Concrete Driveways Perth: Best Finishes for 2026 Builds & Renovations
Blog post Updated: 2/02/2026 by Handmade Concreting
Choosing the right concrete finish for your driveway is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building or renovating a home in Perth.
Your driveway needs to handle vehicle weight, heat, UV exposure and daily wear, while still complementing the design of your home. In this 2026 guide, we break down the best concrete driveway finishes for Perth homes, based on real-world performance, cost and long-term durability — not just looks.
This guide is written specifically for
Perth homeowners, builders and renovators.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Good Concrete Driveway in Perth?
- The Best Concrete Driveway Finishes for 2026
- Exposed Aggregate Driveways (Perth Favourite)
- Plain & Coloured Concrete Driveways
- Honed Concrete for Driveways — Is It Worth It?
- Cost Comparison: Concrete Driveway Finishes in Perth
- Choosing the Right Finish for Your Home
- Common Driveway Mistakes in Perth
- Expert Advice from Handmade Concreting
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Perth driveways must withstand conditions that many other regions don’t:

- Extreme summer heat and UV exposure
- Expansive WA soils
- Heavy vehicle loads
- Coastal salt air (in many suburbs)
- High visibility and kerb appeal expectations
The right finish is one that balances
strength, traction, heat performance and appearance.
2. The Best Concrete Driveway Finishes for 2026
In 2026, these finishes continue to perform best for Perth homes:
- Exposed aggregate concrete driveways
- Plain grey concrete
- Coloured concrete
- (Limited use) honed concrete
Each has strengths — but not all are suited to driveways.
3. Exposed Aggregate Driveways (Perth Favourite)
Exposed aggregate remains the most popular driveway finish in Perth, and for good reason.
âś… Why Exposed Aggregate Works for Driveways
- Extremely durable under vehicle traffic
- Naturally slip resistant
- Handles heat and UV well
- Wide range of stone blends and colours
- Low long-term maintenance
Exposed aggregate is particularly well suited to sloping driveways, long access ways and high-traffic homes.
👉 Learn more about
exposed aggregate concrete and whether it’s right for your driveway
4. Plain & Coloured Concrete Driveways
Plain Grey Concrete
A practical and cost-effective option, often used for:
- Budget builds
- Rear access driveways
- Utility areas
However, it offers limited visual appeal and shows wear more easily over time.
Coloured Concrete
Adds aesthetic appeal but comes with considerations:
- Dark colours absorb more heat
- Fading can occur without proper sealing
- Less forgiving than exposed aggregate
Coloured concrete works best in
shaded or feature areas, not high-traffic driveways.
5. Honed Concrete for Driveways — Is It Worth It?
While honed concrete is a premium finish, it is generally not recommended for driveways.
⚠️ Why Honed Concrete Isn’t Ideal for Driveways
- Higher cost
- Requires frequent resealing
- Smoother surface not suited to tyres
- Best reserved for living areas
Honed concrete performs far better in pool surrounds and alfresco areas, not vehicle zones.
👉 See why
honed concrete is better suited to barefoot areas rather than driveways.
6. Cost Comparison: Concrete Driveway Finishes in Perth (2026)
| Finish | Typical Cost (Per m2) | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Concrete | $90 - $110 | Basic / budget |
| Coloured Concrete | $110 - $130 | Moderate |
| Exposed Aggregate | $120 - $180 | Best overall |
| Honed Concrete | $140 - $200 | Not recommended |
Costs vary depending on access, preparation and reinforcement. We take a more in depth look at
exposed aggregate vs honed concrete here.
7. Choosing the Right Finish for Your Home
When selecting a driveway finish, consider:
- Driveway slope and length
- Vehicle type and frequency
- Sun exposure
- Desired appearance
- Long-term maintenance
For most Perth homes in 2026, exposed aggregate delivers the best balance of performance and aesthetics.
8. Common Driveway Mistakes in Perth
From on-site experience, the most common issues include:
- Choosing finishes based on looks alone
- Using honed concrete in vehicle areas
- Skipping proper base preparation
- Selecting dark colours in full sun
- Choosing inexperienced contractors
These mistakes often lead to cracking, heat issues or premature wear.
9. Expert Advice from Handmade Concreting
From installing concrete driveways across Perth, our experience shows:
- Exposed aggregate consistently outperforms other finishes
- Proper preparation prevents most long-term issues
- Light-coloured mixes age best in WA conditions
- Driveway performance matters more than trends
Choosing the right finish upfront saves money and stress long-term.
10. 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 concrete finish for driveways in Perth?
Exposed aggregate is the most durable and practical choice for Perth conditions.
Does exposed aggregate get hot?
Lighter stone blends stay cooler than dark concrete or pavers.
Can honed concrete be used on driveways?
It can, but it’s generally not recommended due to cost and wear.
How long do concrete driveways last?
With proper preparation and sealing, 25–30+ years.
12. Final Thoughts
For Perth builds and renovations in 2026, the best concrete driveway finish is one that balances durability, safety and appearance. For most homes, exposed aggregate remains the clear winner.
👉 For expert advice on concrete driveways in Perth, speak with Handmade Concreting today.
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