Exposed Aggregate Concrete Augusta, GA

What exposed aggregate concrete means in Augusta

The stone is the product. A river-washed rounded pebble gives a soft speckled surface, a crushed granite gives a sharper look, and a mix with a large decorative aggregate seeded on top gives the strongest effect.

It is the most naturally slip-resistant of the decorative finishes, which is why it turns up on sloped driveways and pool surrounds, and it is the least comfortable to kneel or lie on.

Exposed aggregate is the most slip-resistant finish available and in a climate with sudden heavy rain and shaded lots that is a practical argument, not a stylistic one.

How exposed aggregate concrete is put on

There are two methods. A surface retarder sprayed on the fresh slab keeps the top paste soft overnight so it can be washed off the next day, which gives the most consistent exposure. Or the slab is washed and brushed at the right moment, which is quicker and less even.

Depth of exposure is a decision, not an accident. A light exposure just breaks the paste, a deep one reveals half the stone, and going too deep undermines the aggregate and it starts popping out.

Seeded aggregate is broadcast onto the fresh surface and floated in, which lets you use a decorative stone without paying for it through the whole depth of the slab.

It gets sealed, and it needs resealing, because the texture holds dirt and the sealer is what keeps the stone reading clean rather than grey.

What exposed aggregate concrete costs in Augusta, GA

More expensive than broom and usually less than stamped. The decorative stone and the washing labour are the two additions, and a seeded exposure costs less in material than an integral one.

It sits between broom and stamped, and a seeded exposure gives the same appearance as an integral one for considerably less stone.

Where exposed aggregate concrete goes wrong in GA

An exposure taken too deep leaves stones sitting on a weak paste bed, and they come loose one at a time for years afterwards. It cannot be repaired invisibly.

In Augusta's humidity the texture holds pollen and organic debris, so the sealer here is doing more work than it would in a dry climate and needs renewing on schedule.

Where we do exposed aggregate concrete

We cover Augusta, Columbia County and the South Carolina side of the CSRA, including and 34 more areas.

Questions we get asked about exposed aggregate concrete

Is exposed aggregate slippery?

It is the least slippery of the decorative finishes, which is why it is common on slopes and around pools.

Does it need sealing?

Yes, and resealing periodically. The texture traps dirt and without a sealer the stone reads dull.

Can existing concrete be exposed?

Not really. The aggregate has to be in or on the surface when it is placed. On an existing slab the equivalent is an overlay with stone in it.

Get a price for your exposed aggregate concrete

Call (762) 320-6343 and we will come out, measure, and leave you a written quote. There is no charge for the visit and no obligation afterwards.