Exposed Aggregate · Stamped Concrete Columbus
Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Columbus, OH
Concrete with its stones brought to the surface: textured, grippy and full of color. Get a free estimate.
Stamped concrete for Columbus, Dublin, Worthington, New Albany, Bexley and nearby towns
Free Exposed Aggregate Estimate
Share the area you want stamped or colored, its rough size and any pattern or colors you like. The contractor will call back to discuss the design and arrange a visit.
- Free estimates
- Pattern and color help
- Sealed for Ohio winters
- Patios to driveways
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Exposed Aggregate
Exposed Aggregate Concrete for Columbus, OH
Exposed aggregate has a pebbled, gravelly look, like a creek bed set in place. Instead of a pattern pressed on top, the surface paste is removed to reveal the stones inside the concrete. With ordinary gravel the result is a warm mix of tans, grays and browns; with a decorative stone blend you can push it toward river-rock colors or brighter flecks. Seen up close it is rugged and textured, and from the curb it reads as an even, natural tone that hides dirt and tire marks better than smooth concrete.
The method is all about timing. After the slab is poured and floated, a surface retarder is sprayed on to keep the top layer from hardening while the rest of the concrete sets. Hours later, or the next morning, the surface is washed and lightly brushed to expose the aggregate to an even depth. The slab still needs a compacted gravel base, reinforcement, air-entrained concrete and joints cut on time. Once it has cured, a sealer deepens the stone colors and helps keep salt and water out.
What's included
What goes into exposed aggregate concrete
- 01
Patios and walks
A textured, slip-resistant surface for backyard and entry areas.
- 02
Driveways
An exposed finish that hides tire marks and drips and grips in the rain.
- 03
Stone selection
Standard gravel or a decorative blend chosen for color.
- 04
Retarder and wash
A surface retarder and a timed wash that reveal the stones evenly.
- 05
Smooth borders
Optional troweled or broom borders that frame the aggregate field.
- 06
Sealing
A sealer that richens the stone color and protects the surface.
Examples
Exposed Aggregate: examples
Example photos of the type of work.
How it works
Exposed Aggregate, step by step
- 1
Choose the stone
Compare samples of standard and decorative aggregate in daylight.
- 2
Pour and float
Pour the slab over compacted gravel and steel, then float it smooth.
- 3
Retard and wash
Spray the retarder, then wash and brush the surface at the right moment to expose the stone.
- 4
Joint and seal
Cut control joints, let the slab cure and apply a sealer.
Questions
Exposed Aggregate questions
Is exposed aggregate a good choice for Ohio winters?
Yes. It handles freeze-thaw well when it is air-entrained and sealed, and its texture gives good traction on icy mornings. Skip rock salt for the first winter, then reseal every few years so water does not work in around the stones.
What affects the cost of exposed aggregate?
The stone you choose is the biggest variable, since a decorative blend costs more than the standard gravel in a regular mix. Area, borders, access for the truck and removal of an old surface come next. You get a free, itemized estimate after the space is measured.
What should I know before choosing exposed aggregate?
Pick the stone from real samples, since photos rarely show color accurately. Check HOA rules if the area is visible from the street. As with any concrete project, 811 is called to mark utilities before digging begins.
Is exposed aggregate comfortable barefoot?
It is textured, so it feels pebbly underfoot. A finer stone size feels smoother, and a sealer softens the texture slightly. For areas where people go barefoot, a stamped or broom surface may suit better.
Will the stones come loose over time?
A few loose stones at the edges are normal early on, from the wash. Properly timed washing and a sealer help keep the rest locked in, and air entrainment keeps freeze-thaw from loosening them over the years.
Stamped and decorative
Related work
Colored Concrete & Borders
Integral color, color hardener and contrasting borders and bands that frame patios, walks and drives.
More on colored concrete & borders
Stamped Patios
Backyard patios pressed with slate, flagstone, brick or plank textures and finished in two-tone color.
More on stamped patios
Stamped Walkways
Front walks and side paths stamped in brick, slate or flagstone, with borders and gentle curves.
More on stamped walkways
Service area
Exposed Aggregate around Columbus
Free estimates on exposed aggregate concrete in Columbus and these towns:
Franklin County
Pickaway County
Fairfield County
Delaware County
Licking County
Talk to us about exposed aggregate concrete
Tell us the area, the pattern you are drawn to and the colors around your home, and get a free stamped concrete estimate.