Handmade Concreting • December 14, 2025

Best Exposed Aggregate Mixes in Perth for 2026 (Limecrete, WA Premix, Geostone)

Blog post Updated: 1/12/2025 by Handmade Concreting

When choosing exposed aggregate for your concrete project in Perth, the aggregate mix you select defines both the look and performance of the finished surface. Perth’s unique climate — including intense UV, hot summers and occasional coastal salt air exposure — makes the choice of mix especially important.


Below are the top aggregate blends widely used by professionals in Perth, including what they look like, where they perform best and why they’re popular in 2026.


Table of Contents

1. Comparing Limecrete, WA Premix & Geostone Exposed Aggregate Mixes


Limecrete Exposed Aggregate Mixes


Overview

Limecrete has become a preferred supplier among Perth concreters due to its consistency, variety of stone blends and excellent performance in WA conditions.


Popular Limecrete Blends

  • Coral – Warm, sandy tones that complement coastal homes
  • Ice – Light grey-white pebbles ideal for modern minimalist styles
  • Pearl / Shell – Soft natural hues that brighten outdoor areas

Why Perth Homeowners Choose It

  • UV-stable colours that stay true in harsh summer sun
  • Smooth aggregate that still provides grip
  • Works exceptionally well in driveways, steps and patios
  • Looks premium but remains highly durable


Ideal For: Driveways, patios, garden paths, entries, alfresco areas


Perth Suburbs Where It’s Popular: Hillarys, Scarborough, Sorrento, Burns Beach, Whitford


📌 Pro Tip: Because Limecrete’s aggregates are lighter in tone, they stay cooler underfoot — great for summer barefoot zones (though for pool surrounds, honed finishes are still recommended).



WA Premix Exposed Aggregate Blends


Overview

WA Premix supplies several aggregate options tailored to Perth’s local homes and commercial projects. Their aggregates often have a slightly richer, earthier stone mix.


Popular WA Premix Options

  • Granite Mix – Classic natural stone look, perfect for traditional and coastal homes
  • Mixed Pebble Stone – Adds texture and depth to larger outdoor spaces
  • Dark Stone Blends – Great contrast with light driveways or modern colour palettes


Why It’s Used

  • Very strong stone finish with rugged durability
  • Textured surface provides excellent traction when sealed
  • Trusted for both residential and commercial exposed aggregate jobs


Ideal For: Driveways, commercial outdoor spaces, walkways, garden paths


Perth Suburbs Where It’s Popular: Joondalup, Landsdale, Pearsall, Wangara, Ellenbrook


📌 Pro Tip: WA Premix blends pair beautifully with landscaping elements like native plants and limestone features common in northern and eastern suburbs.



Geostone (Holcim) Exposed Aggregate Mixes


Overview

Geostone — part of the Holcim product range — offers a premium series of stones prized for consistency and high visual appeal.


Popular Geostone Options

  • Beach Pebble Blends – Rounded pebbles in natural tones
  • Riverstone Aggregates – Earthy colour mixes with depth
  • Dark / Charcoal Aggregates – Bold contrast for contemporary homes


Why Perth Builders Like It

  • Stylish finishes that suit high-end builds
  • Excellent stone quality and consistency
  • Works well with both traditional exposed and honed finishes


Ideal For: High-end driveways, alfresco areas, garden features


Perth Suburbs Where It’s Popular:
Cottesloe, Claremont, Dalkeith, Nedlands, City Beach


📌 Pro Tip: Geostone aggregates are often used in feature areas where design impact is a priority (e.g., front entries, alfresco thresholds, statement pathways).



2. Choosing the Right Mix for Your Perth Property (2026 Advice)

Selecting the right exposed aggregate mix comes down to your priorities:


Aesthetic Style

  • Lighter aggregates (Limecrete Ice / Pearl) brighten and cool outdoor spaces.
  • Earthier stones (WA Premix Granite) give a more natural, rustic feel.
  • Dark aggregates (Geostone Charcoal) suit modern architecture.


