Exposed Aggregate

Exposed aggregate is not a new concept. It has been in existence for over a hundred years now. This technique is believed to have started the decorative concrete trend. The name says it all. Exposed aggregate is a type of concrete in which the top layer is removed. It does not affect the functionality of the concrete surface; rather, it is intentionally done to expose the aggregate underneath.

Aggregates can include a wide variety of objects, including gravel, sand, glass, and quartzite. The finished result can be compared to a more flexible version of marble or granite.

Exposed aggregate is achieved by installing concrete first. In many cases, concrete already exists. After pouring concrete, the outer layer or “skin” of the paste (cement) is removed. The purpose is to expose the coarse decorative aggregate.

It’s easy enough to understand, but the more complex part of the process is the addition of aggregate to concrete. The most common method is through seeding the decorative aggregate onto the slab after placing concrete. Another way is by mixing aggregate into the concrete itself, which is possible if a ready mix is used, which is then combined with concrete during the batching procedure.

Exposed aggregate allows you to have a beautiful surface without worrying about the hefty cost, which is the case with other finishes. You can have spectacular effects at a reasonable price. The entire process is quick, resulting in a rugged and non-skid surface.

One more benefit of using exposed aggregate is that it is weather resistant and can take heavy loads. This is why it is a fantastic choice for almost any flatwork, such as patios, driveways, and pool decks.

Yes, there are a few cons that you should be aware of with exposed aggregate. The first is that it is not a DIY type of surface. You should always have an expert hired to do the placing and installing for you, such as CoastCrete. Concrete is also prone to damage, especially without the proper sealant used, which should be correct for your location and the site itself.

For more information about the pros and cons of using exposed aggregate for your home or commercial space, we invite you to read our blog post about this topic on our exposed aggregate pros and cons post.

Contractors have their own ways of improving the exposed aggregate surface. At CoastCrete, we let you take control of the look that you want to achieve. If you’re aiming to heighten the drama, we have our own creative techniques that will give you an enhanced look with complementing colours or textures, for example.

There are a number of possibilities, including using a variety of aggregates that contrast one another. We can also combine smooth finishes with rough exposed aggregate surfaces. The surrounding concrete can also be coloured in such a way that it works with the aggregate’s colour palette.

Residents and business owners love exposed aggregate because it looks attractive. At the same time, it is not as demanding as other finishes. It is highly durable and has low maintenance requirements. You only need to sweep the floor to maintain its look regularly.

If the exposed aggregate is installed for your driveway or patio, you may need to rinse the surface off with a hose from time to time. Every six months to a year, resealing may be necessary. The frequency will depend on the amount of traffic it receives.

Exposed aggregate is great value for money. Depending on the size of the job will determine how much it cost, for more details contact us!