Exposed aggregate concrete delivers the look of natural stone with the strength and low maintenance of a poured slab. We wash back the surface to reveal embedded pea gravel or larger stones, creating a finish that grips wet feet, hides dirt and wear, and needs less frequent sealing than stamped alternatives. Start with a free written estimate.
The appeal of exposed aggregate lies in its balance. You get a decorative surface that looks like natural stone without the cost or installation complexity of real pavers. The concrete slab underneath is poured on a compacted base, finished flat with proper drainage slope, and the decorative character comes from washing back the top layer to expose the aggregate.
Compared to plain concrete patios, the texture adds visual warmth and real grip. Compared to stamped finishes, you trade pattern detail for a more natural look and a simpler maintenance routine. The concrete patio itself is unchanged; only the surface treatment differs.
Backyards that see heavy use, pool splash, or morning dew benefit most from the traction. The stone texture hides minor stains and wear that would show on a smooth finish, and the slab lasts as long as any other poured concrete.
Recent work
Installation sequence
Pouring an Exposed Aggregate Patio Step by Step
Select stone size and colour
We review aggregate options with you, fine pea gravel for subtle texture, larger stones for bold visual impact, and confirm how the colour reads in Portland daylight before committing to the pour.
Prepare base and set forms
The area is excavated, a granular base is compacted, and forms are positioned to establish the finished slope for drainage. Edge details are set to match your patio design.
Place and finish concrete
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 embedded stones.
Wash and seal the surface
Once the concrete has cured, the surface is washed to expose the aggregate, then sealed to lock in colour, protect the stone, and guard against water infiltration.
Making the choice
Exposed Aggregate vs Other Patio Finishes
Exposed aggregate sits between plain concrete and stamped concrete in both cost and visual impact. The finish hides dirt and wear better than smooth concrete, offers natural stone character without the upkeep of stamped patterns, and integrates seamlessly with walkways and other yard elements.
If an existing patio is sound but tired, patio resurfacing can refresh it with a new finish. Exposed aggregate also pairs well with pool decks and outdoor living spaces, creating a cohesive yard aesthetic with minimal maintenance burden.
Texture, grip, sealing and how exposed aggregate compares for Portland 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 Portland, 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 Portland Homeowners Say About Their Exposed Aggregate Patios
Describe your backyard and the look you want. We bring aggregate samples to a free site visit, measure the space, and send a written quote within one business day.