Function & Comfort

  • Rougher stones increase slip resistance but can feel “grippy” underfoot.
  • Pairing with a honed finish around alfresco and barefoot areas creates a smooth balance.


Climate & Sun Exposure

  • Light tones reduce heat absorption — great for patios and walkways.
  • Coastal areas benefit from UV-stable, salt-resistant mixes.


Budget Considerations

  • Base exposed aggregate can be more economical than honed concrete.
  • Premium stone blends or custom mixes (especially with Geostone) may incur higher costs but offer stronger design impact.


3. Perth Supplier Notes & Practical Tips

From real project experience across Perth, our team has found:


  • Limecrete’s mixes are consistently reliable for residential decorative work and maintain colour well in prolonged sun.
  • WA Premix aggregates are robust and versatile — ideal where durability is essential.
  • Geostone blends excel when design impact is a priority, especially in coastal and high-end builds.


These are not just marketing claims — they’re based on hundreds of installations we’ve completed in suburbs like Joondalup, Hillarys, Scarborough, Dalkeith and Cottesloe. Seeing how mixes age over time in different WA conditions has informed our recommendations above.

4. Quick Decision Guide (2026 Perth)

How to choose your aggregate mix:

Goal Best Aggregate Choice Notes
Cool Outdoor Areas Light Limecrete Blends Better Heat Comfort
High Traffic Driveways WA Premix Granite Rugged and Durable
Design Impact/Coastal Geostone Pebbles Best Visual Appeal
Pool Permiter Honed Concrete Smooth and Family Friendly

5. How Exposed Aggregate Mix Choice Affects Long-Term Performance

The exposed aggregate mix you choose has a direct impact on how your concrete surface performs over the next 10, 20 or even 40 years — particularly in Perth’s climate. While many mixes can look similar when freshly poured, long-term performance depends on stone hardness, grading consistency and how the aggregate interacts with UV exposure, traffic and sealing.


Harder stone blends, such as granite-based aggregates commonly used by WA Premix, offer excellent resistance to tyre wear and surface polishing, making them ideal for driveways and high-traffic areas. Softer or unevenly graded stones may wear inconsistently over time, leading to patchy exposure or premature surface deterioration.


Colour stability is another critical factor. Lighter aggregates, such as Limecrete Ice or Pearl blends, tend to maintain their appearance better under Perth’s harsh summer sun, while darker stones may absorb more heat and show fading if not sealed correctly. High-quality aggregates also bond more effectively with sealers, improving stain resistance and extending the resealing interval.


From real-world installations across Perth’s northern and coastal suburbs, we consistently see that premium, well-graded aggregate mixes age more evenly, require less corrective maintenance, and retain their visual appeal far longer than cheaper alternatives. Choosing the right mix from the outset is one of the most effective ways to protect your investment long term.


6. Common Mistakes Perth Homeowners Make When Choosing an Aggregate Mix

7. FAQs

Have a question or need some more info and don't see it below feel free to reach out to the team and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

  • What is the best exposed aggregate mix for Perth driveways?

    For most Perth driveways, WA Premix granite or Limecrete coral-style blends offer the best balance of strength, traction and appearance.

  • Which exposed aggregate stays coolest in summer?

    Lighter-toned mixes, particularly Limecrete Ice or Pearl-style blends, absorb less heat and are better suited to sun-exposed areas.

  • Is exposed aggregate suitable around pools?

    Raw exposed aggregate is generally not recommended directly around pools due to its rough texture. Most Perth homeowners prefer honed concrete for pool surrounds.

  • Does the aggregate mix affect durability?

    Yes. Stone hardness, grading and quality all impact how well the surface performs over time, especially under vehicle traffic.

  • How long do exposed aggregate mixes last in Perth?

    With correct installation and resealing every 2–4 years, exposed aggregate surfaces commonly last 25–40+ years.

8. Request A Free Quote

Ready to upgrade your home or want to discuss aggregate options with us?


Request a free quote from Handmade Concreting today.


View our project gallery for inspiration.

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