Short answer
Exposed aggregate concrete is a finish, not a different material: the thin layer of cement paste on top of a fresh pour is removed (washed off, or held back with a surface retarder and then washed) so the stones in the mix stand proud. The result is a textured, pebbled surface that is slip-resistant, hides dirt and tire marks, and reads as upscale next to plain gray. It sits in the decorative price band nationally, about $8 to $21+ per square foot for a driveway, between plain broom finish and full stamped work, and it needs a sealer to keep the stones locked in.
| Decorative driveway (stamped, colored, exposed aggregate) | $8–$21+ per sq ft[1] |
|---|---|
| Plain broom-finish driveway, for comparison | $5–$8 per sq ft[1] |
| Patio, simple decorative design | $8–$11 per sq ft[2] |
| Stamped concrete, for comparison | $10–$20+ per sq ft[3] |
How it's done
- Pour and finish the slab as normal, but without a broom texture.
- Hold the surface back. A chemical surface retarder is sprayed on the fresh concrete so the top skin of paste stays soft while the slab below sets.
- Wash. At the right moment, hours later, the soft paste is pressure-washed off to expose the stone to the planned depth. Timing is the skill: too early and the stones wash out, too late and they won't show.
- Cure, then seal. After curing, a sealer locks the surface. Some finishes get a light acid wash first to brighten the stone.
Where it works best
- Driveways: hides tire marks and oil better than plain gray.
- Pool decks and steps: grip when wet.
- Patios and walkways: a natural look that pairs with brick and stone houses.
- Borders: an exposed-aggregate band around a plain or stamped field.
Things to know before you choose it
- It's rougher on bare feet and knees than smooth concrete; fine for pool decks, less so for a play area.
- Snow shoveling and hard scraping can dislodge stones; not a big issue in most of Georgia.
- Repairs are harder to hide than on broom finish, because matching the stone and the exposure depth takes care.
See stamped and decorative concrete for the other finishes we pour, and thedecorative cost guide for the sourced ranges.
Frequently asked questions
Is exposed aggregate slippery?
+
Less than most finishes. The stones give the surface grip even when wet, which is why it's a common choice for pool decks, steps and sloped driveways.
Does exposed aggregate crack more than regular concrete?
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No. It's the same slab underneath: same thickness, base, reinforcement and control joints. Cracking comes from what's under the slab, not the finish.
Does it need to be sealed?
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Yes. A sealer keeps the stones bonded, stops small pieces popping out and keeps the color of the stone bright. Reseal every few years.
Can I choose the stone?
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Within what the local ready-mix plants supply, yes: size, shape and color of the aggregate change the look a lot. We show you samples at the estimate. Seeding a special decorative stone onto the surface is also possible at extra cost.
Is exposed aggregate cheaper than stamped concrete?
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Usually. It needs no stamps, release agent or hand detailing, so it tends to sit at the lower end of the decorative range where stamped work sits at the upper end. Both cost more than plain broom finish.
Sources
- [1]ConcreteNetwork.com, How Much Does a Concrete Driveway Cost? (updated January 13, 2026)
- [2]ConcreteNetwork.com, Concrete Patio Cost (updated January 20, 2026)
- [3]ConcreteNetwork.com, Stamped Concrete Cost (reviewed January 26, 2026)
Prices are national ranges published by the sources above, not quotes. Your price depends on size, access, site preparation and local labor rates in Georgia. Our free on-site estimate is the price for your site.
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