Exposed aggregate shows the stone in the concrete by washing the surface paste away before it hardens; broom finish drags a damp broom across floated concrete for a non-slip texture. Both are rugged, both are slip-resistant, and both cost less in labor than a stamp.
One independent, insured North Texas contractor will call or text within one business day to set a time to look at it. You get a written quote with the pattern, color, stone and slab spec on it.
Updated November 10, 2026
The spec that matters is the aggregate you choose, how deep it is exposed, and the broom coarseness.
The Portland Cement Association's finishing guide describes three methods: seeding select stone onto the fresh surface and working it in, batching a gap-graded aggregate through the whole mix (monolithic), and placing a special topping course over a base slab. Seeding lets you pick a decorative pebble, river rock or crushed granite; monolithic gives an even look across a big pour. PCA calls these finishes rugged, slip resistant and highly immune to wear and weather.
Source: Portland Cement Association, Finishing Concrete Slabs with Color and Texture (PA124)
Not far. PCA's guidance is that the depth of exposure should not exceed one-third of the average diameter of the aggregate, or the stone loosens and pops. Exposure is done by a surface retarder and washing or brushing at the right hour, and the window is short in Texas heat, so a summer pour starts early. An acid wash afterward is optional and PCA cautions against acids on limestone, dolomite and marble aggregate.
Source: Portland Cement Association, Finishing Concrete Slabs with Color and Texture (PA124)
Broomed textures are made by pulling damp brooms over freshly floated or troweled concrete. PCA notes that coarse textures for steep slopes or heavy traffic come from stiff-bristle brooms on newly floated concrete, while fine to medium textures suit walks, driveways and garage floors. Patterns such as wavy lines or checkerboard panels are possible and cost nothing extra but attention. The quote should say the coarseness and the broom direction (across the slope, so water runs off).
Source: Portland Cement Association, Finishing Concrete Slabs with Color and Texture (PA124)
A common design move is an exposed-aggregate field inside a smooth or broomed border, or a broom field with a stamped or colored band at the house line. Each finish is a separate line on the quote with its own color, and the joint layout should follow the bands so a saw cut does not cross a border.
Source: Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association, four finishing options for decorative concrete
Finish does not change the structure. A walk or patio is 4 inches on compacted base; a drive that carries a truck is 5 to 6 inches with thickened edges. Control joints go in at about two times the thickness in feet per PCA. Exposed aggregate hides a joint less well than broom, so plan the grid on the sketch.
Source: Portland Cement Association, FAQ: joints, what type are used and where
An exposed-aggregate surface is usually sealed to lock the stone and deepen its color; PCA lists sealers among the surface treatments for these finishes. The sealer schedule is the same as for stamped work: after cure, thin coats, reapplied every few years in full sun.
Source: ConcreteNetwork, sealing stamped concrete
Smaller, rounded pebble exposed shallow is comfortable; large crushed stone exposed deep is not. For a pool surround ask for a small rounded aggregate and shallow exposure.
With a seeded finish, yes. With a monolithic mix you choose from what the ready-mix plant batches.
Medium, pulled across the slope. Coarse is for ramps and steep approaches.
It is not required but it is usual; it keeps the stone from loosening and keeps the color.
Pattern, color method, sealer, stone and joint, or field thickness, edge, steel, base and membrane: one independent, insured North Texas contractor looks at the lot and writes it all down with dates.
Residential and acreage, in eight DFW counties. No price on this site, because the lot and the drawing decide the price.
One independent, insured North Texas contractor will call or text within one business day to set a time to look at it. You get a written quote with the pattern, color, stone and slab spec on it.