Exposed aggregate polished concrete is a unique and stylish flooring option that combines the natural beauty of concrete with the sophisticated look of polished finishes. By revealing the decorative aggregates embedded within the concrete, this flooring solution offers a striking, textured aesthetic while retaining the durability and low maintenance of traditional Exposed aggregate polished concrete.
Whether you’re designing a contemporary residential home, a high-end commercial space, or an outdoor patio, exposed aggregate polished concrete provides both visual appeal and lasting performance. In this blog, we’ll explore what exposed aggregate polished concrete is, how it’s created, the benefits it offers, its applications, and tips on maintenance.
What is Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete?
Exposed aggregate polished concrete is a type of decorative concrete where the top layer of the concrete surface is ground down to reveal the aggregates (stones, pebbles, glass, or other materials) that are mixed into the concrete. These aggregates are naturally embedded in the concrete during the pouring process, and they’re brought to the surface through a grinding and polishing procedure.
The grinding process not only reveals the aggregates but also smooths and refines the concrete, creating a polished, smooth finish with a glossy sheen. The result is a durable, attractive floor that showcases a mix of textures and colors depending on the type and size of the aggregate used.
How Is Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete Made?
The creation of exposed aggregate polished concrete involves several key steps:
1. Pouring the Concrete
Exposed aggregate concrete begins just like any other concrete pour. A mixture of concrete, water, and decorative aggregates (such as crushed stones, pebbles, or glass chips) is poured into the area where the floor is to be laid. The aggregates are usually chosen based on the aesthetic preferences of the homeowner or designer, with a wide variety of options available, from small pea gravel to larger, more decorative stones.
2. Troweling and Surface Setting
After the concrete is poured, the surface is troweled to level it and smooth out any imperfections. The concrete is left to cure and harden for a specific period, usually at least 24–48 hours, depending on the weather and the type of concrete used. During this time, the aggregates settle into the concrete mix.
3. Grinding the Surface
Once the concrete has cured, the surface is ground down using a series of diamond grinding tools. The grinding process is performed in stages, starting with a coarse grit to remove the top layer and expose the aggregates beneath. This exposes the desired level of stone or other materials, depending on the look the designer is aiming for. The level of grinding can vary, from a light exposure where just a few stones are visible, to deeper grinding that reveals larger stones and aggregates.
4. Polishing and Sealing
After the aggregate is exposed, the surface is polished using progressively finer diamond pads to achieve a smooth, shiny finish. The polishing process can range from a satin matte look to a high-gloss shine, depending on the desired effect. Once the polishing is completed, a sealer is applied to protect the concrete from stains, moisture, and damage. The sealer also enhances the polished finish, providing additional durability.
Types of Exposed Aggregate
Exposed aggregate concrete can feature a wide variety of materials, which influence the final look of the floor. Here are a few popular types of aggregates:
- Natural Stones: Gravel, quartz, granite, and marble are commonly used aggregates in exposed aggregate floors. These stones are durable and offer a range of natural colors, from cool greys to earthy browns and warm reds.
- Recycled Glass: Using crushed glass as an aggregate adds a unique, eco-friendly element to the floor. The glass can be clear, colored, or frosted, and it creates a sparkling effect when polished, making it a popular choice for contemporary designs.
- River Rocks or Pebbles: For a more organic, natural look, river rocks or pebbles are a great option. These smooth stones create a beach-like effect and can be used to design floors that blend seamlessly with outdoor landscapes.
- Exotic Aggregates: Materials such as seashells, metallic chips, or even recycled materials like porcelain can be used to create a truly unique and bespoke exposed aggregate polished concrete floor.
Benefits of Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete
Exposed aggregate polished concrete offers a variety of advantages, making it an increasingly popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
1. Durability
Like regular polished concrete, exposed aggregate floors are highly durable and able to withstand heavy foot traffic, stains, scratches, and damage. The hard-wearing nature of the polished surface makes it perfect for high-traffic areas like commercial spaces, offices, retail stores, and even warehouses.
