Choosing a concrete finish involves more than deciding how the surface should look.
A broom-finished driveway, smooth garage floor, exposed-aggregate walkway, and stamped patio can all begin with cast-in-place concrete. Yet each surface has different implications for traction, cleaning, appearance, maintenance, and future repairs.
For a homeowner, the most useful question is not simply, “Which concrete finish looks best?”
It is “Which finish suits this location, its exposure to water and wear, and the maintenance I am willing to perform?”
A practical selection process considers five things:
Use: Is the surface a driveway, patio, walkway, garage, or interior floor?
Exposure: Will it frequently be wet, dirty, exposed to deicing chemicals, or used barefoot?
Texture: What surface feel and traction characteristics are appropriate?
Appearance: Do you prefer plain concrete, visible aggregate, decorative patterns, or color?
Maintenance: How important are stain resistance, easy cleaning, and the ability to match future repairs?
This guide compares the main residential concrete finishes and explains how to choose between them. It focuses on finish selection rather than teaching the time-sensitive process of placing and finishing fresh concrete.
Concrete Finishes Compared
| Finish | Appearance | Typical applications | Main advantage | Important trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broom | Fine linear texture | Driveways, sidewalks, patios | Practical exterior texture | Grooves can retain dirt |
| Smooth or steel-troweled | Dense, relatively smooth | Interior floors, garages, workshops | Easier sweeping and cleaning | Can become slippery when wet |
| Exposed aggregate | Visible decorative stone | Patios, walkways, driveways | Natural-looking texture and variation | Roughness and cleaning needs vary |
| Stamped | Imprinted stone, brick, slate, or other pattern | Decorative patios, entries, walks | Strong decorative character | Appearance, sealing, and repairs can require extra care |
| Swirl or textured float | Repeated arcs or other tool-created texture | Patios, walks, utility areas | Alternative to straight broom lines | Appearance and texture depend on workmanship |
| Polished | Mechanically refined, often reflective | Interior exposed floors | Refined appearance and routine indoor cleaning | Requires a dedicated flooring process |
| Colored concrete | Color combined with another finish | Patios, decorative slabs, interiors | Broader design choices | Color matching and consistency require planning |
These are not mutually exclusive categories.
A patio can be integrally colored, stamped, and sealed. An exposed-aggregate surface can also receive a compatible protective treatment.
The important distinction is that texture, color, decorative pattern, and surface protection are separate design choices.
Finish, Color, Polishing, and Sealing: What Is the Difference?
Contractor proposals sometimes use the word finish broadly. For comparison, it helps to distinguish the work being specified.
Surface finish refers to the concrete's physical surface texture. Examples include broom finishing, steel troweling, exposed aggregate, and stamped texture.
Color treatment changes the visual color. Integral pigments, stains, and color hardeners can produce different results, but color alone does not tell you whether a surface is smooth or textured.
Polishing mechanically grinds and refines hardened concrete. It is different from steel-troweling fresh concrete.
Sealer is a treatment intended to provide a defined protective or visual effect, such as water repellency, stain resistance, color enhancement, or sheen.
Coating generally creates a more distinct surface film and can have different preparation, application, and maintenance requirements from a penetrating treatment.
When reviewing a quote, ask the contractor to specify each relevant component instead of accepting an undefined description such as “decorative finish.”
Broom-Finished Concrete
Broom finishing is a common, practical choice for exterior residential flatwork.
A broom or suitable texturing tool is used at the appropriate stage of finishing to create shallow, visible lines across the surface.
Broom finishes are frequently used for:
Driveways
Sidewalks
Patios
Outdoor steps and approaches
General exterior walking areas
Why Broom Finishes Work Well Outdoors
The intentional texture provides useful surface friction compared with a dense, smooth steel-troweled finish.
NRMCA recommends textured finishes for typical exterior flatwork because those surfaces must be usable under wet conditions.
Broom texture does not make concrete slip-proof. Actual traction still depends on water, contaminants, slope, wear, footwear, and the condition of the concrete.
For many ordinary residential driveways and walks, however, broom finishing is a sensible starting point.
Fine vs. Coarse Broom Texture
Not every broom finish looks or feels the same.
A fine broom texture can create a relatively restrained appearance and may feel more comfortable on a patio used barefoot.
A stronger texture creates more pronounced grooves, which can also hold more debris and feel rougher underfoot.
