Exposed aggregate concrete reveals natural stone embedded in the slab, creating a surface that grips wet feet and hides wear. Gatineau Concrete washes back the finish to expose the stone, delivering a decorative patio that needs less resealing than stamped options and outperforms plain concrete for traction and visual appeal. Every project begins with a free written estimate on-site.
Stone Texture Meets Concrete Durability in Gatineau Patios
Exposed aggregate patios combine the visual warmth of natural stone with the structural reliability of poured concrete. The slab is built on a compacted base with air-entrained mix, finished flat and sloped for drainage, then the surface is washed back to reveal the stone aggregate locked inside.
This approach gives you texture and grip without the maintenance burden of stamped patio finishes. The stone is mechanically embedded, not applied on top, so it stays put through freeze-thaw cycles. A concrete patio with exposed aggregate sits between plain and stamped in both cost and visual impact.
Compared to plain concrete, the stone adds character and traction. Compared to stamped, you trade pattern for texture and gain easier maintenance. It is the practical choice for backyards that see heavy use, pool splash, and wet feet.
Recent work
The sequence
Pouring an Exposed Aggregate Patio Step by Step
Select stone size and colour
We review aggregate options with you, from fine pea gravel for subtle texture to larger stones for bold visual impact, and confirm how the colour reads in natural light.
Prepare base and set forms
The area is excavated, a granular base is compacted, and forms are positioned to slope the patio away from the house for proper drainage and edge detail.
Place and finish concrete
Air-entrained concrete is poured, screeded level, and allowed to set to the right stage so the surface paste washes away cleanly without disturbing the embedded stone.
Wash and seal the surface
Once cured, the patio is washed to expose the aggregate, then sealed to protect the stone, lock in colour, and shield the concrete matrix from water and weather.
How it stacks up
Exposed Aggregate Versus Other Patio Choices
Exposed aggregate sits in the middle ground between plain concrete and stamped finishes. You get decorative appeal from natural stone without the resealing schedule of stamped work. The texture hides dirt and minor wear, and the stone shows beautifully when sealed.
Texture, grip, sealing and how exposed aggregate compares for Gatineau patios.
No, the opposite. The stone texture gives traction wet, which is why it is popular for patios that get pool splash, rain or morning dew. Much grippier than a smooth or even broom-finish patio.
Typically every three to four years in Gatineau, slightly less often than stamped patios but more often than plain concrete. The seal protects the spaces between the stones from water getting in.
Not when the patio is poured and sealed properly. The aggregate is embedded in the concrete matrix, not laid on top, so the stones are mechanically locked in. Sealing protects the matrix from freeze-thaw working stones loose.
Yes. The base concrete can be integrally coloured under the exposed surface, and the aggregate choice shifts the tone too. We bring sample boards so you can see combinations in daylight before the pour.
Exposed aggregate usually costs less than stamped concrete because the stamp tooling and labour are not part of the job. The trade-off is a different decorative style, texture from stone rather than pattern from a stamp.
Homeowner reviews
What Gatineau Homeowners Say About Their Exposed Aggregate Patios
Describe your backyard and the look you want, fine texture or bold stone, and we will bring aggregate samples to a free site visit with a written quote.
