Burnished Concrete Steps Melbourne
Architectural Impact That Lasts a Lifetime
Steps, outdoor kitchen benches and firepits
When it comes to burnished concrete steps, form and function should work together.
Burnished concrete delivers both — offering a sleek, modern look with the strength and durability of structural concrete.
At Made By Mobbs, we design and build burnished concrete features that look like sculptural elements while standing up to everyday wear.
From street-facing entrances to stepped garden zones and outdoor kitchen bench tops that are both considered and long-lasting.
What is the difference between Burnished Concrete and Polished Concrete?
The terms Burnished concrete and polished concrete are often used interchangeably. However, while they both start with concrete, they have very different outcomes and processes.
There is a distinct art to burnishing concrete. Timing is everything as the surface is created by manually trowelling the concrete while it is still curing – take the formwork off too early and the concrete falls out of shape and you have to start again, too late and the concrete is too hard to get a beautiful burnished finish.
“Burnish” comes from an old French word burnir, meaning to polish or shine by rubbing. Burnishing creates a solid, smooth, semi gloss finish without relying on a densifiers or sealers to enhance sheen and durability.
In contrast, polished concrete involves mechanically grinding the surface with finer and finer abrasives after the concrete has cured, often exposing aggregate. Polished concrete often achieves a much higher-gloss level either through the grinding or the addition of high gloss sealers.
Where We Use Burnished Concrete in Landscaping
We often use burnished concrete in steps, steppers or bench tops where clients want clean lines, architectural contrast, or an industrial material palette.
Front Entry Steps – A beautifully formed concrete stair leading to your front door offers a striking first impression — especially when paired with architectural planting and lighting.
Pool or Spa Zones – In poolside areas, burnished concrete performs well underfoot and offers a seamless integration with other hardscape materials like stone or timber.
Split-Level Gardens – Burnished steps are ideal when transitioning between levels in your landscape. Their clean geometry helps unify multi-level zones.
Feature Landscape – Want a sculptural moment in your garden? Benchtops or oversized concrete blocks can double as seating, display space or a hero feature.
Built to Last — Designed to Age Beautifully
Because burnished concrete is integral (not a surface finish), it wears in, not out. Over time, it develops a patina that reflects how the space is used — making it a particularly good choice for clients who love natural materials that tell a story.
Our construction ensures:
High-strength mixes for durability
Reinforcement to manage loads and movement
Immaculate formwork for crisp lines and consistent shape
Thoughtful trowelling for the perfect finish
We also pay attention to slip resistance, ensuring your stairs are safe without compromising the refined aesthetic.
Burnished vs. Other Concrete Finishes
Not sure if burnished concrete is right for you? Here’s how it compares to other popular options:
| Finish | Look | Texture | Maintenance | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burnished | Smooth with natural sheen | Dense & sleek | Low | Modern landscapes, benchtops |
| Exposed Aggregate | Textured & decorative | Pebble-like | Low-medium | Driveways, garden paths |
| Coloured Concrete | Uniform tinted appearance | Variable | Low-medium | Large surface areas, patios |
| Polsihed Concrete | Smooth with visible aggregate | Dense & smooth | Medium | Feature steppers or benchtops |
We’re happy to talk through the pros and cons to help you choose what’s right for your project.
Why Burnished Concrete?
Clients love burnished concrete because:
High-end finish – Clean, modern lines that complement minimalist or architectural homes
It’s hardwearing – Withstands foot traffic and weather without degrading
It needs little upkeep – Just an occasional sweep and rinse
It complements other materials – Works beautifully alongside timber, steel, brick or stone
It’s intentionally imperfect – Each pour is unique, and that’s part of the charm
Why Choose Made By Mobbs?
We’re not just pouring concrete — we’re creating permanent elements that shape how you move through your outdoor space. Our clients value our:
Attention to Detail – From formwork to finish, we ensure every step is seamless.
Experience with Natural Materials – We know how to get the best results with raw finishes.
Collaborative Process – We listen, design, and build with your goals in mind.
All-In-One Service – We manage the project from design through to final pour — no juggling multiple trades.
Whether your project is part of a full landscape overhaul or a standalone feature, we’ll deliver burnished concrete steps that elevate your outdoor living.
Let’s Step Things Up
If you’re looking for a timeless, low-maintenance way to add structure and style to your landscape, burnished concrete stairs are an excellent solution. Let’s talk about how we can integrate them into your space.
Get in touch to arrange a site visit or quote.
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Other Landscaping Services
We build timber and steel pergolas that tie together garden zones, decks, and entertaining areas with both function and style. Painted or oiled, the choice is yours
We build decks we’d be proud to use with our friends and families. We design decks for you and build decks as if they were our own.
Working with a sloping block, building a raised garden bed, or defining multiple levels we’ll construct your retaining walls to become part of the design.