Professional Exposed Aggregate Builders in Logan
We service the whole Logan area – from the established neighborhoods in Woodridge and Kingston through to the newer developments out in Park Ridge and Flagstone. Each suburb’s got its own character, and we’ve learned which aggregate types work best with different architectural styles. The Queenslander-style homes in older areas tend to look fantastic with our local sandstone aggregates, while the modern builds in places like Yarrabilba really pop with those clean grey granites.
What makes us different? We don’t just show up and pour concrete. We talk through what you’re actually trying to achieve – whether that’s a driveway that’ll handle Logan’s weather extremes, a pool surround that won’t turn into a heat trap, or a commercial space that needs to look good and handle heavy foot traffic. Then we figure out the right aggregate type, the right exposure method, and the right sealing approach for your specific situation.
Where Exposed Aggregate Makes the Biggest Impact
Driveways That Actually Make Your Neighbors Jealous
Look, driveways are one of those things most people don’t think about until they’re cracked to hell or looking tired. But a properly done exposed aggregate driveway in Logan? That’s your home’s first impression sorted. We’re talking about a surface that can handle the weight of your ute, resist oil stains better than plain concrete, and still look good after years of Queensland sun beating down on it.
The texture means you’re not sliding around when those afternoon storms roll through. And here’s something most people don’t realize – because the aggregate reflects heat differently than plain concrete, your driveway actually stays cooler underfoot. Try walking barefoot across plain concrete in Logan in January, then try it on exposed aggregate. You’ll feel the difference.
Pool Surrounds Built for Logan Summers
Pool surrounds are where exposed aggregate really earns its keep. You need something that won’t turn into a slip hazard when it’s wet, won’t burn the kids’ feet when they’re running around, and can handle pool chemicals without deteriorating. Exposed aggregate ticks all those boxes.
We’ve done pool surrounds from Daisy Hill to Greenbank, and the same conversation happens every time – people are worried about the surface getting too hot. River pebble aggregates in lighter colors are your friend here. They reflect heat instead of absorbing it, and the texture gives you grip even when everything’s soaking wet.
Patios and Entertaining Areas
Queensland living means you’re spending half your life outside, right? Your patio or entertaining area needs to look the part. Exposed aggregate gives you that high-end finish without the high-end price tag of pavers or natural stone. Plus, it’s one continuous surface – no gaps for weeds to come through, no individual pieces to shift or settle unevenly.
We’ve poured patios that flow seamlessly from the house out to the pool area, or wrap around to create distinct entertaining zones. The beauty of exposed aggregate is you can use different aggregate colors or sizes to define different areas without changing materials completely.
Commercial Applications That Mean Business
Commercial exposed aggregate is a whole different ballgame. Shopping centers, office buildings, public spaces – these areas cop an absolute hammering from foot traffic. But done right, exposed aggregate can handle it while still looking professional.
We’ve worked on commercial projects across Logan’s business districts where the brief was simple – needs to look good, needs to last, needs to handle heavy use. The larger crushed granite aggregates work well for these applications because they’re harder-wearing and the texture helps with slip resistance in high-traffic areas.
Walkways and Garden Paths
Garden paths and walkways are where you can get a bit creative. Maybe you want something that complements your landscaping, or ties into the natural bushland feel that a lot of Logan properties have. Local Queensland sandstone aggregates work brilliantly for this – they blend with native gardens and give you that natural stone look without the individual stone price tag.
We’ve done winding paths through gardens in Forest Lake, straight shot walkways in Berrinba, and everything in between. The slip resistance makes them safe year-round, and they hold up to constant foot traffic without showing wear.
Choosing the Right Aggregate for Your Logan Project
Color Variations and Custom Blends
Here’s where things get interesting. You’re not stuck with one type of aggregate. We can blend different stones to create custom colors and textures. Want predominantly grey river pebbles with some white quartz mixed through for sparkle? Done. Need a blend that matches your existing landscaping stone? We can figure it out.
Popular blends in Logan right now include:
Coastal mix
White and cream river pebbles with hints of coral-colored stone
Bushland blend
Sandstone, small river pebbles, and basalt for that natural Queensland look
Modern grey
Various sizes of grey granite with white quartz highlights
Earth tones
Browns, tans, and rusty reds that work with traditional homes
Why Choose Concrete Logan
★ Local Expertise and Understanding –
As a Logan-based business, we understand the unique conditions that affect concrete in our region. From the specific soil compositions to seasonal weather patterns, our installations are explicitly engineered for Queensland performance, with a level of local knowledge and accessibility that larger companies can’t match.
★ Quality Materials and Workmanship
We never compromise on materials or artistry, using only premium-grade concrete mixes, quality aggregates, and professional-grade sealers in all our installations. Our skilled artisans have decades of combined experience in exposed aggregate techniques, ensuring your surface will maintain its beauty and functionality for decades.
★ Transparent, Competitive Pricing
We believe in straightforward, honest pricing without hidden costs or surprises. After your consultation, we provide detailed written quotes that clearly outline all aspects of your project and associated costs, with flexible payment options to suit different budgets for a quality investment in your property’s long-term value.