The choice should reflect the location.
For example, the desired texture on a steep exterior approach may differ from that of a covered seating area.
Ask to see a completed example rather than relying only on the phrase “broom finish.”
Broom Direction and Appearance
The direction, consistency, and spacing of broom lines affect the finished appearance.
On a large slab, changes in direction or irregular texture can become noticeable.
Discuss the desired orientation and general appearance before concrete placement. The contractor should coordinate the finish with joints, slab geometry, and the intended use.
Smooth and Steel-Troweled Concrete
A steel-troweled finish creates a comparatively dense, smooth surface. Successive finishing passes can refine its appearance.
This approach is commonly used for interior slabs, including:
Garages
Workshops
Utility rooms
Interior exposed-concrete floors
Floors receiving suitable subsequent finishes
Smooth concrete can be easier to sweep or mop than a heavily textured surface.
Its main limitation is traction under certain conditions.
Is Smooth Concrete Slippery?
A dense steel-troweled surface can become slippery when wet.
This is why a smooth interior finish should not automatically be specified for an exterior walkway or patio.
The same concern can apply inside garages where water, snowmelt, automotive fluids, or other contaminants may be present.
The finished surface must suit its actual exposure, even when that exposure occurs indoors.
Smooth Does Not Mean Polished
The terms smooth, troweled, burnished, and polished should not be treated as interchangeable specifications.
Steel troweling is part of finishing fresh concrete. Polishing is a separate mechanical process carried out after hardening.
A polished floor may require a particular level of aggregate exposure, refinement, reflectivity, and surface treatment.
If polishing is the intended result, the project should be specified and planned as a polished-concrete flooring system from the beginning.
Hard Troweling and Air Content
The concrete mixture must be compatible with the proposed finish.
ACI SPEC-301-20 limits the total air content of hard-troweled interior concrete floors to 3 percent within the scope of that reference specification.
ACI's floor-construction guidance explains that air contents above this level can make finishing more difficult and increase the risk of surface blistering and peeling.
This is not a universal rule for all concrete surfaces.
Air entrainment is desirable for many exterior concretes exposed to freezing and thawing. The risk arises when a mixture's air characteristics and a dense hard-troweled finish are not compatible.
For an interior floor requiring a hard-troweled surface, ask the contractor and ready-mix supplier how the mixture and specified finish have been coordinated.
Exposed-Aggregate Concrete
An exposed-aggregate finish reveals coarse aggregate near the surface of the concrete.
The appearance depends on:
Aggregate size
Stone color and shape
Mixture design
Depth of exposure
Finishing technique
Surface treatment
The result can be subtle or strongly decorative.
Where Exposed Aggregate Makes Sense
Exposed aggregate is often considered for:
Patios
Walkways
Driveways
Entries
Decorative borders
It can provide natural-looking variation without relying on an imprinted pattern.
The surface may also offer useful texture, but the traction characteristics depend on the aggregate and exposure level.
Texture and Barefoot Comfort
Exposed aggregate is not one uniform finish.
A lightly exposed surface can feel very different from one with large, prominently exposed stones.
For patios and pool-adjacent areas, inspect a physical sample or completed project.
Consider whether the texture is comfortable for bare feet and appropriate for the expected walking conditions.
Maintenance and Repair
The spaces around exposed aggregate can retain dirt and organic material.
Cleaning should preserve the surface rather than remove cement paste or loosen aggregate through unnecessarily aggressive methods.
A future patch can also be difficult to match. The contractor may need to reproduce the original aggregate, exposure level, color, and surface treatment.
That is worth considering if utility work or alterations may occur later.
Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete receives an imprinted pattern or texture while the surface is workable.
It can be designed to resemble:
Slate
Natural stone
Brick
Tile
Wood planks
Other decorative patterns
Color is often combined with stamping to strengthen the visual effect.
Why Homeowners Choose Stamped Concrete
Stamped concrete allows a continuous cast-in-place slab to have a patterned appearance.
It can be attractive for patios, entries, walkways, and other appearance-sensitive areas.
Its main appeal is design flexibility rather than a universal performance advantage over simpler finishes.
Stamped Concrete Still Needs Joints
Stamping does not change the underlying behavior of the slab.
