Hard wearing and maintenance free; Easily self-mixed and laid (available ready mixed for larger jobs); Adaptable (moulded or shuttered for differing uses). Can be coloured. Surface moulds can be used to give the impression of different materials; Different surfaces to suit use: Floated/smooth; Tamped/rough, ridges, good for grip on slopes; Brushed; Washed to expose aggregate, or aggregate rolled into the surface. Can be expensive for big areas; Needs good hard core foundation; Can weather and break up; If not level can have puddles – if not laid well, these can freeze, becoming a major hazard. see cast-concrete