Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Calgary
It is Calgary’s most popular driveway finish for a reason: the washed-stone surface grips through freeze-thaw, hides salt and tire marks, and outwears smooth concrete. We pour it at $16–18 per square foot for driveways, patios, sidewalks and steps.
Exposed aggregate is not just a slab with stones on top. The pour is surface-retarded, then washed at exactly the right moment to reveal the aggregate without dislodging it — too early and the stones pull out, too late and they stay buried. That timing is where most crews get it wrong, and it is what we have done across four generations.
It sits in the decorative concrete family alongside stamped patterns — and on a Calgary driveway, it is usually the smarter of the two.
Why it wins in Calgary
Where we use it
Driveways
The flagship use — grip, salt-hiding and durability where it matters most.
Concrete driveways →Patios
Slip-resistant outdoor living, often framed with a stamped border for contrast.
Patios & decks →With a stamped border
Our signature combo: an aggregate centre framed by a dark brick or slate stamped edge.
Stamped patterns →Custom stone mixes
Standard river-stone blend, or specialty mixes and integral colour for a tailored look.
Discuss a mix →Resealing
Clean, prep and reseal existing aggregate every 2–3 years to restore the wet look.
Book a reseal →What exposed aggregate costs
A mid-range premium finish — more than a broom finish, less than stamped, and the best value of the three for a Calgary driveway.
Your number moves with site access, slab size, the stone mix you choose, and whether an existing surface needs breakout first ($4–6/sq ft). We quote it in writing, line by line.
Make it yours
The standard mix is a blend of local river stones in greys, tans and browns. From there:
Integral colour
We dye the cement paste — the background that holds the stones — to a darker shade like charcoal or mocha, so the aggregate pops against a modern, contrasting base.
Specialty mixes
Darker limestone, smoother pea gravel, or a specific stone profile to match your landscaping and the look you are after.
Stamped borders
Frame the slab with a stamped brick or slate edge tied to your home’s trim or front steps — the combination that makes a driveway look finished, not just poured.
Exposed aggregate in Calgary
Completed installs across Bridgeland, Glenbrook, Salisbury, Hounsfield Heights and Huntington Hills.
See it in motion
Two completed exposed aggregate projects — Glenbrook and Vista Heights.
Exposed aggregate FAQ
Why is exposed aggregate the most popular driveway finish in Calgary?
It balances looks with function for our climate. The raised stone surface gives natural traction on icy mornings, the speckled texture hides salt, grit and tire marks, and the stone is harder than cement paste so it resists wear from tires and shovels. You get a real upgrade over plain concrete that also holds up.
How much does exposed aggregate cost in Calgary?
About $16–18 per square foot installed. That puts it between a brushed finish ($12–14) and stamped concrete ($18–20) — the mid-range premium, and the best value of the three for a driveway. Final cost depends on site access, slab size and the stone mix.
Is exposed aggregate slippery in winter?
Generally no — the pebbled texture grips better than stamped or smooth-troweled concrete. Because it is sealed, it can get slick if the sealer is laid on too thick, so we use precise application rates and can add a non-slip additive (Shark Grip) to the final coat for maximum traction.
How often do I reseal it?
Every 2–3 years. Sealer locks the stones into the cement matrix — if it wears off, water gets in, freezes, and pops stones out. A fresh acrylic coat also revives the colour, which goes chalky as the old sealer fades. We offer professional resealing.
Can I customise the colour and stone?
Yes. Integral colour dyes the cement background to charcoal, mocha or other dark shades for contrast, and specialty mixes (darker limestone, smoother pea gravel, specific stone profiles) tailor the look to your landscaping.
Can I combine it with stamped concrete?
Absolutely — it is one of our signature looks. We pour an exposed aggregate centre framed by a smooth stamped border, usually dark brick or slate, tied to your home’s trim or steps. It frames the driveway and lifts the whole finish.
Serving Calgary & area
Exposed aggregate across NW, NE and SW Calgary, plus Airdrie, Cochrane, Chestermere and Okotoks.
Popular for aggregate work
The finish Calgary driveways were made for
A free on-site quote, a written line-item price, and exposed aggregate poured and washed at exactly the right moment. Four generations of getting the timing right.
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