What Is Aggregate Tile?

Definition

• Aggregate is the construction term for sand and stones used in the formulation of concrete. When concrete is mixed, the aggregate will be up to 75 percent of the total, with the balance comprised of cement and water. Aggregate can be round, smooth, natural pebbles, or small rocks and stones created by crushing larger rocks. For decorative purposes, aggregate is often separated into different colors.

Aggregate Tiles

• Aggregate tiles are formed from concrete. After the tiles are poured, the surface is washed away to expose the top layer of aggregate. The result is a concrete tile with a surface covered with stone pebbles. Exposed aggregate tiles have a rough surface texture, with the degree of roughness dependent on the size and type of aggregate used in the mix.

Common Uses

• Because they are made from cement rather than ceramic, exposed aggregate tiles are most often used in outdoor applications. The tiles are larger and thicker than the most ceramic tiles. For residential use, walkways and patios can be given a pebbled look with this type of tile, or they can be used as stepping stones across the landscape. The commercial use of exposed aggregate tiles is more widespread. The tiles are used to surface parkways, walkways and hard-surface open spaces. Aggregate tiles are an alternative to pouring the concrete on-site and then washing away the surface to achieve the same look, since this could leave undesirable residue in the surrounding area.

Features

• Exposed aggregate cement tiles range in size from 12-by-12 inches up 32-by-32 inches. The tiles are typically 1 1/2 to 2 inches thick. The thickness of concrete tiles makes them significantly heavier than ceramic tiles, with the smaller sizes weighing about 20 pounds each. Tiles can be selected by type of aggregate, such as river pebbles or crushed marble. Exposed aggregate tiles are also available in a range of colors, only limited by the types and sorting of the aggregates used by the manufacturers.