Exposed aggregate concrete delivers the look of natural stone underfoot with the strength and longevity of a poured slab. We wash back the surface after the pour to reveal the stone, creating a patio that grips wet feet, resists wear, and needs less frequent sealing than stamped alternatives. Every project begins with a free site estimate.
Exposed aggregate sits at the intersection of beauty and practicality. The washed-back stone surface provides real traction underfoot, especially valuable around pools, hot tubs, or anywhere water collects. Unlike smooth finishes, the texture prevents slipping even when wet or icy.
The concrete slab itself is built the same way as any patio: compacted base, air-entrained mix, proper slope for drainage. The difference is the finish. After the concrete sets to the right stage, we wash away the surface paste to expose the aggregate, then seal it to lock in colour and protect the stone from weather.
Compared to stamped patio work, exposed aggregate requires fewer resealing cycles. The texture naturally hides minor wear and dirt. It costs less than stamped because there is no stamp tooling or pattern labour involved. For homeowners who want decorative concrete without the maintenance burden, this is the sweet spot.
Recent work
The sequence
How Exposed Aggregate Concrete Gets Finished
Select stone size and colour
We review aggregate options with you, from fine pea gravel for subtle texture to larger stones for bold visual impact. Colour samples are shown in natural light so you see the final look before work begins.
Prepare base and set forms
The patio area is excavated, a compacted granular base is laid, and wooden or metal forms are set to the correct slope. This ensures water drains away from the house and the finished surface is level.
Place and screed concrete
Air-entrained concrete is delivered and placed into the formed area, then screeded flat. The mix is timed so the surface reaches the right set stage for washing without tearing or over-exposing the stone.
Wash and seal the surface
Once the concrete has cured enough, the surface is carefully washed to expose the aggregate to the desired depth. A penetrating sealer is applied to enhance colour, protect the stone, and extend the patio life.
How it stacks up
Exposed Aggregate vs Other Patio Finishes
Three main decorative patio options exist in Boston: plain concrete, stamped concrete, and exposed aggregate. Plain is the most affordable but offers no visual interest. Stamped delivers pattern and colour but requires more frequent sealing. Exposed aggregate balances cost, appearance, and maintenance.
If an existing patio is sound but tired, patio resurfacing can refresh it without a full tear-out. Exposed aggregate also integrates well with other hardscape elements like sidewalks, steps, and pool decks, creating a cohesive yard design.
Grip, durability, sealing schedules, and how the finish holds up in Boston winters.
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 Boston, 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 Boston Homeowners Say About Their Exposed Aggregate Patios
Describe your backyard and the look you want. We will bring aggregate samples to your site, show you the finish in daylight, and provide a written quote within one business day.
