How To Do Exposed Aggregate Concrete Patio

What It Is And Why You Should Incorporate It Into Your Next Construction Project

Exposed aggregate has become a popular decorative concrete choice due to its aesthetic appeal and durability. Its completely customizable and fairly easy to install, making it a cost-effective option for decorative concrete around the home.

Heres a look at all there is to know about exposed aggregate concrete, including its different uses, the different types, and the benefits of using it.

One: Choose Your Sealer

All concrete sealers are NOT created equal. The most common choices include silicone, urethane, and acrylic-based products. These sealers are designed to protect against mould and mildew, retain vibrant colour , and stabilise the surface.

The best sealer will come down to your surfaces usage , and your choice of aggregate .

When choosing your concrete sealer, make sure the product will resist yellowing, dry in an even, thick coat, and easily accept coats down the track. Most concrete sealers last 1 to 2 years, depending on the climate and volume of traffic.

Cost Of Aggregate Concrete Patio

Dont let your remodeling budget go over-board by hidden surprises understand what the average installed costs for Aggregate Concrete Patio is in your zip code by using our handy calculator. If youre looking for 2021 breakdown for Cost of Aggregate Concrete Patio materials and what installation cost might be, youve come to the right place.

As an experienced licensed home improvement contractor, I know first hand what it should cost for various levels from Basic, Better, and of course the best. This Aggregate Concrete Patio calculator will provide you with up to date pricing for your area. Simply enter your zip code and the square footage, next click update and you will see a breakdown on what it should cost to have Aggregate Concrete Patio installed onto your home.

• Cost can add up quickly, especially if youre a novice and have never attempted a Aggregate Concrete Patio installation before. I would strongly recommend you hire a licensed and Insured aggregate concrete patio contractor to perform the installation for you.
• Be sure to have a copy of the Aggregate Concrete Patio Manufacturers recommended installation requirements before starting, to make sure your project doesnt end up costing you more money in the long-run.

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Exposed Aggregate Patio Surface Concrete Patio With Loungers For Enjoying The Sun

Do you want to build an exposed aggregate patio for enjoying the sun when the weather is nice? If yes, this one can be the inspiration that you are looking for.

The size is not that big actually, but it goes along the shape of the house and porch, so it does not look small either. Besides, you can see that it connects to the wooden garden pavilion at the corner. Although it is not visible in the picture, the other way leads to the side entrance of the house.

From the design, it is undeniable that this patio is attractive. It combines dark exposed aggregate material that matches the exterior color scheme and smoothed concrete that creates the pattern.

The existence of loungers as the only furniture pieces makes it clear that this patio is an excellent one for enjoying the sun, including when it sets at the end of each day. The best thing is that this place can also be perfect for reading while enjoying the breeze.

Exposed Aggregate Covered Patio With Curved Outdoor Kitchen Bar

Are you looking for some cozy inspiration? If yes, this exposed aggregate patio is a perfect one.

It basically has a brown color. As a combination, it has multitone aggregates with some spark of white here and there, giving a refreshing touch to the patio design.

The overall color theme of the exposed aggregate concrete surface matches the cozy brown color theme of the house. It even matches the lamp pendants, bar stools, and custom stone kitchen cabinets.

Not far from the patio, there is a picturesque swimming pool. We only talk about this because of the same and continuous exposed aggregate concrete that also becomes the patio surrounding the pool.

The thing that is so fascinating here is that the design shows that this type of patio can go along with other natural materials to create such a beautiful visual.

Thanks to the earthy color of the patio that makes it look like soil, it goes really well with the small plants planted on edge. It even looks well, being side by side with the mulch.

The last detail that we cannot miss from this design is the pairing between the patio surface and the boulders of the artificial waterfall. You can try a fantastic idea like this to build the patio for the pool area.

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Where To Use Exposed Aggregate

Exposed aggregate is used in many parts of a property, both commercial and residential. You can have it installed in driveways, pathways, al frescos, pool surrounds, and more. The mentioned areas, as you may already know, are those that demand good looks and reliable performance. You do not want to waste money on useless flooring that can even cost more yet does not offer the same benefits of exposed aggregate.

Let us have an in-depth look at the areas where you can use this flooring option:

Exposed Concrete Requires Very Little Maintenance

Compared to decks or brick pavers, concrete is the obvious choice for durability and maintenance. A patio built by Biondo Cement is one that will last, even in Michigans inclement weather. Pavers are highly susceptible to weather damage, and often develop weeds or roots that can disrupt the structure. Decks can rot or fail and have nooks and crannies that require frequent cleaning. With exposed aggregate concrete, you dont have to worry about a thing. When the installation is complete and allowed time to cure, the only maintenance required is a re-seal every couple of years. Thats it!

