Exposed aggregate concrete delivers the look of natural stone underfoot with the strength and low maintenance of a poured slab. We wash back the surface after the pour to reveal the stone, creating a patio that grips wet feet, hides dirt and wear, and needs less frequent sealing than decorative alternatives. Start with a free site estimate.
Exposed aggregate sits at the intersection of looks and practicality. The washed surface reveals stone embedded in the concrete, giving visual depth and natural texture without the upkeep demands of stamped finishes. Families with pools, kids, or frequent outdoor use appreciate the built-in grip.
The foundation is standard: a compacted base, air-entrained concrete patio mix, proper slope for drainage, and finishing work timed to expose the aggregate at the right depth. Once cured and sealed, the slab performs like any other poured concrete.
Compared to plain concrete, you get visual interest and texture. Compared to stamped, you trade pattern detail for lower maintenance. It is a practical middle ground for backyards that see real use.
Recent work
The sequence
How Exposed Aggregate Concrete Gets Poured in Detroit
Select stone size and colour
We review aggregate options with you: fine pea gravel for subtle texture, larger stones for bold visual impact, and how the colour reads in full daylight on your lot.
Prepare base and set forms
The area is excavated, a compacted granular base is laid, and forms are set to the finished grade with proper slope so water drains away from the house.
Place and finish the slab
Air-entrained concrete is poured, screeded level, and allowed to set to the right stage so the surface paste washes back cleanly without dislodging the stone.
Wash, cure, and seal
The surface is washed to expose the aggregate, the slab cures fully, and a protective sealer is applied to lock in colour and shield the stone from weather.
How it stacks up
Exposed Aggregate vs Other Patio Finishes
Three main decorative patio options exist in Detroit. Stamped concrete offers pattern detail but requires more frequent sealing. Plain concrete is the most budget-friendly but lacks visual interest. Exposed aggregate balances both: real texture, moderate cost, and the easiest maintenance schedule of the decorative choices.
If an existing patio is sound but tired, patio resurfacing can refresh it without a full tear-out. Exposed aggregate also integrates well with walkways, pool decks, and other yard concrete.
Texture, grip, sealing and how exposed aggregate compares for Detroit patios.
No, the opposite. The stone texture gives traction wet, which is why it is popular for patios that get pool splash, rain or morning dew. Much grippier than a smooth or even broom-finish patio.
Typically every three to four years in Detroit, slightly less often than stamped patios but more often than plain concrete. The seal protects the spaces between the stones from water getting in.
Not when the patio is poured and sealed properly. The aggregate is embedded in the concrete matrix, not laid on top, so the stones are mechanically locked in. Sealing protects the matrix from freeze-thaw working stones loose.
Yes. The base concrete can be integrally coloured under the exposed surface, and the aggregate choice shifts the tone too. We bring sample boards so you can see combinations in daylight before the pour.
Exposed aggregate usually costs less than stamped concrete because the stamp tooling and labour are not part of the job. The trade-off is a different decorative style, texture from stone rather than pattern from a stamp.
Homeowner reviews
What Detroit Homeowners Say About Their Exposed Aggregate Patios
Describe your backyard and the look you want. We will bring aggregate samples to your site, walk through the finish options, and send a written estimate within one business day.
