How do you expose a aggregate concrete driveway?

Using a surface retarderToday, most contractors expose aggregate by spraying a chemical surface retarder onto the slab surface immediately after placing and finishing. This delays the set and gives them the flexibility to remove the cement paste up to a day or so later, either by scrubbing or pressure washing.

People also ask, how much does an exposed aggregate driveway cost?

$75 to $90 per square metre for coloured concrete. $100 to $150 per square metre for an exposed aggregate finish. $100 to $150 per square metre for a decorative stencilled concrete driveway.

Also, how do you lay pebbles on concrete? Laying pebbles over the existing cement steps will add a rustic and country element to the home.

How to Put Pebbles on Cement Steps

Put on your dust mask before beginning, and then prepare your pebble paver mix.
Lay the paving mixture over each cement step.
Lay the pebbles on the cement in any pattern you would like.

Furthermore, is Exposed aggregate cheaper than concrete?

Standard concrete paving also tends to be more affordable than exposed aggregate paving, costing only about $7-9 per square foot. While still incredibly durable, exposed aggregate is more prone to damage than standard concrete and therefore needs to be sealed more often.

Can you do Exposed aggregate over existing concrete?

If you don't need an entirely new driveway or patio installed, you can usually have a new layer of concrete applied and then aggregate added to this top layer.

32 Related Question Answers Found

What does Exposed aggregate concrete look like?

Exposed aggregate concrete can almost be compared to a piece of granite or marble transformed by polishing: A plain, unremarkable surface has been stripped away to reveal the exceptional beauty lying beneath. In the case of concrete, that beauty is in the form of decorative aggregate, either natural or manufactured.

How long does Exposed aggregate last?

One of the main perks of having an exposed aggregate concrete surface is its exceptional durability as it holds up very well in heavy traffic. Because it's constructed from concrete, aggregate concrete can last for four decades or even longer.

How do you put rocks in concrete?

Lay the rocks where you want them with VERY tight joints between them. Chip corners off if needed to get a tighter fit. After they are where you want them,mix up more sand and Portland cement dry (NO water). Spread a thin layer over the stones and sweep the sand/portland mix into the cracks.

Does concrete resurfacing last?

Thanks to its advanced bonding properties, concrete resurfacing can last for quite a while. A properly resurfaced floor can last from 8-15 years.

Can you Pebblecrete over concrete?

It can be applied to any sound concrete including old pebblecrete. Resurfacing/Spray On is suitable for application on concrete driveways, pathways, patios, stairs, pool and barbeque areas, schools, car parks and commercial projects that have existing concrete.

How much more expensive is exposed aggregate concrete?

How much does exposed aggregate concrete cost per square metre? You can expect exposed aggregate concrete to cost anywhere from $100 to $150 per square metre. Compare this to what you could pay for normal class concrete ($60 to $85 per square metre) or reinforced concrete ($65 to $90 per square metre).

What is the cheapest driveway surface?

Aggregate, or gravel, is the cheapest and most durable of these four common driveway materials.

Are aggregate driveways expensive?

Explanation: A standard poured driveway with no colorings, stains or aggregates can be as low as $4 per square foot in some cases. However, adding in an aggregate and then going through the effort of exposing it can add a substantial amount to that cost.

How much is a pebble driveway?

Pebble Stone Driveway Cost. Using pebble stones as the surface layer of your driveway costs $1.25 to $2 per square foot or between $60 and $90 per ton.

What material is best for a driveway?

The five best materials to pave your driveway with

Exposed aggregate. This is a type of concrete finish obtained by removing a thin layer from the top of laid concrete to reveal the pebbles, shells, stones and/or sand near the surface.
Concrete.
Bluestone pavers.
Clay brick pavers.
Timber sleepers.

How do you estimate a concrete driveway?

To find the amount of concrete needed for a driveway you simply find the volume of the space to fill, in yards. Start by finding the area of the driveway in square feet. Multiply the length in feet by the width in feet to find the square footage. Next, multiply the area in feet by the depth in feet.

What is exposed aggregate concrete?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a form of decorative concrete achieved by removing the top layer of cement paste and revealing the underlying aggregate.

How much does it cost to put in a driveway?

The average cost of a concrete driveway, by comparison, is almost $7,400. Other sources estimate the cost to install an asphalt driveway to be between $2,300 and $10,300. Homeowners typically pay per square foot. Reibling adds the average cost per square foot is between $3.50 and $4.50.

How Much Should concrete work cost?

A typical concrete slab costs $4 to $8 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $5.35 to $6.17 per square foot, or $113 to $126 per cubic yard for both materials and installation. Your final cost will depend on the slabs size, thickness, and if you any special reinforcement such as wire mesh or rebar.

How is exposed aggregate done?

Using a surface retarderToday, most contractors expose aggregate by spraying a chemical surface retarder onto the slab surface immediately after placing and finishing. This delays the set and gives them the flexibility to remove the cement paste up to a day or so later, either by scrubbing or pressure washing.

Is Exposed aggregate concrete smooth?

Exposed Aggregate vs Coloured Concrete? AFAIK exposed aggregate is very smooth since it is grinded/polished and sealed. It only LOOKS like there are stones on top of it.

How often should you seal aggregate driveway?

Generally speaking, aggregate driveways need to be re-sealed once every two years. For commercial premises which see a lot of traffic, more frequent re-sealing may be required.