Do we have to cover the concrete slab in our alfresco area?

Hi everyone,
just wondering if anyone knows if we HAVE to cover the slab in our alfresco area or if it is only to make it look nicer. We were told that we need to cover it with another layer of concrete/exposed aggregate or something like that but not sure if that is just to make it look nicer or if it is must for another reason cracking or something??

Eventually down the track we might like to cover it with something but atm just trying to prioritise what is a must and what isn't as we are really tight on money and moving in to our new house in about a month.
Thanks for your help

Not sure? It'd prob be advisable to at least seal it though.google home one and you might find some info there

ring your local council's building department and have a chat to them...ive found them to be very helpful when we were renovating

Thanks for the advice girls!!

I dont think it is a must. Garage floors dont have another layer, so I guess alfresco areas dont need them either. That being said, it does provide additional protection for the slab which Im guessing could crumble slightly on the edges if there is nothing over the top. We are having stencil concrete on the top of ours. (For looks and extra protection on the alresco), but I understand the need to save $$$. We will be tiling over the top of ours later when funds are more plentiful.