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The Beautiful Combination Of Landscape Design With Brown Mulch And Exposed Aggregate Patio

When you choose an exposed aggregate patio for your exterior, you can also consider adding other elements to make everything look good together. An example that we want to show you here is mulch.

This soil covering can have a direct connection with the patio. That is why it can help enhance the visual. Something like this can be excellent for you who take landscape design seriously.

While the exposed aggregate concrete here has a neutral appearance, the type of mulch chosen as the pair here is brown wood. It has a compatible tone with the wooden materials of the house.

Bonding New Cementitious Layer Over Existing Aggregate

This can work, but it is non-trivial and involves some steps. The existing aggregate must be adequately bonded into the existing cement to allow the steps involved . If the existing surface is robust enough, it needs to be cleaned and acid-etched before applying the new cementitious layer. Check out this forum post for more details.

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Concrete Patio With Exposed Aggregate Surface Chairs And A Metal Fire Pit With Cover For Extra Living Space

The exposed aggregate patio that you can see here is suitable to call the extension of the covered one right next to it. If seen from the function, it is clear that it is a gathering area with blue chairs and a round metal fire pit. At night, a place like this is perfect for star-gazing.

From the design point of view, it is basically made to match the covered patio because it also has curves. Although the material is different from the stone tiles, it has a compatible yellowish color.

Now let us talk a bit about the covered patio next to the exposed aggregate one. You can find the definition of complete outdoor entertainment and experience here.

It has a small cooking area with a grill right in the corner. Next to it, there is a dining table set with eight seats.

Other than those, there is also a curved sofa with a round ottoman table. In front of this set, there is a cement alcove used for placing a TV.

Together with the exposed aggregate part, the whole patio design is just excellent. It provides you all you need for a unique outdoor living that is perfect for at-home refreshment.

Option Three: Use A Cover System

Use a cover system that is designed with the idea of using smaller amounts at a time this means its not as expensive up front because there are no delivery fees . The pros are that it can be installed in a day or two and the surface is usually very smooth. The con would be that this method will only last for about six months before needing to cover again which could still work out well if you want something temporary while your property undergoes renovations.

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Exposed Aggregate Concrete Michigan Mazza Company Concrete

You would have surely seen decorative driveways, sidewalks and patios and perhaps wondered how they are achieved. Those are achieved by using exposed aggregate concrete. Those floors are done by removing the top layer on concrete from a surface to reveal the color and texture of aggregate beneath it. Exposed concrete floors are durable and provide skid resistance.

How To Expose Aggregate

There are several ways to expose the aggregate in concrete. And a general rule of thumb is to remove the surface cement paste at a depth that is no more than one-third the diameter of the aggregate.

Brushing and Washing

This method requires washing away a thin layer of the surface cement paste by spraying it with water and scrubbing it with a broom until the desired depth of aggregate is exposed.

This method is best for small jobs and can begin as soon as the surface cement can be removed without dislodging or overexposing the aggregate. To test if the concrete is ready, lightly brush away a small area of the surface cement paste using a stiff nylon-bristle broom.

Using a Surface Retardant

After placing the concrete, the top layer of cement paste is kept soft by spraying on a surface retardant to slow down the curing process of the surface as the underlying concrete hardens, locking in the aggregate and reducing the risk of dislodging aggregates.

After several hours, once the underlying concrete sets, the top layer of cement paste is rinsed off with a pressure washer or garden hose or is scrubbed off using a broom and water.

Abrasive Blasting

Once the concrete has set and hardened, you can expose the aggregate using abrasive blasting, such as sandblasting or shot blasting. This method is not recommended if you want to preserve the colour and shape of the exposed aggregate since it can fracture and dull the appearance of aggregate.

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Types Of Exposed Aggregate

There are several methods for creating exposed aggregate concrete, including:

Standard

This is the most common method for exposed aggregate. It involves mixing or batching the aggregate in the concrete mix at the concrete plant first before delivering and laying the concrete at the project site. Pea stone is one of the most common aggregates used in the standard method.

Topping

Also known as a concrete overlay, this method is used to upgrade the look of existing concrete that is still in good condition. Aggregates are mixed into a concrete overlay batch and applied to an existing concrete slab in a thin layer that is 1 to 1.5-inches thick.

Seeded

For the seeded the method, the decorative aggregates are placed by hand or broadcast on the surface of the freshly-poured concrete and then floated into the concrete by hand.

Polished

The polished method is the most common method for exposed aggregate concrete inside homes. This method is similar to the standard and topping methods. But instead of leaving the aggregate exposed with a textured, slip-resistance surface, a grinder or sander is used to work the top layer down.

Several clear coats of sealer are applied to create a shiny, polished surface. But if you want a matte finish, this step can be skipped.

