is the most affordable of the three, exposed aggregate sits in the middle, and stamped concrete is usually the most expensive due to the extra labour, moulds, and colour hardeners involved. For a full breakdown of indicative NZD price ranges per square metre, see our Wellington concrete driveway cost guide, which also covers what affects your final quote beyond the finish itself.
Which Concrete Finish Requires the Least Maintenance?
Plain concrete needs the least ongoing attention, generally just an occasional reseal to protect against staining. Exposed aggregate holds up well too, though the exposed stone texture can collect grit that benefits from periodic pressure washing. Stamped concrete needs the most consistent care, since its sealer protects both the colour and the pattern definition, and re-sealing every few years is what keeps it looking sharp rather than dull or worn.
Can You Mix Finishes on the Same Driveway?
Yes, and it's a popular way to get the best of both worlds. A common approach is pouring the main driveway in plain or exposed aggregate concrete for cost and durability, then adding a stamped or exposed aggregate border, feature strip, or entry apron for visual interest. This keeps the bulk of the cost down while still giving the property a more finished, considered look where it's most noticeable, near the street entrance or garage.
How Long Does Each Finish Take to Install?
Plain concrete is the fastest to install, since there's no additional stamping, staining, or aggregate exposure work required after the pour. Exposed aggregate adds a little time for the washing or brushing stage that reveals the stone, while stamped concrete takes the longest due to the stamping, colouring, and detailing steps needed before the surface cures. For most residential driveways, the difference between finishes is usually a matter of a day or so rather than a major scheduling issue.
Which Concrete Finish Should You Choose for Your Wellington Home?
If budget and low maintenance are the priority, plain concrete is hard to beat. If you want a driveway that copes well with slopes, weather, and daily wear while still looking a step up from basic concrete, exposed aggregate is usually the better investment. If you're chasing a paved, decorative look on a budget and don't mind the extra upkeep, stamped concrete is worth considering. Talk to our team about your site and we'll recommend the finish that suits your slope, budget, and how the driveway gets used day to day.