Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Huntsville, AL

Huntsville Superior Concrete creates stunning exposed aggregate surfaces that reveal the natural beauty of stones within the concrete throughout Huntsville and North Alabama. This slip-resistant, textured finish is perfect for pool decks, patios, driveways, and walkways, combining safety with aesthetic appeal.

Our skilled finishers expertly expose decorative aggregates using proven techniques that highlight stone colors and textures. Huntsville Superior Concrete is fully licensed and insured, delivering low-maintenance surfaces that stay beautiful for decades.

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Natural Beauty Meets Safety

Exposed aggregate concrete reveals the decorative stones within the mix, creating textured surfaces with natural stone appearance at a fraction of the cost of pavers or natural stone installations.

The textured surface provides excellent slip resistance when wet, making it ideal for pool decks and areas exposed to rain. Choose from various aggregate types and colors to complement your property's style while enjoying a durable, low-maintenance surface.

Close-up of exposed aggregate patio

Slip-Resistant Texture

The exposed stone surface provides excellent traction when wet, making it safer than smooth concrete around pools or in rainy conditions. Natural texture is effective yet comfortable barefoot unlike aggressive broom finishes.

Custom Aggregate Selection

Choose from pea gravel, river rock, crushed granite, or decorative aggregates in various colors and sizes. We help you select stones that complement your property's architecture and create your desired aesthetic effect.

Durable and Low-Maintenance

Exposed aggregate surfaces resist wear, fading, and damage better than many other finishes. Stones protect underlying concrete from abrasion. Simple washing with soap and water keeps the surface looking great for decades.

Hides Imperfections

The textured surface camouflages minor stains, dirt, and small cracks that would be obvious on smooth concrete. This makes exposed aggregate ideal for high-traffic areas and outdoor spaces exposed to the elements.

Professional aggregate exposure technique

Why Choose Our Exposed Aggregate Service?

Creating beautiful exposed aggregate requires precise timing and technique. Expose too early and stones dislodge; too late and you can't reveal them properly. We've perfected the process, knowing exactly when to wash the surface to reveal aggregates while maintaining their position in the concrete matrix.

We also understand aggregate selection and distribution. We ensure even stone coverage throughout the surface and can create borders or patterns with different aggregate types for custom designs that showcase the natural beauty of decorative stones.

Our Exposed Aggregate Process

1. Aggregate Selection

We help you choose aggregate type, size, and color that complements your property. Options include natural river rock, crushed granite, pea gravel, or decorative stones in various hues to match your design vision.

2. Site Preparation and Pour

We prepare the site with proper grading and base work, then pour concrete mix containing your selected aggregates. The mix is spread and leveled to proper thickness for your application.

3. Initial Finishing

We work the surface to bring some cream to the top while keeping aggregates near the surface. The concrete is floated and leveled, preparing it for the exposure process at the optimal time.

4. Surface Exposure

At precisely the right moment—when concrete is firm but not fully hardened—we spray the surface with water and use brushes or power washers to remove the top layer of cement paste, revealing decorative aggregates beneath.

5. Cleaning and Sealing

After curing, we clean residual film and apply penetrating sealer to enhance stone colors and protect the surface. Sealing makes maintenance easier and brings out the vibrant colors in decorative aggregates.

Exposed aggregate installation in progress

Exposed Aggregate FAQs

Is exposed aggregate slippery when wet?
No, exposed aggregate provides excellent wet-surface traction due to its textured finish. The exposed stones create natural grip that's safer than smooth concrete, making it ideal for pool decks, patios, and walkways.
How do I clean exposed aggregate concrete?
Regular cleaning with mild soap and water or pressure washing keeps exposed aggregate looking great. The textured surface hides dirt well, requiring less frequent cleaning than smooth finishes. Resealing every 2-3 years maintains appearance and protection.
Can I choose the color and size of aggregate?
Yes! We offer various aggregate types including pea gravel, river rock, crushed granite, and decorative stones in multiple colors and sizes. We'll show samples and help you select aggregates that match your design preferences and property style.
Is exposed aggregate more expensive than regular concrete?
Exposed aggregate costs moderately more than plain concrete due to decorative aggregates and specialized finishing techniques. However, it's significantly less expensive than pavers or natural stone while delivering comparable aesthetic appeal and superior durability.

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