What is exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete, also known as wash concrete, is a decorative concrete obtained by combining a gravel-enriched concrete mix with a specific pouring technique.
This process involves exposing the gravel by removing the surface layer of the mortar.
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To achieve this, a specific product is sprayed on the surface of the fresh concrete, deactivating it. This delays the setting of the concrete by a few millimeters in depth. Once the concrete is sufficiently hard (usually the next day), the surface of the concrete is washed with a high-pressure water jet to remove the thin layer of mortar that coats the surface gravel and has been delayed. The gravel then appears.
The composition of exposed aggregate concrete
Like all concrete, exposed aggregate concrete consists of a mixture of cement, water, possible additives, sand, and gravel.
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The choice of gravel is crucial. Depending on their nature, it is possible to play with their shape (rounded or crushed gravel), dimensions, and colors (for example: red porphyry, white quartz, black basalt, etc.). The wide selection allows the concrete to best integrate into the surrounding environment or to create a contrast with it.
It is worth noting that, compared to traditional concrete, exposed aggregate concrete will have a higher gravel content so that they are well developed.
To make the concrete even more aesthetic, it is possible to mix different aggregates of different colors. It is also possible to play with the color of the cement paste that coats the aggregates. This is done by using a lighter or darker cement or white cement, and possibly adding colored pigments to the concrete.
What are the uses of exposed aggregate concrete?
The many advantages of exposed aggregate concrete make it one of the most widely used decorative concretes today.
It is used for both road works and urban development (plaza, courtyard, sidewalk, roadway, bike path, parking lot, street or pedestrian path, crosswalk…) as well as for private landscaping (concrete terrace, garden path, pool deck, garage driveway, garage ramp, vehicle parking area…).
Advantages and disadvantages of exposed aggregate concrete
This type of concrete is more aesthetic than a simple conventional concrete slab.
The various possibilities in choosing the type of aggregate used, the texture, and the colors of the cement paste open up wide possibilities for decoration and customization.
Customized outdoor layout in exposed aggregate concrete.
Exposed aggregate concrete also has the following advantages:
- it is very weather-resistant and, like all concrete, it is durable over time;
- versatile, it adapts to all kinds of projects;
- it is very easy to maintain and its appearance will last for many years without requiring too much effort: a simple pass with a pressure washer is enough to restore it to its original look;
- it is rotary: it can withstand pedestrian traffic up to heavy vehicles, with technical adaptations (choice of mix, thickness of concrete, reinforcement);
- it is non-slip: the exposure of the aggregates is not only aesthetic, it also allows exposed aggregate concrete to have slip resistance properties;
- it is cost-effective: it is certainly more expensive to purchase than traditional concrete, but it does not require any subsequent coating.
The disadvantages of exposed aggregate concrete:
Although exposed aggregate concrete is an ideal surface for your outdoor fittings, it has the following disadvantages:
- Its implementation is more delicate than ordinary concrete (but not as much as stamped concrete). Like all decorative concrete, the finishes are important. The application and choice of the deactivator, as well as the washing deadline, are parameters to master. Do not hesitate to call a professional.
- The price of exposed aggregate concrete is higher than normal concrete. This is explained by:
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- the installation of exposed aggregate concrete is more technical and longer (more careful finishes, need to return the next day to wash the deactivator);
- the price of concrete is higher;
- the price of the deactivator.
What is the price of exposed aggregate concrete?
The price of exposed aggregate concrete installed by a professional varies depending on the area to be covered and the complexity of the site (access, ground preparation…).
It includes the cost of earthworks, formwork, reinforcements, concrete, and the cost of installation.
Expect an average of between 60 and 90 euros per m² supplied and installed.
If you wish to install exposed aggregate concrete, feel free to visit our dedicated page on the implementation of exposed aggregate concrete.
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