Exposed aggregate concrete delivers the look of natural stone underfoot with the strength and low maintenance of a poured slab. We wash back the surface after the pour to reveal the stone, creating a patio that grips wet feet, hides dirt and wear, and needs less frequent sealing than decorative alternatives. Start with a free site estimate.
Exposed aggregate sits at the intersection of beauty and practicality. The washed surface reveals embedded stone, creating visual depth and natural texture without the labor-intensive upkeep that comes with stamped finishes. Families with pools, frequent outdoor entertaining, or wet climates find the grip especially valuable.
The concrete slab itself is standard: compacted base, air-entrained mix, proper slope for drainage. What sets it apart is the surface treatment. After the concrete reaches initial set, we wash away the top layer of paste to expose the aggregate beneath. The result is a patio surface that is both decorative and functional.
Compared to plain concrete, you get visual interest and superior traction. Compared to stamped, you trade pattern for texture and gain a simpler maintenance routine. It is an ideal middle ground for homeowners who want character without constant attention.
Recent work
From site to finish
The Exposed Aggregate Process Step by Step
Select stone and colour
We review aggregate options with you, from fine pea gravel for subtle texture to larger river rock for bold character. Concrete base colour can be tinted to complement or contrast the stone.
Prepare and form the area
The site is graded, a compacted granular base is installed, and wooden or metal forms are set to the correct slope. Proper drainage slope is critical to patio longevity.
Place and finish the concrete
Air-entrained concrete is poured, screeded level, and allowed to reach the right stage of set. Timing is everything; too early and the paste does not wash cleanly, too late and the stone does not expose.
Wash and seal the surface
Once the concrete has cured, the surface is washed to reveal the aggregate, then sealed to protect the stone and enhance colour. The seal also guards against water infiltration and freeze-thaw damage.
How it stacks up
Exposed Aggregate vs Other Patio Finishes
Three main patio options exist in the decorative range. Plain concrete is the most affordable but offers no visual texture. Stamped concrete mimics stone or wood patterns but requires more frequent resealing. Exposed aggregate splits the difference: it has genuine stone texture, costs less than stamped, and needs sealing every three to four years rather than annually.
Grip, durability, sealing schedules and how exposed aggregate compares to other finishes.
No, the opposite. The stone texture gives traction wet, which is why it is popular for patios that get pool splash, rain or morning dew. Much grippier than a smooth or even broom-finish patio.
Typically every three to four years in Laval, slightly less often than stamped patios but more often than plain concrete. The seal protects the spaces between the stones from water getting in.
Not when the patio is poured and sealed properly. The aggregate is embedded in the concrete matrix, not laid on top, so the stones are mechanically locked in. Sealing protects the matrix from freeze-thaw working stones loose.
Yes. The base concrete can be integrally coloured under the exposed surface, and the aggregate choice shifts the tone too. We bring sample boards so you can see combinations in daylight before the pour.
Exposed aggregate usually costs less than stamped concrete because the stamp tooling and labour are not part of the job. The trade-off is a different decorative style, texture from stone rather than pattern from a stamp.
Homeowner reviews
What Laval Homeowners Say About Their Exposed Aggregate Patios
Describe your backyard and the look you want. We will visit the site with aggregate samples, answer your questions, and send a written estimate within one business day.
