Broom finish concrete work in Vancouver, WA
A broom finish is the classic look for driveways, sidewalks and patios. A broom is pulled across the fresh concrete to leave fine lines that give your shoes and tires grip, even in the rain.
Why it’s the most popular finish
A broom finish costs less than exposed aggregate or stamped concrete, it’s safe to walk and drive on when it’s wet, and it’s easy to repair or add on to later because new sections match the look. That’s why most driveways, sidewalks and garage aprons in Vancouver have one.
Clean lines and smooth edges
A good broom finish has straight, even lines that all run the same way, smooth tooled edges around the border and joints that are cut straight. You can see it in the sidewalk and walkway photos on this page. Those details are what make plain concrete look sharp.
Light broom or heavy broom
A fine broom leaves a light texture that’s easy on bare feet and easy to sweep, which suits patios. A stiffer broom leaves deeper lines with more grip, which suits steep driveways and walkways that stay wet in the shade. The lines run across the way people walk or drive, so the grip works where it’s needed.
Broom finish or smooth
Concrete can also be troweled smooth. A smooth finish is common inside garages and shops, where it’s easy to sweep, but outside it gets slick when it’s wet. That’s why outdoor driveways, walkways and patios in our climate get a broom finish or exposed aggregate instead.
What a broom finish costs
HomeAdvisor lists $8 to $12 per square foot for a broom finish, against $12 to $18 for a stamped driveway. At those rates a 400 square foot driveway comes to roughly $3,200 to $4,800, and a 12 by 16 foot patio to about $1,500 to $2,300.
Recent broom finish work
Questions about broom finish concrete
Is a broom finish slippery?
No. The lines left by the broom give grip, which is why it’s the standard finish for sidewalks and driveways in rainy places like Vancouver.
Can broom finish concrete be colored?
Yes. Color can be mixed into the concrete for a tan, gray or charcoal slab with the same broom texture.
Does a broom finish need to be sealed?
It doesn’t have to be, but a sealer helps keep oil, moss and stains from soaking in. It’s worth it on driveways.
Can you add on to my broom finish driveway?
Yes. The new section gets the same broom texture and is tied into the old slab at a joint. It will look lighter than the old concrete at first and evens out as it weathers.
Does the broom texture wear off?
It slowly gets smoother where tires and feet hit it most, but it keeps its grip for many years. The concrete under it lasts decades.
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