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How to Choose Outdoor Surfaces
From 
Coloured Concrete
This has a bright, modern finish
that’s UV- and weather-resistant.
Pros and Cons The rich, durable
colour retains its appearance even
if chipped or scuffed. Although
it fades over time unless sealed.
Best for Driveways, paths, pool
surrounds and patios.
DIY As with plain concrete, always
start small as it’s heavy work.
Costs about $30 per m2.
Have it Done It takes two men
about two days to lay 50m2, and
costs from $65 per m2 for product
and labour. Plain concrete costs
from about $55 per m2.
Resurfaced Concrete
A solution for revamping old concrete
with a decorative finish.
Pros and cons Slip-resistant, durable
and abrasion-resistant, this has a
similar result to stencilled concrete,
without having to lay a new
slab – although existing concrete
must be in a suitable condition.
Best for Paths, driveways, patios.
DIY Start with small jobs, such as
a short path or small slab for a shed,
as mistakes can be costly and time
consuming to fix. From $10 per m2.
Have it Done It takes two people about
two days to revamp 50m2. Costs from
$40 per m2 for product and labour.
Reconstituted Stone Pavers
An attractive finish made from
crushed natural stone (limestone or
granite) and special oxide blends.
Pros and Cons Durable and come
in a wide range of sizes and finishes.
Light colours are cool underfoot,
making them ideal around pools and
in hot courtyards. Expensive.
Best for Pools and hot courtyards.
DIY From $80 per m2, although costs
can vary greatly.
Have it Done It takes two people
about two days to lay 50m2,
costing from $130 per m2 for
product and labour.
Decorative Gravel
Encompasses everything from crushed
quartz and limestone to river stones.
Pros and Cons Attractive, colourful,
but washes away easily if small stones
are used. Less durable and harder to
keep clean than other surfaces.
Best for Flat surfaces, small garden
paths, decorative fill between pavers.
DIY Easy to lay, although prepare a
compacted layer of roadbase before
adding the gravel. From $70 a tonne
for 10mm-thick cover over 10m2.
Have it Done Takes three people about
a day to lay 50m2, costing from $1500
including excavation, levelling and
compacting (but excluding product)
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