Compare broom, coloured and exposed aggregate finishes by appearance, texture and care before choosing a driveway surface.
Start with how the driveway will be used
A driveway is a working surface and part of the home's street presentation. Consider vehicles, pedestrian access, the gradient and how the new surface will meet the footpath or garage before choosing a decorative treatment.
The finish and the underlying design work together. The selected texture should make sense for the location and surface fall; discuss product guidance and project requirements with the contractor.
Plain, coloured and exposed aggregate
Broom-finished concrete has a straightforward, practical appearance. Coloured concrete broadens the palette, while exposed aggregate reveals stone and gives the surface a more decorative character. Each finish has different appearance and maintenance considerations.
Samples are worth reviewing in outdoor light. A small chip or screen image cannot perfectly predict a full area, and colour or aggregate can vary between products and placements.
Plan joints, edges and drainage
Control joints, driveway edges and runoff influence the finished appearance as well as performance. Ask how the joints will be set out and how surface water will be directed before work begins.
Where concrete meets landscaping or an existing slab, decide what the transition should look like and confirm whether removal or reinstatement of adjoining materials is part of the job.