Plain gray concrete is fine, but sometimes you want a driveway or patio that looks like it came from a magazine. Exposed aggregate concrete gives you that look. The top film of cement is washed away, and the small stones in the mix show through like a natural pebble surface.
Concrete Kings pours exposed aggregate concrete for homes across Fayetteville and the towns north of it. We are locally owned, we have 5 years of experience, and we give free estimates before any work starts.
What exposed aggregate concrete is and why people love it
Every concrete mix has stone in it. With exposed aggregate concrete, we choose stone that looks good and then reveal it on purpose. A few hours after the pour, we apply a surface retarder or wash the top layer away with water and brushes. What is left is a rough, pebbled surface that looks like river rock set in cement.
People pick exposed aggregate concrete for three reasons. It looks great. It grips well, even when wet, which matters around a pool or on a sloped driveway. And it hides dirt, tire marks and small stains far better than a smooth gray slab.
- Great traction for wet weather and sloped driveways
- Hides oil spots, leaves and everyday dirt
- Many stone colors, from tan and cream to gray and brown
- Strong, long lasting surface when it is sealed
How we install exposed aggregate concrete
The base work is the same as any good slab. We grade the ground, pack a stone base and set the forms. Then we pour concrete that has been mixed with the stone you picked, and we place the stone evenly across the top so it shows when the surface is washed.
Timing is everything. We wait until the concrete is firm enough to stand on but still soft at the surface, then we wash it in a smooth, even pass. Wash too early and the stones pop out. Wash too late and nothing shows. After it cures, we seal it so the stones keep their color and the surface sheds water and oil.
- Pick a stone color from real samples at your estimate
- Pour, level and finish the slab to the right grade
- Wash back the surface at just the right time
- Cure, then seal for color and protection
Choosing aggregate that fits Fayetteville homes and weather
Around Fayetteville, tan and cream stones look good next to red brick and warm siding. Gray and charcoal stones work with newer, cooler colored homes. We bring samples so you can hold them in the sun, because stone looks different in daylight than it does in a catalog.
North Carolina sun is hard on surfaces, and summer storms are heavy. Exposed aggregate concrete handles both well, as long as it is sealed. We also tell you honestly where it is not the best pick. Leaves and pine needles can settle into the texture, and a rough surface is harder to shovel or sweep than a smooth one. If you want a very flat surface for chairs and tables, a broom finish or a smooth border can be a smarter choice.
Where exposed aggregate concrete works best and what it costs
We pour exposed aggregate concrete for driveways, front walks, patios, pool decks and entry pads. A common design is a broom finish border with an exposed aggregate center. That gives you the look without covering the whole thing in texture.
Cost is a little higher than plain concrete because the work takes more skill and time. We measure your space, show you samples and give you a free estimate. Ask about pairing it with concrete sealing or a new driveway. When you are ready, reach out through the contact page.
Exposed Aggregate Concrete questions answered
Is exposed aggregate concrete slippery when it is wet?
No, it is one of the least slippery concrete finishes you can choose. The small stones make a rough, bumpy surface, so shoes and tires get good grip even when the concrete is soaked. That is why exposed aggregate concrete is popular around pools, on sloped driveways and on entry walks.
The grip depends on how deeply the stone is exposed and how the surface is sealed. A heavy glossy sealer can make any surface slicker, so we use a sealer made for textured concrete, often with a bit of grit added. If safety is a top concern, tell us at the estimate. We can choose a deeper wash and a satin sealer so the surface stays grippy for kids, older family members and wet North Carolina summers. If you have kids or a pool, mention that at the estimate. We can pick a deeper texture or a sealer with extra grip so the surface is as safe as it is pretty.
How long does an exposed aggregate driveway last?
With a good base and proper care, an exposed aggregate driveway can last 25 to 30 years or more. The concrete underneath does the heavy lifting, so the same things matter as with any slab. A well packed stone base, the right thickness, steel or fiber for strength, and a slow, even cure.
The top texture needs a little care. We seal exposed aggregate concrete after it cures, and it helps to reseal every two to three years. Sealer keeps the stones bright, blocks oil and helps stop stones from coming loose. If you notice a few stones loosening after many years, a small repair is possible. Treat it kindly, rinse off spills, and avoid harsh chemicals, and it should stay handsome for a very long time. Plan to keep a small sealer budget in mind for later years. It is a light, quick job compared with the cost of the surface, and it protects your investment.
Can exposed aggregate concrete be repaired if it cracks?
Yes, but repairs show more than they do on a smooth slab. A small crack can be cleaned and filled with a flexible concrete filler, then colored and sealed to blend. The filler may look a little different from the textured surface, but it keeps water out and stops the crack from growing.
To cut down on cracks in the first place, we place control joints, which are shallow cuts that guide where the slab will split. We also pack the base well and reinforce the concrete. If a large section is damaged, it can be cut out and replaced, though a perfect match in texture is hard to get. This is one reason we like to do the job right the first time and plan the joint layout carefully. A quick call to us before you try a do it yourself fix is always a good idea. We can often tell you right away whether a small touch up is safe or whether to wait for a pro.
Is exposed aggregate more expensive than regular concrete?
Usually yes, by a bit. The mix includes chosen stone, the finishing takes more careful timing, and the wash step adds labor. Sealing is part of the job too. The extra cost is often small compared to the look you get, and it can be cheaper than pavers or stamped concrete.
A smart way to save is to use exposed aggregate only where people see it most. Many homeowners pick a broom finish border or a plain section near the garage and use exposed aggregate in the center or by the front walk. We give you a free estimate with options, so you can compare the look and the price for a full exposed aggregate concrete job against a mixed design. Then you can decide with real numbers. Setting a budget up front helps. Tell us what you want to spend, and we will show you which parts of the job give you the most look for the least money.
What colors are available for exposed aggregate concrete?
The color comes from two things, the stone and the cement. Stone ranges from cream, tan and buff to gray, brown and mixed river blends. The cement base can be natural gray or tinted, which changes how the whole surface looks. Together, they let you pick a warm or cool tone that fits your house.
We bring samples to your free estimate because stone looks very different in the sun than on a screen. Hold a few pieces next to your brick or siding, and pick the one that makes you smile. Remember that sealing darkens the color a little and makes it richer, like wetting a stone. If you want a wet look, we use a sealer that enhances color. If you like a natural look, we use a clear satin sealer. It also helps to look at the finished color after sealing, because wet stone looks richer. We can show you a sealed sample so you know the final result in advance.
When can I walk or drive on a new exposed aggregate surface?
You can usually walk on it after about 24 to 48 hours, but be gentle. The stones are set in cement that is still hardening, and sharp heels or dragged items can scratch the surface. Keep pets and kids off for the first couple of days too.
For cars, wait about seven days. Heavy trucks, RVs and moving vans should wait closer to 28 days. We seal the surface after it has cured enough to take sealer, and then we ask you to stay off it for another day or so. We tell you the exact dates when we finish. Hot weather speeds the cure a little, and cool or wet weather slows it, so the calendar can shift. We will always be straight with you about the right day to start using your new surface. If you have a special day coming up, tell us early so we can plan the pour and the sealing and have the surface looking its best by then.
Ready for a free estimate? Call (910) 356-9849 or use the estimate form. Concrete Kings of Fayetteville is locally owned and has 5 years of experience.