Exposed Aggregate is a decorative concrete finish achieved by removing the top layer of the cement paste to uncover the aggregate material beneath. With the many types and sizes of decorative aggregate and colourings for concrete available, you can now achieve unlimited colour and texture variations.
During the process we spread the chosen decorative aggregate onto the concrete slab surface immediately after the concrete has been laid and floated.
This involves sprinkling the aggregate uniformly onto the surface and then embedding it with a float until it is completely covered by a thin layer of cement paste.
Retarder liquid is then sprayed on to the surface and the concrete if left to firm up before we remove the paste of the concrete and expose the aggregate underneath.
Exposed aggregate is highly versatile and contrasts beautifully with plain concrete, imprinted concrete and other decorative surfaces.
With minimal maintenance, exposed aggregate is a more durable and hard wearing alternative to some resin bonded or bound systems as is ideal for use on driveways, paths and patios with the following benefits:-
Low Maintenance
High Wear Resistance
It has the strength of ordinary concrete
Varied decorative alternatives possible
Anti-slip properties
Resists weed grow compared to other paving types
Designed to suit a specific locality by using local aggregates
Special aggregates can be “seeded” onto the surface
By carefully selecting the aggregate and choosing a coloured concrete many different effects can be achieved
Using different borders and shapes can create many visual effects
