Cream, salt and pepper, or full aggregate?

Often described as a cream finish, a surface polish keeps the visual emphasis on the concrete’s upper surface, with minimal aggregate showing. The result can feel quiet and continuous, while retaining the slab’s tonal variation.

This finish relies on a suitable surface. “Nil” describes the intended appearance, not a promise that every part of any slab can remain free of visible stone. Bring the polisher into the discussion before a new slab is placed if this is your preferred direction.

Random exposure reveals a varied distribution of aggregate. “Salt and pepper” is often used for a finer, lightly exposed appearance, but the term is interpreted differently across projects. Use photographs and an agreed specification to establish what you mean.

Slab Studio’s approximate 1–4 mm grinding range is a guide to this finish. The actual pattern follows the slab: some areas may reveal more stone than others. Our Queenscliff project provides a finished example of random exposure.

Full exposure brings more of the aggregate into view, giving the stone a stronger presence across the floor. The Ocean Grove project shows this approach in a finished interior.

The approximate 4–5 mm range is not a universal cutting depth or a guarantee of identical coverage. The mix, placement and available slab govern the result. On an existing floor, suitability must be assessed before an exposure is promised.

More visible aggregate does not automatically mean more shine. Discuss the level of reflection alongside exposure, lighting and the way the room will be used. A reference image is helpful, but viewing the material in a comparable setting gives the discussion more context.

Ask to see both a wide room view and a close surface detail. A close-up explains the stone; the wider photograph shows how prominent the floor feels alongside joinery, walls and natural light.

These three exposure names describe indoor polished-concrete choices. For external areas, discuss Slab Studio’s Pavilion finish and its suitability separately.

Holcim Geostone compares exposure terminology, while Husqvarna’s specification explains slab-dependent aggregate exposure. Their classifications are background references; the approximate ranges above describe Slab Studio’s offering.