Exposed aggregate concrete driveway in Pittsburgh
An exposed aggregate concrete driveway has the stone in the mix showing at the surface. On a Pittsburgh hill, that matters as much for grip as for looks, and it's one of the lowest-upkeep finishes you can pick.
How exposed aggregate is made
The slab is built and poured as usual. Once the surface starts to set, the crew washes away the thin layer of cement paste on top, which leaves the stone showing. The timing is the hard part. If you wash too soon, you pull stones loose. If you wait too long, the paste won't come off. That's why experience with this finish matters more than the tools.
Some jobs use a surface retarder, sprayed on after finishing, to give the crew a longer window. It's a good idea on a large driveway or a hot day.
Why it suits a hillside
Pittsburgh has plenty of driveways that climb straight up from the street. A rough surface can make those a lot safer. It also has other useful qualities.
- Good grip in rain, and better than smooth concrete on light frost
- Stone hides oil spots and tire marks
- Patches and repairs are harder to see
- No pattern to wear away, and no color to fade
- Holds up well under snow shovels
Caring for it
A clear sealer every few years helps keep out salt and brings out the color of the stone. Choose a matte or penetrating sealer on a slope, as a gloss film can reduce the grip you paid for. Bare stone can be rough on bare feet and small wheels, so it's not always the best choice for a basketball slab or for a play area. For a smoother look, compare a stamped concrete driveway.
How the job goes
- Pick a stone
We show you samples of the available mixes.
- Build the base
Excavation, stone and forms come first.
- Pour
Concrete is placed and floated.
- Expose
The surface paste is washed off at the right time.
- Cut and seal
Joints are cut, then a sealer goes on after curing.
Common questions
What is exposed aggregate concrete driveway?
A concrete driveway with the top layer of cement washed away, so that the natural stone in the mix shows and provides grip.
More driveway services
- concrete driveway installation
- concrete driveway replacement
- concrete driveway repair
- concrete driveway resurfacing
- stamped concrete driveway
- driveway trench drain
- driveway drainage
- driveway apron
- concrete driveway sealing
- driveway crack repair
- sunken driveway repair
- driveway extension