Exposed Aggregate

WHAT IS EXPOSED
AGGREGATE CONCRETE?

Exposed aggregate concrete is a decorative layout created by using plain concrete. Our specialists are trained and experienced in using stones and oxides to create a stunning piece of art. Which is not just act as a feature piece, but also, it will become a unique feature for your home or office space.

To create exposed aggregate and its distinctive look and unique feel of, it involves washing off the first few millimetres of concrete. By doing this, it exposes the stones beneath. This process is where exposed aggregate gets its other name of washed aggregate. When you are shopping around and looking for the best exposed aggregate concrete prices in Perth, make sure you contact Coastcrete for the very best deal.

Exposed Aggregate Services

EXPOSED AGGREGATE DRIVEWAY

Looking to improve your driveway? With durability, strength and a stunning range of colours to perfect the overall finish, this particular surface can be used virtually anywhere. Due to it’s non-slip surface, it’s perfect for any driveway, pathway or outdoor area that will be exposed to water, it can also be used for areas surrounding pools making it the most popular decorative concrete.

At CoastCrete, we can help you find an extensive range of high-quality materials that will perfectly suit your home. With our many years of experience and high levels of expertise, we are happy to assist you with our expert suggestions to ensure that you pick the perfect design for your home or commercial space.

THE ADVANTAGES

  • Exposed Aggregate is one of the most popular decorative forms of concrete in Perth. In addition, there are many types of concrete mixed with aggregates, which helps make it durable while adding a touch of beauty to the mix. This distinctive touch allows you to enjoy an exposed surface that features a stylish and stunning feature piece.
  • When compared to other materials you may use for your project, exposed aggregate is highly durable, meaning that it is near perfect for areas of highly trafficked or footfall
  • Exposed aggregate is one of the most cost-effective and practical choices in the market today. Compared to alternative flooring options it gives you much better value for money in terms of both performance and longevity.
  • There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorative concrete, and it can be used in a variety of ways. Allowing you to take on as much, or as little as you like. This ensures that the exposed aggregate design matches up to the overall theme.
  • Exposed aggregate is highly versatile and can be used in various areas of your home or business. Such as around the pool, driveway, alfresco areas, lawn, edgings, to create decorative areas, and so much more.
  • With the help of exposed aggregate, you will not only be able to add a fantastic feature to your property. In addition, you will be able to make a statement that will blow people away.

EXPOSED AGGREGATE Q&A'S

At CoastCrete, we want to help you make the right choice for your indoor or outdoor flooring, we will walk you through the process about why exposed aggregate is the best option for your home or business needs.

Exposed aggregate is for anyone who finds a textured flooring solution appealing. It has natural stones that come from quarries, riverbeds, and other interesting locations. They are then scattered into the concrete base, usually by hand. Classy, durable, and exceptional beauty – these are the characteristics of expertly installed exposed aggregate flooring by CoastCrete.

Exposed aggregate has become a popular choice among all concrete finishes. Its technique of exposing pebbles or stones to appear on the surface creates a distinctive look. The level of exposure depends on how exposed aggregate was installed, as well as the chosen materials or aggregates.

There is a large range of uses for exposed aggregate, making it the ideal surfacing choice for driveways, walkways, patios, alfresco & much more. CoastCrete will work with you to select the perfect design and colours for your project, matching the new materials to the surroundings of your property to make this feature bring new life to space.

There are many advantages to exposed or washed aggregate, such as:

CoastCrete recommends exposed aggregate for pavements and sidewalks. It is best for both indoor and outdoor areas. You can use it as the surface for the garage, warehouse, gallery, or even your living room. Large pedestrian areas look more appealing when exposed aggregate is used.

Its customisability allows you to play with various mixes. Some examples are adding integral colour, acid staining the finished aggregate, and creating cut patterns to concrete. Exposed Aggregate is the best way to reveal the underlying beauty of concrete.

