Looking after exposed aggregate near the beach

The first weeks

New exposed aggregate keeps curing for weeks. Keep heavy vehicles off until your concreter says otherwise, avoid dragging trailers or boat ramps across it, and do not seal it until it has cured. A light white bloom in the first weeks is usually residue that washes off.

Routine cleaning

A rinse with a hose every so often removes salt and sand. For a deeper clean, use a stiff broom with mild detergent, or a pressure washer held at a sensible distance with a wide fan nozzle so it does not loosen stones or strip sealer.

Stains from leaves, rust and oil

Tannins from moonah, gum and tea-tree leaves can stain unsealed aggregate. Rust marks come from metal furniture, trailers and fertiliser. Oil drips from cars and outboard motors. Sealed surfaces resist all of these. Treat spills quickly with an appropriate cleaner and test any chemical on a small area first.

Sealing and resealing

A quality sealer deepens stone colour, makes cleaning easier and slows salt penetration. Penetrating sealers keep a natural look; acrylic coatings give a richer, wet look but wear faster. Most surfaces need resealing every few years. When water stops beading and the colour looks dull, it is time.

Around pools and outdoor showers

Chlorine and salt-water pools splash chemicals onto surrounding concrete. Rinse the area regularly, keep sealer in good condition, and make sure the sealer contains anti-slip grit for safety.

Cracks and repairs

Fine hairline cracks are normal and are best left alone. Wider cracks, chipped edges or loose stones can be repaired, though matching new work to older aggregate is difficult. A concreter can advise whether repair or a deliberate border is the better approach.