2. Unique Aesthetic Appeal
One of the standout features of exposed aggregate polished concrete is its distinctive look. The exposed aggregates create a visually dynamic surface that varies depending on the choice of stones, glass, or other materials. This versatility allows designers to create custom looks that match the style and theme of the space, from rustic and natural to sleek and modern.
3. Low Maintenance
Exposed aggregate polished concrete floors are easy to maintain, requiring only regular sweeping or vacuuming and occasional mopping with a mild cleaner. The polished surface also resists staining, and because the concrete is sealed, it’s protected from moisture and dirt build-up. In addition, the lack of grout lines or seams makes cleaning even easier.
4. Sustainability
Exposed aggregate polished concrete is an environmentally friendly flooring option. Since it uses the existing concrete slab of a building, there’s no need for additional materials like hardwood, tiles, or vinyl. Many contractors also use recycled aggregates, such as glass or porcelain, making the floor even more eco-conscious.
5. Energy Efficiency
The reflective surface of polished concrete can help increase the brightness in a room, which means less need for artificial lighting. In spaces with plenty of natural light, exposed aggregate polished concrete floors can help reflect sunlight into the room, creating a brighter, more welcoming atmosphere and reducing energy costs.
6. Non-slip Surface
While polished concrete floors are smooth, they can also be finished with non-slip treatments to improve traction, making them safer to walk on, especially in wet conditions. Exposed aggregate floors tend to offer more texture and grip than traditional polished concrete, making them a good choice for areas where slip resistance is a priority, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces.
Applications of Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete
Exposed aggregate polished concrete is a versatile flooring option that can be used in a wide range of applications:
- Residential Homes: Exposed aggregate polished concrete works beautifully in modern homes, creating a stylish yet durable floor for living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
- Commercial Spaces: Offices, retail stores, cafes, and hotels can benefit from exposed aggregate polished concrete, providing a high-end, contemporary look that can handle heavy foot traffic.
- Outdoor Areas: Exposed aggregate polished concrete is a popular choice for driveways, patios, pathways, and pool decks. The texture helps provide a slip-resistant surface, while the wide range of aggregate choices adds to its aesthetic appeal.
- Public Spaces: The durability and low maintenance of exposed aggregate polished concrete make it an ideal choice for high-traffic public spaces like airports, shopping malls, and museums.
Cost of Exposed Aggregate Polished Concrete
The cost of exposed aggregate polished concrete can vary depending on factors like the size of the area, the complexity of the design, and the type of aggregate used. On average, exposed aggregate polished concrete can cost between £50 to £120 per square meter (~$7 to $15 per square foot). Larger areas typically have a lower cost per square meter, but highly customized designs with exotic aggregates can increase the price.
Factors affecting cost:
- Area Size: Larger floors tend to cost less per square meter due to economies of scale.
- Type of Aggregate: Recycled glass, rare stones, or custom-designed aggregates will increase the cost.
- Finishing and Polishing: The level of grinding and polishing required can affect the overall price, with a higher gloss or more intricate finishing techniques leading to higher costs.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining exposed aggregate polished concrete is relatively easy. Here are a few tips to keep your floor looking its best:
- Regular Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can cause scratches. Use a mop with a mild cleaner and warm water for occasional cleaning.
- Reapply Sealer: Depending on foot traffic and wear, the sealer may need to be reapplied every 2–3 years to maintain protection and shine.
- Prevent Stains: Although sealed concrete resists staining, it’s a good idea to clean spills promptly, particularly with oils or acidic substances like wine or coffee.
Conclusion
Exposed aggregate polished concrete offers a perfect balance of style, durability, and low maintenance. Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetic of your home, business, or outdoor space, this flooring solution can provide a unique and eye-catching finish that suits a variety of design styles.