Exposed Aggregate Services ON

Welcome to our Pebbles Markham, a licensed and experienced decorative concrete contractor specializing in exposed aggregate concrete services in Markham, ON and surrounding areas.  If you already know what exposed aggregate is, that’s great; however, you’re likely in the minority as most people have seen it around homes, gardens, buildings, but have no idea what they’re called.  If you’ve stumbled on this site looking for other types of decorative concrete such as stamped concrete, this site will enlighten you about the difference between a stamped concrete vs. exposed aggregate.

Let’s talk concrete, first and foremost.  Why concrete?  Concrete is making a huge comeback in recent years (not that it’s ever left) with good reason.  Created from a mixture of cement and an aggregate, the aggregate being small rocks, stones or gravel, concrete, concrete has a bunch of star features such as:

• Durability: concrete lasts years and years, and especially if the concrete contractor mixed the cement and aggregates properly
• Low maintenance: concrete sealing should be done every couple of years, but other than that, there’s not much to it for maintenance
• Stain resistance: if properly sealed, concrete can resist stains from water, oil, grease and colour; if it does get stained, often a quick spray or wipe will remove it
• Affordable: concrete as a construction material provides great value, as it features all the benefits above, is customizable AND has a relatively low price point

Now, let’s dive into decorative concrete.  One of most known types is stamped concrete, sometimes referred to as patterned concrete.  After the cement is poured and before it is completely dried, large stamp mats or molds are pressed onto the concrete to mimic the appearance of other flooring materials such as brick, stones or wood, creating a gorgeous design.  Now it’s important to mention some drawbacks of stamped concrete as the surface can get slippery when wet, which can pose a hazard in the rain or snow, and regular salt used in the wintertime can damage the surface.  Special salts specific for concrete surfaces can be used, however.  

What about exposed aggregate concrete?  First and foremost, what is it?  Well, remember that concrete is a mixture of cement and aggregate.  So the concrete is poured as usual, but now instead of letting it harden completely, the top surface of the cement is taken off, exposing the aggregate pebbles, gravel or stones, leaving a nice textured, non slippery surface.  The choice of aggregate can be made beforehand depending on the desired look.  So if you’re looking for a decorative concrete driveway, walkway, steps or accents, exposed aggregate is an excellent choice as it is relatively low-maintenance save for the need to seal it every few years, it is less costly than stamped concrete and it is very, very durable.  Now, keep in mind that ALL concrete products have the potential to crack, but if the cement was properly mixed and poured properly, the chances of this happening prematurely will diminish significantly.  Our exposed aggregate contractors at Pebbles Markham are highly skilled at this type of decorative concrete service and know the proper techniques of mixing and pouring the concrete, so you will be able to enjoy your exposed aggregate walkway, driveway, swimming pool decks and more.

What exposed aggregate services do we provide? 

In other words, what are their applications and where can they be installed?  Here is a short list of where you might see exposed aggregate:

Swimming pool decks: this is actually an ideal location to install as this is a high moisture area that requires a slip-resistant surface.

Driveways: another popular location as falls can easily happen on wet driveways, especially sloped ones, and this is typically an issue with stamped concrete, but not with exposed aggregate.

Sound barriers: often found in the interior of homes, the rough surface causes the sound waves to bounce unevenly off the aggregates, causing some dampening of the sound.

Patio or porch: adds a nice decorative look and slip-resistant surface.

Decorative accents: sometimes used in conjunction with other materials or concrete products to create a varied, interesting and unique look to the landscape.


Why should you choose Pebbles Markham? 

Our team is built of highly skilled concrete contractors who have trained under the best mentors, and have honed this specialized skill to bring the best exposed aggregate concrete services in Markham and beyond.  Not only that, we believe in some core values that really build trust with our customers, including:

• Great communication: this is the heart of what makes the process smoother for our team and gives our customers peace of mind.  We bring our expertise and are receptive to what the customer wants, and with that, formulate a plan that works best for the project while meeting the clients’ needs and wants.  Communication is a continuous process at every stage of the project, from the initial consultation, the updates throughout the installation, and the post-project wrap-up which includes addressing questions and relaying information on maintenance and expectations about the product.

 

• Honesty: this really is the best policy in our eyes, because this is something upon which trust is built.  We value honesty in all facets of our business because we know that leads to a sustainable business with happy clients.  For example, if a potential client were to declare they want their product installed in a certain area, if in our expert opinion, that material wouldn’t work in that location, regardless of whether their chosen service is more costly, we would direct them to the affordable option if it means a better end result.  We care about the durability and art of concrete design, and our concrete company in Markham are confident this will show in our work.

 

• Reliability: we make sure all exposed aggregate services are completed according to our trade’s guidelines, and we don’t cut corners to save on time or expenses.  We truly believe that doing it right the first time is of paramount importance in our business.  This is to mitigate the wasting of time, costs and frustrations.  We at Pebbles Markham ensure that the customer can rely on us to follow our word.  Occasionally, projects may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, but we will always relay any new information to our valued clients.

We at Pebbles Markham are excited for the opportunity to work with you, and especially to introduce you to the wonderful world of exposed aggregate concrete.  We’re confident you will love it as much as we do.  We're also happy to be partnered with our concrete Jacksonville FL , concrete driveway kitchener waterloo and fencing contractors in markham friends.  Call us today to discuss your project and for  a no-obligation estimate.