An exposed aggregate concrete driveway is the Canadian favourite for a reason. The wash-back surface shows the stone in the mix, which gives the slab natural texture, real grip when wet or snowy, and a more decorative look than a plain broom finish, without the higher upkeep of stamped concrete. Every project starts with a free written estimate.
Exposed aggregate sits in a sweet spot for Boston driveways. The look is decorative, the stone in the mix shows through the surface for natural texture and visual interest, but the upkeep is closer to a brushed finish than to a stamped driveway.
Winter grip is the other reason. The stone surface gives traction wet or snowy in a way a smooth or even broom-finish slab does not match, and it hides wear and tracks better than a flat finish over years of use.
Underneath, it is still a concrete driveway built on a compacted base with an air-entrained mix for freeze-thaw. The decorative side comes from the surface treatment, not from compromising the structure.
Recent work
How it works
How We Pour an Exposed Aggregate Driveway in Boston
Plan the aggregate look
We pick the aggregate mix, size and colour with you, smaller pea gravel for fine texture, larger stones for bold look, and confirm the wash-back depth that gives the surface you want.
Pour and screed the slab
Air-entrained concrete is placed, screeded flat to the form elevations, and given time to set just enough that the surface will wash back cleanly to show stone.
Wash back the surface
At the right moment, the surface cement paste is washed and brushed away with controlled water pressure, revealing the stone embedded in the slab to the depth we set.
Seal exposed aggregate
Once cured, the surface is sealed to lock in the stone, keep water and salt out, and bring up the natural colour of the aggregate.
Versus the alternatives
Exposed Aggregate vs Brushed, Stamped, Coloured
Decorative without high maintenance, exposed aggregate beats a plain brushed finish on look while keeping the upkeep manageable. A stamped driveway looks more like premium hardscape but wants more frequent resealing.
Coloured concrete changes the slab tone without changing texture, and pairs well with exposed aggregate for added depth. Sealing is the routine that keeps any of these finishes looking new. See the driveway services hub for the full picture.
Texture, grip, sealing and how exposed aggregate compares for Boston driveways.
Because the stone surface gives natural winter grip and decorative texture without the higher upkeep of stamped concrete. For Canadian conditions, it is a hard-to-beat balance of look, grip and maintenance.
It has more texture than a smooth slab but is not aggressive underfoot. Most homeowners find it comfortable, and shovels glide cleanly across it once you get the angle. The stone size we choose tunes the feel.
Less often than stamped, typically every three to four years in Boston. The natural stone surface hides wear better and the sealer keeps water and salt out of the matrix between the stones.
Yes. The base concrete can be integrally coloured under the exposed surface, and the stone choice itself shifts the tone. We bring samples so you can see the combinations in daylight.
Somewhat. The timing of the wash-back has to be right, too early and you lose stones, too late and the surface stays cement-covered. We schedule the pour for weather that lets us time it cleanly.
Homeowner reviews
What Boston Homeowners Say About Their Exposed Aggregate Driveways
Exposed aggregate across the whole driveway. The grip in winter is the real win, our boots and the dog never slip on the slope coming down.
H. C.
Boston
★★★★★
Picked a warmer stone tone to match the brick on the house. The driveway pulls the whole front of the property together and has hidden a season of use beautifully.
A. P.
Brookline
★★★★★
Lower upkeep than the stamped patio we did the year before. Same texture quality, less work, exactly what they explained on the estimate.
G. N.
Waltham
★★★★★
Timed the wash-back perfectly. The stones are exposed to the depth we wanted, the joints are clean, and the seal has held through the first winter.
R. Y.
Somerville
From the blog
Concrete Guides & Articles
Practical reading on planning, finishes and caring for concrete in Boston.
Tell us the driveway and the look you want, smaller stones for fine texture, larger for bold, and we will bring aggregate samples to a free site visit with a written quote.
