A beautiful outdoor patio can provide a welcome haven where you can lounge and enjoy. If you're looking for a functional decorative surface, consider exposed aggregate. Here are several ways to customise this decorative flooring.

A Variety Of Aggregates

Exposed aggregate consists of cement that's full of elements such as river stones, pebbles, coloured glass and shells. With an endless range of materials and colours, you can custom-design the surface to complement your landscape. River stones are available in blues, purples, greys, tans, pinks and creams. Select diverse colours for shimmering, multi-toned flooring, or combine monotone shades for more uniformity. For sparkle, include pieces of brightly coloured glass. Vary the shapes and sizes of aggregates to create different textures. Rounded aggregates produce a more comfortable floor for bare feet and so are ideal for pool decks. Angular crushed stones add texture. 

How To Include Aggregates

You can disperse the elements within the cement in various ways. They can combine with the cement, which is then poured in place. This method typically uses the most aggregates, which can be expensive. Alternatively, you can include the decorative stones and elements into an overlay, which pours over an underlying slab—an excellent way to refresh existing concrete. Seeding the aggregates by hand into the cement is also possible; this technique provides ultimate design control. 

Exposed Aggregate 

When designing your surface, you can combine exposed aggregate with other decorative concrete techniques to create appealing contrast and interest. For instance, on a driveway, fill the centre section with the aggregates, and border the design with stamped concrete that mimics stone pavers. You can also colour the underlying cement with pigments or apply stains to the finished surface. 

To highlight its texture, contrast bands of exposed aggregate with smooth concrete. If you enjoy the rustic appearance of a gravel path, replicate the look by including a copious amount of pebbles within the cement. You'll have the look of gravel but the convenience of a neat, stable surface. Sandblasting is one way to expose the aggregates; you can blast the concrete forcefully in some areas for a rougher surface, and more softly in other sections to generate contrast and dimension.

Exposed aggregate creates a beautiful variegated surface which exhibits natural elements. With a vast range of possibilities available from concrete services, you can create an assortment of decorative surfaces. And your imagination only limits how you can combine different concrete decorative treatments.