The One I Always Recommend
People ask me all the time what finish I'd put on my OWN patio and the answer is always the same - exposed aggregate. I actually have it on my back patio at home in Osprey and it's been there 12 years and still looks fantastic.
If you've never seen it, exposed aggregate is basically where you pour the concrete and then wash away the top layer before it fully cures to reveal the stones and pebbles inside. It creates this beautiful natural texture that's got tons of character.
How We Do It
The process is pretty cool actually. Here's the basic steps:
- We pour the concrete like normal and screed it flat
- We use a surface retarder on top - this is a chemical that slows down the curing of just the top 1/8 inch or so
- We let the bulk of the concrete set up underneath (usually a few hours depending on the heat)
- Then we come back and pressure wash the top layer off, exposing all the aggregate underneath
- After it fully cures we hit it with a good sealer
The timing on step 3 and 4 is CRITICAL. Too early and you wash away too much and the stones are loose. Too late and nothing comes off. This is where experience matters - the guys on my crew can tell by looking at it and pressing their thumb in it whether it's ready. It's part science, part feel.
Why It's Great for Florida
A few reasons why exposed aggregate is perfect down here:
- Non-slip - the textured surface gives you great traction even when wet. Huge deal for pool decks.
- Hides dirt - the natural color variation means it never looks dirty the way smooth grey concrete can.
- Doesn't get as hot - the texture actually helps with barefoot walking compared to smooth dark concrete. It's not cool by any means but it's better.
- Looks like a million bucks - people genuinely think it's some kind of fancy stone work. Nope, it's concrete.
Where We've Done It
We just finished a pool deck in Lakewood Ranch with exposed aggregate and the homeowner literally hugged me when she saw it. Not kidding. We've done patios along Bee Ridge, driveways in Bradenton, walkways on Longboat Key. It works everywhere.
You can also choose your aggregate. Want more shell? More river rock? Darker stones? Lighter ones? We can adjust the mix to get the look you're after.
If you want to see some examples in person, I'm happy to drive you by a couple of our completed projects. Just give us a call and we'll set something up.