Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Nashville and Middle Tennessee
Decorative Concrete

Exposed Aggregate Concrete

A rugged, slip-resistant surface where the stones in the mix are revealed, great for driveways, walks and pool decks.

Exposed aggregate concrete is the surface that shows its stones. The top layer of cement paste is washed away or removed shortly after the pour, revealing the pebbles, crushed stone or glass in the mix. The result has a pleasing natural texture, a lot of traction and a tough face that hides dirt and small marks well. It has been a favorite for driveways, walks and pool decks for decades, and a Nashville property with a wooded or natural setting suits it nicely.

The choice of stone sets the look. Local river pebbles give warm earth tones, granite chips look crisp and gray and blends can echo your brick or siding. We select the aggregate, place the concrete and finish it level, then apply a retarder or wait for the right time to wash the surface and expose the stone. We cure the slab, clean the residue and seal it to bring out the color and protect against stains and weather.

Stone choice sets the look

River rock, granite and blends give very different colors, so we show you samples first.

Excellent traction

The textured surface grips when wet, which helps near pools, steps and slopes.

Forgiving surface

Small marks and dirt hide easily in the pattern of stones.

Sealed to enhance

A sealer deepens the color of the stone and keeps it bright.

What is included

  • Aggregate selection with samples
  • Base, forms and steel
  • Pour and level
  • Exposure of the stone surface
  • Cleaning and curing
  • Sealing and care guide
Before and after

See the transformation.

Drag the handle to compare.

After: a driveway with a smooth new broom-finished driveway with neat jointsBefore: a driveway with a cracked, stained and sunken old drivewayBeforeAfter
Cracked driveway replaced. From a cracked, stained and sunken old driveway to a smooth new broom-finished driveway with neat joints.
Why it works

What you get with Exposed Aggregate

Natural texture

Stone revealed.

Slip resistant

Great traction.

Stone choices

Warm to cool.

Durable face

Hides wear.

Good outdoors

Drives and decks.

Sealed

Color enhanced.

Try it now

Concrete Color and Finish Visualizer

Try colors, stain tones and finishes on a sample patio and see how they might look in your space.

How it works

Our process, start to finish.

  1. 01

    Call and schedule

    You tell us about your site and what you want, new concrete, a repair or a refresh, and we set a visit that fits your day.

  2. 02

    Visit and measure

    We walk the property, measure the area, check drainage, soil and access, look at any old concrete and take photos of anything of note.

  3. 03

    Plan and explain

    We explain your options for thickness, steel, finishes and colors, sketch the layout and give you a written scope with clear timing and pricing.

  4. 04

    Prepare the site

    We arrange for underground utilities to be located, protect the house, lawn and landscaping, remove old concrete if needed and compact a stone base.

  5. 05

    Form and pour

    We set forms and steel, check heights and slopes, place and finish the concrete and cut joints, with the crew on site from the first truck to the last pass.

  6. 06

    Cure and care

    We protect the concrete as it cures, clean up the site, walk you through when to use it and seal it, and set a reminder for your next check.

Questions

Exposed Aggregate FAQ

Is exposed aggregate slippery?

No. The texture gives good grip when wet, which is why it is popular near pools.

Can it be repaired?

Small areas can be patched, though matching the stone exactly is difficult.

Does it need sealing?

Sealing is recommended to enhance color and protect the surface.

Can stones come loose?

A well-placed and well-cured surface holds the stones firmly. Poor placement is what causes loose stone.

How does it compare with stamped concrete?

Exposed aggregate has a natural stone texture, while stamped imitates patterns like slate or brick.

Next step

Get your free Exposed Aggregate estimate.

Tell us about the project and we will call you back to talk it through.

Or call (615) 357-7797 to talk now.

Tell us about your project

We will call you back to talk it through and set up a visit.

Prefer to talk? Call (615) 357-7797. We never sell your information.

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