Honed Concrete Maintenance Guide for 2026 (Perth Edition)
Blog post Updated: 26/1/2026 by Handmade Concreting
Honed concrete is one of the most premium concrete finishes used in Perth homes — particularly around pool surrounds, alfresco areas and modern outdoor living spaces. But like any high-quality surface, its performance and appearance depend heavily on correct maintenance.
This
2026 Perth-specific maintenance guide explains exactly how to care for
honed concrete in
WA’s harsh climate,
including cleaning, sealing, heat management and slip resistance — based on real installation experience, not generic advice.
Table of Contents
- Why Honed Concrete Maintenance Matters
- How Perth’s Climate Affects Honed Concrete
- Daily & Weekly Cleaning (What to Do and Avoid)
- Seasonal Maintenance for WA Conditions
- Sealing Honed Concrete: What Perth Homeowners Need to Know
- Slip Resistance & Safety Over Time
- Heat Management in Summer
- Common Maintenance Mistakes in Perth Homes
- Expert Maintenance Advice from Handmade Concreting
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
1. Why Honed Concrete Maintenance Matters
Honed concrete is mechanically ground to create a smooth, refined surface that exposes natural stone. This finish looks exceptional — but without proper care, it can lose:
- Slip resistance
- Colour depth
- Surface protection
- Long-term durability
Maintenance isn’t about constant work — it’s about
doing the right things at the right intervals, especially in Perth’s climate. if you haven't taken a look at
honed concrete buyer’s guide this will explain everything you need to now about honed concrete and how its created.
2. How Perth’s Climate Affects Honed Concrete
In Perth, honed concrete is exposed to conditions that directly impact performance:
- Intense UV exposure
- Long, hot summers
- Coastal salt air (in many suburbs)
- Heavy use of pools and alfrescos
- Sudden temperature changes
Without correct sealing and cleaning, these factors can cause:
- Premature sealer breakdown
- Increased slipperiness
- Fading or patchy appearance
This is why Perth-specific maintenance matters.
3. Daily & Weekly Cleaning (What to Do and Avoid)
✅ What You Should Do
- Sweep regularly to remove sand and grit
- Rinse with clean water
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner when needed
- Clean spills promptly (sunscreen, oils, wine, chlorine splash)
❌ What to Avoid
- Acid-based cleaners
- High-pressure cleaning too close to the surface
- Abrasive brushes or pads
- Degreasers not designed for sealed concrete
Harsh cleaning products are one of the fastest ways to damage honed concrete sealers.
4. Seasonal Maintenance for WA Conditions
Summer
- Rinse more frequently to remove salt and chlorine residue
- Check slip resistance in wet areas
- Avoid dark mats or objects that trap heat
Winter
- Clear organic matter (leaves, dirt) promptly
- Inspect for sealer wear after heavy rain
- Avoid prolonged pooling of water
A light seasonal check goes a long way in extending surface life.
5. Sealing Honed Concrete: What Perth Homeowners Need to Know
Sealing is the most critical part of honed concrete maintenance.
How Often Should Honed Concrete Be Resealed?
- Every 2–4 years in most Perth homes
- More frequently in:
- Pool surrounds
- High-use alfresco areas
- Coastal locations
Why Sealing Matters
- Maintains slip resistance
- Protects against UV fading
- Prevents staining
- Enhances colour depth
Skipping resealing is the most common cause of premature wear.
6. Slip Resistance & Safety Over Time
Slip resistance does not come from roughness — it comes from the sealer system.
Over time:
- Sealers naturally wear
- Anti-slip additives lose effectiveness
- Wet areas become smoother
Regular resealing restores traction and keeps pool surrounds and alfrescos safe, especially for families. If you need a high slip resistance year round an exposed aggregate finish maybe the best option, especially for driveways.
7. Heat Management in Summer
Honed concrete can perform very well in heat if the right mix and maintenance are used.
Best Practices
- Choose lighter aggregate blends
- Maintain the sealer (worn sealers absorb more heat)
- Hose down surfaces during extreme heat
The question is, is honed concrete worth itfor hot summer applications? Yes it is, well-maintained honed concrete stays noticeably cooler than dark tiles or pavers in full sun.
8. Common Maintenance Mistakes in Perth Homes
From on-site experience, the most common issues we see are:
- Using acidic cleaners
- Ignoring resealing intervals
- Assuming honed concrete is maintenance-free
- Allowing chlorine and salt to sit on the surface
- Using high-pressure cleaners incorrectly
These mistakes are avoidable with basic knowledge.
9. Expert Maintenance Advice from Handmade Concreting
From maintaining and revisiting honed concrete installations across Perth, our experience shows:
- Light-coloured mixes age best in WA sun
- Correct sealing matters more than stone choice
- Regular gentle cleaning beats aggressive cleaning
- Honed concrete performs exceptionally well when maintained properly
Good maintenance protects both appearance and safety 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.
Is honed concrete hard to maintain?
No — it simply requires correct cleaning and periodic resealing.
Can I pressure clean honed concrete?
Yes, but only at low pressure and from a safe distance.
Does honed concrete stain easily?
Not when sealed correctly and maintained properly.
How do I know when resealing is needed?
If water no longer beads on the surface or it feels slippery when wet, resealing is due.
Is honed concrete suitable for coastal Perth homes?
Yes — with correct sealing and maintenance.
12. Final Thoughts: Honed Concrete Maintenance in 2026
Honed concrete remains one of the best-performing and most visually appealing finishes for Perth homes — when maintained correctly. Understanding how Perth’s climate affects the surface allows homeowners to protect their investment and enjoy it for decades.
👉 For advice on maintaining or resealing honed concrete in Perth, speak with Handmade Concreting today.
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