The concrete still needs appropriate:
Soil and base support
Drainage
Joint planning
Concrete selection
Placement
Curing
A decorative pattern cannot replace contraction or isolation joints where those are required by the slab design.
The contractor should coordinate joints with the pattern before placement, not decide later that visible joints would interrupt the design.
Texture and Wet Traction
Stamped surfaces vary widely.
A deeply textured stone pattern behaves differently from a relatively smooth pattern. The selected sealer can further change surface characteristics.
Consider the combined effects of:
Pattern
Texture depth
Sealer
Wet exposure
Slope
Contamination
Wear
Do not assume stamped concrete is always slippery or always suitable for wet walking areas.
Maintenance and Visual Expectations
Stamped concrete often involves appearance-sensitive elements such as coloring, antiquing effects, and sealers.
These may require additional care to retain the desired appearance.
The finished surface can also show natural differences in:
Color
Stamping depth
Texture
Sheen
A representative mock-up or completed project helps establish expectations.
The companion guide Stamped Concrete Pros and Cons will examine durability, cost, repairs, and other trade-offs in greater detail.
Polished Concrete
Polished concrete is generally an interior flooring system.
It uses mechanical grinding and polishing of hardened concrete to achieve a specified appearance.
Depending on the system, the floor may have:
A relatively matte appearance
A satin finish
Higher reflectivity
Different degrees of aggregate exposure
Polishing Needs to Be Planned Early
The quality of a future polished floor can be affected by decisions made when the slab was constructed.
These include:
Concrete selection
Placement
Flatness
Initial finishing
Curing
Protection during construction
Joint treatment
Polishing cannot automatically correct every defect in an existing slab.
For an appearance-sensitive project, ask the contractor to define the intended aggregate exposure, refinement, gloss or reflectivity, and acceptance criteria.
ACI SPEC-310.1-20 provides a reference specification for polished concrete slab finishes that can be incorporated into project documents.
Is Polished Concrete Suitable Outdoors?
Polished concrete is primarily associated with interior flooring.
Exterior pavement requires particular attention to rain, contaminants, weather, and traction.
Do not specify an exterior polished-looking surface merely for its reflectivity without confirming that the complete finish system suits the application.
Swirl and Other Textured Finishes
A swirl finish produces repeated arcs or curved tooling marks.
Other available treatments include textured float finishes, rollers, stencils, and specialized decorative tooling.
These can provide a visual alternative to straight broom lines.
Their suitability still depends on:
Exterior or interior use
Texture
Wet traction
Maintenance
Appearance expectations
Installer experience
For specialty treatments, a representative sample is particularly useful because the result depends heavily on workmanship.
Colored Concrete
Concrete color and surface texture can be combined in many ways.
Examples include:
Integrally colored broom-finished concrete
Colored and stamped concrete
Stained interior concrete
Exposed aggregate with a selected color system
The proposal should define both the color method and the finish.
Integral Color
Integral pigments are added to the concrete mixture, coloring the cement paste throughout the concrete rather than only applying a decorative stain at the surface.
This does not guarantee a perfectly uniform color.
Appearance can still vary with mixture consistency, placement, finishing, curing, and moisture.
Color Hardeners
Dry-shake color hardeners are specialized materials applied to the surface of fresh concrete as part of a decorative finishing system.
They are distinct from integral pigments and require an appropriate concrete mixture and installation procedure.
Stained Concrete
Stains are commonly applied to hardened concrete.
Depending on the product and substrate, they can create translucent, variegated, or more uniform effects.
Stain should not automatically be confused with paint, integral color, or sealer.
Color Matching and Future Repairs
Existing decorative concrete changes through sunlight, moisture, traffic, dirt, and wear.
A new patch may be difficult to match even when the original color formula is known.
Highly decorative surfaces can require matching not only color but also texture, pattern, aggregate exposure, and sheen.
Which Concrete Finish Has the Best Traction?
There is no universal winner for every location.
Surface friction can change with:
Microtexture and macrotexture
Water
Dirt, oil, or biological growth
Slope
Footwear and use
Coatings or sealers
Wear over time
ACI identifies both microtexture and macrotexture as contributors to pavement skid resistance.
That means the name of the finish alone cannot establish how safe a surface will be in service.
For Exterior Walkways and Driveways
Broom or another purpose-selected textured finish is generally a practical starting point.
