Places To Lay Exposed Aggregate Around Your Property
Posted on: 21 September 2022
One of the most widespread hardscape elements around a home is paving. You need a solid surface in different spots, such as the driveway and pool deck, to make them more convenient to use, especially in wet weather. The paving also makes a property more attractive, depending on its appearance. One surface to consider is exposed aggregate. Here are two places to use it on your property.
Driveway
Exposed aggregate concrete is durable and strong, so you could install it over your driveway. The aggregates are mixed with cement, sand and other elements. After the concrete is poured, a retardant is applied to prevent it from setting too quickly. Then, when the cement has somewhat hardened, the top layer is washed away to uncover the aggregates. This process will leave your driveway with a decorative patterned appearance. You have a lot of flexibility as pigments can be added to the cement mixture, and then pebbles and stones of specific hues are included, creating a unique kaleidoscope of colours.
For a driveway, you'll probably want to disguise dirt and marks, and the patterns of exposed aggregate will help achieve this. You could opt for a dark charcoal cement into which grey and a speckling of cream stones could be blended. The stones can be mixed into the cement before pouring, or they can be broadcast on top afterwards. If they're placed on top, you won't need as many, and this will reduce material costs.
Pool Decks
Another area to consider laying exposed aggregate concrete is around a pool deck. This concrete is perfect as it provides texture to make your backyard pool safer to use. You can choose the size, shape and amount of aggregates to precisely control the specific texture. For example, rounded river pebbles will form smoother paving than crushed stones, which have sharper edges. Your contractors can advise you on what size aggregates will let your friends and family comfortably walk on the pool deck in bare feet.
With pool decking, you don't have to worry about hiding dirt as you do with a driveway. So you may prefer to opt for light-toned stones to give the area a beachy appearance. You could combine blush-toned cement with cream, tan and pink pebbles, for instance. You should choose colours that harmonise with the pool tiling and the wider surroundings. Consider the shades of the external house walls and roofing, as well as the hues of the plants and foliage.
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