Designing the outside of your home should be given as much attention and care as the inside – maybe even more so. The design of the outside of your home has a significant impact on its curb appeal, which will attract attention and increase its value. Design elements can include the exterior of your home’s structure, as well as the landscaping of the surrounding property and hardscaping. Adding elements like patios, pathways, retaining walls, and more can improve both the functionality and the look of your space.
Aggregate walkways can be an essential component of your hardscaping. Concrete is a popular choice for walkways, but it can be a little dull if traditional installation techniques are used. An alternative that you may want to consider is exposed aggregate.
What are Exposed Aggregate Walkways?
Concrete includes aggregate material to provide strength and durability. Aggregate is composed of small rock, glass, or synthetic materials, and it is typically covered by a layer of cement on the surface. With exposed aggregate walkways and other surfaces, that cement is brushed or wiped away so that you can see the aggregate on the surface. When this kind of design is planned, specific aggregate is chosen for its color or texture. Special aggregate can also be added to the mix to achieve the look desired.
Exposed Aggregate Walkway Ideas
There are many ways that you can use exposed aggregate walkways to elevate your hardscaping design, and the experts at Triad Associates can help you find the right options to get the perfect look for your space. To help get your design wheels spinning, here are some exposed aggregate walkways ideas that you might consider for your property:
Surround Water Features
A fountain or other water feature can make a lovely statement piece for the entryway of your home. Building a walkway around the water feature combines functionality and design by bringing your guests right past this signature piece. An exposed aggregate walkway provides a nice contrast to the water feature, both in color and texture, which will help it stand out even more.
Accent a Patio
Concrete is a great option for a patio because it is easy to install and relatively inexpensive. However, a flat gray slab can be uninspiring and dull in many designs. Exposed aggregate patios can be done in a variety of colors to make it stand out. Consider adding a border in a contrasting color – or even a deeper shade – to add even more visual appeal.
Lead to a Fireplace
An outdoor fireplace gives you a nice place to relax in the evenings. You can pull up a comfortable chair, watch the flames flicker, and listen to the sounds of the night while you let the cares of the day fade away. Build a beautiful entry to that peaceful nook with an exposed aggregate walkway. Choose a design that complements your fireplace and other outdoor seating elements for a cohesive design.
Walkway to Your Front Door
Forget the simple stepping stones or the uneven pavers. Build a gorgeous exposed aggregate walkway that leads to your front door. Connect it to your driveway for easy access for visitors. Be creative with your walkway design, and consider adding beautiful plantings and shrubs along the sides of the walkway to really make an impact with your entrance.
Connect a Social Area
Your property doesn’t always connect in seamless ways. Sometimes, you are dealing with different levels of terrain, and sometimes you are working around trees or other natural obstacles. Use an exposed aggregate walkway to create a beautiful connection between your home’s access points and social areas like patios, outdoor kitchens, and pools. You may just need one walkway connecting your main living space to one social area, or you may need multiple walkways connecting multiple areas.
Benefits of Using Exposed Aggregate
In addition to the beautiful look of exposed aggregate, there are many other benefits to using it in your hardscaping. One of the most important benefits of exposed aggregate is that it provides traction that many other hardscaping surfaces do not. The additional traction reduces the risks of slips and falls, even when it is wet. That protects your loved ones from injury, and it protects you from liability in case of accidents.
Exposed aggregate concrete is also easy to maintain. It doesn’t require special cleaning or sealing, and if it is damaged or cracked, it is quite easy to repair. Finally, exposed aggregate is eco-friendly because it does not require special sealing or treatment that uses harsh chemicals.
Exposed Aggregate Walkway Cost
Exposed aggregate can cost a bit more than standard concrete, though it remains an affordable option for many budgets. Because exposed aggregate requires working the concrete a bit more or adding materials to it, it can cost up to $2 to $3 more per square foot than standard concrete. Exact pricing will depend on the specifics of your project, such as how big it is or what kind of aggregate you want to use. When working with your hardscaping designer, be clear about your budget constraints so that you can get tailored recommendations for how to achieve the results you want at a price that will be affordable to you.
Hire Triad Associates’ Hardscaping Experts Today
Adding an exposed aggregate walkway to your home can create cohesion in your outdoor design and elevate your property’s curb appeal. Call Triad Associates today to schedule a consultation with one of our hardscaping experts and learn about your options for an exposed aggregate walkway. Our hardscapers design and install all types of hardscaping projects, including walkways, patios, retaining walls, driveways, pool decks, and more. We’re ready to work with you to help you realize your property’s full potential with the right outdoor design, whether that is adding a simple walkway or designing a full hardscape. We can revitalize your current hardscaping or we can create an entirely new design.
Call us today to learn more and get started on designing your new hardscape!
