The costs you will encounter for exposed aggregate concrete typically include materials, labor, permits, and delivery. Main drivers are surface texture, aggregate size, thickness, site accessibility, and whether the work is new construction or a resurfacing project. This guide provides cost ranges in USD and per unit pricing to help buyers form an estimate early in planning.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exposed aggregate concrete (per sq ft) | 6.50 | 9.50 | 14.50 | Includes base pour and surface treatment |
| Exposed aggregate concrete (per sq yd) | 19.5 | 28.50 | 43.50 | Multiply by 3 for per sq yd |
| Demolition/prep (per sq ft) | 0.50 | 1.10 | 2.00 | Removal of existing surface |
| Forming and reinforcement (per sq ft) | 0.80 | 1.40 | 2.20 | Includes layout and rebar |
| Stain/sealer (per sq ft) | 0.50 | 1.25 | 2.50 | Color options impact price |
| Delivery and site prep (flat fee) | 100 | 250 | 500 | Depends on distance and access |
| Permits and codes (flat) | 0 | 75 | 300 | Local requirements vary |
| Labor (hourly or crew rate) | 45 | 75 | 120 | Crew size and project duration matter |
Assumptions: region, project size, surface finish, and crew efficiency. All figures in USD.
Overview Of Costs
Exposed aggregate concrete pricing combines material, labor, and site costs. Typical projects range from several thousand dollars for small installations to six-figure totals for large driveways or patios. The per square foot pricing generally spans a narrow band, but variations in aggregate choice, thickness, and added finishes can shift totals. When planning, consider the base slab, surface texture, and protective coatings as the primary price levers.
Cost Breakdown
Breakdown shows where money goes and helps compare quotes. The following table summarizes main cost components and how they contribute to total price. Assumptions include a 4 inch thick slab on grade and standard decorative aggregate. Regional costs may alter these values.
| Component | Materials | Labor | Equipment | Permits | Delivery/Disposal | Warranty | Overhead | Contingency | Taxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exposed slab materials | Included | ||||||||
| Surface finishing and textures | Low to moderate | Medium | |||||||
| Sealant and protective coating | Low | ||||||||
| Labor and crew mobilization | High | ||||||||
| Permits and inspections | Flat | ||||||||
| Delivery and staging | Medium | Flat | |||||||
| Warranty and post-install checks | Low | Included | |||||||
| Contingency | Medium |
What Drives Price
Important factors include aggregate choice, slab thickness, and site conditions. Higher-end decorative aggregates, larger sizes, and thicker slabs increase material costs and pour time. Site access, weather windows, and formwork complexity can extend labor hours and require additional equipment. A few threshold examples: decorative pea gravel or glass aggregate adds cost; a 4 inch slab with a medium chip is typical, while 6 inch or thicker sections and premium colors push price higher.
Ways To Save
Strategic choices can reduce overall costs without sacrificing durability. Consider selecting standard gray cement with a mid-range aggregate, simplifying edge treatments, and coordinating pour days with favorable weather to minimize wasted time. If color or texture is flexible, opting for a more common finish can trim both material and labor expenses. Scheduling multiple small areas together can also lower mobilization costs per project.
Regional Price Differences
Prices vary by region due to labor markets and material availability. In the Northeast, expect higher labor rates and slightly higher delivery costs; the Midwest often shows moderate pricing with good value, while the South may have lower overall costs but higher weather-driven risk. A representative spread is about +/- 15–25 percent between regions for total project price, with per-square-foot rates reflecting similar deltas. Local supplier options and proximity to quarries influence final quotes.
Labor, Hours & Rates
Labor is a major determinant of total cost for exposed aggregate work. Typical crew sizes range from 2 to 4 workers and project duration depends on area size, surface finish, and curing requirements. For a 500 sq ft driveway, expect several days of work; for patios, timelines shrink proportionally. Hourly rates commonly fall in the $60–$110 band depending on regional norms and contractor experience. A longer project increases labor-based costs and can affect crew availability.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Scenarios illustrate how different choices affect totals.
-
Basic: 400 sq ft driveway, standard gray mix, 4 inch thickness, basic finish. Materials $3,000–$5,000; labor $2,000–$3,500; permits $50–$150; delivery $100–$250. Total range: $5,150–$8,900. Assumptions: region, standard aggregate, no color or sealant.
-
Mid-Range: 800 sq ft patio with a mid-range decorative aggregate, color tint, and sealer. Materials $6,000–$9,500; labor $4,000–$7,000; permits $75–$200; delivery $150–$350. Total range: $10,225–$17,050. Assumptions: suburban setting, basic staining, medium-curing time.
-
Premium: 1,200 sq ft multi-zone surface, premium aggregate, multiple textures, and protective sealers. Materials $11,000–$16,500; labor $7,500–$12,000; permits $150–$450; delivery $200–$500. Total range: $18,850–$29,450. Assumptions: coastal region, extended curing, complex edge work.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.