Concrete Finishes 101: Smooth, Broom, Exposed Aggregate & More
Let’s be honest—concrete doesn’t exactly scream excitement… until you realize just how many construction magic tricks it can pull. Whether you’re pouring a new driveway, a dreamy backyard patio, or sleek interior floors, your concrete finish sets the tone. Think of it as the hairstyle of your home’s hardscaping: polished and professional or laid-back and textured.
So, grab your hard hat (or at least your iced coffee), because we’re diving into the world of ready mix concrete, flatwork, and the fabulous finishes that can turn gray slabs into art.
🎨 Smooth Finish – The Concrete Classic
This is the sleek, no-frills, business-casual finish of the building construction world. Created by floating and troweling the surface until it’s buttery smooth, this finish is perfect for basements, garages, and interior floors where a clean look matters.
Smooth finishes pair well with modern floor plans and are popular with custom home builders going for that minimalist vibe.
✅ Great for: Indoor floors, garage slabs, polished patios
⚠️ Watch out: Can get slippery when wet—so maybe skip it around pools unless you're adding a sealer with grip.
🚿 Broom Finish – The All-Terrain Hero
This finish is all about traction. After the concrete is formed, leveled, and floated, a broom is dragged across the surface, leaving a textured pattern that’s both practical and pleasing.
Broom finish is ideal for sidewalks, driveways, and anywhere a construction worker doesn’t want to slip during a rainy Monday. It’s the go-to for contractors and home builders who like function with their form.
✅ Great for: Driveways, walkways, pool decks
⚠️ Watch out: Needs a steady hand—bad broom work can look messy (and no one wants concrete bedhead).
✨ Exposed Aggregate – The Stone-Flecked Showstopper
Here’s where things get fancy. This finish reveals the natural beauty of the stones mixed into the ready mix concrete. After the surface sets slightly, it’s washed or brushed to expose the aggregate—giving a decorative, durable surface with serious curb appeal.
Exposed aggregate is popular in green building designs for its low-maintenance durability and organic aesthetic.
✅ Great for: Patios, plazas, walkways
⚠️ Watch out: Requires expert timing and technique (call a general contractor—don’t DIY this one on your first try).
🪨 Stamped Concrete – The Chameleon of Finishes
Stamped concrete is the cosplayer of the construction site. Want the look of brick, stone, or even wood? Stamped concrete can mimic it all while saving money and reducing maintenance. Patterns are stamped into the surface before it fully sets, then stained to complete the illusion.
Perfect for homeowners who want high style on a budget (especially if cost to build a house is already up there).
✅ Great for: Patios, driveways, walkways
⚠️ Watch out: Needs sealing to maintain the look—just like you need topcoat on nail polish.
🧊 Salt Finish – Textured but Subtle
This finish is created by pressing rock salt into the wet surface of the concrete and later washing it away, leaving behind small indentations. It’s less aggressive than brooming but still adds grip and personality.
It pairs well with passive house aesthetics and chill backyard vibes.
✅ Great for: Pool decks, patios
⚠️ Watch out: Best done in warmer climates—salt doesn’t love freezing temps.
🧰 Troweled vs. Float Finishes – The Finer Details
Want ultra-smooth? Use a steel trowel. Want a more rustic, matte texture? Go with a wood or magnesium float. These finishes are usually the first stage before applying a broom, stamp, or stain—but they also look great solo, especially in minimalist or industrial-style builds.
It’s a construction company’s subtle signature—how they work that form, the foundation, and the finish.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Finish:
Climate: Freeze-thaw cycles wreak havoc on smooth or stamped concrete. Go textured.
Use case: Will cars drive on it? Kids play on it? People dance on it? Choose accordingly.
Budget: Some finishes (like exposed aggregate and stamped) increase labor and material cost codes. But they also increase value.
Sealing & Maintenance: Always seal your finish. It protects from stains, erosion, and keeps that beautiful grain or texture looking fresh.
Bonus Lingo for the Concrete Nerds
Want to sound like a pro around your contractor? Sprinkle in these terms at your next bid meeting:
Footer (footing) – The base of a foundation.
Form – The mold concrete is poured into.
Floating – Smoothing the surface before the finish is applied.
Grade – The slope or level of the ground before pouring.
Daily report – The on-site logbook that tracks progress.
Change order – An official alteration to the original plan.
Final Pour
Choosing the right concrete finish is like choosing the right shoes—it depends on where you're going and what vibe you're after. Whether you’re all about low-maintenance broom or glam aggregate, a good finish turns functional into fabulous.
And remember: when in doubt, call a pro. Whether it’s L&T Construction, your favorite general contractor, or that crew with the nicest blueprints in town, trust your concrete dreams with someone who knows their way around a backhoe and a GFCI.
Now go forth and finish strong. 🛠️🧱