Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Overview
Exposed aggregate concrete is an extremely appealing yet simple option to create an interesting surface. By stripping away the very top layer of a concrete surface once the base layer has hardened, concrete is transformed into a unique display of variably sized aggregates.
The decision to use coarse or fine aggregates for your concrete depends upon the job and your desired result. Exposed aggregate concrete can be achieved with a variety of aggregate shapes, sizes, and colors.
Exposed concrete pairs well with other forms of decorative concrete, like stained or integrally colored. While exposed aggregate is most commonly used for flooring applications like exposed aggregate patios, it’s also ideal for walls, paneling, building facades, and exposed aggregate driveways.
An aggregate concrete patio or floor is aesthetically pleasing and offers added safety benefits with its non-stick surface. It can also withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete Applications
Concrete Steps and Stairs
From home entrances to industrial settings, building concrete steps and stairs is a durable way to improve the look and safety of your home or business. Build your concrete steps and stairs to custom specifications and apply your own design to get exactly the look you want.
Concrete Driveways
Installing a concrete driveway is one of the best ways to improve curb appeal while making a solid investment for your home. When properly installed and maintained, a concrete driveway can last over 30 years with low maintenance costs. Plus, with the option to color and stamp your concrete, you can have a concrete driveway with a look that’s uniquely you.
Concrete Stamped Patios
Concrete patios are quickly becoming more and more popular with the availability of custom design options to create a perfect outdoor living space. Using a variety of stained concrete colors and stamp options, your patio can reflect your style and strike a great balance between the indoors and outdoors.
The decorative aggregate in concrete can be seeded onto the surface, incorporated into the concrete mix (sometimes at the plant during the batching process), or placed onto the concrete via a thin topping.
Once the base layer has hardened the aggregate in concrete is exposed using one of the following methods:
- Chemical surface retarders
- The retarders are applied to the concrete to keep the surface from hardening, after which the cement paste can be scraped off to expose the aggregate
- Brushing
- The concrete is sprayed with water to remove the surface mortar and brushed with a broom
- Blasting
- This method is achieved by sandblasting the hardened surface after the concrete has already set
Exposed Aggregate Maintenance
The best way to maintain your exposed concrete floor or exposed aggregate driveway is to seal it regularly. After an initial seal post-cure, exposed aggregate flatwork should be sealed every three-four years—be sure to clean the concrete thoroughly beforehand to remove any dirt and debris.
6 Popular Uses for Concrete
Concrete is a durable and versatile building material that is found all over the globe. It’s used on some of the world’s most unique concrete structures, and it can be found regularly throughout your neighborhood. Whether you’re looking to tackle a project or simply want to know more about the material, take a look at
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