Get a Beautiful Look with Exposed Aggregate Concrete
When you think of concrete, you likely think of the boring, grey slab that most people have for their driveway or sidewalk. Occasionally, you might get an image of colored or stamped concrete – especially if you know someone who has had such a project installed on their property. However, these are not the only two options. You can get a beautiful paved surface with a unique look with exposed aggregate concrete.
Triad Associates specializes in concrete paving and artistry. Our associates can create a beautiful exposed aggregate concrete patio, driveway, or other hardscape for your home.
What is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
All concrete consists of a mix of cement, water, and aggregate. Typically, the aggregate is fine, so that it will blend into the mix when the concrete is poured. The aggregate consists of small pebbles or grains of rock. It can be fine or coarse.
To get exposed aggregate concrete, the installer can rub a watery sponge over the surface to wipe away some of the cement, which creates the paste and the smooth surface. Or, to get exposed aggregate concrete, the installer can actually add a mix of large aggregate to the concrete mix so that it is visible on the surface.
Materials like bead glass, sea shells, sea glass, pebbles, and more can be added to get different looks for the exposed aggregate concrete. Different shapes and colors of aggregate can create a unique look for the concrete. The experienced specialists at Triad Associates will help you understand what options will look best for your project and will best suit your budget.
Exposed Aggregate Samples
Durability of Exposed Aggregate Concrete
Concrete is a durable material. That’s one of the reasons that it is so popular. If properly cared for, concrete can last for decades.
However, adding the larger aggregate that is found in the exposed aggregate concrete makes it even more durable. The larger stone or other material provides better structural support than the tiny rubble in most concrete mixes. The larger aggregate means that the concrete can stand up to much heavier foot traffic and heavy furniture. You won’t have to worry about cracking or other damage, and the surface will last your whole lifetime with the right care.
Not only is exposed aggregate concrete a good investment, but it is also a good choice for outdoor use, where usage will be heavier and there will be more elements that could damage the concrete.
Uses for Exposed Aggregate Concrete
You have a lot of options for incorporating exposed aggregate concrete into your hardscaping, and Triad Associates can help you discover the perfect look for your home and to bring it to life.
Exposed aggregate concrete is quite popular for pools. It can be used in the decorative border at the water line, or it can be used to finish the entire interior of the pool. It is also often used for the decking around the pool, providing a unique look and some texture to the area. You can do something a bit different than the usual grey concrete, and the texture in the aggregate creates a surface that is not as slippery when people are getting into and out of the pool and tracking water everywhere.
Exposed aggregate concrete is also a great choice for pathways and patios. You can get quite creative with shape and positioning. You can wind a pathway around a landscaped part of your yard or leading up to an outdoor living space. You can lay a path next to your garden or leading from your home to a she-shed or outdoor living space.
You can also go big and pave an entire patio or even your driveway with the exposed aggregate concrete. You can achieve some interesting designs by changing up the color of the concrete or aggregate, the size and shape of the aggregate, and the style of the layout.
The specialists at Triad Associates will help you envision the perfect design for your landscape with exposed aggregate concrete. We’ll use a combination of design sketches or software and samples to help you see what’s possible.
Additive Options for Exposed Aggregate
Triad offers a wide variety of glass and sea shell options that you can add to your exposed aggregate to achieve the look and style you desire. Ask your sales representative for pricing details and color options.
Maintenance for Exposed Aggregate Concrete
One of the advantages of exposed aggregate concrete is that it requires very little maintenance. The aggregate is going to hide the variations in color that can happen over time with dirt and stains, so you aren’t going to need to power wash it as frequently as you would typical concrete. You’ll need to wash it occasionally – just not as frequently as you would with a typical concrete pour.
Sealing the concrete will reduce your maintenance even more. The sealant will keep out dirt and water, which can stain or break down the concrete over time. All you have to do is keep up with the sealant to keep the concrete looking great. Triad Associates can help you keep your concrete sealed on a schedule to extend its lifespan.
Get Superior Service and Results from Triad Associates
Triad Associates is a family owned and operated business that has been designing and installing hardscapes for nearly four decades. Our associates are experienced experts in hardscaping, and they are committed to getting the very best results for you while also providing the best service. We will work closely with you from 3D concept to completion, ensuring that you are happy every step of the way.
Our stunning work has been featured on “This Old House” and “Breaking Ground,” and we have earned numerous five-star reviews for our great results and exceptional service. We have one of the highest ratings with Dun & Bradstreet.
You can visit our 5,000-square-foot display to see more of the products we offer and start getting inspiration for your project. We offer over 50 custom colors of exposed aggregate, as well as multiple patterns and colors for stamped concrete. We can help you create the perfect design for your hardscaping project. Call us today to schedule a consultation, or visit our showroom to start getting inspired.
Exposed Aggregate Finished Projects
Exposed Aggregate Installation Process:
