Calgary Exposed Aggregate Concrete Prices
Exposed aggregate concrete in Calgary is considered a more premium finish so yes it is more expensive. The treatment for exposed aggregate concrete requires additional work to expose the aggregate placed in the mix design and showcase the beauty if the stone. In Calgary, at Deluxe Concrete Services, we are charging an additional $5 per square foot for finishing in an exposed aggregate concrete finish. (approx. values associated with exposed aggregate concrete exposure as per 2025 in Calgary, AB, Canada market requirements)
Why Exposed Aggregate Concrete is More Expensive
The surface layer of an exposed aggregate concrete patio, sidewalk, or stairway has to be treated in the proper manner which is more labor intensive than traditional broom finish concrete.
For one, aggregate color has to be selected specific for the job at hand. This is an exciting process because we get to work with you the Calgary homeowner to select the optimal aggregate color that is going to match your property and home ideally.
From there, just like standard concrete, we pour and place with the right reinforcement, the right mix design, formwork and to the right slope design requirements.
Providing a curing retardant on the concrete slab’s surface allows the subsurface concrete to cure normally while the surface concrete is kept in a non-cured state. In this capacity the surface can be washed off, to expose the aggregate underneath and showcase the exposed aggregate concrete look and feel that is so sought after with Calgary homeowners, property managers, and developers.
The process of adding the retardant and then washing off the surface layer of uncured concrete adds labor to the finishing process of all concrete elements. Furthermore, added costs need to be accounted for when sealing exposed aggregate concrete.
Compared to normal broom finish concrete items, exposed aggregate concrete has generally more potential for cracking, pitting, and scaling. The risk of damage due to water could be considered higher, or for cracking (freeze/thaw) because the surface of the concrete is already exposed to the elements. A concrete sealer is essential to protecting the concrete from water, ice, snow, salts, de-icing chemicals and more! With the right concrete sealer, surface coatings, or penetrating sealer products, longevity, durability, and aesthetic of the exposed aggregate concrete will be increased.
Sealing is done after concrete is cured and protects the surface from UV exposure also, as the natural aesthetic of the exposed aggregate concrete was what you were after in the first place, keeping the concrete/aggregate looking brand new is essential.
This is just another cost to account for when choosing exposed aggregate concrete designs for your driveway, sidewalks, patios, or landscape concrete.
You may need to consider re-sealing your exposed aggregate concrete every 1 to 3 years to ensure its surface and aesthetic remain in peak condition for years to come.
Calgary Exposed Aggregate Concrete Pricing
For all your Calgary exposed aggregate concrete needs, the team at Deluxe Concrete Services provides a whole host of concrete placement and finishing services. They are a quality-oriented contractor, ensuring you have the ideal fit and finish for all your concrete Calgary needs!
Contact us today via quote request form or call us to get a quote and estimate for your project and exposed aggregate concrete project.
Our pricing is always competitive. We work with you on the basic necessities for concrete pours, such as reinforcement, doweling, sub-grade preparation, concrete removal and replacement, slab-joints, and sloping/drainage.
Plus our team is well versed with structural concrete requirements too. As one of Calgary’s best concrete contractors, Deluxe Concrete provides truly high grade exposed aggregate concrete work.
Considerations for Sealing Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate concrete can also be warranted for concrete sealing products.
Application of concrete sealing products such as acrylic sealers, provides not only a unique aesthetic to exposed aggregate concrete, but weatherproofing characteristics which can enhance the durability and lifespan of your concrete elements.
Picking the right sealer is a job for your concrete contractor. But, as a homeowner or potential investor in a new exposed aggregate concrete patio for instance, take your time to review products on the market. Different acrylic sealers have different properties, and can be optioned with grit, color-packs, and in various sheens (semi-gloss, gloss, matte, satin etc.)
By having atleast a discussion about the sealer with your concrete contractor, you’ll be able to outline maintenance requirements, re-sealing periods, and even help to narrow down a chosen aesthetic for your concrete sealing product.
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