Exposed Aggregate

Exposed Aggregate Concrete Steps: Finish Options and Design Mastery

Exposed aggregate concrete is one of the most versatile, resilient, and aesthetically striking finishes available for outdoor steps. With Local Concrete, finishing is never an afterthought—it’s a defining feature. We handcraft every detail to help property owners achieve custom entryways and landscape accents built for both safety and sophisticated style.

What Is Exposed Aggregate?

Exposed aggregate is created by embedding decorative stones, minerals, or accents—like shells or recycled glass—into the surface of the concrete. As the slab sets, our artisans skillfully remove the top layer of cement paste, revealing the beauty and texture of the mixed-in aggregates beneath. This controlled exposure not only elevates curb appeal but significantly improves slip resistance for stairs and transition steps, making it ideal for high-traffic, wet, or icy environments.

Aggregate Material Selection

The choice of aggregates determines both the functional properties and the look of your steps.

• Natural River Pebbles: Rounded, smooth, and available in a full palette of earth tones. Suitable for traditional and naturalistic designs. Pebble shape creates a softer, more tactile step surface.
• Quartz and Granite Chips: Angular, reflective, and available in bold colors—whites, blues, pinks, even deep greens—these stone choices add crisp visual flair and dramatic sparkle under direct light.
• Local Gravel Blends: Sourced regionally for local character; red, gold, tan, and multi-color aggregates can be selected to complement or boldly contrast with your facade.
• Recycled Glass: Cobalt blue, emerald green, clear, or amber glass chips deliver eye-catching light refraction and a contemporary edge, especially striking in evening or under garden lighting.
• Sea Shells: Crushed or full shells—oyster, clam, mussel—bring coastal charm, soft color, and a reflective quality. Shells are naturally slip-resistant and unique in both texture and design. They pair well with glass accents for one-of-a-kind results.
• Custom Mixes: Any combination is possible—match your landscape, pool tile, brick work, or define a completely custom entrance statement.

Depth of Exposure

The “wash” phase determines how much of each embedded aggregate is revealed.

• Light Exposure: Only the tops and edges are visible; this keeps surface texture fine and understated, yet tactile enough for slip resistance.
• Medium Exposure: About half of each stone or accent stands proud; this is the classic exposed aggregate look, giving each step visual rhythm and character.
• Heavy Exposure: Stones, glass, and shells are almost fully uncovered; provides dramatic texture, vivid color interplay, and the maximum in surface grip.

Each approach can be applied to the same project in bands, borders, or artistic designs—helping delineate stair nosings, create landing accents, or highlight entrance features.

Bordering, Banding, and Inlay Effects

Adding borders or integrated bands can frame steps for detail and safety.

• Contrasting Broom-Finish Borders: Frame each tread in plain concrete for visual separation and extra grip.
• Colored Concrete Bands: Integrally colored concrete strips define the edges, steps, or landings and tie stair design back to patios or walkways.
• Metal or Stone Divider Inlays: Thin strips of brass, stainless, or stone divide aggregate sections and help set off shell or glass zones—ideal for modern and artistic designs.

Color Enhancement and Surface Treatments

After exposing the aggregate, steps can be further refined with color and finishing techniques:

• Integral Color: Pigment the concrete mix for consistent color throughout—even beneath aggregate.
• Post-Exposure Staining: Acid or water-based stains can deepen or alter surface colors, emphasizing stone or shell highlights.
• Highlighting Effects: Selective dyeing or stain application brings out certain glass, shell, or mineral features, creating a mosaic or “painted” effect across stair runs.

Sheen and Sealer Choices

Sealers not only protect but dramatically impact look and feel:

• High-Gloss Sealers: Make aggregates, glass, and shells pop, adding lustrous shine and greater depth—great for high-profile entries.
• Matte Sealers: Enhance color without shine, blending steps more naturally with surrounding stone or garden features.
• Slip-Resistant Additives: Incorporated in sealers for sites with heavy foot traffic, rain, or pool proximity, keeping every step safe for all family members.

Specialized Artisan Effects

Local Concrete offers true custom finish artistry and can incorporate:

• Polished Aggregate: Buffs exposed surface for smoothness and mirror-like gleam—a modern, luxury effect.
• Sandblasting or Honing: Creates an extra layer of grip or softens the aggregate for unique tactile sensations.
• Embedded ‘Theme Accents’: Incorporate mementos, colored glass shards, mosaic tile, or signature shells to personalize each installation.
• Multi-Material Blends: Combine shells and recycled glass, or multiple stone varieties, to create distinctive focal-point steps or coordinate across large properties.

Safety and Performance Features

Exposed aggregate is inherently slip-resistant—making it perfect for steps, especially in wet, icy, or high-traffic locations. By mixing stone sizes, incorporating shells with high surface friction, and selecting proper depth of exposure, every step is engineered for reliable footing and long-term comfort.

Borders in broom-finish concrete or color bands help identify nosings for visually impaired guests, and all surfaces are eligible for ADA-compliant slip resistance per site needs.

Installation, Craftsmanship, and Aftercare

Local Concrete’s artisans ensure precise placement of each decorative element, maintain control through mixing, placement, wash, and curing phases, and can even create mock-ups for client approval prior to project start. After installation, steps are sealed and finished for maximum durability—easy to clean, low maintenance, and resistant to fading, staining, and freeze-thaw damage.

Routine care includes sweeping, occasional rinsing, and resealing every few years. Shell, glass, and premium stone blends remain color true with minimal effort and elevate the property for decades.

Design Possibilities Are Limitless

From the understated elegance of earth-tone pebbles, to the sparkling showpiece of blue glass, to the soft radiance of embedded shell, Local Concrete’s exposed aggregate finishes put creative control and engineered performance in your hands.

Let our team help you design entry stairs, garden steps, or landscape transitions that are as unique as your vision and as reliable as our reputation.

Ready for steps built strong, built safe, and absolutely unforgettable?
Choose Local Concrete for exposed aggregate finishes that blend technical mastery, artisan craftsmanship, and unmistakable good taste—making every approach a lasting statement in your home or business.

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