Getting Your Exposed Aggregate Project Started
Look, if you’re considering exposed aggregate in Logan, you’re probably weighing it against other options – plain concrete, pavers, maybe even asphalt for driveways. Here’s what it comes down to: exposed aggregate gives you durability, aesthetics, and value that’s hard to beat with other materials.
The investment makes sense when you factor in longevity. A properly done exposed aggregate surface will outlast pavers, look better than plain concrete, and require less maintenance than both. In Logan’s market, it adds genuine value to your property.
We’re happy to come out, assess your specific situation, show you samples, and give you an accurate quote. No pressure, no sales pitch, just honest advice about what’ll work for your property and your budget. Sometimes exposed aggregate is the perfect answer. Sometimes it’s not. We’ll tell you either way.
The projects we’re proudest of are the ones where homeowners or business owners tell us they’re happy with their decision years later. That’s what we’re aiming for – not just a good-looking finish today, but something that still makes you happy a decade from now.
What happens if you don't seal exposed aggregate in Logan?
Look, I’ve seen too many Logan properties skip the sealing step because they want to save a few hundred bucks, and it always comes back to bite them. Without sealer, our Queensland UV just destroys the surface cement. You’ll start seeing the aggregate lose its bond within 12-18 months. The concrete gets porous, stains sink in deep – we’re talking oil from the car, rust from outdoor furniture, even those gum tree leaves that seem to stain everything they touch.
The real kicker though? Our summer storms. Water gets into the unsealed concrete, brings dirt and organic matter with it, and you end up with this grimy, discolored surface that no amount of pressure washing will fully fix. Plus, the aggregate starts loosening because the cement matrix breaks down faster without protection. I’ve had to re-expose entire driveways because people thought they could skip sealing. Trust me, the sealer’s cheaper than the repair.
Can you pour exposed aggregate in the rain in Logan?
Short answer – no, don’t do it. But here’s the thing about Logan weather – those afternoon storms can sneak up on you even when the morning looked perfect. We check the radar obsessively during pour days, and if there’s any chance of rain within the first 4-6 hours after pouring, we reschedule.
Rain on fresh concrete dilutes the surface cement, washes away the retarder if you’ve already applied it, and creates a weak, porous surface layer. With exposed aggregate specifically, rain can dislodge the aggregate or cause uneven exposure. We’ve learned to start early – like 6am early – so we can get the pour done and the retarder applied before those typical 2pm storms roll through.
Should you acid wash exposed aggregate?
Depends on what you’re trying to achieve. For new exposed aggregate in Logan, we don’t typically acid wash because the chemical retarder method gives us better, more consistent results. The retarder does its job, we water wash it off, and you’re done.
But acid washing has its place. If you’ve got old exposed aggregate that’s looking tired – maybe the sealer’s broken down, there’s surface cement haze, or it’s just looking dull – a mild acid wash can clean it up beautifully before resealing. We use a diluted hydrochloric acid solution, let it fizz for a few minutes, then neutralize and rinse thoroughly.
Can I walk on concrete after 6 hours?
Six hours? You’re pushing it, mate. In Logan’s heat, concrete might feel firm after 6 hours, but it’s nowhere near strong enough to handle foot traffic safely. We tell people to wait minimum 24 hours before walking on new exposed aggregate, and even then, walk gently – no heavy boots, no dragging furniture.
Here’s the thing – Logan summers mean concrete can get surface-hard quickly because the heat accelerates the initial set. People think hard surface equals ready to use, but that’s not how it works. The concrete underneath is still curing, still gaining strength. If you walk on it too early, you’ll leave impressions, disturb the aggregate, potentially create weak spots.
How to seal exposed aggregate in Australia - the Logan way?
Sealing in Logan’s climate requires different timing than down south. You need the concrete fully cured – that’s 28 days minimum, sometimes longer in winter when curing’s slower. But then you’re picking your weather window carefully.
Best time? Autumn or spring when we’ve got mild temperatures and low humidity. Summer’s tricky because if it’s too hot, the sealer dries too fast and doesn’t penetrate properly. You get a surface coating instead of proper protection. Winter’s usually fine in Logan – we don’t get freezing temperatures that mess with sealer application like they do in southern states.
Here’s our process: Clean the surface thoroughly with a pressure washer, let it dry completely for at least 24 hours. Check the weather – you need at least 24 hours without rain, ideally 48. Apply the first coat of penetrating sealer with a roller or sprayer, working in sections so you maintain a wet edge. Let it soak in for 15-20 minutes, then remove any excess pooling. Wait 2-4 hours (longer if it’s humid), then apply the second coat.
How long does concrete need to cure before honing?
Honing’s not really something we do with exposed aggregate – that’s more for polished concrete finishes. But I’ll answer it because people sometimes confuse the two processes.
If you were going to hone concrete – like for an interior polished floor – you’d want at least 28 days of curing in Logan’s climate. Some contractors say you can start earlier, but our heat and humidity affect curing differently than cooler climates. The concrete needs full strength before you start grinding the surface.
For exposed aggregate though, we’re not honing or polishing. We’re exposing the aggregate through chemical retarders and washing, which happens within 12-24 hours of the pour. That’s a completely different process that actually relies on the concrete being partially set but not fully hardened.
