Attractive Pebbled Look on Concrete
Concrete is a wonderful material for certain outdoor structures. It’s inexpensive compared to stone, it is durable, and it requires very little upkeep. However, it’s not the most esthetically appealing material–until now.
How To Get an Attractive Pebbled Look on Concrete
Luckily, there’s a way to make concrete look stunning. Best of all, it’s low in cost and easy to do. The exposed aggregate will add striking visual interest to any concrete installation.
Beautify With Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate is a traditional method that landscape designers have recently rediscovered. It’s a wonderful way to beautify concrete.
To get the look, tell your professional masonry installers you’re interested in adding an exposed aggregate element. Exposed aggregate is an area of the concrete where the top layer has been removed, exposing a rough surface in your choice of materials.
In the past, masons used gravel or small rocks as the aggregate. Today, however, exposed aggregate has become a design element that adds esthetic value and style to your concrete. You can add almost any element as the aggregate.
How to Get It
Choose the location. Decide where you want to place the aggregate. Walkways near pools or water features are a good choice because the rough surface makes them less slippery. Use it on the edge of a round patio to add an interesting visual element. Add it to your steps or the walkway to your front door.
Choose the aggregate material. Use your imagination to come up with ideas for the exposed area. Use colored stones in a random pattern, add uniform gravel for a polished look, or use broken pieces of tile for a mosaic-like look. Use seashells to create a beachside look, quartz to add some sparkle, or round stones to create a casual look.
Tell your installation professional you want to add aggregate. They’ll pour the concrete with the aggregate mixed in. Once the concrete dries, your mason sandblasts or power washes the top level to remove one layer. Your aggregate will be on the top. A mason will add a sealant to preserve the look.
Design Ideas With Exposed Aggregate
Make it shine. Use pieces of polished stone or glass to add a glowing look to your concrete.
Create a pattern. Use exposed aggregate to create a design or pattern on your concrete. This is longer-lasting and more visually appealing than stamping concrete. Add the pattern or design while the concrete is still wet. When your installer washes off the top layer, the design will show.
Light it up. Add solar or fiber optic lights to concrete aggregate on your steps, patio, and other outdoor spots. You can even use exposed aggregate to add radiant heat panels for cozy outdoor dining.
Pros:
- You can design a unique concrete surface that reflects your style.
- It’s durable and low maintenance. You will need to clean it occasionally and replace the sealant every two years.
- You can control the cost of the aggregate by choosing lower-cost materials.
- Using gravel or pebbles creates a durable, non-slippery surface that’s great for damp areas or steps.
Cons:
- If you don’t replace the sealant, the stones will dislodge and ruin the look of your concrete.
Get Expert Help from Capital Masonry
A professional mason can install stonework, exposed aggregate, and other hardscaping ideas. If you’re interested in new options in concrete, talk to Capital Masonry. We can help you create stylish, long-lasting patios, walkways, and other decorative elements using concrete.