How much does exposed aggregate concrete cost per square foot?

Exposed aggregate concrete cost depends on aggregate type, finish (standard versus honed), size, site access, and base prep. It typically costs more than plain concrete but less than natural stone, while offering better durability and traction than a smooth driveway. We provide a clear quote after reviewing the project, so you know exactly what's included before any work begins.

Exposed aggregate vs. stamped concrete — which is right for my driveway?

Exposed aggregate concrete uses the natural texture of the stone itself for both grip and looks, while stamped concrete is patterned and colored to imitate brick, slate, or stone. Exposed aggregate generally offers better traction in wet or icy conditions; stamped concrete offers more pattern and color variety. Which one's right depends on the look you want and how the surface will be used — we can walk you through both.

Does exposed aggregate concrete need to be sealed?

Yes. Sealing protects an exposed aggregate driveway or patio from salt, freeze-thaw damage, and staining, and keeps the aggregate from loosening over time. We seal every exposed aggregate concrete project we install and can advise on a resealing schedule to protect it long-term.

Do you install exposed aggregate concrete near me in Stratford?

Yes. We're an exposed aggregate concrete contractor serving Stratford directly — residential and commercial installation for driveways and patios throughout the region, whether you're searching exposed aggregate concrete near me or exposed aggregate concrete contractors near me.

Exposed aggregate vs. pavers — which lasts longer?

Exposed aggregate concrete is poured as one continuous surface, so there are no individual pieces to shift or need re-leveling the way pavers can over time. Pavers offer easier spot-repair since individual pieces can be replaced, but exposed aggregate concrete generally holds up better as a single, long-term surface with less ongoing maintenance.

What's the difference between exposed aggregate and honed aggregate?

Standard exposed aggregate has a textured, slightly rough surface with the stone visible at the finish level. Honed aggregate is ground down and polished afterward for a smoother, more refined look while still showing the aggregate underneath. Both offer the same underlying durability — the choice comes down to the look and texture you want.

Can a worn or cracked exposed aggregate driveway be resurfaced instead of replaced?

Sometimes. If the base and structure are sound and the wear is limited to the surface finish, resurfacing or resealing can restore an exposed aggregate driveway's look. Once the concrete itself is cracked or breaking apart, that's a repair or replacement job — see our Concrete Repair & Replacement page for that.

Do you install exposed aggregate concrete across Perth County and surrounding communities?

Yes. We serve Stratford, Perth County, and surrounding communities including St. Marys, Mitchell, Tavistock, New Hamburg, Shakespeare, Sebringville, and Listowel. For projects outside this area, contact us to confirm availability.

Is pebble concrete the same as exposed aggregate concrete?

Yes — pebble concrete (sometimes called pebblecrete) is essentially the same decorative exposed-stone finish, just a different regional name for it. We install this finish regardless of which term you searched to find us.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Contractor Stratford, Ontario

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Driveways & Patios Built for Curb Appeal and Traction

Exposed aggregate concrete gives you a textured, decorative finish with real everyday advantages — better traction than a smooth driveway, a look that doesn't fade into every other poured driveway on the street. Stratford Concrete installs exposed aggregate concrete driveways and patios for homeowners and property owners throughout Stratford and surrounding areas. Whether you're comparing an exposed aggregate concrete driveway against stamped or standard concrete, or searching for exposed aggregate concrete contractors near me, we handle the mix design, exposure technique, and sealing that decide whether an exposed aggregate finish looks sharp for one season or holds up for twenty.

Get a Free Exposed Aggregate Quote

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Tell Us About Your Project

Exposed aggregate concrete is sold on how it looks. Whether it still looks that way in five years comes down to what happens during the pour, not after it.

The exposure technique — how deep the surface is washed or seeded to reveal the stone — and the seal applied afterward determine whether an exposed aggregate driveway stays textured and even, or ends up patchy, over-exposed in spots, or dulled out within a couple of winters.

Stratford Concrete treats exposed aggregate concrete as a finish that has to be right the first time — proper mix design, consistent aggregate exposure, and a sealer suited to Ontario winters, on every exposed aggregate driveway and patio we pour.

That's the difference between exposed aggregate concrete that still looks good a decade in, and one you're already asking us to resurface.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Stratford, ON

Stratford Concrete installs exposed aggregate concrete driveways, patios, and walkways for residential and commercial properties throughout Stratford and nearby communities. Done right, exposed aggregate concrete gives you a durable, skid-resistant surface with a finish that stands apart from plain or stamped concrete.

Exposed aggregate driveways

Exposed aggregate patios

Aggregate size & color selection

Seeded and washed exposure finishes

Sealing & long-term maintenance

Honed aggregate finish option

New pours & full replacements

Base prep & proper drainage

Exposed aggregate concrete repair (cross-linked)

Free exposed aggregate estimates

An exposed aggregate driveway is the most requested application we get for this finish — it holds up to vehicle traffic, sheds water better than a smooth surface, and doesn't show tire marks and staining the way plain concrete does over time.

