How much does it cost to install an exposed aggregate patio?
How much does it cost to install an exposed aggregate patio?
$7 – $18 cost per square foot installed
$2,800 – $7,200 average total cost installed (20’x20’)
Exposed aggregate concrete patio cost
An exposed aggregate concrete patio costs $2,800 to $7,200 on average. Exposed aggregate concrete costs $7 to $18 per square foot installed. The cost of installing exposed aggregate concrete depends on the surface size, layout, accessibility, site prep, and the type of stones.
| Patio size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 6x9 | $380 – $970 |
| 10x10 | $700 – $1,800 |
| 10x20 | $1,400 – $3,600 |
| 12x12 | $1,000 – $2,600 |
| 12x24 | $2,000 – $5,200 |
| 15x15 | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| 20x20 | $2,800 – $7,200 |
| 24x24 | $4,000 – $10,400 |
| 30x30 | $6,300 – $16,200 |
*Prices shown are for 4” to 5” thick concrete, excluding excavation & site prep.
Cost factors to install an exposed aggregate patio
The cost to install exposed aggregate is $7 to $18 per square foot, or around $2 to $3 per square foot more than plain concrete.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $6 |
| Labor | $5 – $12 |
| Total installed cost | $7 – $18 |
Cost factors include:
Patio size – Large patios cost more overall but are cheaper per square foot.
Patio shape – Complex layouts with custom molds increase labor costs.
Site prep – The cost to level or grade a yard is $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot.
Existing patio removal – Concrete removal costs $3 to $8 per square foot, including disposal.
Material – Concrete prices are $120 to $170 per cubic yard, delivered and poured.
Base – Prices vary by the local soil type:
Gravel base – Gravel prices are $15 to $75 per cubic yard. A stone base under a patio is essential in areas prone to drainage issues.
Vapor barrier – Adding a vapor barrier costs $0.50 per square foot minimum depending on the type. The barrier prevents cracking in freeze-thaw cycles.
Sand base – The cost of sand is $15 to $50 per cubic yard. Contractors spread a layer of sand instead of gravel before pouring concrete in low-to-average draining soil.
Types of exposed aggregate concrete
Methods of exposing aggregate include:
Standard – Contractors mix the aggregate in with the cement before pouring. This method is the most common technique for a uniform look but uses more aggregate stones.
Topping or seeding – After contractors pour a regular concrete slab, they spread a layer of aggregate mix on top of the cement. This method uses less stones.
After either application method, contractors spray a chemical surface retarder to delay the surface from setting quickly, then the concrete cures for up to a day. Contractors return and pressure wash the surface layer of cement to reveal the aggregate.
Prices of exposed aggregate concrete vary by the material type added:
| Aggregate type | Average price per ton* |
|---|---|
| Crushed stone | $10 – $50 |
| Crushed shells | $10 – $86 |
| White pebbles | $650 – $1,300 |
| Mexican beach pebbles | $475 – $800 |
| Decomposed granite | $45 – $95 |
*Material prices only.
Other decorative gravel, river pebbles, recycled glass pebbles, basalts, quartzite, and natural salt rocks are also common options.
Exposed aggregate patio pros and cons
The following table shows the benefits and downsides of exposed aggregate concrete:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Exposed aggregate cost vs. plain or stamped concrete
Plain concrete is cheaper than all other paving types, including exposed aggregate. While many paver stones are concrete, pavers are also available in natural stone, brick, or rubber.
| Patio material | Average cost per square foot installed | Description or pros and cons |
|---|---|---|
| Plain concrete patio cost | $5 – $15 |
|
| Exposed aggregate | $7 – $18 |
|
| Stamped concrete cost | $8 – $19 |
|
| Paver patio cost | $10 – $17 |
|
Exposed aggregate patio FAQs
What is exposed aggregate concrete?
Exposed aggregate concrete is pavement with a unique finish achieved by removing the top layer of the concrete to reveal the added multi-colored stones. This high-traction surface is ideal for driveways, walkways, pool decks, and patios.
Other names for exposed aggregate concrete are “decorative concrete” or “pebble finish.”
Is exposed aggregate more expensive than regular concrete?
Installing exposed aggregate costs $2 to $3 per square foot more than regular concrete for the additional labor and materials needed. Costs increase for specialty aggregate layers on top made of seashells or exclusive decorative stones.
How long does an exposed-aggregate concrete patio last?
An exposed-aggregate concrete patio lasts 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance and resealing every 2 to 3 years.
Can you pressure wash exposed aggregate?
You can pressure wash exposed aggregate. Pressure washing prices are $0.35 to $0.77 per square foot. Use a pressure washer with a rating of up to 3000 PSI but not higher since too much force might loosen the stones.
Can you paint or stain exposed aggregate concrete?
Yes, you can paint or stain exposed aggregate concrete with proper cleaning and prep work. Use masonry paint for a durable finish. Tinted concrete sealers are another popular option.
Can you resurface exposed aggregate concrete?
Yes, you can resurface exposed aggregate concrete. Concrete resurfacing costs $3 to $7 per square foot on average. This process typically includes grinding the surface, cleaning, and applying a bonding agent. Then contractors resurface it by spreading a concrete overlay mix on top.
Do you have to seal exposed aggregate?
Professionals recommend sealing exposed aggregate with a penetrating sealer. Unsealed concrete absorbs moisture that weakens the concrete by causing cracks when it freezes.
Getting estimates from concrete contractors
Before hiring patio contractors or concrete contractors near you, be sure to:
Collect at least 3 estimates from several installers.
Select licensed, insured, and bonded contractors with 5+ years of experience.
Ask to see certifications from the American Concrete Institute, National Concrete Masonry Association, or other local concrete-contractor societies.
Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request copies of the estimate, contract, and warranty before work starts.
Beware of the lowest bids that typically lead to low-quality results.
Never give the last payment before the job is complete.
Questions to ask
How many exposed aggregate patios have you installed?
Can I see a portfolio of your past installations and references?
Who's the project manager, and how many subcontractors will you send?
How do you handle accidental damages?
Will you pull permits, and how much should they cost?
What are my options for aggregate types or special finishes?
Do I need to reseal this patio? If so, how often?
How thick should my concrete patio be to satisfy building codes?
What will you use for the concrete base?
Will you install expansion joints or take other measures to prevent cracks?
Does this estimate cover all materials, labor, prep work, and cleanup?
How much space should I leave for a cement truck and equipment?
How long will this job take?
How long should I wait for this concrete to cure before I can use the patio?
What does your warranty policy include?
What’s your payment schedule?