Exposed Aggregate Calgary
Reveal the hidden beauty beneath the surface. A luxurious, decorative finish comparable to polished granite or marble — paired with the unmatched durability of concrete. Providing Calgarians with eye-popping features since 2008.
The Advantages of an Exposed Aggregate Finish
By removing the top layer of cement to reveal the natural or decorative stones beneath, you gain a stunning decorative look that remains highly affordable — and a surface built for real life:
- Unmatched durability & safety — a highly textured, non-slip surface perfectly resistant to Calgary's harsh weather and heavy foot traffic.
- Limitless customization — a massive variety of textures, sizes, and colours to match your specific vision.
- Ultimate versatility — perfect for almost any flatwork; seamlessly integrated to match or contrast with other decorative concrete elements.
- Low-maintenance ease — simple care with a straightforward sealing and cleaning schedule to keep it pristine.
Creative Tricks of the Trade for Calgary Homes
Concrete is a canvas. Combined with engraving, staining, and contrasting textures, exposed aggregate can produce true artistic pieces — here's how our contractors elevate a standard pour:
Contrasting Mixtures
Contrasting colours and mixes between smooth and exposed sections — bands, borders, and fields that make the design read as intentional, not accidental.
Different Exposure Levels
Adjacent sections finished at different depths of exposure — including sandblasted areas — for a layered, tactile texture you can't get from one uniform treatment.
Overfilled Surfaces
Overfilled aggregate on driveways and sidewalks creates a natural, pebble-like appearance — the riverbed look that softens modern architecture beautifully.
Acid & Water Stains
Stains applied to highlight specific stone colours — pulling the ambers, greys, or blues out of the aggregate for a curated palette.
Bands & Stamp + Stain
Wooden bands, separating strips, and Stamp + Stain combinations — mixing techniques across one surface for a fully custom, designed result.
Choosing the Right Aggregate
The final look is largely based on the materials you choose — and you don't always need the most expensive aggregate to create a beautiful finish. When planning your project, we help you evaluate six factors:
Colour & Size
The palette and scale of the stones — from fine pea gravel to bold river rock — set the entire character of the surface against your home's exterior.
Hardness & Strength
The stone must survive what the surface will carry — vehicle traffic and Calgary freeze-thaw demand harder aggregate than a garden path does.
Exposure, Cost & Availability
The exposure method shapes the texture, and locally available stone keeps cost and timelines down — we bring samples so you choose with eyes and hands, not a catalogue.
Aggregate Features We've Revealed
Exposed Aggregate FAQs
How much does exposed aggregate cost in Calgary?
More than plain broom finish, less than stamped or natural stone — and you don't always need the most expensive aggregate for a beautiful result. Price depends on square footage, the stone chosen, exposure method, and design extras like contrast bands. Free, transparent quote within one business day.
How is exposed aggregate made?
The stones are in the concrete mix itself (or seeded onto the fresh surface). Before full cure, we treat the top with a surface retarder, then wash or brush away the thin cement layer to reveal the stone beneath — sandblasting achieves deeper, different textures. Exposure depth is a craft decision we control precisely.
Does exposed aggregate need to be sealed?
Strongly recommended in Calgary — every 2–3 years. Our premium non-yellowing, UV-resistant resins deepen the stone's natural colours with that "soaking wet" look while repelling oil, grease, salt, and dirt. Full details on our sealing page; the water-beading test tells you when it's due.
Is exposed aggregate slippery in winter?
It's one of the most slip-resistant finishes available — the stone texture grips underfoot in rain and snow, which is exactly why it's the standard around pools and on sloped driveways. Use sand instead of de-icing salt in winter and the surface stays both safe and protected.
Will the stones come loose over time?
Not on a properly executed pour. The stones are locked into the concrete matrix itself — correct exposure depth (never over-exposed) and regular sealing keep them anchored for decades. Loose stones are a symptom of cut-rate exposure work, not of the finish itself.
Should I choose exposed aggregate or stamped concrete?
Aggregate gives natural stone texture, maximum grip, and hides dirt superbly — the modern-development look. Stamped replicates specific materials (slate, brick, wood) with pattern and colour control — the estate look. They also combine beautifully: aggregate fields with stamped borders. We bring samples of both to your estimate.
The Beauty Is Already in the Mix. Let's Reveal It.
Driveway, patio, or pool deck — tell us your square footage and the look you're after, and a real estimator replies within 1 business day.