Is Honed Concrete Worth It in 2026? Safety, Heat & Slip-Resistance Explained
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, Honed concrete has surged in popularity across Perth over the past few years — especially for pool surrounds, alfresco areas and modern outdoor living spaces. But with its higher upfront cost, many homeowners still ask the reminder question:
Is honed concrete actually worth it in 2026?
In this guide, we break down the real pros and cons of honed concrete based on safety, heat retention, slip resistance and long-term performance in WA conditions — not marketing hype.
This article is written specifically for
Perth homeowners making a buying decision on
honed concrete services.
Table of Contents
- What Honed Concrete Is (And What It Isn’t)
- Why Perth Homeowners Are Choosing Honed Concrete
- Is Honed Concrete Safe Around Pools?
- Slip Resistance Explained (Without the Confusion)
- Does Honed Concrete Get Hot in Summer?
- How Honed Concrete Compares to Other Finishes
- When Honed Concrete Is Worth the Cost
- When It Might Not Be the Best Choice
- Expert Insight from Handmade Concreting
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Honed Concrete Is (And What It Isn’t)
Honed concrete starts as exposed aggregate but is mechanically ground back to create a smooth, refined surface that still reveals the natural stone beneath. Unlike raw exposed aggregate, the honing process removes surface roughness, making it far more comfortable underfoot.
What honed concrete is:
- Smooth and modern in appearance
- Barefoot-friendly
- Easy to clean
- Durable when sealed correctly
What honed concrete isn’t:
- Slippery when finished properly
- Maintenance-free
- Ideal for heavy vehicle traffic
Understanding this distinction is key to deciding if it’s worth the investment.
2. Why Perth Homeowners Are Choosing Honed Concrete in 2026
In 2026, honed concrete aligns perfectly with how Perth homes are designed and lived in.
Key reasons it’s gaining popularity:
- Seamless indoor–outdoor living designs
- High-end, resort-style aesthetics
- Comfort for barefoot use
- Better performance than tiles or pavers around pools
- Strong resale appeal
It’s particularly popular in modern and coastal homes across Perth’s northern and western suburbs. Owners normally look for a detailed honed concrete buyer's guide before seeking a concreter to supply a honed concrete for there home.
3. Is Honed Concrete Safe Around Pools?
Yes — when installed and sealed correctly, honed concrete is one of the safest finishes for pool surrounds.
Unlike tiles (which can become slippery) or raw exposed aggregate (which can be abrasive), honed concrete strikes a balance between comfort and safety.
Key safety advantages:
- Smooth surface reduces grazes and foot injuries
- Anti-slip additives can be applied to the sealer
- Consistent texture reduces trip hazards
- Performs well in wet conditions
For families with children, honed concrete is often the preferred option.
4. Slip Resistance Explained (Without the Confusion)
A common misconception is that smooth concrete automatically means slippery. In reality, slip resistance comes from the sealer system, not just surface texture.
For honed concrete:
- Anti-slip sealers are standard for wet areas
- Micro-grip additives increase traction
- Correct grinding depth maintains stone exposure
When done correctly, honed concrete meets safety expectations for residential pool surrounds and alfresco areas in Perth.
5. Does Honed Concrete Get Hot in Summer?
Heat retention is a major concern for WA homeowners — and rightly so.
The good news:
- Light-coloured honed concrete mixes stay noticeably cooler than darker finishes
- Stone exposure helps dissipate heat
- It performs better than dark tiles or pavers in full sun
The key is choosing the
right aggregate mix and colour, especially for north-facing areas and pool surrounds.
6. How Honed Concrete Compares to Other Finishes
| Feature | Honed Concrete | Exposed Aggregate | Pavers / Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barefoot Compfort | Excellent | Poor - Moderate | Moderate |
| Slip Resistance | High (with sealer) | Naturally high | Variable |
| Heat Performance | Good (light mixes) | Moderate | Poor (dark tiles) |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low | High |
| Best Areas | Pools, alfrescos | Driveways, paths | Feature Zones |
Most Perth homes use a combination of finishes rather than one throughout.
7. When Honed Concrete Is Worth the Cost
Honed concrete is worth the investment if:
- You want a premium, modern finish
- The area will be used barefoot
- Safety around water is important
- You value long-term appearance
- You want a seamless outdoor living space
It delivers the best value in pool surrounds, alfresco areas and entertaining zones.
8. When Honed Concrete Might Not Be the Best Choice
Honed concrete may not be ideal if:
- The area will receive heavy vehicle traffic
- Budget is the primary driver
- Minimal maintenance is a priority
- The space is purely functional rather than visual
In these cases, exposed aggregate or standard concrete may be more appropriate. If a honed finish wont be a good fit for your WA home, take a look at the Exposed Aggregate Perth: Pros, Cons & Best Uses for 2026.
9. Expert Insight from Handmade Concreting
From installing honed concrete across Perth, our experience shows:
- Light stone blends perform best long-term
- Anti-slip sealing is essential near pools
- Poor preparation causes most failures
- Honed concrete performs best when paired with exposed aggregate elsewhere
Choosing the right finish for the right area is what delivers the best outcome.
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 when wet?
No — when sealed with an anti-slip system, it performs very well in wet conditions.
Is honed concrete suitable for driveways?
Generally no. Exposed aggregate is better suited to vehicle traffic.
How often does honed concrete need resealing?
Every 2–4 years, depending on sun exposure and use.
Does honed concrete crack easily?
Yes cracking can occur but with a good base, correct installtion and control joins this can prevent cracking
Is honed concrete worth it in 2026?
Yes, for the right applications — especially pool surrounds and alfresco areas.
11. Final Verdict: Is Honed Concrete Worth It?
For Perth homeowners in 2026, honed concrete is absolutely worth it when used in the right areas. It offers superior comfort, modern aesthetics and strong performance in WA conditions — particularly around pools and outdoor living spaces.
👉 If you’re considering honed concrete for your Perth home, speak with Handmade Concreting for expert advice and an on-site assessment.
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