The type of path you choose for your home’s exterior can not only be crucial to the aesthetic but also the safety and wellbeing of everyone who walks on it. Different path finishes will have different characteristics so it’s important to make an informed decision. Our concrete contractors are going to go through six of the best options – both Concrete and natural stone – you can choose for paths around your home so take note if you’re thinking of updating anytime soon.

1.     Exposed aggregate

Let’s start with a bang – exposed aggregate is a highly sought-after and revered concrete type that is suitable for paths and driveways alike. Exposed aggregate is extremely durable and slip-resistant. It essentially features thousands of different types of aggregates that are placed beneath the concrete during the laying process. Once the concrete has dried, the top layer is sandblasted and brushed away to reveal the aggregates. 

Because of all the types of aggregates that can be chosen, exposed aggregate is effectively infinitely customisable so you can choose a colour and style that will best suit your home. It’s worth mentioning that exposed aggregate and all other types of concrete paths require sealing and re-sealing every few years to prolong their life. Additionally, any spills such as petrol or oil should be cleaned immediately.

2.     Bluestone pavers

Bluestone is known for adding touches of luxury. It is absolutely visually stunning and incredibly durable. Bluestone is a natural stone which also makes it more expensive than typical concretes. That being said, it is a gorgeous paver solution that will work beautifully in any application. Keep in mind, however, that bluestone is porous and may be vulnerable to staining if it is not sealed correctly. So, be sure that a penetrating sealer is used and that spills and stains are cleaned up when they occur to prolong its life and visual splendour.

3.     Flagstone pavers

Flagstone pavers are pretty iconic. Like bluestone, it is a natural stone, but it is considered a more cost-effective natural stone in comparison. However, one of the fantastic benefits of flagstone pavers is that they are available in different shapes and sizes – including odd and traditional geometric shapes. And, with the addition of some coloured concrete, their visual customisability is fairly broad as well. They’re durable, low maintenance and, because of their rough surface, are also slip-resistant. It’s worth noting that flagstone pavers can sometimes have strong weeds penetrate through the cracks.

4.     Stencil concrete

If you’re looking for a cost-effective concreting option that looks wonderful, then our concrete contractors recommend stencil concrete. Stencil concrete is used regularly to mimic other types of concrete and pavers for a fraction of the price. As the name suggests, a stencil outline is applied to standard concrete (this could be wet or dry, meaning it can be applied to already existing concrete) to simulate the visual aesthetic of something like flagstone pavers, for example. With this, you get all the pros of concrete including low maintenance, durability and versatility without having to worry about weeds coming through cracks or re-grouting.

5.     Slate impression concrete

Similar to stencil, slate impression concrete seeks to simulate the aesthetic of the pricier, natural stone slate slabs. The difference between Slate Impression and stencil lies in the process as slate impression uses a stamping method (which utilises a textured matt) to achieve its finish. This is how slate impression is able to so accurately simulate real slate stone right down to the texture that gives it its non-slip characteristic. Slate impression concrete is durable, cost-effective, easy to maintain and features a wide range of colours giving you some diverse options to choose from if you’re looking to match your path with your garden or home’s exterior.

6.     Coloured concrete

If you’re looking for something simple but would prefer something other than a plain, generic grey concrete path, then our concrete contractors recommend coloured concrete. Sporting the same specs as standard concrete (which is used for slate impression and stencil concrete paths) but with some added flair, coloured concrete offers incredible visual value to your home. With all the colours you can choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding something to match the rest of your home’s aesthetic.

Are you looking for concrete contractors in Melbourne?

Prestige Concrete Services can install your dream path at home. We’ve had years of experience working on residential concreting projects as well as commercial and local government ones – giving us scalability that many other concrete contractors lack. From exposed aggregate to slate impression and stencil concrete – Prestige Concrete Services is here for all your concreting solutions.

Give us a call on 0411 440 157 or fill out our contact form if you’d like to get in touch with us today.

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