Concrete Finishes

Choosing the right concrete finish for your build

Concrete finishing is where structural work meets design. Whether you’re after a salt and pepper concrete floor finish for a modern loft or a rugged broom finish concrete driveway that handles coastal exposure, understanding the variables will save time, money and remedial work.

Key performance factors

• Slip resistance – Essential for external stairs, pool surrounds and commercial entries. A broom, rake or rock-salt texture delivers grip without harshness.
• Surface hardness – Burnished concrete floor finishes use steel-trowel polishing while the slab is still green, increasing abrasion resistance.
• Durability class – In New Zealand, concrete finish specifications such as F5 concrete finish, U2 or U3 finish concrete set expectations for blow-holes, patching and colour uniformity.
• Maintenance – Honed or exposed aggregate may need periodic sealing; a light broom finish generally demands the least care.

Popular concrete finishing styles

1. Polished / Burnished
Delivers a mirror-like sheen and highlights the fine aggregate. Ideal for interiors and pairs perfectly with concrete flooring finishes and underfloor heating.

2. Broom or Brush Finish
Creates parallel grooves for traction. If a broom finish concrete texture feels too rough after curing, contractors can water-wash or lightly grind to soften peaks.

3. Salt-and-Pepper
A light grind exposes just the sand, giving a terrazzo-style appearance. Suitable for showrooms that still need to hit acoustic targets-pair with acoustic panels to reduce reverberation.

4. Exposed Aggregate
Washed while green to reveal stones. Check broom finish concrete specifications or NZS 3114 for grading to ensure uniform exposure.

5. Decorative Overlays & Solid Surface
Ultra-thin micro-toppings or solid surface benchtops deliver concrete aesthetics without the weight.

Interior versus exterior considerations

Inside

• Integrate with concrete paint and sealers for custom pigment or low-VOC clear coats.
• Match adjoining concrete-look tiles for wet areas to simplify detailing.
• Add thermal mass; polished slabs absorb daytime warmth.

Outside

• Specify Sto concrete finish render systems for weather protection on retaining walls.
• Consider concrete retaining wall finishes that stand up to coastal salt-silane sealers, for example.
• Include water-dispersed curing compounds to reduce cracking in exposed areas.

Installation tips

1. Confirm mix design early-colour oxides and aggregate choice drive the final look.
2. On pour day, ensure correct screed elevation so a steel trowel finish concrete can be achieved without over-working.
3. For DIYers researching how to brush finish concrete, keep a second broom on standby; crisp fibres matter.
4. Remember that a concrete broom finish too rough can be wet-sanded the following day.
5. Seal within seven days using products from concrete stains & treatments to lock in colour.

Cost overview (indicative, ex GST)

• Broom finish: $45–$60/m²
• Salt & pepper grind: $80–$110/m²
• Full mechanical polish: $120–$160/m²
• Decorative micro-topping: $150–$200/m²

Pricing varies with slab condition, location and finish class. Always obtain itemised quotes from multiple suppliers.

Compliance & best practice

Concrete finishes must still meet the New Zealand Building Code’s B1 Structure clause. For guidance, consult the MBIE resource on structural and durability requirements.

Next steps

Ready to specify? Explore the full ArchiPro selection, compare samples and connect directly with local installers. Need complementary products? View all building products or browse feature wall finishes to complete the palette.