Honed Concrete Perth: The Complete Buyer’s Guide for 2026
Blog post Updated: 5/1/2026 by Handmade Concreting
Honed concrete has become one of the most in-demand concrete finishes across Perth — especially for homeowners wanting a smooth, modern, barefoot-friendly surface that performs in WA’s harsh climate.
If you’re considering honed concrete for your driveway, alfresco or pool area, this 2026 buyer’s guide explains exactly what to expect — including costs, best uses, advantages, drawbacks and what Perth homeowners should look for when choosing a concreter.
This guide is written from real on-site experience, not generic advice.
Table of Contents
- What Is Honed Concrete?
- Why Honed Concrete Is So Popular in Perth
- Best Uses for Honed Concrete in WA Homes
- Honed Concrete Pros & Cons (Honest Breakdown)
- Honed Concrete Cost in Perth (2026 Pricing)
- Honed Concrete vs Exposed Aggregate
- How Honed Concrete Performs in WA’s Climate
- Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Expert Advice from Handmade Concreting
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is Honed Concrete?
Honed concrete starts as exposed aggregate, but instead of leaving the stone surface rough, the concrete is mechanically ground back to create a smooth, refined finish while still showcasing the natural stone beneath.
The result is:
- A premium architectural look
- Comfortable barefoot feel
- Easy-to-clean surface
- Excellent durability when sealed correctly
Honed concrete is often chosen as a more refined alternative to raw exposed aggregate, particularly in
living and entertaining areas.
2. Why Honed Concrete Is So Popular in Perth
Perth homeowners are choosing honed concrete in 2026 because it aligns perfectly with WA lifestyles and climate conditions.
Key reasons for its popularity:
- Comfortable underfoot in barefoot zones
- Modern, high-end appearance
- Performs well in extreme heat when light mixes are used
- Seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces
- Ideal for pool surrounds and alfresco areas
- Adds strong resale appeal to homes
As design preferences shift toward cleaner, resort-style outdoor spaces, honed concrete has become a clear favourite.
3. Best Uses for Honed Concrete in WA Homes
1. Pool Surrounds
Honed concrete is the preferred choice around pools due to its smooth finish and safety when paired with an anti-slip sealer.
2. Alfresco & Outdoor Living Areas
Perfect for entertaining spaces where comfort, aesthetics and low maintenance matter.
3. Patios & Courtyards
Creates a clean, seamless look that complements modern landscaping and architecture.
4. Feature Walkways & Thresholds
Often used to transition between exposed aggregate driveways and living areas.
⚠️ Honed concrete is
not typically used for high-traffic driveways
due to cost and maintenance —
exposed aggregate
is usually better suited there.
4. Honed Concrete Pros & Cons (Honest Breakdown)
✅ Pros
- Smooth, barefoot-friendly surface
- Premium architectural finish
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Great slip resistance with correct sealer
- Works beautifully with light stone blends
⚠️ Cons
- Higher cost than exposed aggregate
- Requires skilled grinding and sealing
- Not ideal for heavy vehicle traffic
- Needs ongoing resealing to maintain finish
Understanding both sides helps homeowners make confident decisions.
5. Honed Concrete Cost in Perth (2026 Pricing Guide)
Honed concrete is a premium finish and priced accordingly.
Typical Perth Price Range (Guide Only):
$140 – $190 per m²
Factors affecting price:
- Aggregate mix selection
- Grinding depth and finish level
- Site access and preparation
- Sealing system used
- Size and complexity of the area
A site inspection is essential for accurate pricing.
6. Honed Concrete vs Exposed Aggregate
| Feature | Honed Concrete | Exposed Aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Feel | Smooth | Textured |
| Best Areas | Pools, Alfrescos | Driveways, Paths |
| Barefoot Comfort | Excellent | Poor - Moderate |
| Slip Resistance | High (with additive) | Naturally High |
| Cost | $$$ | $$ |
| Visual Style | Modern, Refined | Natural, Textured |
Most Perth homes use
both finishes strategically
in different areas.
See more on the
pros and cons of exposed aggregate and see how they compare for yourself.
7. How Honed Concrete Performs in WA’s Climate
When installed and sealed correctly, honed concrete performs extremely well in Perth conditions.
- Light mixes stay cooler in summer
- Sealing protects against UV fading
- Resistant to salt air in coastal suburbs
- Handles temperature fluctuations well
- Easy to clean after summer use
Climate-appropriate aggregate mix selection is critical to long-term results,
8. Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Some of the most common issues we see include:
- Choosing honed concrete for driveways
- Skipping anti-slip additives near pools
- Selecting dark mixes in full sun
- Underestimating maintenance requirements
- Using inexperienced contractors
Avoiding these mistakes ensures the finish performs as expected.
9. Expert Advice from Handmade Concreting
From installing honed concrete across Perth for many years, our experience shows:
- Lighter stone blends age best
- Anti-slip sealers are essential around pools
- Preparation and grinding quality matter more than colour choice
- Honed concrete works best when paired with exposed aggregate elsewhere
Good planning delivers the best result.
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 slippery?
No — when sealed with the correct anti-slip system, it performs very well in wet areas.
Is honed concrete suitable for driveways?
Generally no. Exposed aggregate is better suited for vehicle traffic.
How often does honed concrete need resealing?
Every 2–4 years, depending on exposure and use.
Does honed concrete get hot?
Lighter mixes stay noticeably cooler underfoot than darker finishes.
Is honed concrete worth the cost?
Yes, for homeowners prioritising comfort, aesthetics and long-term value.
11. Final Thoughts
Honed concrete is a premium finish that delivers comfort, style and performance when used in the right areas. For Perth homeowners in 2026, it remains the top choice for pool surrounds and alfresco spaces where barefoot comfort matters most.
👉 View our
Honed Concrete Perth projects
👉 Compare
Honed vs Exposed Aggregate finishes
👉 Request a
free on-site quote in Perth
To discuss honed concrete options for your Perth home, speak with Handmade Concreting today.
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