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Exposed Aggregate Reveals the True Beauty of Concrete

Achieve spectacular effects at a minimal cost with the many types and sizes of decorative aggregate available

By Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com Columnist

Find a Contractor for your Patio, Pool Deck or Driveway

What Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?

What is exposed aggregate and where is it used?

Advantages of exposed aggregate finishes

How to expose the aggregate

Choosing the Right Decorative Aggregate

Choosing decorative aggregate

Adding the aggregate to the concrete

Design Ideas for Exposed Aggregate Finishes

Achieving special effects

Exposed aggregate pool decks

Exposed aggregate driveways

Combining decorative elements with exposed aggregate

Protecting and Maintaining Exposed Aggregate

Sealing and protecting exposed aggregate finishes

Exposed aggregate maintenance

Related Information:

Aggregates in ready-mix concrete

Review our comprehensive sections on concrete patios, pool decks, and driveways

Other Resources:


Find a Contractor for your Patio, Pool Deck or Driveway

Concrete Contractors: Find products and supplies in your area

ConcreteNetwork.com

Author Anne Balogh, ConcreteNetwork.com Columnist and Senior Editor of Concrete Network Magazine
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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.

The decorative process of exposing aggregate has been around since the early 1900s, well before pattern stamping, stenciling, and decorative overlays became trendy. But this method is far from being ready for retirement. An exposed aggregate finish offers numerous advantages. And many of today's contractors are finding creative ways to take exposed aggregate to a new level.
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