Exposed aggregate concrete is a very decorative style of concrete design that also gives a non-slip texture to the structure. The aggregate particulate matter of the concrete is clearly visible in the top layer of the concrete, giving an impressive and attractive finish to the concrete structure. It is used in various places such as driveways, patios, and sidewalks.
Exposed aggregate concrete mix is essentially the same as general purpose concrete mix. The concrete top surface should be worked well enough to create a good layer of cream on the top surface. With no water on the top surface and concrete thick enough to allow for a ½” thumb depression, colored gravel/pebble granules or your choice of aggregate should be spread evenly across the surface. cream would not be soft enough to hold it to the gravels/pebbles, a wet mixture of sand and cement (3:1/4:1) should be applied on the gravels/pebbles spread, press down with a wooden trowel so that the flat surface of the gravels is facing up and the full shape of the gravels are visible.
Exposed aggregate concrete is slip resistant, strong and handles extreme conditions. This surface requires very little maintenance other than resealing and flushing annually. Adding the coarse aggregates to the top of the concrete mix and applying a towel makes the wearing surface very thin and that is a disadvantage of this design.
Stamped concrete is a decorative style to give concrete structures a unique look. The concrete mix is stamped with various repetitively molded shapes to give a uniform stamped appearance. This variety is used on sidewalks, driveways, patios, or sidewalks.
The concrete mix is poured into the construction area, spread and leveled. Excess bleed water is allowed to evaporate from the concrete surface. When the concrete surface is firm enough to allow a ½” thumb depression, it is ready to be stamped. Stamps are widely available on the market as rubber stamps, wooden stamps, etc. The first stamps should be placed onto the concrete surface and pressed just enough and not too much just by hand.The other seals need to be put down tight first and in a row once to fully cover the area and handled by hand.Once they have been placed all the seals, the seals of the first seal must be removed very carefully so as not to disturb the other seals.
It is really cheap to apply stamped concrete as stamps are readily available and any shape can be used as stamps. Gives a great look to concrete pavers and patios with ease. Single tone or two tone colors can be done in this type. This type of concrete is very susceptible to deicing agents and deteriorates very easily. It also loses shine and luster more quickly than other types.