For Pool-Adjacent Areas
Consider both wet traction and barefoot comfort. A heavily textured surface may feel uncomfortable, while a smooth decorative coating may create concerns under wet conditions.
For Interior Floors
Cleaning, anticipated spills, footwear, and the intended floor treatment affect the choice.
A smooth surface that works in a dry living space may not be ideal for a frequently wet entry or utility area.
For accessibility-sensitive installations, follow applicable project and accessibility requirements rather than relying on an unsupported universal slip-resistance number.
How Finish Choice Changes Cost and Project Complexity
The selected finish can affect a contractor's price even when the slab area stays the same.
| Finish | Cost and construction considerations |
|---|---|
| Broom | Generally a straightforward exterior finishing option |
| Smooth/troweled | Requires appropriate finishing timing and mixture compatibility |
| Exposed aggregate | Adds aggregate-selection and exposure-control considerations |
| Stamped | Requires specialized patterning, often coloring, and careful timing |
| Swirl or custom texture | Depends on the pattern and labor required |
| Polished | Adds a separate hardened-concrete flooring process |
| Colored | Adds material, consistency, sample, and appearance-control requirements |
These are relative scope differences, not national price rankings.
An elaborate broom-finished project can cost more overall than a simple decorative surface if excavation, drainage, site access, or slab design is substantially different.
Compare contractor quotes only after the underlying slab and surface-treatment scopes are clear.
Finishing Quality Matters More Than Appearance on Pour Day
A surface can look acceptable immediately after finishing and still have durability problems later.
NRMCA warns that final finishing while bleed water remains on the surface can contribute to defects including:
Dusting
Scaling
Crazing
Blistering
Delamination
Initial screeding and bull floating are earlier operations. Subsequent finishing should be timed according to the concrete's bleeding and setting behavior.
The contractor should not sprinkle additional water or dry cement on the surface simply to make finishing easier. Such practices can weaken the surface layer and contribute to dusting or scaling.
These are contractor-execution considerations, but they are useful questions for a homeowner because the final finish depends on proper timing.
Curing Must Be Compatible With the Finish
Finishing and curing are separate operations.
Once the appropriate finishing work is complete, concrete still needs curing conditions that support hydration and durability.
Curing can influence:
Surface strength
Abrasion resistance
Cracking behavior
Appearance
Color uniformity
Decorative finishes can be particularly sensitive to curing methods and subsequent treatments.
Before placement, confirm that the proposed curing method is compatible with any planned color treatment, sealer, coating, adhesive, or polished-concrete system.
A curing compound and a long-term sealer are not automatically the same product, even though some products perform overlapping functions.
Should Concrete Be Sealed?
Sealing is not mandatory for every concrete finish.
It should be selected for a specific purpose.
Depending on the product and exposure, possible benefits include:
Reduced absorption
Resistance to certain stains
Water repellency
Protection of decorative appearance
Color enhancement
A particular sheen
A basic exterior broom finish, stamped patio, and polished interior floor do not automatically need the same treatment.
Sealer Can Change Traction
Some film-forming sealers can change the surface characteristics, particularly when applied heavily.
Evaluate the selected product in combination with the concrete texture, slope, and expected wet conditions.
A glossy finish should not be chosen solely for its appearance on a patio, pool deck, or frequently wet walkway.
There Is No Universal Resealing Interval
How long a surface treatment lasts depends on product type, weather, traffic, sunlight, abrasion, cleaning, and application quality.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions and evaluate the actual condition rather than assuming all concrete needs resealing every two or three years.
The companion guide Concrete Sealers: Types, Uses, and Selection addresses sealer selection in greater depth.
Maintenance Requirements by Concrete Finish
Maintenance varies with surface texture and decorative treatment.
| Finish | Routine care | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Broom | Sweeping and appropriate washing | Dirt in grooves, wear, stains |
| Smooth/troweled | Sweeping or mopping as appropriate | Scratches, contamination, loss of traction when wet |
| Exposed aggregate | Debris removal and suitable cleaning | Dirt around aggregate, aggressive-cleaning damage |
| Stamped | Cleaning and inspection of decorative treatments | Sealer wear, color changes, difficult repair matching |
| Polished | Product-compatible interior floor maintenance | Wear patterns, unsuitable cleaners, surface-treatment compatibility |
| Colored or stained | Cleaning appropriate to the color system | Fading or appearance changes, patch mismatch |
No finish is maintenance-free.
