Exposed-aggregate concrete cost calculator
Estimate the installed cost of an exposed-aggregate patio, driveway or walkway from your price per square foot, plus seeded aggregate and sealer.
Calculator
Exposed-aggregate concrete over 400 sq ft at $12.00/sq ft is about $5,280.00.
Exposed-aggregate concrete reveals the stone in the mix by washing away the top layer of cement paste before it fully hardens, leaving a durable, slip-resistant, pebbled surface. It is a popular finish for driveways, patios and pool decks because it hides wear and stains well and needs little upkeep beyond periodic sealing. The finish costs more than a plain broom finish because of the extra washing, brushing and timing labor — and more still if decorative stone is seeded (broadcast) onto the surface rather than left as the standard aggregate in the batch.
This calculator takes your installed price per square foot and adds a dollar line for a seeded-aggregate upgrade or a sealer, then buffers the total with a contingency. Enter the numbers from your own quote so the estimate reflects your stone choice, finish and region rather than a stale average.
Formula
Base flatwork plus finish add-ons, buffered by contingency:
total = (area_sqft × price_per_sqft + add_ons) × (1 + contingency)
- price_per_sqft — your installed exposed-aggregate rate.
- add_ons — a dollar total for seeded decorative stone and/or sealer.
- contingency — a decimal buffer (0.10 = 10%).
Worked example
For 400 sq ft at $12/sq ft installed, no separate add-ons and a 10% contingency:
base = 400 × $12 = $4,800
subtotal = $4,800 + $0 = $4,800
total = $4,800 × 1.10 = $5,280
The planning estimate is about $5,280. Add a $700 seeded-stone-and-seal package and it rises to roughly $6,050; the base rate is where most of the money is.
Standard vs seeded exposed aggregate
Standard exposed aggregate uses the stone already in the concrete mix, so it is the most economical version; a seeded finish broadcasts specialty pebbles or glass onto the surface for a specific look and costs more. Sealing is strongly recommended to lock the stones in place and deepen their color — size it with the sealer coverage calculator. Compare finishes with stamped concrete and colored concrete. This is a planning estimate, not a bid or an installation procedure.
Frequently asked questions
How much does exposed-aggregate concrete cost?
As a labeled planning band, exposed aggregate often runs about $8–15 per square foot installed — above a plain broom finish because of the extra washing and detailing labor. Seeded decorative stone costs more. Enter your quoted rate for a real estimate.
Is exposed aggregate cheaper than stamped concrete?
Often, yes. A standard exposed-aggregate finish is usually less than stamped concrete of similar quality, though seeded specialty aggregate can close the gap. Compare both on your own numbers with the stamped concrete calculator.
Does exposed aggregate need to be sealed?
Yes — sealing locks the exposed stones in place, resists staining and brings out their color. Plan on resealing every few years, and budget the first coat in the add-ons line.
What is seeded aggregate?
Seeded (or broadcast) aggregate means decorative pebbles or glass are scattered onto the fresh surface and troweled in, instead of relying on the stone already in the mix. It gives a specific look and raises the cost.