Concrete Resurfacing vs. Plain Concrete: What’s Best For Your Home

When faced with the decision between concrete resurfacing vs concrete for enhancing your home’s outdoor areas, understanding the best approach can transform your spaces from the ordinary to the exceptional. With driveways, paths, and patios playing a crucial role in your property’s functionality and overall aesthetics, making the right choice is paramount. Concrete resurfacing emerges as a modern alternative to dealing with aged, cracked, or plain concrete surfaces, allowing you to revitalise your outdoor areas without the need for complete demolition and replacement.

This innovative method revitalises your existing concrete cost-effectively and can be customised to suit your design preferences. Whether you’re contemplating a complete overhaul or seeking ways to enhance the longevity and appearance of your concrete surfaces, understanding the key differences, benefits, and potential savings associated with concrete resurfacing vs concrete replacement is essential. This analysis empowers homeowners to make informed decisions that align with their aesthetic desires, practical needs, and budget constraints.

Understanding the Options

When assessing the state of your property’s driveways, paths, and outdoor areas, you have a choice: maintain the plain concrete appearance, address cracks and age signs through complete removal, or opt for a modern solution like concrete resurfacing.

Plain concrete, while a classic choice, may not offer much beyond functionality. For areas that have shown wear over time, completely removing the old slab and pouring a new one can rectify cracks, but it still leaves you with a blank canvas that lacks character.

This is where concrete resurfacing steps in as an innovative and aesthetically appealing alternative. Resurfacing involves applying a new, thin 3mm layer of covercrete on top of the existing concrete surface, thus revitalising it without extensive demolition. This technique not only masks imperfections but also introduces a realm of design possibilities, allowing for personalisation and enhanced visual appeal. Concrete resurfacing economically transforms your outdoor spaces, avoiding the high costs and environmental impact of replacing old concrete.

Cost Comparison

For those contemplating replacing aged concrete, it’s important to consider the financial implications thoroughly. Removing the existing concrete surface costs approximately $45 to $60 per square metre, and laying down a new slab costs between $60 and $85 per square metre. These figures highlight the significant investment required for complete replacement, not to mention the additional environmental cost of disposal.

In contrast, concrete resurfacing presents a more budget-friendly option at around $50 per square metre. This cost-effectiveness stems from sidestepping the need for demolition and waste disposal, offering a smart solution that revitalises your space without the hefty price tag. By choosing resurfacing, homeowners can achieve a fresh, durable surface that enhances their property’s aesthetics and functionality while conserving their budget and the environment.

Read our article, ‘Driveway Resurfacing vs. Replacement,’ for a more detailed cost comparison.

Longevity and Durability

One of the most compelling reasons to choose concrete resurfacing over plain concrete or even replacement is its added durability. Covercrete doesn’t just cover up old concrete; it provides a protective layer that shields the underlying surface from further wear, environmental damage, and the stresses of daily use. The advanced materials used in the resurfacing process boast heightened resistance to abrasion and cracking. This fortified barrier not only extends the life of your concrete surfaces but can effectively double the surface’s durability when combined with the existing foundation.

With concrete resurfacing, you can rest assured that your investment is safeguarded against the elements and the passage of time, ensuring their outdoor areas remain functional and visually appealing for years—15+ years, in fact! The blend of economic efficiency, aesthetic flexibility, and enhanced durability makes concrete resurfacing an optimal choice for those looking to upgrade their property’s exterior without the drawbacks of traditional concrete replacement.

Aesthetics and Design Flexibility

The primary appeal of concrete resurfacing lies not just in its durability but in the vast aesthetic possibilities it unlocks for your outdoor spaces. While plain concrete offers a robust and functional surface, it significantly limits design potential, often leaving areas looking stark and uninviting. Resurfacing concrete, on the other hand, introduces an exciting spectrum of design customisation. From subtle textures to bold colours and elegant patterns, the options are nearly limitless. This flexibility allows you to tailor your areas to reflect your style or enhance the overall architectural theme of your property.