An exposed aggregate concrete patio gets the same finish with a different job to do — a walkable, slip-resistant surface that reads as an upgrade over a standard concrete patio without the maintenance a natural stone patio requires.

What our exposed aggregate concrete installation includes:

Proper base prep and compacted gravel foundation
Aggregate and color selection to match your property
Controlled exposure so the stone reveals evenly across the surface
Correct slope for drainage on driveways and patios alike
A sealer suited to Ontario freeze-thaw conditions
Clean, consistent edging and joint work

An exposed aggregate concrete driveway or patio poured without the right exposure technique ends up looking patchy instead of textured — that's the detail most contractors rush, and the one we don't.

Aggregate Finishes & Options

Not every exposed aggregate concrete project should look the same, and it doesn't have to — aggregate size, color, and finish technique all change the final look and the maintenance it needs.

What's included in our exposed aggregate service:
✓ Standard exposed aggregate
✓ Honed aggregate
✓ Custom aggregate & color blends
✓ Exposed aggregate vs. stamped concrete
✓ Pebble concrete finish
✓ Exposed aggregate repair & resurfacing

If your existing exposed aggregate concrete is cracked, spalling, or needs resurfacing rather than a new pour, that's handled on our Concrete Repair & Replacement page. This page covers new exposed aggregate concrete installation.

Aggregate exposure technique determines how even and durable the finish looks over time. Wash the surface too early and you lose stone; wash it too late and the finish comes out patchy or dull — get the timing right and the aggregate sits at a consistent, weather-resistant depth across the whole driveway or patio.

Sealing determines how long that finish actually lasts. An unsealed or poorly sealed exposed aggregate concrete driveway takes on de-icing salt, freeze-thaw cycling, and UV fading a lot faster than one sealed properly and resealed on schedule.

What our process covers:

Base prep and compaction sized for driveway or patio loads
Aggregate exposure timed and controlled for a consistent finish
Correct slope and drainage away from the home
A sealer suited to Ontario winters, applied properly
Joint placement that controls where cracking happens
Honest guidance on resealing intervals to protect the finish

What's the right aggregate size and sealing schedule for a driveway that gets plowed every winter versus a patio that doesn't? That depends on exposure and use, not a default spec applied to every exposed aggregate concrete project the same way. The right answer comes from actually assessing how the surface will be used — not treating every exposed aggregate driveway and patio as identical.

Why Exposed Aggregate Concrete Fails Early

Exposed aggregate concrete problems almost always trace back to the exposure and sealing stage, not the concrete itself. Whether you call it an exposed aggregate driveway, an aggregate concrete driveway, or an exposed concrete finish, the underlying issue is usually the same — something was rushed before the finish ever had a chance to cure and seal properly.

Surface washed too early or too late, leaving an uneven or patchy exposure
No sealer applied, or the wrong sealer for Ontario winters
Base prep skipped or rushed, leading to cracking and settling
Joints placed poorly, so cracks appear in the middle of a panel instead of at a joint
Resealing schedule ignored, letting salt and freeze-thaw wear down the finish
Aggregate exposure treated as decorative only, not built to actually hold up

That's how homeowners end up with an exposed aggregate driveway that looks blotchy within a year, a patio that's losing stone at the edges, or a finish that's faded and dulled out well before it should.

Exposed aggregate concrete in Stratford needs controlled exposure timing, proper base prep, and a sealer built for local winters — that's the standard we build to on every exposed aggregate driveway and patio, new pour or replacement.

Exposed aggregate concrete is one of the easiest finishes to get almost right — and "almost right" shows up as a patchy driveway within a season.

We control the exposure timing, base prep, and sealing on every exposed aggregate concrete driveway and patio, so the finish looks consistent and actually holds up to Ontario winters.

If you're searching for exposed aggregate concrete contractors near me in Stratford, we handle exposed aggregate driveways and patios directly — new installations, finish and aggregate selection, and honest advice on repair versus replacement.

Our Exposed Aggregate Concrete Process

Tell Us About the Project

Contact us with your project details — a new exposed aggregate driveway, a patio, or a replacement for an existing surface. Photos and rough measurements are helpful but not required.

We Review the Site and Discuss Finish Options

We look at the site, drainage, and go over aggregate size, color, and finish options — including honed aggregate — so the finish matches what you want.

You Get a Quote

Once the scope is clear, we provide pricing and explain exactly what's included — base prep, aggregate and finish, and sealing.

Base Prep and Forming

The site is excavated and graded, the base is compacted properly, and forms are set before any concrete is poured.

Concrete Is Poured, Exposed, and Sealed

The slab is poured, the aggregate is exposed at the right time for a consistent finish, and the surface is sealed properly before the project is complete.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Stratford and Surrounding Areas

Stratford Concrete installs exposed aggregate concrete driveways and patios in Stratford, Ontario and nearby communities — including exposed aggregate driveway projects throughout Perth County.

