Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Wilmington NC

Exposed aggregate is concrete with the small stones in the mix revealed at the surface. After the concrete is poured and finished, a retarder is applied to the top. A few hours later, the crew washes away the thin film of cement, and the stones show. The surface looks like a field of smooth pebbles.

It is a very strong surface and it has a natural look. It grips well when wet, and it hides dirt and wear. We install it for driveways, walkways, patios and pool areas in Wilmington. Because the stones are selected, you can choose tan, cream, brown or gray tones. We bring samples so you can see the blend in daylight.

Ask to see our stone samples in daylight and in shade, since exposed aggregate concrete can look quite different in each light. Ask for a small sample panel. Ask for a sample.

It grips well, so it is not slippery when wet. The texture is rougher than a plain trowel finish, but good work with rounded stones feels comfortable. Some owners find the surface a bit coarse on bare feet. If you will walk on it barefoot, tell us. We can choose smaller, smoother stones and wash it a little less deeply.

For a pool deck, a softer texture is often best. We show you sample boards and let you feel them. We also tell you how the sealer changes the feel. The goal is a surface that is safe in the rain and kind to feet.

Timing is everything with exposed aggregate concrete, so we bring enough crew to wash the surface at just the right moment. Tell us the color of your siding, roof and trim, and we will suggest a stone blend that looks natural beside them in daylight.

A well built exposed aggregate driveway can last 25 to 30 years or more. It needs a firm base, steel and good drainage like any concrete slab. The stones are strong, and they do not wear away quickly. What wears is the sealer, which needs renewing every few years.

Coastal salt and sun can dull the stones if the sealer is worn. We leave care notes and are happy to reseal when needed. Pressure washing gently, rinsing off salt and fixing small cracks early help a lot. If stones loosen, we can repair the spot. See driveway repair for how we handle problems.

A mixed design with smooth borders can save money, and we show you prices for exposed aggregate concrete in a few layouts. Ask us about the timing of the wash, since our crew watches the surface closely and brings enough hands to finish the whole slab at the right moment.

Yes. It needs special stone mixes, careful timing, extra labor and a sealer, so it costs more than a plain broom finish. It usually costs less than pavers or natural stone. The price depends on the size, the stone and the shape of the area.

One way to manage cost is to combine finishes. A center panel of exposed aggregate with smooth, broom finished borders gives a custom look at a lower price. We give you a written price for different layouts so you can see the difference. Ask us for photos of mixed designs, and we will bring them to your estimate.

Please tell us how you plan to use the area, and we will pick a stone size that feels good under foot. Tell us how you plan to use the area, and we will choose a stone size that feels good on bare feet, on tires or under the wheels of a cart.

Sweep or blow off leaves and dirt. Rinse the surface with a hose, and use a mild cleaner for stains. A soft pressure wash can freshen it, but a very strong jet can pull stones loose, so keep the pressure moderate. Wipe up oil and fuel spills quickly.

Watch the sealer. If water stops beading, it is time to reseal. Most surfaces need a new coat every two or three years. Green algae can grow in shady spots in our humid climate, and a mild algae cleaner works well. We leave simple notes after the job, and we are happy to help with resealing.

Cleaning is simple. A hose, a soft brush and a mild cleaner keep exposed aggregate concrete looking fresh for years. Ask us how to clean green algae from the stones, and we will share a gentle method that protects the sealer and keeps the surface looking fresh.

Not directly, because the stones are part of the fresh concrete. But there are overlay systems that give an aggregate look on top of old concrete. They work when the old slab is solid and level. If the slab is cracked, sunken or crumbling, we recommend a new pour.

See concrete resurfacing for how overlays work. We look at your slab and tell you which option fits, with a written price for each. If you plan to replace a driveway anyway, exposed aggregate can be part of the new design, and we can include it in the estimate.

A yearly look at the sealer helps exposed aggregate concrete resist salt, so we are glad to check it with you. Ask us for a mixed layout with smooth bands and stone panels, since this look often costs less than a full slab of exposed aggregate and still looks custom.