Is plain concrete the cheapest finish?
Yes — plain concrete has the lowest cost per square metre of any finish because there is no colour, pattern or decorative sealer to apply.
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Plain Concrete
Grey concrete, poured and finished properly. The lowest-cost surface — and still the right answer for plenty of jobs.
In short
Plain concrete is a single pour finished with a broom, float or trowel and left its natural grey — the lowest cost per square metre of any finish. Sunshine Coast Concrete Services pours plain concrete slabs, driveways and paths across the Sunshine Coast, QLD, and a sound plain slab can be resurfaced decoratively later.
Related: plain concrete shed slabs · how plain compares
Overview
What plain concrete actually is
Plain concrete is a single continuous pour finished with a broom, float or trowel and left in its natural grey. Cost per square metre is the lowest of any finish, and with correct base preparation, reinforcement and joint placement it will outlast most coatings put over it.
It is the standard choice for shed and garage slabs, house slabs, side paths and anywhere the surface is functional rather than on display. It can also be coloured or resurfaced later, so choosing plain now does not lock you out of a decorative finish down the track.
See it on Concrete House SlabsWhat a plain finish gives you
01
Lowest cost per m²
No pigment, pattern or coating — you are paying for concrete and workmanship.
02
Broom, float or trowel
Finish chosen for the use: broom for grip on driveways, trowel for smooth garage floors.
03
Resurface later
A sound plain slab is the ideal base for decorative resurfacing whenever you are ready.
04
Built to last
Base prep, mesh and control joints do the work that a coating cannot.
What is the difference between broom and trowel finishes?
A broom finish is textured for grip and suits driveways and paths outdoors. A trowel finish is smooth and suits garages, sheds and covered areas. A float finish sits in between.
Can plain concrete be made decorative later?
Yes. A sound plain slab can be resurfaced later in a colour and stencil pattern. See concrete resurfacing.
Free quote
Get a price on plain concrete
No obligation, no pressure. Call and you will get a concreter, not a call centre.