Exposed Aggregate Concrete Pricing: What Contractors Should Charge
Exposed aggregate concrete costs $10-$18 per sq ft installed, compared to $6-$12 for standard broom finish. A 400 sq ft patio in exposed aggregate runs $4,000-$7,200. Premium decorative aggregates push costs to $15-$22/sq ft. Surface retarder costs $0.20-$0.40/sq ft. Sealer adds $0.50-$1.00/sq ft. The finish provides excellent slip resistance and long-term durability.
Exposed aggregate is one of the most durable and attractive decorative concrete finishes, offering natural stone beauty with the structural integrity of a standard concrete slab. For contractors, exposed aggregate commands premium pricing with modest additional material costs — the margin improvement over broom finish concrete makes it a profitable upsell for every patio, driveway, and pool deck project. This guide covers pricing, technique, and the business of selling exposed aggregate work.
Exposed Aggregate Pricing Breakdown
Exposed aggregate concrete pricing runs $10-$18 per sq ft all-in for a standard installation. The cost breakdown for a 400 sq ft patio: Base preparation (excavation, gravel, compaction) at $1.50-$3.00/sq ft ($600-$1,200) — identical to standard flatwork. Forming at $1-$1.50/sq ft ($400-$600). Reinforcement at $0.40-$1.00/sq ft ($160-$400). Concrete with decorative aggregate (either seeded or integral) at $140-$200/yard — approximately 5 yards for 400 sq ft at 4 inches ($700-$1,000). Surface retarder application at $0.20-$0.40/sq ft ($80-$160). Pressure washing to expose aggregate at $0.50-$1.00/sq ft ($200-$400). Finishing labor (timing-critical exposure and cleanup) at $1.50-$3.00/sq ft ($600-$1,200). Sealer (two coats acrylic) at $0.50-$1.00/sq ft ($200-$400). Total direct cost runs $6-$11/sq ft, yielding 35-50% gross margins at $10-$18/sq ft. The premium over standard broom finish comes primarily from decorative aggregate cost, the surface retarder and exposure process, and the skilled labor required for proper timing.
Aggregate Selection and Cost Impact
Aggregate choice determines the appearance and cost of exposed aggregate concrete. Standard pea gravel aggregate is the most affordable — specify decorative pea gravel in the concrete mix for $5-$15 per yard premium over standard mix. Regional stone aggregates (river rock, crushed granite, quartz) add $10-$30 per yard depending on availability. Seeded aggregate — broadcasting decorative stone onto the surface after placement rather than mixing it throughout — costs $2-$5 per sq ft for the aggregate material and application labor but allows premium stone selections not available in ready-mix. Popular seeded aggregates include: Mexican beach pebbles ($0.50-$1.50/lb), polished river stone ($0.30-$0.80/lb), glass aggregate ($1-$3/lb for recycled glass), and colored quartz ($0.40-$1.00/lb). For seeded application, broadcast aggregate at approximately 60-80% surface coverage into the wet concrete and embed with a hand float before applying surface retarder. The aggregate selection conversation is a powerful upsell opportunity — showing physical samples at the site visit drives clients toward premium options.
Surface Retarder and Exposure Techniques
The exposure process is the most skill-dependent phase of exposed aggregate work. Surface retarder (chemical set retarder) is sprayed or rolled onto the fresh concrete surface, preventing the top 1/8 to 1/4 inch of paste from hardening while the concrete below cures normally. Retarder products cost $0.20-$0.40 per sq ft and come in different depths of etch — select the appropriate depth for your aggregate size. Application timing is critical — apply retarder immediately after final floating, before the surface starts to set. In hot weather (above 85F), you may have only 30-60 minutes after floating. In cool weather, you have 1-2 hours. After 12-24 hours (check by washing a test spot), remove the retarded paste with a pressure washer at 2,500-3,500 PSI. Use a fan tip, not a pencil tip, to avoid dislodging aggregate. Wash from the center of each section toward the edges to prevent retarder runoff onto unwashed areas. This timing sensitivity is why experienced crews are essential — overexposure (washing too deep) loosens stones, while underexposure leaves a hazy film.
Best Applications for Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate excels in specific applications that leverage its natural beauty and functional benefits. Pool decks are the top application — the textured surface provides excellent slip resistance when wet, and the natural stone appearance complements outdoor living spaces. Price pool deck exposed aggregate at $12-$18/sq ft. Driveways benefit from the durability and hide tire marks better than broom finish — price at $10-$15/sq ft. Patios and outdoor living areas at $10-$18/sq ft, especially when matching or complementing natural stone elements. Walkways and sidewalks at $10-$16/sq ft provide an attractive, low-maintenance surface. Commercial entry areas and courtyards at $12-$20/sq ft for a professional, distinctive appearance. Exposed aggregate is less suitable for: garage floors (loose stones create cleaning difficulty), interior floors (sealer maintenance is higher than polished concrete), and areas requiring very smooth surfaces. When presenting exposed aggregate to clients, emphasize the combination of aesthetics and functionality — it is one of the few decorative finishes that actually improves slip resistance over standard concrete.
Sealing and Long-Term Maintenance
Sealing is essential for exposed aggregate concrete and creates valuable recurring revenue. Initial sealing (28 days after pour) should use a solvent-based acrylic sealer for maximum color enhancement — the aggregate colors pop dramatically with a wet-look sealer. Apply two thin coats at $0.50-$1.00/sq ft for material and labor. Water-based sealers are easier to apply but provide less color depth. Resealing every 2-3 years maintains the appearance and protects against staining at $1.50-$2.50/sq ft — a 400 sq ft patio resealed generates $600-$1,000 for 2 hours of work. For anti-slip protection on pool decks, add a non-slip additive to the sealer at $0.15-$0.30/sq ft additional. Over time, individual aggregate stones may loosen, especially at edges and joints. Repair by cleaning the cavity, applying concrete bonding agent, and resetting the stone with polymer mortar — offer this as part of your maintenance service. Build a resealing database of all exposed aggregate projects and proactively contact clients when resealing is due. This maintenance relationship generates referrals and keeps your brand top-of-mind.
Selling Exposed Aggregate to Clients
Exposed aggregate occupies the sweet spot between broom finish and stamped concrete — more attractive than broom finish at 40-60% of the premium that stamped commands. Position it as the "Better" option in your tiered proposal: Good (broom finish at $8-$12/sq ft), Better (exposed aggregate at $10-$18/sq ft), Best (stamped concrete at $15-$25/sq ft). The selling points for exposed aggregate: natural stone appearance without the maintenance issues of actual stone, excellent slip resistance (especially important for pool decks and entries), 25-30 year lifespan with minimal maintenance, color and texture that never fades (the aggregate is through the full slab depth), and lower cost than stamped concrete with comparable visual impact. Physical samples win the sale — keep a collection of 12x12 inch exposed aggregate samples in different stone types. When clients can see and touch the finish options, upgrade rates increase from 15% to 35%. Photograph every completed project and create a portfolio organized by application (pools, patios, driveways) for site visit presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Exposed aggregate concrete costs $10-$18 per sq ft installed, compared to $6-$12 for broom finish. A 400 sq ft patio runs $4,000-$7,200. Premium aggregate selections push costs to $15-$22/sq ft. The added cost over standard concrete comes from decorative aggregate, surface retarder, the exposure process, and skilled finishing labor.
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