Exposed Aggregate Driveway | Cost, Installation Methods and Benefits

Exposed Aggregate Driveway

Concrete is the perfect material for driveways as it is a strong option, able to cope with the weight of cars day after day. Concrete is also attractive as long gone are the days of using plain grey concrete for your driveways. Now there are a huge range of finishes for you to choose from, such as stencilled, stamped, exposed aggregate, and all of these are available in a huge range of colours. Many different designs are also available depending on the concrete finish that you choose.

Exposed Aggregate Driveway

What is Exposed Aggregate Driveway

Exposed aggregate Driveway is made up of concrete that has aggregates (stones, pebbles, etc) through the concrete that is exposed through the top of concrete using special techniques so that you can see it. Essentially, it is that type of concrete that looks like it has pebbles or stones set through it. Exposed aggregate concrete is perfect for driveways, entertaining areas, and pathways but can be used anywhere outdoors.

You can also get some pretty cool effects and designs from exposed aggregate concrete and stencil concrete, especially for flooring. A popular decorative effect achieved by adding stone to concrete, and suitable for exposed aggregate driveways, patios and pathways.

Installing Exposed Aggregate Concrete for Driveway

Exposed aggregate driveways need to be installed by a concreting professional as they are experienced in working with different size and shape aggregates and know the best ways to ensure a perfect finish. Ensure that your professional is qualified, licensed and insured and that they provide a detailed and reasonable quote for the concrete that includes everything, from preparation right through to the sealer.

Hiring a Professional for Exposed Aggregate Driveway

Concrete driveways can be laid by tradesmen that work for a specialist driveway company. These professionals will lay your new driveway to exacting standards and you will end up with a driveway that will really stand the test of time. Make sure you get a quote for the materials and labour and always remember to ask your professional how long you have to let the concrete cure for before you can start to use the exposed aggregate driveway.

The aggregates are available in many different colours, and you also have the option of colouring your concrete a contrasting or complementary colour in order to create a huge range of different looks. The aggregates are also available in different sizes. To finish the concrete, any loose or slurried concrete is removed using an acid wash, and then the whole thing is sealed using a special concrete sealer.

Exposed aggregate driveway concrete is popular concrete finish among other surface finishing. With a stony texture and glossy looking finish; this finish is a great way to make your exposed aggregate driveway, pathway or patio areas stand out from the rest. Usually, a shot of black oxide colour is added to the exposed aggregate concrete to create depth and give an edge to our concrete.

In the aesthetic point of view, a variety of extra options are available with aggregate size, pebble colours and concrete cuts. Once laid we also do a final acid wash and add a 'wet look' sealer finish to add that glossy finish. This also doubles as a protective coating making it very hard-wearing and durable.

In this video, a custom concrete hand mix with a custom finish on concrete paver/stepping stone is showing. You can watch how to get a beautiful hand finish for the exposed aggregate driveway.

7 Benefits of Exposed Aggregate Driveway

Are you planning on incorporating exposed aggregate to a building or renovation project? There is definitely some value in using this decorative surface, and here are some of them:

1. Exposed aggregate Driveway is meant to endure heavy foot traffic. As a composite material, it is sturdier and more resilient to natural wear and tear. Its longevity and performance are matched only by those of natural stones such as marble or slate. It sits well with the heat and humidity, but it can also withstand both snow and rain.

2. Another great thing about exposed aggregate Driveway is that it needs very little to no maintenance to keep it clean and looking brand-new. For regular cleaning, some pressurized water and cleaning solution would do the job. You also won’t have to worry about having to replace this type of flooring until about 40 years after it is first installed. You may need to seal the flooring every 3 to 4 years. Sealing aggregate flooring helps maintain its colour and lustre.

3. Exposed aggregate Driveway add value to your home. If you want the market value of your house to go up, a good tip is to always maintain a nice, clean exterior. It’s never a bad idea to invest in the upfront part of your house. You can never go wrong with an aesthetically pleasing driveway, and even pathways and front yard, and you can easily incorporate aggregates in these areas.


5. The design options for aggregates are virtually limitless. You can choose the colour, shape, hardness, size and durability of the aggregates you wish to use. You won’t be limited by colour or design. You can mix and match smaller stones of different colours with larger stones of different colours. You can mix the aggregates with regular or coloured cement.

6. Exposed aggregate Driveway does the job very well as skid-resistant flooring, so it’s also perfect for poolside flooring, patios, driveways, decks, gardens and terraces. It is also very commonly used in office parking spaces. On the other hand, a polished exposed aggregate finish works well in indoor areas such as building lobbies, supermarket aisles and office hallways. Since you get a lot of colour options, a different coloured aggregate may be used to mark pathways or boundaries, while a plain aggregate can easily hide tire marks on driveways and drains in poolside areas.

7. It’s relatively cheaper than many other decorative surfaces. While stamped, regular and brushed concrete finishes are still cheaper, aggregate concrete isn’t lagging too far behind, especially if you consider how much durability you’re adding to your flooring. Compared with natural stone surfaces, aggregate concrete is about 80% cheaper. The materials used will determine the cost of your aggregate installation, and if you consider locally available materials, you can achieve so much more in a fraction of the cost. Remember this as you plan your aggregate’s overall design.