Exposed aggregate concrete brings natural stone finish and slip-resistant surface to your backyard. The washed-back slab reveals embedded pea gravel or larger stones, creating visual depth and reliable traction in rain or pool spray. Abbotsford Concrete handles the pour, timing, and seal to lock in the finish. Every project begins with a free site estimate.
Exposed aggregate concrete is a practical choice for Abbotsford backyards because the stone surface grips wet feet and resists the freeze-thaw cycle better than smooth finishes. The washed-back aggregate reveals the embedded stones, creating natural texture without the labor-intensive stamping process.
The slab itself is standard poured concrete on a compacted base, sloped to shed water away from the house. What sets it apart is the finishing step: after the concrete sets to the right stage, the surface is washed back to expose the aggregate, then sealed to protect the stone and enhance color.
Compared to plain concrete, exposed aggregate adds visual interest and safety underfoot. Compared to stamped finishes, it requires less frequent resealing and hides wear patterns over time. It sits in the middle ground for both cost and upkeep.
Recent work
The sequence
How Exposed Aggregate Patios Get Built
Select stone and color
You choose aggregate size (fine pea gravel for subtle texture, larger stones for bold appearance) and optional integral color for the concrete base. We bring samples to show how combinations look in natural light.
Prepare and form the area
The site is excavated to depth, a granular base is compacted, and wooden or metal forms are set to the finished grade with proper slope for drainage away from structures.
Place and finish concrete
Air-entrained concrete is poured into the forms, screeded level, and allowed to cure to the right stage. Timing is critical for the wash-back step to expose the stones cleanly.
Wash and seal the surface
Once the concrete has set enough, the surface is washed with water and a brush to remove the top layer of paste and reveal the aggregate. After curing, a protective sealer is applied to lock in color and protect the stone.
How it stacks up
Exposed Aggregate vs Other Patio Finishes
Exposed aggregate sits between plain concrete and stamped concrete in terms of cost, appearance, and maintenance. The stone texture hides dirt and wear better than a smooth slab, and the natural finish requires less resealing than a stamped pattern.
Texture, grip, sealing and how exposed aggregate compares for Abbotsford 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 Abbotsford, 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 Abbotsford 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 area, and send a written quote within one business day.
foundations
Cost & Planning