THERE ARE THREE MAIN WAYS OF EXPOSING THE AGGREGATE:

Exposing the aggregate
  • Brushing and washing: This technique is considered the oldest yet simplest of all methods. It does not use specialised tools and chemical retarders. The process involves washing away a small portion of the surface mortar, which covers the aggregate. It is done by spraying the area with water and scrubbing it using a broom until the desired depth is reached.
  • Using a surface retarder: CoastCrete uses this method because it offers reliability and the best results. A chemical retarder is sprayed onto the surface right after installation and finishing. This technique delays the time for the surface to set while giving some flexibility for us to get rid of cement paste about a day later. Pressure washing and sometimes scrubbing can remove this paste. Our method is proven the most effective for those in Perth, where the sun can be scorching hot.
  • Abrasive blasting: Once the concrete has hardened, abrasive blasting through short-or sandblasting is an option. However, this technique can damage the aggregates and make the surface look dull. As much as possible, this method should be avoided to preserve the colour and shape of the aggregates.

The surface can be dyed or stained or coloured once completed.

Exposed Aggregate FAQs

What exactly does exposed aggregate concrete mean?

Exposed aggregate is not a new concept. It has been in existence for over a hundred years now. This technique is believed to have started the decorative concrete trend. The name says it all. Exposed aggregate is a type of concrete in which the top layer is removed. It does not affect the functionality of the concrete surface; rather, it is intentionally done to expose the aggregate underneath.

Aggregates can include a wide variety of objects, including gravel, sand, glass, and quartzite. The finished result can be compared to a more flexible version of marble or granite.

What does the process of exposed aggregate look like?

Exposed aggregate is achieved by installing concrete first. In many cases, concrete already exists. After pouring concrete, the outer layer or “skin” of the paste (cement) is removed. The purpose is to expose the coarse decorative aggregate.

It’s easy enough to understand, but the more complex part of the process is the addition of aggregate to concrete. The most common method is through seeding the decorative aggregate onto the slab after placing concrete. Another way is by mixing aggregate into the concrete itself, which is possible if a ready mix is used, which is then combined with concrete during the batching procedure.

What are the benefits of exposed aggregate?

Exposed aggregate allows you to have a beautiful surface without worrying about the hefty cost, which is the case with other finishes. You can have spectacular effects at a reasonable price. The entire process is quick, resulting in a rugged and non-skid surface.

One more benefit of using exposed aggregate is that it is weather resistant and can take heavy loads. This is why it is a fantastic choice for almost any flatwork, such as patios, driveways, and pool decks.

Are there disadvantages that I need to know about exposed aggregate?

Yes, there are a few cons that you should be aware of with exposed aggregate. The first is that it is not a DIY type of surface. You should always have an expert hired to do the placing and installing for you, such as CoastCrete. Concrete is also prone to damage, especially without the proper sealant used, which should be correct for your location and the site itself.

For more information about the pros and cons of using exposed aggregate for your home or commercial space, we invite you to read our blog post about this topic on our exposed aggregate pros and cons post.

How are the special effects achieved?

Contractors have their own ways of improving the exposed aggregate surface. At CoastCrete, we let you take control of the look that you want to achieve. If you’re aiming to heighten the drama, we have our own creative techniques that will give you an enhanced look with complementing colours or textures, for example.

There are a number of possibilities, including using a variety of aggregates that contrast one another. We can also combine smooth finishes with rough exposed aggregate surfaces. The surrounding concrete can also be coloured in such a way that it works with the aggregate’s colour palette.

How hard is it to maintain an exposed aggregate concrete surface?

Residents and business owners love exposed aggregate because it looks attractive. At the same time, it is not as demanding as other finishes. It is highly durable and has low maintenance requirements. You only need to sweep the floor to maintain its look regularly.

If the exposed aggregate is installed for your driveway or patio, you may need to rinse the surface off with a hose from time to time. Every six months to a year, resealing may be necessary. The frequency will depend on the amount of traffic it receives.

Is exposed aggregate expensive?

Exposed aggregate is great value for money. Depending on the size of the job will determine how much it cost, for more details contact us!

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