Exposed aggregate concrete has long been a popular option for a variety of hardscaping surfaces, including driveways, patios, pathways, porches, and more. The exposed aggregate gives the concrete a unique look, elevating it from its usually drab, gray surface and offering a number of other benefits.
Triad Associates has been installing exposed aggregate concrete surfaces for a long time, and we are pleased to offer a variety of aggregate mixes to give our clients the opportunity to find exactly the right look for their project. We are always innovating and offering new products and techniques to our clients to get the amazing results they want, and that includes offering new aggregate mixes.
What is Exposed Aggregate Concrete? 
Concrete is comprised of a mix of cement, water, and aggregate. The aggregate helps to fill out the mixture and to strengthen it. Aggregate can be any number of materials, such as stone, pebbles, glass, shells, and more. Normally, the aggregate is mixed into the concrete, and you never see it. The surface is smoothed over, and you see what is primarily the cement and water mix. Or the aggregate is so fine that you may see it on the surface, but you don’t know it.
The aggregate can be exposed by a process of wetting the concrete and rubbing the surface, slowly removing some of the cement and revealing the mix-in material. The more the surface is worked, the more of the aggregate will be exposed. The aggregate gives color and texture to the surface, creating a unique look and giving the surface more traction.
Aggregate can also be added to the concrete after it is poured, resting on the surface. This process can save money if the aggregate mix is rare or has high-quality materials, making it more expensive.
Aggregate Mixes Available
Triad Associates has always offered a number of aggregate mixes for our concrete so that customers have the options they need to get just the look they want. We are always looking to add new, high-quality materials to our offerings to give customers even more options. We want to be able to create any look that our clients want for their designs.
Some of our newest aggregate mixes include:
- Rainbow Mix. Small rocks and pebbles of multiple colors give this mix its name. You won’t see colors with the vibrancy of the rainbow, but you will see stones in shades of pink, blue, yellow, and other colors. This mix is colorful and fun, and it makes any surface stand apart.
- Gray Blend. Just like its name suggests, this aggregate mix has a variety of gray stones and pebbles in varying shades. It provides a modern look for any surface that uses it. The colors also go with any style of house or landscaping.
Of course, we continue to offer some of our classic, popular aggregate mixes also. Some of other aggregate mixes include:
- Roan River. Similar to the Rainbow Mix, the Roan River mix has a variety of colors, though they are in different shades. The Roan River mix also has flatter stones, so the surface is smoother.
- Cedar. This aggregate mix has a more natural look to it, with sandy, earthen tones. It has a warm tone, and it provides a stark contrast to the gray of most concrete surfaces.
- Driftwood with Blue Glass Beads. This mix has mostly a gray background, reminiscent of the driftwood in its name, but it is punctuated by sparkling, blue glass beads. It has a beautiful look that makes it well-suited for pool decks, patios, walkways, and more.
More aggregate mixes will be added over time. We are always looking for the best materials to give our customers the best options for their designs.
In addition to stone and pebbles, some of our additive options for aggregate include:
- Bead glass
- Seashells
- Sea glass
The right mix of materials and colors can create some truly astonishing results for aggregate. With the right techniques performed by the right professionals – like those at Triad Associates – these aggregate mixes can transform concrete surfaces into something interesting and beautiful.
Some of the Benefits of Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Besides creating beautiful finishes, exposed aggregate concrete offers a number of other benefits.
One of the top benefits of exposed aggregate concrete is that it creates a textured surface that provides more traction, thereby making the area safer for anyone walking on it. That is an especially useful benefit when you are dealing with slippery surfaces, like the deck around a pool, or areas that have steep inclines, like some driveways. The larger the aggregate, and the more exposed it is, the more traction the surface will have, and the safer it will be, even in wet conditions.
Another benefit of exposed aggregate concrete is that it is more durable than standard concrete. Aggregate must be added to the mix, and it gives the concrete more support for greater strength. The resulting surface will be able to withstand heavier loads (ideal for a driveway) and more traffic, and it will last a lot longer.
Aggregate also protects the concrete against damage from the elements. The aggregate holds the concrete together stronger, so exposure to heavy winds, pounding rains, extreme temperature fluctuations, and more are not as likely to wear away the surface of the concrete. You won’t get cracks, pits, and other common problems with concrete as quickly when you have the added aggregate.
The bigger the aggregate that you add to the concrete, the better the benefits will be. Likewise, when you mix the aggregate into the concrete, rather than spreading it on the top, you get the full benefits of the extra material. Talk with your hardscape designer to get a better understanding of how the aggregate will benefit your particular project, and to learn about the benefits of each of the aggregate types. If you have heavier traffic or more extreme local conditions, you may want to consider investing in a more durable aggregate material.
Incorporating Exposed Aggregate into Your Spac
Now you know about the benefits and the options for exposed aggregate concrete, how can you incorporate it into your space? You have a lot of options for using exposed aggregate concrete to transform your outdoor living space, whether you want to use it alone or in conjunction with other hardscaping and landscaping elements.
One of the most popular uses for exposed aggregate concrete is in driveways. Not only does the aggregate strengthen the driveway and reduce damage over time, but it also creates a unique and beautiful look. Any exposed aggregate will immediately set your driveway apart from your neighbors’ gray slabs. Choose vibrant colors or accessories like paver borders to really make an impact. Just make your choices with the overall design of your home and landscaping in mind so that you create a cohesive design.
Exposed aggregate is also a good choice for patios. Often, people choose concrete as a cost-savings measure over pavers. However, they aren’t completely happy with the dull look of the concrete. Adding the aggregate can give you a special look while still saving you money over many paver options. Just like with your driveway, you can pair the exposed aggregate with other hardscaping elements, such as decorative walls and columns, planters, stairs, and more.
Using exposed aggregate is an especially popular choice for pool decks. The pebbled surface complements the water well, giving the area a natural look. The textured surface also provides more traction when people are leaving the pool and creating puddles. The texture reduces the risk of any unfortunate accidents. You can feel more confident about inviting over guests to swim or about having your children playing in the area.
There are so many more ways that you can use exposed aggregate concrete in your hardscaping. Anywhere you can use pavers or stone, you can use exposed aggregate concrete. Work with your designer to take all factors of your hardscaping into consideration when you are creating your design. You should consider the colors used, the types of materials, the texture, and more. With the right combination, you can create a truly astonishing design for your home.
Hire the Design Experts at Triad Associates to Install Your Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Triad Associates is a locally owned company in Haverhill, and we have been creating beautiful hardscapes for local home and business owners for nearly 40 years. We have earned a top reputation for our attention to detail and our amazing results. We’d love to help you transform your space to add curb appeal to your home or to make a better first impression for your business.
Call us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about exposed aggregate concrete or other hardscaping options. Our designers can help you visualize what’s possible in your space through the use of material samples, design sketches, and 3D design software. We can work on single-focus jobs, like laying new concrete, or we can redesign your entire outdoor living space for you. Call us to find out what’s possible!
