Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Edmonton’s Premier Concrete Driveway Specialists
Edmonton and Surrounding Areas Including St. Albert, Spruce Grove, Leduc and Beaumont:
From small residential driveways to large commercial parking areas, we specialize in concrete driveway Edmonton installation, repair, and maintenance. Our expert Edmonton concrete contractors provide comprehensive services including new driveway construction, concrete repair, garage pads, sidewalks, patios, and more.
Benefits of Exposed Aggregate
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Visual appeal:
An exposed aggregate patio or driveway has a unique, decorative look. The exposed stone creates natural colours and textures that enhance any landscape, making your property more beautiful and inviting.
Durability and strength
The embedded aggregate (pebbles and stones) adds strength to the concrete, resulting in a very durable surface. It withstands heavy traffic and harsh weather without significant wear, giving the surface excellent longevity with minimal repairs.
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Slip resistant texture
The textured exposed aggregate finish provides traction even when wet, a slip resistant surface ideal for pool decks, stairs and entryways. This added functionality means safer footing for you and your guests year round, even in rainy or icy conditions.* Low maintenance: Exposed aggregate surfaces are easy to maintain. They hide dirt and stains better than smooth concrete and require minimal upkeep aside from occasional cleaning and sealing.
Design versatility
You can customize the look of an exposed aggregate patio or driveway by choosing different aggregate stone colours, sizes and even mixing in glass or other materials for added flair. This allows your project to match your home’s style and surroundings.
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Exposed aggregate concrete surfaces are the best of both worlds – beautiful and strong. That’s why Edmonton homeowners and businesses choose us to enhance their outdoor spaces. This decorative finish exposes the natural stone and pebbles in the concrete mix, creating a unique textured surface that’s both visually stunning and functional. We offer the best exposed aggregate concrete Edmonton has to offer through our full range of concrete services, patios, walkways and driveways.
Our team of experts has years of experience with exposed aggregate installations. We only use quality materials and proven methods on every job. From base preparation with compacted road crush and stable soil to precise forming and pouring of high strength concrete, we get it right every step of the way. The result is an exposed aggregate finish built to last. We even apply a protective sealing coat for added weather resistance and a glossy “wet look” that makes the colours of the stone pop. And all of this at a reasonable price with no compromise on quality.
What is Exposed Aggregate?
Exposed aggregate is a decorative concrete finish where we remove the thin top layer of cement to expose the pebbles and stones (aggregate) beneath. This leaves a textured, natural looking surface with the beauty of exposed stone and a slip resistant grip – unlike a smooth trowel or stamped concrete finish. The result is a hard wearing concrete that offers unique visual appeal and reliable traction for outdoor areas.
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Exposed Aggregate Patios and Pool Decks
+ One of the most popular applications of exposed aggregate is for backyard exposed aggregate patios and poolside areas. An exposed aggregate patio creates an outdoor living space that’s both stylish and practical. The natural stone texture underfoot looks amazing and provides grip, perfect for around swimming pools or hot tubs. This decorative exposed aggregate surface withstands heavy use by patio furniture and foot traffic and provides a space for outdoor entertaining.
+ For pool owners an exposed aggregate pool deck is the way to go. The slip resistant surface keeps your family and guests safe even when wet and the durable concrete can withstand water and our harsh freeze-thaw weather cycles. You can choose aggregate colours that match your pool tiles or landscaping, creating a cohesive design. With our professional installation services we ensure your patio or pool deck is built to last – from a solid base to a high quality sealed finish that protects against the elements.
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Exposed Aggregate Driveways and Walkways
+ An exposed aggregate driveway instantly upgrades your home’s curb appeal. The decorative stone and pebbles create a rich look that sets your property apart from ordinary concrete or asphalt driveways. But it’s not just about looks – these driveways perform. Our team uses the right techniques to build exposed aggregate driveways that last: we excavate any weak soil and lay a thick compacted road crush gravel base for stability, then reinforce the concrete with steel rebar before pouring. This solid foundation prevents shifting and cracking even under vehicle weight. The result is a reliable long lasting driveway that will serve you for years to come.We also offer exposed aggregate for walkways and entry steps. A textured exposed aggregate walkway leading up to your house or business entrance creates a cohesive inviting path to your door. The non-slip texture adds safety in wet or icy conditions and the finish can be matched to your driveway or patio for a unified look. It’s the perfect way to tie together your driveway, patio and other elements into one design. Many commercial clients in Edmonton choose exposed aggregate for storefront sidewalks and business entryways because of its professional look and durability.
FAQs
How much does exposed aggregate concrete cost?
Exposed aggregate concrete isn’t the cheapest finish but it’s not the most expensive either. In Edmonton you can expect to pay a bit more for an exposed aggregate patio or driveway than a basic broom finished slab because of the extra labour to expose the stone. However it’s still less than some high end options. The cost will depend on the size and design of your project but generally this finish is a worthwhile investment for the added curb appeal and long term durability.
Is exposed aggregate cheaper than concrete?
No – creating the exposed stone look involves extra steps so the cost is usually higher than plain concrete. But the difference in price isn’t huge and most homeowners find the extra appearance and durability worth the small premium. In fact compared to other decorative options like stamped concrete exposed aggregate is often just as affordable or even more cost effective.
What are the disadvantages of exposed aggregate concrete?
While exposed aggregate is a great finish there are a few downsides to consider:
Rough texture: The textured surface can feel rough on bare feet. If you have young children who will be playing on an exposed aggregate patio or you plan to be barefoot frequently (like around a pool) the pebbly texture might be less comfortable than a smoother finish.
Maintenance and sealing: To keep it looking its best an exposed aggregate surface should be sealed initially and then re-sealed periodically (every few years). Skipping sealing can cause the surface to dull or absorb stains over time. This maintenance is not difficult but is an extra step to remember.
Repairs and patching: If the concrete does crack or needs a section repaired it can be trickier to patch exposed aggregate in a way that blends in perfectly. Matching the same stone mix and appearance on a patch is more difficult than fixing a plain concrete slab.
Is exposed aggregate cheaper than paving?
It depends on the paving. Compared to individual paving stones exposed aggregate is cheaper since pouring concrete is less labour intensive than laying pavers. However compared to asphalt paving asphalt is cheaper up front but won’t last as long. Over time the durability and lower maintenance of exposed aggregate can be the more cost effective option.
Get a Free Estimate Today
Ready to upgrade your driveway or start a new concrete project? Contact Edmonton Concrete Services today for a free estimate. Our experienced team of concrete contractors will deliver a durable, beautiful and low maintenance concrete solution for your needs and budget. Let us show you why we are the trusted choice for concrete driveways and all your concrete projects in Edmonton!