Do-It-Yourself Exposed Aggregate Concrete

Inside most concrete is gravel, an aggregate that helps hold the concrete together. During most concrete projects, the surface of the walkway or sidewalk is flattened with a bull float, which pushes the aggregate down, hiding it away from plain view. However, exposed aggregate, which has gravel at the concrete's surface, can be visually appealing if it's done properly. Add to the equation that aggregate is also a cheap visual effect, and you have a true DIY winner.

Lumber
Nails
Hammer
Concrete
Hose
Wheelbarrow
Shovel
Scree board
Darby
Bull float
Gravel

Instructions

- 1
  Create the forms for your concrete surface, using lumber. Secure the forms to the ground with small 2-inch by 4-inch stakes.
- 2
  Break open a bag of concrete into a wheelbarrow. Push the powder to one side. Add the manufacturer-recommended amount of water to the other side of the wheelbarrow. Mix the powder and the water together, using a shovel.
- 3
  Pull a flat board along the concrete surface to scree the concrete smooth.
- 4
  Run a darby over the screed surface to smooth out the concrete further. Let the concrete rest until water appears on the surface.
- 5
  Smooth the concrete further, using a bull float to remove the water from the surface of the concrete.
- 6
  Fill a shovel with gravel and evenly spread the gravel over the concrete surface. Pass a darby over the surface to slightly embed the gravel into the concrete.

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Walkways