Types Of Exposed Aggregate Concretes

There are two basic ways of constructing an exposed aggregate finish to a concrete the first, Surface Dressing, acheives the effect by pressing the decorative aggregate into the body of the freshly poured concrete, whilst the second, Washed to Expose, which is preferred for heavy-duty or commercial use, is brought about by stripping away the from the top 2-6mm of the concrete to reveal the constituent aggregate.

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Resurface Exposed Aggregate Concrete Patio

Is it possible to resurface an exposed aggregate concrete patio? My current patio surface is about 20 years old, and the aggregate has deteriorated a bit and is pretty ugly looking and painful to walk on. Here’s a picture:

• How much room you got to raise the slab? Can you add a couple inches without interfering with anything ?

If you don’t have to make the overlay “very thin” and the patio is structurally sound, there’s not a whole lot of “bonding” needed – a 1-1/2 – 2″ thick overlay on a sound, solid concrete substrate will happily sit there, unless it has voids to encourage spalling in the winter. As it happens, that looks like a pretty good bet for bonding to though it would probably be advisable to pressure-wash it to remove any loose material, and probably also acid-etch it to improve bonding and further clean it up.

Thin is generally harder to do well with masonry materials.

Avoid resurfacing with new. There is no way to make a permanent chemical bond, water will get in and it will crack out at any thickness that will not interfere with your use of doors and so forth. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. This is regardless of climate. Don’t believe me? Call your local cement supplier and ask them.

To answer your specific questions:

Yes.

This should be reasonably priced.

Where Is The Best Placement For It

A concrete patio with exposed aggregate look is suitable to place in the front, the back, or even the side of the house. The more important thing is how you decorate it with the choices of furniture or even appliances to add a more specific function to it.

As an example, you can take a look at this backyard exposed aggregate patio. It comes with a table and four chairs, making it a perfect alternative eating spot on the property.

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Exposed Aggregate Concrete Patio Sealer

The exposed aggregate need to be sealed to help protect it against spalling, dusting, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, stains, abrasion it also enhances the color of the aggregate and highlights the aggregates depth and richness.

When selecting a sealer for exposed aggregates, there are some elements which you need to check. Make sure that the sealer you choose is non-yellowing and UV resistant, the sealer should repel oil, grease, water and stains.

The sealer needs to provide a high-gloss wet look this is an element which deepens and enriches the color of the aggregate.

There are two best types of sealers for exposed aggregates Water Repellent Concrete Sealers and Acrylic Concrete Sealers.

Water Repellent Concrete Sealers Water Repellent Concrete Sealers wont change the look of the concrete, it works below the surface and lasts 7 to 10 years. This type of sealer repels surface water and reduces staining and deterioration and can be used on cured and uncured concrete.

Acrylic Concrete Sealers On the other hand, Acrylic Concrete Sealers enhances the aggregates with a wet look or gloss while leaves a visible surface film and lasts 1 to 5 years. This type of sealer also protects the surface against staining, stops dusting and deterioration and just the same can be used on cured and uncured concrete.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Overview

Exposed aggregate concrete is an extremely appealing yet simple option to create an interesting surface. By stripping away the very top layer of a concrete surface once the base layer has hardened, concrete is transformed into a unique display of variably sized aggregates.

The decision to use coarse or fine aggregates for your concrete depends upon the job and your desired result. Exposed aggregate concrete can be achieved with a variety of aggregate shapes, sizes, and colors.

Exposed concrete pairs well with other forms of , like stained or integrally colored. While exposed aggregate is most commonly used for flooring applications like exposed aggregate patios, its also ideal for walls, paneling, building facades, and exposed aggregate driveways.

An aggregate concrete patio or floor is aesthetically pleasing and offers added safety benefits with its non-stick surface. It can also withstand heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions.

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Option Six: Cover With Thin Brick Strips

Cover with thin brick strips. This is a great option if you want to cover exposed aggregate concrete, but also like the look of an old style . With this approach though keep in mind that it will take time for moisture under and around bricks or blocks on top can seep into the exposed aggregate below, so youll need to make sure that the moisture can escape.

The Combination Of Concrete And Exposed Aggregate In A Swimming Pool Patio

A concrete patio with exposed aggregate can also be a suitable choice for a swimming pool area. As an example, you can look at the one made with a fabulous, eclectic design above.

The fascinating thing about it is that the exposed aggregate is not the only material used in the patio. The most prominent one is none other but the regular concrete that is also used as the pool outline.

Other than that, you can also see the flagship stone pool coping. Although it does not connect directly with the exposed aggregate, it has a consistent color to match it.

Other than that, there is also stone slab material surrounding the fire bowl area. The grey color creates a contrast and gives a neutral touch when paired with the earthy exposed aggregate concrete.

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