Choosing the right concrete finish for your Lower Hutt patio can enhance durability, safety, and style—making your outdoor space more functional and visually appealing year-round.
A patio isn’t just a slab of concrete. It’s where summer evenings unfold, where kids play, and where friends gather. If you live in Lower Hutt, you already know the weather can swing between salty coastal wind, heavy rain, and bright sun in a single week — so your patio finish has to be tough. But it also has to look good. Concrete gives you that balance: function, style, and durability in one pour. The key? Choosing the right finish.
Jumping straight into design options might feel tempting, but there's something worth considering first — how do you actually use your patio? And what conditions does it face?
In Lower Hutt, you’re dealing with unique challenges. Salt in the air, moisture from rain, and the odd frost all add wear over time. Add foot traffic, furniture, barbecue grease, and you’ve got a space that needs a finish that can handle the hits.
Some homeowners want something stylish that matches their architecture. Others care more about slip resistance or low maintenance. Many want a bit of everything — which is where concrete really shines. With the right finish, you can get all three.
Let’s look at the five finishes that make the most sense for patios here in Lower Hutt.
This finish feels like it was made for Kiwi backyards. It’s strong, textured, and naturally slip-resistant. That makes it perfect for patios that don’t have a roof or for families with kids running around in wet sandals.
What makes exposed aggregate stand out is the look. Tiny stones peek through the surface, adding texture and colour variations. You can even choose the type of stone — some go for a classic river pebble look, while others prefer darker mixes for a more modern edge.
It’s not just good-looking. It holds up well in the face of weather, traffic, and time. And once sealed, it’s easy to clean with a hose and a broom. That said, sealing it every few years is a must if you want to keep the colours vibrant and prevent grime from settling in.
If you’re after something straightforward, this might be your winner. Broom-finished concrete is one of the most common choices for a reason. It doesn’t try to be flashy, but it does the job better than most when it comes to grip and durability.
After the concrete is poured and leveled, a broom is dragged across the surface. That leaves tiny ridges — enough to add grip without feeling rough underfoot. In wet weather, that extra texture can prevent slips, especially around pool areas or garden paths.
While it doesn’t have the decorative punch of other finishes, you can add colour to the mix for more visual interest. And if you’re the type who doesn’t want to deal with much maintenance, this finish is a good call.
This one’s for the homeowners who want their patio to be a showpiece. With stamped concrete, you can get the look of stone, slate, brick, or even timber — all from a single pour of concrete. It’s a great way to elevate your outdoor space without committing to the cost of natural materials.
Stamped concrete works well in patios where visual impact matters. It can match the design of your home, your landscaping, or even mimic indoor flooring for that seamless flow from inside to out.
There’s a bit more upkeep involved. To keep the colour and pattern crisp, it needs sealing every few years. And because it’s more decorative, repairs can be a little trickier than with plainer finishes. Still, for many, the look is well worth it.
Not as common as the rest — but worth your attention. Salt finish concrete gives you a slightly pitted surface by sprinkling rock salt onto the wet concrete, then washing it away once the concrete starts to harden. What’s left behind is a subtle texture that looks like natural stone.
The beauty of salt finish is in its simplicity. It’s not bold or loud, but it has just enough variation to keep it visually interesting. It's well-suited for modern homes that favour minimalism or clean lines.
On the practical side, it adds a bit of grip without the roughness of broom or aggregate finishes. It also ages nicely over time, blending into the landscape rather than standing out.
Polished concrete has long been a favourite for sleek interiors, but it's now becoming a popular choice for outdoor areas —especially patios that are covered, semi-enclosed, or flow directly from indoor spaces. It offers a clean, high-end finish that feels architectural and contemporary. The process involves grinding the concrete surface down to a smooth layer and sealing it with a protective coating that enhances shine and repels stains.
This finish is ideal if you want your outdoor area to feel like a natural extension of your living room. The reflective surface bounces light around, making shaded or covered spaces appear brighter and more open. It’s particularly striking in minimalist homes or homes with large glass sliding doors leading to the patio.
However, this finish isn’t right for every setting. It can become slippery when wet, so it’s best kept to dry zones — or paired with outdoor rugs or textured furniture to balance it out. It also requires a bit more care than other finishes: gentle cleaning (avoid harsh pressure washing), occasional resealing, and protection from outdoor furniture scratches will help maintain its shine long-term.
Choosing the right finish isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about how your patio fits into your life.
If your outdoor space is all about summer entertaining, you might lean toward something like stamped concrete for a polished look. If it's a low-key space for the kids to play and the dog to snooze, then broom finish or exposed aggregate makes more sense.
And if you're unsure? Ask your local concreter. A team that knows Lower Hutt’s climate and soil can steer you away from finishes that wear too fast or stain easily.
Also, consider light. Lighter colours reflect heat — great for areas that get full sun. Darker finishes add contrast but may heat up more during the day.
When you're planning a new patio, price is always part of the decision. While concrete is generally affordable compared to timber decking or pavers, the finish you choose can change the overall cost.
A broom finish is usually the most budget-friendly option. It’s fast to apply, requires no added materials, and has low long-term maintenance. Exposed aggregate costs a bit more due to the additional materials and labour, but it gives a much more decorative result for the money.
Stamped concrete and polished finishes sit at the higher end. They involve more time, equipment, and expertise to get right. Stamped concrete in particular needs skill to lay the pattern evenly and seal it properly. Polished concrete, while sleek, also requires grinding and multiple finishing stages.
If you’re trying to keep costs down without sacrificing durability, it’s smart to talk to your concrete contractor about combinations. Sometimes using a decorative finish for borders or key sections and keeping the main area simple (like broom finish) is the most cost-effective solution.
Lower Hutt’s weather plays a huge role in the timing of your patio project. Pouring concrete in the middle of heavy rain or during a cold snap isn’t ideal — it affects how the surface sets, how the finish takes, and how long it lasts.
The best months for patio work in Lower Hutt tend to be between late spring and early autumn, when the weather is more stable and the ground is warmer. Concrete cures best in moderate temperatures — not too hot, not too cold. If it’s too hot, it can set too quickly. If it’s too cold or wet, it may not cure properly at all.
Planning around the weather ensures that your chosen finish looks the way it’s meant to. For example, a stamped or salt finish requires exact timing and surface control, which becomes trickier in unpredictable weather.
A good contractor will schedule your pour based on weather forecasts and may recommend temporary covers or protective curing blankets if needed. Waiting for the right window can save you headaches later.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The “best” concrete finish depends on what matters most to you — grip, looks, maintenance, or all three. Each of the finishes above offers a different strength, and each one suits a different type of home and lifestyle.
For most homes in Lower Hutt, exposed aggregate remains a solid all-rounder. It handles the elements, lasts for years, and looks great doing it. But if you’ve got a specific style in mind — from coastal charm to modern minimalism — there’s something in the mix that will fit perfectly.
A good patio finish doesn’t just protect your concrete. It makes your outdoor area a place you actually want to spend time in.
