Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Garland, TX
Garland Elite Concrete pours exposed aggregate concrete in Garland, Texas, for patios, pool decks, walkways and driveways, washing off the top layer of cement paste so the stone shows through. The result is a rugged, nonskid surface that resists heavy traffic and weather extremes.
Call or send the form for a free estimate. We'll talk through stone size and color, how much of it should show, and the base your soil calls for.
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How exposed aggregate concrete is made
Seeding the stone
Seeding means spreading decorative aggregate by hand or shovel evenly over the fresh surface, then embedding it with a bull float or darby until a thin layer of cement paste covers it.
Surface retarder and the wash-off
A surface retarder is applied to the fresh concrete to chemically delay the set of the surface mortar. It is best applied after all finishing is done and the bleed water has gone, and the retarded surface is generally washed off anywhere from 12 to 24 hours later. How deep the exposure goes depends mainly on how porous the surface is when the retarder goes on.
Choosing the stone
Exposed aggregate ranges from 3/8 inch to 2 inches or more in diameter, and the size largely determines the depth of exposure. The stone also moves the price: national averages put crushed stone at $10 to $50 per ton against $650 to $1,300 for white pebbles, and specialty toppings such as seashells or exclusive decorative stones raise costs.
- Control joint at least ¼ of the slab depth, 1 in. minimum (NRMCA)
- Seeded stone, 3/8 in. to 2 in. or more, exposed when the retarded paste is washed off
- 4,000 psi for exterior slabs, consistent with ACI 332 (NRMCA)
- Subbase and base at least 4 in. in total
- Houston Black clay, high shrink-swell (USDA)
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(945) 441-5958Exposed aggregate patios, pool decks and driveways
Patios
The slab under the stone is planned like any of our concrete patios. It's generally at least 4 inches thick, or 5 to 6 inches where a hot tub or outdoor fireplace puts heavy loads on it.
Pool decks
The pebble-like finish is especially well-suited to pool deck surfaces because it's highly slip resistant. Our page on concrete pool decks compares it with broom, rock salt and cool-deck finishes.
Driveways
An exposed aggregate driveway in Garland still has to meet the City's front- and side-yard rule: reinforced concrete 4 inches thick with Number 3 rebar 18 inches on center on rebar chairs, poured under a city permit. Outside the city, Garland Elite Concrete also pours exposed aggregate driveways in Lucas.
Stone texture or a stamped pattern
Where you'd rather have the look of brick, slate, cobblestone or wood plank than loose stone, stamped concrete presses those patterns into the fresh surface instead.
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(945) 441-5958Exposed aggregate in Garland heat and clay
Timing the pour in summer
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) says high concrete temperature speeds up setting, so finishing has to happen faster, and it lists wind over 5 mph, low humidity and high temperatures as the conditions behind plastic shrinkage cracks. In July and August, normal highs at DFW Airport are 95.6°F and 95.8°F (1991-2020 normals), and the American Concrete Institute limits concrete to 95°F when it is discharged from the truck. We'll talk through pour timing for your job.
The base on Houston Black clay
Houston Black clay is the most common soil mapped inside Garland's city limits. The USDA describes its high shrink-swell potential, with cracks ½ to 4 inches wide at 12 inches deep in dry periods. Expansive clays need good compaction first, then drainage to keep the soil from getting wet; skimping on subgrade preparation is one of the most common reasons a home slab fails early.
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(945) 441-5958Exposed aggregate concrete cost
For Dallas-area patios in 2026, an exposed aggregate finish runs $7 to $18 per square foot, between a broom finish at $6 to $13 and stamped at $9 to $30. Nationally, the cost splits into $2 to $6 for materials and $5 to $12 for labor per square foot.
These are published averages, not prices from Garland Elite Concrete. The estimate is free and starts with a look at your site.
- 10 × 10 ft
- $700–$1,800
- 12 × 12 ft
- $1,000–$2,600
- 20 × 20 ft
- $2,800–$7,200
- 24 × 24 ft
- $4,000–$10,400
National averages, 2023, for 4 to 5 in. slabs, excluding excavation and site prep. Not a quote.
Call or request a free estimate any time, 24/7.
(945) 441-5958Exposed aggregate questions
What are the downsides of exposed aggregate concrete?
There are two. It costs more to install than a basic concrete surface because of the additional labor, and larger stones can feel rough, so a smooth surface may suit spots where you'll be sliding chairs around. Like any slab it can crack: the NRMCA says it is not possible to produce completely crack-free concrete.
What kind of concrete do you use for exposed aggregate?
The sources we use name no special mix for exposed aggregate. For exterior slabs in general, the NRMCA advises ordering 4,000 psi concrete, consistent with ACI 332, with 6 percent air and a 3 to 5 inch slump. The stone can go in two ways: Brickform says aggregate combined with the concrete mix gives a subtler exposed finish, while seeding it after the pour allows heavier exposure.
Is exposed aggregate concrete cheaper?
No. Exposed aggregate typically costs around $2 to $3 per square foot more than plain concrete, $7 to $18 per square foot installed, and an exposed aggregate patio averages $2,800 to $7,200 (2023 national figures).
How long does exposed aggregate concrete last?
An exposed-aggregate patio typically lasts 20 to 50 years with proper maintenance and resealing every 2 to 3 years. Some estimates are more generous: even with lots of foot traffic, the surface can last at least 50 years without needing repair if cared for properly.
How do you clean an exposed aggregate surface?
Little maintenance is required other than sealing and occasional cleaning. For washing, use a pressure washer rated up to 3000 PSI but not higher, since too much force might loosen the stones.
Free estimates for exposed aggregate finishes
Garland Elite Concrete answers calls and estimate requests 24/7 for exposed aggregate patios, pool decks, walkways and driveways in Garland and nearby towns. Tell us the area and the stone you like.