How to Replace Pebble Stones in the Driveway

Pebbles add a decorative touch to concrete driveways. A pebble surface is created by pressing the stones into wet concrete and allowing them to harden to the surface. If the concrete becomes brittle, cracks form and pebbles dislodge from the driveway leaving pits. Replacing pebbles is a weekend do-it-yourself project that effectively stops the damage from spreading and improves the driveway's appearance.

Scrub brush
Power washer
Stain remover
Painter's tape
Concrete vinyl patch compound
Putty knife
Trowel
Concrete resurfacing mix
Wheelbarrow
Paddle bit
Drill
Shovel
Gauge rake
Squeegee
Pebbles
Broom
Board
Hose
Sealer
Penetrating sealer

Instructions

- 1
  Scrub the driveway with a scrub brush and power washer to remove debris and stains from the surface. Use grease or stain remover if necessary and rinse off the solvents thoroughly.
- 2
  Protect the expansion or control joints by covering them in painter's tape and plan to remove the tape before the new layer of concrete hardens.
- 3
  Patch the pits and cracks with concrete vinyl patch compound. Stuff the mix into the crevices with a putty knife and spread it over the surface with a trowel.
- 4
  Shovel concrete resurfacing mixture into small piles over the driveway. If the surface is large, work in small sections. Spread the mix with a gauge rake until you have an even, 2-inch-thick layer. Use a squeegee to make the surface smooth and fill in low spots.
- 5
  Distribute pebbles over the driveway with a shovel and spread them with a broom. Lay a board across each part and press it down evenly.
- 6
  Brush off the thin coating of cement from the top of the pebbles. Do not expose the stones too much or they will dislodge again. Reveal only enough to show the top of the stones and hose off the loose cement.
- 7
  Roll penetrating sealer over the driveway with a roller brush to protect it from drying out.

Stones Used in Driveways & Ditches

How to Build a Driveway Foundation

Paving