Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Illinois
Exposed aggregate concrete creates a decorative, textured surface by revealing the natural stone or aggregate within the concrete. Scritchlow provides exposed aggregate concrete installation throughout Central and Northern Illinois for patios, walkways, entrances, pool areas, decorative borders, and other residential and commercial projects.
Each project is planned around the property, intended use, drainage, grading, surrounding elevations, and desired finished appearance.
What Is Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
Exposed aggregate is a decorative concrete finish that reveals the stone, gravel, or aggregate within the surface of the concrete. The finished appearance can vary depending on the aggregate, concrete mix, placement, finishing method, and surrounding design.
Because exposed aggregate is still a concrete surface, proper site preparation, grading, drainage, placement, finishing, joint layout, and curing are important to long-term performance.
Scritchlow evaluates the project area and surrounding site conditions before recommending an installation approach.
Exposed aggregate may be used for:
- Patios and outdoor living areas
- Walkways and paths
- Porches and entrances
- Pool-area concrete
- Decorative borders
- Residential outdoor spaces
- Commercial decorative concrete surfaces
How Exposed Aggregate Concrete Is Installed
Exposed aggregate installation begins with evaluating the project area, grading, drainage, soil conditions, access, and surrounding elevations.
After the area is prepared, concrete is placed and finished. The surface is then treated and carefully worked to reveal the decorative aggregate while maintaining the intended texture and appearance.
Proper timing, site preparation, joint layout, finishing, and curing all contribute to the appearance and long-term performance of the finished surface.
- Evaluate the project area and surrounding grades
- Prepare the soil and base
- Establish proper drainage and elevations
- Place and finish the concrete
- Expose the decorative aggregate
- Clean and finish the surface
- Install appropriate joints
- Allow adequate curing time
When Can You Use New Exposed Aggregate Concrete?
New exposed aggregate concrete needs adequate curing time before normal use and before heavy furniture, planters, grills, or other items are placed on the surface.
The appropriate waiting period can vary based on the concrete mix, weather, project conditions, finishing methods, and intended use.
Scritchlow provides project-specific guidance about when the finished surface can safely return to normal use.
What Makes a Quality Exposed Aggregate Project?
A successful exposed aggregate project depends on more than simply revealing the stone at the surface. Site preparation, grading, drainage, concrete placement, exposure depth, finishing, joint layout, and curing all affect the final appearance and durability.
The exposed aggregate should also complement the surrounding home, landscaping, hardscapes, and outdoor living areas.
Scritchlow evaluates both the structural needs of the concrete and the desired appearance before recommending an installation approach.
Exposed Aggregate Design & Finish Considerations
The appearance of exposed aggregate can vary depending on the concrete mix, aggregate type, exposure depth, finishing method, and surrounding conditions.
Because the aggregate becomes part of the visible finished surface, consistency during placement and finishing is important. The selected appearance should also work with nearby concrete, landscaping, architecture, and other outdoor features.
Scritchlow evaluates the project area and desired finish before recommending an exposed aggregate approach that fits the property.
- Aggregate size and appearance
- Surface texture
- Exposure depth
- Surrounding concrete and hardscapes
- Drainage and slope
- Joint placement
- Intended foot or vehicle traffic
- Overall property design
Exposed Aggregate Concrete FAQs
Get answers to common questions about exposed aggregate concrete, installation, appearance, maintenance, curing, and where decorative aggregate surfaces can be used.