Broom finish
Fine lines brushed into the surface give reliable grip at a modest cost.
- Grip
- Easy upkeep
- Lower cost
Resources · Bendigo
Broom, Aggregate, Coloured or Stamped Driveways Compared
Compare broom, exposed aggregate, coloured and stamped concrete driveways for cost, grip and upkeep.
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Concrete advice for Bendigo
Compare broom, exposed aggregate, coloured and stamped concrete driveways for cost, grip and upkeep.
Read the full guide below, or head back to Broom, Aggregate, Coloured or Stamped Driveways Compared on the home page. Have a job in mind? Use the form for a free estimate.
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Four finishes, side by side
Choosing between broom, aggregate, colour and stamp
Each finish has strengths. Use the dots as a quick guide, then look at real samples in your own light.
Choosing a finish is one of the most enjoyable parts of a driveway project, and one of the easiest to get wrong from a photo. Broom, exposed aggregate, coloured and stamped each have strengths, and the dots below give a quick sense of grip, upkeep and cost. Use them as a guide, then look at real samples in your own light and read the full guides on exposed aggregate, coloured concrete and stamped concrete.
Exposed aggregate
Washed back to show natural stone, it grips well and disguises wear.
- Grip
- Easy upkeep
- Lower cost
Coloured concrete
Pigment lets the driveway complement your brick, roof or render.
- Grip
- Easy upkeep
- Lower cost
Stamped concrete
Patterns imitate stone or brick, but need resealing and extra care.
- Grip
- Easy upkeep
- Lower cost
Dots are general guidance (more dots = better for that question), not a measurement.
See the surfaces
How each finish reads at a glance
Texture and tone change a lot with sun and wet weather, so use these as an introduction only.
Texture and tone change dramatically with sun and weather, so it pays to see finishes side by side. These examples show how the same driveway can look quite different depending on the surface, and each links to a guide covering cost drivers, maintenance and slip resistance.
Matching the house
Which finish suits which kind of home?
Three common Bendigo house styles and the finishes that tend to sit well with them.
The best finish suits the house. Warm natural tones complement red brick, clean greys suit modern render, quiet natural finishes sit best beside older homes, and a feature entry or patio can carry a bolder pattern or colour. Thinking about the whole property rather than the driveway alone leads to a more cohesive result.
Red-brick family home
Warm, natural tones such as exposed aggregate complement brick without competing.
Aggregate or broomModern render or new build
Clean, smooth finishes in cool greys suit contemporary lines.
Honed or colouredOlder or heritage home
Quiet, natural finishes sit best beside original details.
Broom or aggregateFeature entry or patio
A small decorative area can carry a bolder pattern or colour.
Stamped or colouredMake the call
How to choose from samples without regrets
A few simple habits make a big difference.
Choosing from samples without regrets comes down to four habits: look outside in your own light, wet and dry; think about slope and shade; ask about upkeep for each finish; and confirm finish, colour, joints and sealer in the quote. A few minutes now prevents disappointment later.
- 1
Look outside
View samples in your own light, wet and dry, not under shop lighting.
- 2
Check the slope
Slopes and shade call for more texture and grip.
- 3
Ask about upkeep
Find out about sealing and cleaning for each finish.
- 4
Confirm the whole job
Make sure the quote states finish, colour, joints and sealer.
Driveway finish questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers to help you plan your next step.
Have a project in mind?01Which driveway finish is cheapest?
A simple broom finish is usually the most economical. Exposed aggregate, coloured and stamped finishes cost more because they need extra labour and materials, and some require sealing and specialist timing. Your concreter can price each so you can compare.
02Is stamped concrete slippery?
It can be when wet, so ask about a non-slip additive or sealer with grip. Stamped finishes are best on flatter areas, and a more textured option such as exposed aggregate is often safer on slopes.
03Does coloured concrete fade over time?
Colour can soften with sun and wear, particularly on surface-applied colours. A quality sealer and periodic maintenance help keep it looking fresh, and integral colour mixed through the concrete is generally more durable.
04Can I change my driveway finish later?
Sometimes. If the slab is sound, resurfacing can renew it with a new colour or texture. A damaged or moving slab needs repair or replacement first, so ask for an inspection before you plan a makeover.
Keep reading
Finished choosing a finish? Read on
Your place. Your next chapter.