Not All Finishes Are Created Equal
Hey y'all - one of the most fun conversations I have with customers is about finishes. This is where your concrete goes from "slab of grey stuff" to something that actually looks good and works for how you live. Let me break down the options and give you my honest take on each one for our Florida climate.
Broom Finish
The classic. The standard. The KING of driveways. We drag a broom across the surface while it's still wet to create those little ridges. Simple? Yes. Boring? Maybe. But there's a reason it's been the go-to for decades:
- Excellent traction when wet - and things get wet here about 200 days a year
- Hides minor imperfections and discoloration better than smooth finishes
- Most affordable option
- Holds up great to traffic and UV
For driveways, broom finish is what I recommend 9 times out of 10. It's not flashy but it works and it lasts.
Smooth/Burnished Trowel
This is that super smooth, almost polished look. Gorgeous when it's new. BUT - and this is a big but - it's slippery when wet. Like, dangerously slippery. I generally don't recommend it for any outdoor application here in Florida unless it's a vertical surface or somewhere that doesn't get foot traffic when wet.
Interior garage floors? Sure. Patios with a roof over them? Maybe. Open driveway? Hard no from me.
Stamped Concrete
This is where things get fun. We press patterns into the concrete to make it look like stone, brick, slate, wood planks - you name it. Combined with color hardener and release agent, the results can be UNREAL. This is our most popular upgrade for patios and pool decks.
Pros: looks amazing, tons of pattern and color options, adds real value to the property. Cons: costs more (obviously), needs to be resealed every 2-3 years to keep the color popping and the surface protected. Also slightly more slippery than broom finish, so we always recommend a non-slip additive in the sealer for pool decks.
Exposed Aggregate
We pour the concrete, then wash the top layer off to expose the small stones in the mix. Gives you a pebbly, textured surface that looks natural and organic. Really popular in coastal areas like Siesta Key and Longboat Key.
Great traction, unique look, very durable. The downside is it can be tough on bare feet if you're using it around a pool - those little stones aren't exactly smooth. And you can't really control the color as precisely as stamped or integrally colored concrete.
Salt Finish
This is kind of an old-school Florida finish. We press rock salt into the surface and wash it out after curing, leaving small pits and divots. Gives a subtle texture and good traction. You don't see it as much anymore since stamped concrete got popular but it's still a solid choice for pool decks. Cheaper than stamped and looks good with the right color.
My Recommendation
Driveway? Broom finish. Patio? Stamped. Pool deck? Stamped with non-slip sealer or exposed aggregate. Walkways? Broom finish with a decorative stamped border if you want to dress it up. That's how I'd spend my own money.
Want to see samples in person? Drop us a line - we'll bring the whole sample kit to your house.