The options at a glance
| Finish | Look | Grip when wet | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broom | Plain, textured lines | Good | Low |
| Salt | Small pits, soft texture | Good | Low |
| Exposed aggregate | Pebbles at the surface | Very good | Low to moderate |
| Stamped | Stone, slate, brick, wood | Moderate; add grit | Reseal every 2–3 years |
| Integral color | Tinted throughout | Same as base finish | Low |
| Acid or water-based stain | Mottled, variegated | Depends on sealer | Reseal regularly |
| Overlay or resurfacer | New surface on old slab | Varies | Moderate |
Broom and salt
A broom finish is pulled across a slab as it sets, leaving fine ridges that give grip in the rain. It's the standard for driveways and walks. A salt finish presses rock salt into the surface, then washes it away, leaving small pits; it's a subtle step up for patios and pool decks.
Exposed aggregate
The concrete is mixed with decorative stones, and after placing, the top layer of cement paste is washed or retarded away to reveal them. It's durable, grippy and good at hiding wear and stains, which makes it popular on Houston driveways and walks, including in neighborhoods like Memorial.
Stamped
Texture mats press a pattern into fresh colored concrete. It looks like stone or wood for less than the real thing, but needs sealing and care. See stamped concrete and costs.
Color and stains
Integral color tints the whole mix; stains color the surface of new or existing concrete. In full Houston sun, lighter colors stay cooler than dark ones, which matters around pools and on patios.
Overlays
A thin polymer-modified layer over existing concrete can give it a new texture or pattern, but only works on slabs that are sound and stable. On cracked, heaving slabs, the cracks come back through.
Choosing for Houston
- Pool decks: light colors, textured coatings or salt finish, with grip.
- Driveways: broom or exposed aggregate; stamped borders if you want decoration.
- Shaded patios: textures that resist slickness from algae.
Questions people ask
Which finish stays coolest?
Light colors and textured surfaces in full sun, such as a light salt finish or a cool-deck coating around pools.
Which is most slip-resistant?
Broom and exposed aggregate. Stamped and sealed concrete can be slick when wet unless grit is added to the sealer.
Can you change the finish on my existing patio?
With a stain or an overlay, if the slab is sound. Cracked or heaving slabs are better replaced.
Which finish hides stains best?
Exposed aggregate, with its mix of stone colors and texture, hides oil and dirt better than smooth or plain gray.
Keep reading: Stamped and decorative · Pool decks · Stamped concrete cost