This article breaks down the five most popular concrete finishes for Wellington patios—highlighting their style, safety, and long-term performance to help homeowners choose the best fit for their outdoor space.
In a place like Wellington, where the weather can turn in a minute and outdoor living is part of the lifestyle, choosing the right patio finish matters. Whether you're building from scratch or upgrading a tired slab, the finish you choose affects how your patio looks, feels, holds up overtime—and how easy it is to live with. Some homeowners want bold visual style. Others care more about safety in the rain or ease of cleaning. The good news? Concrete gives you choices that cover all those needs.
Let’s walk through the five most popular finishes Wellington homeowners are asking for and why each one earns its spot on this list.
This finish gives a raw, earthy look that suits Wellington’s natural surroundings. Instead of a flat, smooth surface, you see the small stones and gravel mixed into the concrete. That texture isn’t just for looks—it makes the surface safer when wet.
Exposed aggregate patios don’t feel slippery underfoot, even after rain. That’s a huge plus in a city where sudden showers are just part of the deal. It’s also a low-maintenance option. A quick rinse with a hose or a once-a-year pressure wash is usually all it takes to keep it looking sharp.
The catch? It’s not a DIY-friendly finish. Getting the right exposure level during installation takes skill, and if done poorly, it can look patchy or feel too rough. But when it’s done right, it has a natural, high-end look without being overly flashy.
Stamped concrete has become one of the go-to choices for homeowners who want their patio to stand out without blowing out the budget. It’s poured like regular concrete, but before it dries, it’s pressed with patterned molds. These molds can create the look of brick, cobblestone, timber planks, or slate—right down to the texture.
The result is a patio that mimics more expensive materials while keeping the strength and convenience of concrete. If you’ve ever seen a “stone” patio that turned out to be stamped concrete, you probably wouldn’t have known unless someone told you.
Stamped concrete isn’t just for looks. It’s a solid, durable surface. But it does need sealing to stay in top condition. Over time, UV rays and water can fade the color or wear down the top layer. A reseal every couple of years helps preserve the color and texture. If you want something eye-catching that still feels modern and smooth underfoot, this is a top choice.
Broom-finished patios don’t grab headlines, but they quietly do their job better than most. It’s one of the oldest techniques out there. After the concrete is poured and partly set, a broom is pulled across the surface to create fine lines. These lines give the surface grip, especially helpful on sloped patios or areas near water.
While it might sound plain, this finish has earned its popularity through practicality. It’s budget-friendly, quick to install, and built for function. In Wellington’s wet months, a broom-finished patio can offer the peace of mind that comes from not having to tiptoe across slick concrete in your socks.
It doesn’t have the decorative flair of other options, but that can be a strength in the right setting. For modern homes that lean toward clean lines and minimalism, a simple brushed surface can look just right. And if you want to add a little personality, you can always edge the patio with a contrasting border or apply a soft stain to change the tone.
Trowel-finished concrete delivers a smooth, polished look that works beautifully for patios with a modern feel. After pouring, the concrete is smoothed over with steel or magnesium trowels, creating a flat surface with light variation and character.
It’s popular with homeowners who want a seamless space that blends into interior flooring or flows naturally from indoors to outdoors. It looks clean. It reflects light. It feels refined underfoot. And it’s surprisingly versatile.
The main concern with trowel-finished concrete is slipperiness. Without added texture or anti-slip coatings, it can feel too slick after rain. But that’s not a dealbreaker—especially with today’s sealers that add grip without changing the look.
If you're pairing your patio with outdoor lighting or installing anything flush with the concrete—like ground lights or heaters—this finish helps everything sit neat and level. It’s a smart fit for Wellington homeowners chasing a more architectural feel.
When homeowners want their patios to stand out in more subtle ways, colour is often the first change they consider. Coloured concrete isn’t just painted over—it’s tinted throughout the mix, so the colour runs deep. This means even with wear, chips, or scratches, the tone stays consistent.
Whether it’s a soft charcoal that hides dirt or a warmer tone to match brickwork, colour adds personality. It also saves you from having to lay tiles or overlays. Wellington homes with existing landscaping or exterior colours benefit most here—it’s easy to match or contrast with surroundings.
Some people go further and use acid stains or water-based dyes after the concrete has set. These create swirled, mottled, or multi-tone effects that can mimic natural stone or give a unique marbled surface.
Coloured concrete still needs maintenance. UV exposure can cause fading over time, especially with lighter tones. And it should be sealed to help protect both colour and surface. But overall, it’s a strong middle ground between decorative and durable.
In Wellington, weather is a big part of why these finishes lead the pack. Each one responds differently to water, temperature swings, and wear. But there’s another factor that often gets overlooked—how these finishes hold up to everyday use.
You want a patio that’s not only safe and attractive but also forgiving. Something that hides the dirt when life gets busy. A surface that won’t scratch up every time you drag a chair or shift a planter box. Andone that doesn’t demand a full weekend to clean.
These five options all bring a mix of good looks, practicality, and resilience. Whether you lean toward the understated utility of a broom finish or the bold design of stamped concrete, you’re working with options that have been tested and proven in real Wellington backyards.
Before you make a final choice, there are a few things worth considering that go beyond looks.
First, think about drainage. Some finishes—like trowel or polished concrete—aren’t as forgiving with pooled water. If your patio doesn’t slope well or lacks drainage, you might regret going with the smoother option.
Second, factor in your outdoor lighting. If you’re planning to install low-profile lights or power outlets around your patio, the finish matters. Rougher textures may require special installation methods or planning ahead to embed conduit. Trowel and stamped finishes pair better with flush lighting features since the surface is level.
Third, match your home’s style. Some concrete finishes naturally blend into contemporary builds. Others lean rustic, coastal, or heritage. Try to imagine how it’ll look from your living room window or how it will reflect light in the late afternoon. The best patio finish should feel like an extension of your home—not just an afterthought.
Wellington’s climate isn’t just wet—it’s windy, salty, and often unpredictable. That makes long-term performance a big part of your patio decision. Smooth or polished finishes, while sleek, can show signs of wear faster if debris is constantly blowing across the surface. In coastal zones, salt in the air can erode unsealed or poorly maintained finishes over time.
Textured options like broom or exposed aggregate tend to age better in these conditions. Their surfaces handle small scratches or marks without it being obvious. Plus, they offer natural grip even when leaves or grit are underfoot.
If your patio gets full sun, lighter colours and UV-stable sealers are worth the investment to prevent fading. For shaded or damp areas, steer clear of overly smooth finishes that hold water—moss and mildew build-up can sneak in fast if not cleaned regularly.
Every Wellington patio has its own personality. Some are busy, high-traffic zones full of kids, dogs, and weekend BBQs. Others are tucked-away spots for quiet coffee or evening wine. What works for one may not work for the other.
If you want something sturdy and simple, broom finish gets the job done without fuss. If safety matters and you love texture, exposed aggregate gives you grip with a natural edge. Want a big visual impact? Go for stamped or coloured concrete. After that smooth, polished vibe? Trowel finishes will give your patio a clean, architectural look.
It all comes down to what you value—design, budget, maintenance, or all of the above.
And if you're working on outdoor electrical upgrades alongside your patio? That’s the perfect time to think about finish choice too. Some materials are easier to drill, shape, or wire during the build phase. Making those decisions early can save a lot of patching and adjusting later.