The detailed procedures for cleaning, stain removal, and surface care belong to the separate Concrete Cleaning and Maintenance guide.
Choosing a Finish by Project Type
Concrete Driveways
A broom finish is a practical starting point for many residential driveways.
Exposed aggregate and decorative finishes may also work when designed for vehicle use and local exposure.
Prioritize traction, durability, drainage, and manageable maintenance before decorative appearance.
Concrete Patios
For a patio, the main decision often balances appearance with comfort and maintenance.
Broom finish offers a relatively straightforward surface. Exposed aggregate creates natural variation. Stamped concrete adds pattern and can require more appearance-related care.
If the patio is regularly used barefoot, evaluate the actual texture.
Walkways and Entries
Wet traction and transitions between surfaces are particularly important.
A purpose-selected textured finish is generally preferable to assuming that a very smooth, dense surface will work well outdoors.
Garage Floors
A smooth interior finish is common, but consider wet tires, vehicle fluids, future coatings, and cleaning.
If a coating is planned, confirm the required concrete finish and surface preparation with the coating-system supplier.
Interior Exposed Floors
Interior spaces can use troweled, polished, stained, or other decorative concrete systems.
The choice should account for reflectivity, cleaning, flatness, appearance variation, and future maintenance.
Pool-Adjacent Concrete
Use a finish suited to frequent wet exposure and barefoot traffic.
Evaluate texture, comfort, traction, cleaning requirements, and any planned sealer together.
A Realistic Concrete Finish Decision
Consider three possible finishes for the same backyard patio.
Option A: Fine broom finish
This is a strong candidate when straightforward appearance, practical texture, and manageable maintenance are priorities.
Option B: Exposed aggregate
This may fit when visible stone and surface variation are more important, provided the aggregate texture is comfortable for the intended use.
Option C: Stamped and colored concrete
This may fit when decorative pattern is a major design goal and the homeowner accepts additional consideration for sealers, appearance variation, and future repair matching.
None of these choices establishes which patio will last longest.
Durability also depends on concrete mixture, support, drainage, joints, finishing, and curing.
Questions to Ask Your Concrete Contractor
Before selecting the finish, confirm the following.
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Which finish is appropriate for this location? | Establishes the intended use and exposure |
| How will the surface perform when wet? | Addresses traction and walking conditions |
| Can I see a completed example? | Shows actual texture and appearance |
| How will the concrete be colored? | Distinguishes integral color, hardener, stain, and other treatments |
| What aggregate exposure or stamp pattern is specified? | Prevents unclear decorative expectations |
| How will joints be coordinated with the finish? | Keeps appearance aligned with slab movement requirements |
| Is the concrete mixture suitable for this finish? | Helps avoid incompatible finishing and air-content conditions |
| What curing method will be used? | Addresses durability and finish compatibility |
| Is sealer included, and why? | Separates optional protection from the finish itself |
| How will the sealer affect appearance and traction? | Prevents unintended gloss or wet-surface behavior |
| What cleaning and maintenance are expected? | Clarifies long-term responsibility |
| How will future repairs look? | Establishes realistic matching expectations |
For an appearance-sensitive decorative project, agree on a representative sample, mock-up, or clearly documented acceptance criteria before work begins.
Concrete Finish Selection Checklist
The location and intended use are defined.
Wet conditions, contamination, and traction have been considered.
Barefoot use is considered where relevant.
The physical texture is specified separately from color.
The intended decorative pattern is identified.
The concrete mixture is compatible with the finishing method.
Hard-troweled interior floors have appropriate air-content requirements.
Joints are coordinated with the decorative layout.
Curing materials are compatible with subsequent treatments.
Any sealer has a clear purpose.
Wet-surface behavior is considered after sealing.
Maintenance requirements are acceptable.
Future repair-matching limitations are understood.
Appearance-sensitive work has a representative sample or documented expectations.
Common Concrete Finish Selection Mistakes
Choosing a Finish Only From a Photograph
A picture does not show how a surface feels underfoot, behaves when wet, or collects dirt.
Assuming All Broom Finishes Look the Same
Broom texture varies with tooling and workmanship. Specify the intended appearance.
Treating Smooth and Polished Concrete as the Same System
Fresh-concrete troweling and hardened-concrete mechanical polishing are different operations.
