Exposed Aggregate Patios

A new exposed aggregate patio should be seen like a blank slate. It is a large, open space upon which you can create just about anything you want. The choices you make will determine not only how well the patio serves you, but also how beautiful or stylish it looks. 
While a lot of people choose pavers for their patio, they are but one of many hardscaping options that can give you a gorgeous look and long-lasting benefits. At Triad Associates, we frequently recommend exposed aggregate for patios and other hardscape surfaces. The exposed aggregate has a unique and interesting look, and offers many benefits over some other hardscaping materials. 

What Is Exposed Aggregate?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a descriptive name. Concrete is composed of a mix of cement, water, and aggregate material, such as small pebbles, shells, or glass. Typically, concrete is poured and then troweled over for a smooth surface. Sometimes, a finish will be added. One of the most popular finishes is the “broom finish,” which is achieved by sweeping a stiff broom across the surface of the wet concrete, leaving behind a slightly textured surface. 
To achieve the look of exposed aggregate concrete, the surface of the concrete is worked with water to lightly wash away some of the cement and to reveal the aggregate inside. Some other techniques involve adding the aggregate to the top of the concrete — such as when using glass or other higher-quality materials for the aggregate. In either scenario, the result is the same: A textured concrete surface. The final look depends on the type of aggregate used, which can vary widely. 

Benefits of an Exposed Aggregate Patio

Using exposed aggregate concrete for your patio offers plenty of benefits. 

Improved Traction and Slip Resistance

One of the most important benefits that exposed aggregate concrete offers is improved traction to reduce the risk of slips and falls. The aggregate provides a textured surface that makes it harder for anything to slide across it — most importantly, your feet. Since your patio is outside and will get wet from rain and snow, improved traction can make the space much safer. You don’t have to limit the times you can enjoy the patio. Even when all conditions are nice, the safer surface area can make you feel more confident about inviting guests to your home. The traction is especially beneficial for children and the elderly, who are at greater risk of injury from slick surfaces. 

Low Maintenance

Another benefit of an exposed aggregate patio is that it is low maintenance. Exposed aggregate concrete doesn’t require much care to keep it looking good and to
preserve its long life. You need only to brush it or spray it down regularly to keep the dirt off it and to prevent stains. If it cracks or breaks, it is easy to repair since it has an irregular surface that is easily patched. 

Cost Effective

Another benefit of exposed aggregate concrete is that it is cost effective. It gives you the affordable cost of concrete while also giving you the kind of design variety you usually only get with more expensive products like pavers and stone. You can enjoy a final product that looks much more luxurious than its price tag.

Exposed Aggregate Patio Design Options

Shape and Location

Because of the way exposed aggregate patios are constructed, they have multiple options for their design. The concrete can be poured into any shape and any location, giving it great flexibility. You can create circles, geometric borders, and more. With stone, you would be limited by the natural shape of the stone or how it could be cut. The concrete can take on any shape with ease. 

Colors and Textures

In addition, many types of aggregate can be used, allowing you to enjoy different colors and textures. For example, glass aggregate gives you the option to enjoy just about any color of the rainbow. In contrast, typical stone aggregate gives you earthen tones. The aggregate can also range in shape and size for a total design aesthetic that ranges from uniform to rustic. 

Patterns

Keep in mind that you can maximize your results by mixing and matching aggregate in different patterns. For example, you can choose one color for the main patio, and you can choose another color to pour a border around the patio, providing a nice contrast. Different types of aggregate can be used to draw lines through the patio or to create different patterns. The different aggregate can also create a visual demarcation of the space, giving it a functional purpose, as well. 

Explore Design Options

The designers at Triad Associates will help you explore the different design options so you can see how different color choices and aggregate types can make a big difference on your finished look. We make use of material samples, sketches, and 3D design software to help you visualize the different options in your space. This process not only helps you learn about the options you may not have otherwise considered, it also ensures that you are fully satisfied with the finished result. 

Best Areas for an Exposed Aggregate Patio

An exposed aggregate patio can be installed just about anywhere. Though due to its improved slip resistance, exposed aggregate is a great choice around pools, and other areas prone to water. This versatile and durable material can be installed in a variety of places around your property and look great at the same time. 
An exposed aggregate patio can be installed under a covered area, such as a back porch next to your house. It can also be installed as a free-standing space anywhere on your property, such as for a sitt
ing area in a quiet nook of your yard or in the area around your pool. You can enjoy exposed aggregate concrete just about anywhere you can install a hardscape surface. 

Maintenance and Care

Though exposed aggregate concrete doesn’t require much maintenance, you will have to take a few steps to keep it looking good and to protect its long life. 

Cleaning

The most important – and easiest – thing you can do to protect your exposed aggregate patio is to regularly sweep it and spray it down to keep dirt and debris off of it. If dirt sets in, you can use a mild cleanser or hire a professional to clean it. 

Sealing

You will also need to periodically seal your exposed aggregate concrete to protect it and ensure that it has a long life span. Concrete sealant protects your patio against staining and damage from UV rays and weather changes. It is important that you hire a professional to seal exposed aggregate to ensure that it is done correctly. Otherwise, you will falsely believe that your concrete is protected while it slowly erodes.

Advantages of an Exposed Aggregate Patio

There are many reasons why you should consider choosing an exposed aggregate patio over other material types. While an exposed aggregate patio does have many benefits, so do other hardscaping choices. So what gives the exposed aggregate patio the advantage over other options?

Durability and Longevity

Exposed aggregate concrete is quite durable, and it stands up to a lot of foot traffic, environmental damage, and changes in the local climate. It takes a lot to break down this material, which means that it will serve your property for a long time to come without need for much maintenance or repair.

Versatility

Another advantage of exposed aggregate concrete is that it is versatile. Not only can it be poured into any shape or location, just like concrete, but it can also take on different looks and colors in a way that regular concrete cannot. It is far more flexible than stone, which is limited in its texture and color by its natural characteristics and which has to be cut to take on different shapes.

Exposed Aggregate Increases Home Value

Finally, a huge advantage of exposed aggregate concrete is that it increases the value of your home. Having an exposed aggregate patio will increase your home’s curb appeal, which will make it more attractive and valuable. Many property owners also know the benefits of exposed aggregate concrete and will be willing to pay market value or above for your home. Even if you are planning to stay in your home for a long time to come, you can take advantage of the increased value through your home’s equity. 

Hire Triad Associates’ Exposed Aggregate Experts Today

The hardscaping professionals at Triad Associates have been installing exposed aggregate surfaces for decades, and we can create beautiful results for you with an exposed aggregate patio. We start the process with a consultation that includes a thorough discussion about your vision and goals for the space, as well as a review of the site. We then help you explore the options to get a finished product that will perform exceptionally for years to come while also giving you the design that you want. We are committed to the highest quality of workmanship for long-lasting and beautiful results. Call us today to schedule your consultation and get started creating your new patio.