+Why is it so common around Tauranga?
It grips well wet or dry, which matters through a Bay of Plenty winter, and the textured stone hides oil spots, tyre marks and leaf stains far better than plain concrete. It also looks sharp at the front of a house without paying paver or natural stone prices.
+Does it need sealing?
Yes, we seal it once it has cured. Sealing protects the colour, makes it easier to clean, and helps keep the stone from working loose over years of traffic. Reseal roughly every three to five years.
+Can I pick the stone myself?
Yes. We bring samples, from fine golden pea gravel through to larger grey river stone or black basalt, so you can see and feel it before deciding rather than guessing from a photo.
+Is it more expensive than plain concrete?
Yes, the extra labour in washing back the surface and hand detailing the edges costs more. It typically sits above plain concrete and below stamped concrete for a comparable job.
+Does it crack the same as plain concrete?
The slab underneath is built exactly the same, so it moves and cracks the same way any concrete does. Control joints are cut at standard spacing to keep that movement controlled.
+How is it different from a broom finish?
A broom finish drags texture across the top of the concrete itself. Exposed aggregate washes the cream layer off to reveal the actual stone inside the mix, a rougher, more three dimensional look entirely.
+Can it go around a pool?
Yes, it is a popular pool surround choice because of the grip. We use a finer stone blend in bare foot areas so it still feels comfortable underfoot.
+How soon after pouring is it washed back?
Within a fairly narrow window, usually a few hours after pouring once the surface has firmed enough to hold the stone but before it fully sets. We watch it closely on the day rather than working to a fixed clock, since weather shifts the timing.
