The Best Concrete Finishes for Oregon's Wet Climate

The finish on your concrete does more than set the look — it determines how the surface performs when it's wet, which matters a lot in the Portland area. Here's a rundown of the main finishes and where each shines.

Broom Finish

The classic, most affordable finish: a broom is dragged across the fresh surface to create fine ridges. Those ridges add slip resistance, making it a smart, budget-friendly choice for driveways, walkways, and any surface that gets rain.

Smooth Trowel Finish

A smooth troweled surface looks sleek and modern and is easy to clean, but it can be slick when wet. It's best for covered areas, garage and shop floors, and interior slabs rather than exposed walking surfaces.

Exposed Aggregate

One of the most popular finishes in the Pacific Northwest. Washing away the top cement layer reveals natural stone, creating a textured, grippy, low-maintenance surface with great color — ideal for wet-weather driveways, walkways, and pool decks.

Stamped and Colored

The decorative option: the look of stone, slate, or brick. Beautiful for patios and entries, and with a slip-resistant sealer it works well on walking surfaces even in the rain.

Sealing Ties It Together

Whatever finish you choose, sealing protects it, resists staining, and — with a slip additive — improves wet traction. In our climate, it's worth doing.

Not Sure Which to Pick?

We'll recommend the right finish for how and where you'll use the surface. Contact Oregon Concrete Company for a free consultation.