Concrete Types Compared

If you're planning a new driveway, patio, walkway, or steps, concrete is one of the most durable and attractive choices available. But "concrete" isn't one thing — the finish you choose dramatically changes the look, feel, price, and maintenance requirements of your surface. Here's an honest comparison of the three most popular concrete finishes in Hamilton and surrounding areas.

1. Broom Finish (Regular Concrete)

Broom finish is the most common concrete finish in residential and commercial applications. After the concrete is poured, screeded, and bull-floated, a stiff-bristled broom is dragged across the surface while the concrete is still plastic. This creates a slightly textured, slip-resistant surface with parallel grooves.

Pros of Broom Finish

• Most affordable concrete option
• Excellent slip resistance, even when wet
• Clean, professional look that suits any property
• Easy to apply sealer over for added protection
• Fast to install — no decorative finishing time

Cons of Broom Finish

• Less decorative than exposed aggregate or stamped
• Broom texture can accumulate dirt in the grooves

Best for: Driveways, sidewalks, garage floors, utilitarian paths. Best choice when durability and value are the priority.

Cost: $12–$18 per square foot installed in Hamilton, ON.

2. Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed aggregate is achieved by removing the top layer of cement paste from the surface before it fully cures, revealing the decorative stone aggregate within the mix. The result is a textured, natural-looking surface with visible pebbles, stones, and sometimes coloured glass or shells depending on the aggregate mix.

Pros of Exposed Aggregate

• Highly decorative — looks premium and natural
• Excellent slip resistance from aggregate texture
• Hides stains and surface imperfections better than broom finish
• Wide range of aggregate colour options available
• Very durable — the aggregate layer resists wear

Cons of Exposed Aggregate

• More expensive than broom finish
• Requires periodic resealing to maintain appearance and protect against freeze-thaw
• Harder to repair a section without visible patching

Best for: Driveways, front walkways, patios — anywhere aesthetics are a priority. Very popular in Hamilton's upscale residential neighbourhoods.

Cost: $15–$22 per square foot installed.

3. Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete is poured and finished like regular concrete, but before it cures, large rubber stamps are pressed into the surface to imprint patterns — brick, slate, cobblestone, flagstone, wood plank, and more. Integral colour or acid staining adds realistic colour to complete the decorative effect.

Pros of Stamped Concrete

• Most decorative finish available — truly stunning when done well
• Huge variety of patterns and colours
• Can mimic natural stone or brick at a fraction of the cost
• Increases property value — strong visual impact
• Seamless surface — no weeds between joints like pavers

Cons of Stamped Concrete

• Most expensive concrete option
• Requires periodic resealing (every 2–3 years) to maintain colour and protect against delamination
• Can become slippery when wet, especially with certain patterns — anti-slip sealer recommended
• Skilled installation required — poor stamping is immediately visible
• Difficult to repair without colour-matching old section

Best for: Patios, pool decks, front walkways, decorative steps, and any area where visual impact is the priority.

Cost: $20–$35 per square foot installed, depending on pattern complexity and colours.

The Concrete Installation Process (For All Types)

Regardless of the finish chosen, all concrete driveways and surfaces follow the same foundational installation process:

1. 1
   Excavation & old surface removal Existing pavement, sod, or soil is removed to the required depth (typically 8–10 inches for a driveway).
2. 2
   Subgrade compaction & grading The native soil is shaped, graded for drainage, and compacted to a stable base.
3. 3
   4-inch compacted granular sub-base Granular A gravel is spread and compacted to distribute loads and prevent frost heave.
4. 4
   Formwork & reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh) Perimeter forms are set at the correct elevation and steel reinforcement is placed inside.
5. 5
   Concrete pour (32 MPa ready-mix) Ready-mix is poured, spread, and screeded to the form elevation.
6. 6
   Finishing (broom / aggregate washing / stamping) The chosen decorative finish is applied at the correct stage of the concrete's cure cycle.
7. 7
   Control joints cut within 24 hours Joints are cut at regular intervals to control where the concrete cracks as it cures — preventing random cracking.
8. 8
   Curing & protection (7 days minimum) Curing compound or wet burlap is applied to slow moisture loss and maximize concrete strength.

Which Should You Choose?