Ignoring Mixture Compatibility
A dense hard-troweled interior finish can have an elevated defect risk when the concrete has excessive air.
Letting the Decorative Pattern Dictate Joint Requirements
Stamped patterns and surface grooves do not eliminate necessary slab joints.
Assuming a Finish Is Automatically Slip-Resistant
Traction depends on surface texture, moisture, contaminants, coatings, and wear.
Selecting a Sealer Only for Gloss
The coating can affect wet traction, maintenance, appearance, and future repairs.
Expecting Perfectly Uniform Decorative Concrete
Cast-in-place concrete can show natural variation. Samples and acceptance criteria help manage expectations.
Finishing Before Bleeding Has Stopped
Premature final finishing can trap moisture and weaken the surface.
Treating Curing as Optional
A good-looking finish still needs appropriate curing to achieve the intended concrete performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Concrete Finish for a Driveway?
A broom finish is a practical starting point for many residential driveways because it provides intentional exterior texture and relatively straightforward maintenance. Exposed aggregate and selected decorative finishes can also work when the complete slab system is appropriate.
Is Broom-Finished Concrete Better Than Smooth Concrete?
For many exposed exterior walks and driveways, broom texture is the more practical choice because wet traction matters. Smooth steel-troweled concrete is more commonly used for interior floors.
The companion article Broom Finish vs. Smooth Concrete will examine this comparison in detail.
Is Exposed-Aggregate Concrete Good for a Patio?
It can be. It offers a distinctive appearance and textured surface. Evaluate aggregate exposure, barefoot comfort, cleaning, and any sealer before choosing it.
Is Stamped Concrete Slippery?
It can be, depending on texture, sealer, water, slope, contamination, and wear. The word stamped alone does not establish wet traction.
Is Polished Concrete the Same as a Smooth Garage Floor?
No. A smooth garage floor is usually finished while concrete is fresh. Polished concrete is mechanically processed after hardening and follows a different specification and maintenance approach.
Can Concrete Be Colored and Broom Finished?
Yes. Integral color and broom texture can be combined. Color and texture should be identified separately in the project scope.
Does Every Decorative Concrete Surface Need Sealer?
Not automatically. The decision depends on the decorative system, exposure, appearance goals, and product requirements. Some systems rely on compatible sealers, while other finishes may not need one.
Which Finish Is Easiest to Maintain?
Simple finishes often have fewer appearance-sensitive maintenance requirements than elaborate decorative systems. Actual cleaning difficulty still depends on texture, staining, exposure, and any surface treatment.
Can a Decorative Concrete Patch Match the Original?
Sometimes it can be made less noticeable, but a perfect match cannot be guaranteed. Color, aggregate, pattern, texture, weathering, and sealer condition can all affect the result.
Final Concrete Finish Decision Guide
Start with the intended use, not the decorative sample.
For many exterior driveways and walkways, broom or another appropriate textured finish is a practical choice.
For a patio, compare broom, exposed aggregate, and decorative finishes according to appearance, barefoot comfort, wet traction, cleaning, and repair expectations.
For garages and interior spaces, consider smooth troweling, polishing, coatings, and color treatments in relation to moisture, contamination, and future use.
Then confirm that the finish is compatible with the concrete mixture, joint layout, curing method, and any proposed sealer.
The most suitable concrete finish is the one that still works for the project after the surface becomes wet, dirty, worn, and eventually needs maintenance or repair.
Technical References
Concrete finishing operations, exterior texturing, bleed-water timing, and prevention of finishing-related surface defects were reviewed against the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association's CIP 14 — Finishing Concrete Flatwork.
Decorative concrete, coloring, stamping, exposed aggregate, curing, protection, and surface treatments were reviewed against the American Concrete Institute's ACI/ASCC PRC-310-25 — Decorative Concrete—Guide.
Air-content requirements and hard-troweled interior-floor risks were checked against the American Concrete Institute's technical FAQ on air content in floor concrete.
Additional references consulted include ACI PRC-302.1-15, ACI SPEC-301-20, ACI SPEC-310.1-20, and ACI's technical guidance on surface texture and pavement skid resistance.
ACI specifications are reference documents applied as appropriate through project specifications. Actual project requirements depend on the applicable documents, concrete system, exposure, and intended use.
Technical review: October 9, 2026.