Most custom sidewalk finishes end up with a semi-smooth surface. Usually applied by broom or troweling the concrete with a hand float (mag or wood). However there is another finish you should consider. It’s called an exposed aggregate finish or pebble finish. And sometimes referred to as a rocky finish.
There are two ways to get the concrete for an exposed aggregate finish. One is to purchase the concrete from a concrete supplier who has an exposed aggregate mix available.. The second way is to form and pour a pad and do the exposed aggregate yourself. It’s not as hard as you might think, but I won’t say it is easy either.
As this is a Do-It-Yourself article we will take the latter method of getting an exposed aggregate finish. We’ll bypass past the forming, mixing, pouring parts of preparing and making a concrete pad and get right to the doing or creating an exposed aggregate finish. If you need some help with the forming and mixing etc of concrete for patios and sidewalks you can get it here at Forming and More. They cover all the basics for anyone interested in doing it yourself.
Exposed aggregate is rock pressed into the concrete surface and, when the final finishing is completed, left exposed. Usually it is some kind of smooth river rock with a diameter of 3/4 – 1 inch. Anything smaller than that has difficulty staying in the concrete and may work loose over time. And that is the major drawback to having an exposed aggregate finish. The rocks may eventually work themselves loose. So keep that in mind when considering this type of finish for your patio or sidewalk. Also be sure to have all the rocks on hand before you begin mixing your concrete pad. I can’t emphasis this enough. Be sure to have extra rock available. It is better to have too much and not run short than not enough and have to go looking for more.
After you have poured the concrete into your forms, leveled the surface and passed over the concrete with a float the pad is just about ready for the exposed aggregate part. As soon as the water has evaporated from the surface, sprinkle your rock in a uniform layer over the sidewalk’s surface. You can do this with a shovel or by hand. Next use a wooden float and carefully press the rocks into the concrete. Make sure the surface is smooth, even and there are no stroke marks visible from from floating. When you are finished the rocks should be covered with a thin layer of cement.
When the surface of the patio is firm, brush away the excess concrete covering the rock with a broom and water sprayed from a hose. If you notice some of the rocks working loose stop for a short time and wait for the surface to harden. If necessary reset any of the rocks that came loose and float back over that part of your patio or sidewalk. Continue the spray and brushing until all the rocks are exposed and the surface is clear.
And that’s your typical exposed aggregate finish. I realize I covered everything pretty quickly and didn’t get to the concrete finishing much at all. If you need or want more information on forming, mixing concrete, reinforcement and finishing you can get it at Concrete Finishing.
Good Luck.
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