Service area:

Stratford
St. Marys
Mitchell
Tavistock
Shakespeare
New Hamburg
Sebringville
Listowel
Perth County
Huron County
Surrounding rural areas

For exposed aggregate concrete projects outside Stratford, contact us to confirm availability.

Ready for an Exposed Aggregate Driveway or Patio?

Whether you want a new exposed aggregate concrete driveway, a patio upgrade, or you're comparing finishes before deciding, we can walk you through the options. Send your project details, photos, and approximate measurements to get started.

Get Your Exposed Aggregate Quote Call Now

What Our Customers Are Saying

"Stratford Concrete replaced our old cracked driveway and the difference is huge. The crew was easy to deal with, explained the prep work clearly, and made sure the slope was right for water runoff. The finished driveway looks clean and solid. Very happy with the result"

“We hired Stratford Concrete for a backyard patio and walkway, and everything turned out exactly how we hoped. They helped us figure out the layout, kept the edges clean, and the finished surface looks great with the rest of the yard. It feels like a proper usable outdoor space now.”

“We needed concrete work done around our property for better access and heavier use. They understood what the area needed, handled the site prep properly, and gave us a finished surface that feels built to last. Practical, professional, and no nonsense.”

Exposed Aggregate Concrete, Stratford — Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about exposed aggregate concrete, cost, or how it compares to other finishes? Whether you're comparing options or searching for an exposed aggregate concrete contractor near me in Stratford, here are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

How much does exposed aggregate concrete cost per square foot?
Exposed aggregate concrete cost depends on aggregate type, finish (standard versus honed), size, site access, and base prep. It typically costs more than plain concrete but less than natural stone, while offering better durability and traction than a smooth driveway. We provide a clear quote after reviewing the project, so you know exactly what's included before any work begins.
Exposed aggregate vs. stamped concrete — which is right for my driveway?
Exposed aggregate concrete uses the natural texture of the stone itself for both grip and looks, while stamped concrete is patterned and colored to imitate brick, slate, or stone. Exposed aggregate generally offers better traction in wet or icy conditions; stamped concrete offers more pattern and color variety. Which one's right depends on the look you want and how the surface will be used — we can walk you through both.
Does exposed aggregate concrete need to be sealed?
Yes. Sealing protects an exposed aggregate driveway or patio from salt, freeze-thaw damage, and staining, and keeps the aggregate from loosening over time. We seal every exposed aggregate concrete project we install and can advise on a resealing schedule to protect it long-term.
Do you install exposed aggregate concrete near me in Stratford?
Yes. We're an exposed aggregate concrete contractor serving Stratford directly — residential and commercial installation for driveways and patios throughout the region, whether you're searching exposed aggregate concrete near me or exposed aggregate concrete contractors near me.
Exposed aggregate vs. pavers — which lasts longer?
Exposed aggregate concrete is poured as one continuous surface, so there are no individual pieces to shift or need re-leveling the way pavers can over time. Pavers offer easier spot-repair since individual pieces can be replaced, but exposed aggregate concrete generally holds up better as a single, long-term surface with less ongoing maintenance.
What's the difference between exposed aggregate and honed aggregate?
Standard exposed aggregate has a textured, slightly rough surface with the stone visible at the finish level. Honed aggregate is ground down and polished afterward for a smoother, more refined look while still showing the aggregate underneath. Both offer the same underlying durability — the choice comes down to the look and texture you want.
Can a worn or cracked exposed aggregate driveway be resurfaced instead of replaced?
Sometimes. If the base and structure are sound and the wear is limited to the surface finish, resurfacing or resealing can restore an exposed aggregate driveway's look. Once the concrete itself is cracked or breaking apart, that's a repair or replacement job — see our Concrete Repair & Replacement page for that.
Do you install exposed aggregate concrete across Perth County and surrounding communities?
Yes. We serve Stratford, Perth County, and surrounding communities including St. Marys, Mitchell, Tavistock, New Hamburg, Shakespeare, Sebringville, and Listowel. For projects outside this area, contact us to confirm availability.
Is pebble concrete the same as exposed aggregate concrete?
Yes — pebble concrete (sometimes called pebblecrete) is essentially the same decorative exposed-stone finish, just a different regional name for it. We install this finish regardless of which term you searched to find us.

Get an Exposed Aggregate Concrete Quote in Stratford

Exposed aggregate concrete only looks as good as its exposure and sealing — get that right and it's a durable, skid-resistant finish that holds up for decades; get it wrong and you're resurfacing within a few years. If you need a new exposed aggregate driveway, a patio, or want to compare finishes before deciding, contact us today in Stratford or across Perth County. We'll review the project and help you get a finish built to actually last.

Request a Exposed Aggregate Quote

Click the button to call us at (226) 781-8449