Imagine transforming a simple patio into a luxurious extension of your living space with a slate impression or upgrading a drab driveway with a cobblestone effect that adds kerb appeal and character. These are just glimpses of what can be achieved with concrete resurfacing. By choosing this option, you’re not just renovating your space but reimagining it, turning ordinary areas into striking features that captivate and charm.

Maintenance and Upkeep

While known for its strength, concrete requires ongoing maintenance to keep it looking its best. Crack repair and periodic sealing are common tasks that must be undertaken to preserve the surface’s integrity and appearance. Over time, these maintenance requirements can become costly and time-consuming, especially in environments exposed to heavy traffic or harsh weather conditions.

Conversely, covercrete is designed for longevity and ease of upkeep. The sealants and coatings applied as part of the resurfacing process offer enhanced protection against wear, staining, and UV damage, significantly reducing the need for frequent repairs. This means not only a more stunning driveway or patio but one that maintains its beauty with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy your rejuvenated spaces without the constant worry of maintenance.

Ideal Use Cases

Understanding the most suitable applications for each concrete solution can guide homeowners towards making choices that align with their needs and preferences. For areas subjected to frequent moisture or high foot traffic, such as pool surrounds, pathways, and entertainment zones, the anti-slip properties of resurfaced concrete present a clear advantage. Not only does it enhance the safety of these areas, but it also opens up creative possibilities to integrate style with functionality seamlessly.

Resurfaced concrete is particularly adept at improving the aesthetics and safety of outdoor living spaces. Its customisable textures and finishes can be tailored to provide optimal slip resistance, making it an ideal choice for families or spaces that regularly entertain guests. Whether creating a stylish slip-resistant pool area or designing an inviting walkway that complements your landscape, resurfaced concrete delivers both performance and elegance.

Comparison Chart: Concrete Resurfacing vs. Plain Concrete

Criteria	Concrete Resurfacing	Plain Concrete
Description	Application of a new, thin 3mm layer of covercrete over existing concrete, revitalising the appearance and adding a layer of protection.	Traditional concrete surfaces without additional coatings or overlays.
Cost	Approximately $50/m², cost-effective due to no need for demolition and waste disposal.	Removing old concrete and laying new costs between $105 to $145 per square meter.
Time Before Use	Quick turnaround, less downtime as no demolition is involved.	Longer downtime due to removal of old concrete and curing of new pour.
Long-Term ROI	High ROI due to increased durability and enhanced aesthetics.	Lower ROI as it does not improve existing concrete beyond basic functionality.
Longevity and Durability	Extends the life of existing concrete by providing a protective layer, resistant to abrasion and environmental damage, lasts 15+ years.	Typically lasts 20-30 years but may require more frequent repairs and maintenance.
Maintenance Frequency	Lower maintenance due to protective coatings that reduce wear, staining, and UV damage.	Regular maintenance needed such as crack repair and periodic sealing.
Aesthetics	Offers a wide range of customisable designs and colors, enhancing visual appeal and property value.	Limited design and color options, usually grey and plain.
Ease of Maintenance	Easier to maintain due to enhanced surface protection, minimal effort required for upkeep.	Higher maintenance required to keep appearance and structure.
Recommended Use	Ideal for areas needing aesthetic improvement and high durability like driveways, patios, and pool surrounds.	Suitable for functional areas where aesthetics are not a priority.

View our Concrete Resurfacing page to learn more about our service.

Conclusion

Choosing concrete resurfacing over plain concrete or complete replacement offers many advantages. It not only facilitates significant cost savings by eliminating the need for extensive demolition and waste removal but also dramatically elevates the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor spaces. Furthermore, the efficiency of the resurfacing process means your projects are completed swiftly, allowing you to enjoy your newly enhanced outdoor areas with minimal delay.

If you’re contemplating upgrading your property’s exterior, now is the perfect time to consider the lasting benefits of concrete resurfacing. Spray Your Concrete is here to guide you through every step, from initial design to project completion, ensuring results that meet and exceed your expectations. Contact us today to explore how we can revitalise your outdoor spaces with our expert resurfacing solutions.