Exposed aggregate driveways deliver natural stone texture and winter traction in one finish. The washed-back surface reveals the aggregate embedded in the slab, creating visual depth and real grip underfoot without the maintenance demands of stamped concrete. We start every project with a free written estimate and site assessment.
Exposed aggregate occupies the practical sweet spot between plain concrete and high-maintenance decorative finishes. The stone in the mix becomes the visual feature once the surface is washed back, giving your driveway character without requiring the frequent resealing that stamped concrete demands.
Winter performance is where this finish truly shines. The exposed stone creates natural traction that keeps vehicles and pedestrians from sliding on ice or wet pavement. Unlike a smooth slab or even a broom-finished surface, the texture works year-round to improve grip.
Structurally, it remains a standard concrete driveway with air-entrained mix and proper base preparation for freeze-thaw cycles. The decorative element comes entirely from the surface treatment, not from any compromise to the slab's integrity.
Recent work
Installation sequence
Building an Exposed Aggregate Driveway Step by Step
Select stone and depth
We review aggregate options with you, ranging from fine pea gravel for subtle texture to larger stones for dramatic visual impact, and determine how deep the wash-back will go.
Place and level the slab
Air-entrained concrete is poured to the forms, screeded level, and allowed to reach the precise set point where the surface will wash cleanly without losing stones.
Wash and brush the surface
Using controlled water pressure and brushing, the surface cement paste is removed to expose the aggregate to the depth you selected, revealing the stone matrix.
Cure and seal the finish
After full curing, a penetrating sealer is applied to protect the stone, lock in colour, and keep water and de-icing salt from penetrating between the aggregate.
How it compares
Exposed Aggregate Against Other Finishes
Compared to a brushed finish, exposed aggregate offers more visual interest and superior winter grip. Versus stamped concrete, it requires less frequent sealing and hides surface wear more effectively over time.
You can combine exposed aggregate with integral colour to shift the overall tone of the slab, letting the stone choice and base colour work together. Sealing remains the key maintenance task, typically needed every three to four years. Explore the full driveway options to find your best fit.
Texture feel, maintenance, colour options, and weather timing for Portland installations.
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 Portland. 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.
Customer feedback
Portland Homeowners on 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.
Portland
★★★★★
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.
Beaverton
★★★★★
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.
Lake Oswego
★★★★★
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.
Hillsboro
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Practical reading on planning, finishes and caring for concrete in Portland.
Describe your driveway dimensions and preferred stone size, and we will visit your site with aggregate samples and a written estimate. No obligation, no pressure.
