Exposed Aggregate in Metro Detroit
A tough, slip-resistant, natural-stone finish for driveways, patios and walkways that hides wear and lasts for decades.
Exposed Aggregate Across Metro Detroit
Exposed aggregate is one of the most durable and best-looking finishes in concrete. By washing away the top layer of cement paste, we reveal the natural stone in the mix — giving you a textured, pebbled surface that's slip-resistant, hides dirt and tire marks, and ages beautifully. Concrete Impressions has poured exposed aggregate driveways, patios and walkways across Metro Detroit since 1989.
It's a favorite for Michigan driveways because the texture grips in wet and icy weather and the busy surface disguises the wear a plain grey slab would show. Pair it with a smooth stamped or colored border for a finished, high-end look, and seal it to deepen the color and protect the surface through freeze-thaw.
Where the Stone Finish Pays Off
The Driveway Neighbors Ask About
The pebbled surface gives a driveway warmth and character a plain grey slab can't touch — and the texture keeps tires planted on sloped approaches all winter.
Sure Footing, Wet or Dry
Rounded stone underfoot is comfortable barefoot but keeps its bite when the deck is soaked — which is exactly what you want two feet from a pool.
A Front Walk That Reads Custom
Even a straight run of walkway looks upgraded in exposed aggregate — the stone gives it depth and shadow that flat concrete simply doesn't have.
The Accent Band Trick
Running an exposed band around a broom-finish drive or patio is one of the cheapest ways we know to make a standard pour look like a custom one.
Real Stone Color, Straight From the Mix.
Every batch of concrete already has stone in it — exposed aggregate just lets you see it. Shortly after the pour, we treat the surface and rinse away a thin layer of cement paste so the aggregate sits proud of the finish. Because the color is the stone itself, it can't peel, chip or fade the way a coating can — it weathers like a gravel riverbed, not like paint.
The catch: that rinse has to happen in a narrow window while the slab is set enough to hold the stone but soft enough to give up the paste. Miss it in either direction and you get bald patches or washed-out sections that no sealer will rescue. Reading that window is a feel you only get from decades of pours — and it's the reason our exposed work comes out uniform edge to edge.
Why Homeowners Keep Picking It
Traction From the Stone
The grip is built into the surface itself, not sprinkled on top — and it's still comfortable barefoot.
A Forgiving Surface
The varied color and texture swallow leaf stains, tire marks and everyday grime that a flat grey slab puts on display.
Winter-Ready Mix
Air-entrained concrete and a sealer schedule matched to Michigan salt and ice — planned at the pour, not patched later.
High-End Look, Simple Care
An occasional rinse and reseal is the whole maintenance plan — nothing shifts, nothing sprouts, nothing needs restaining.
Projects We've Done
Exposed Aggregate FAQs
Is exposed aggregate more expensive than a broom finish?
Yes, slightly — it's a decorative finish that takes extra steps to place, wash and seal. It still costs less than most stamped work while giving you a premium, natural-stone look. Get a ballpark from our estimator and we'll confirm on site.
Is exposed aggregate slippery?
The opposite — the pebbled texture gives excellent grip, which is exactly why it's popular for driveways, pool decks and walkways in a freeze-thaw climate.
Does it need sealing?
Yes. Sealing brings out the color of the stone and protects the surface. We seal it on installation and recommend resealing every few years.
How long does exposed aggregate last?
Poured on a proper base and kept sealed, it lasts decades — and the busy surface hides the everyday wear that would show on plain concrete.
Get a Free Exposed Aggregate Estimate
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Exposed Aggregate Throughout Metro Detroit
From our home base in Livonia we serve a 30-mile radius across Wayne, Oakland and Washtenaw counties, including: