Exposed aggregate concrete typically costs $8-$18 per square foot installed, with an average near $12. Exposed aggregate concrete cost per square foot depends on slab size, stone selection, site preparation, finishing labor, and removal of existing pavement.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed exposed aggregate | $8/sq ft | $12/sq ft | $18/sq ft | New slab, ordinary access |
| Small patio, 200 sq ft | $1,600 | $2,400 | $3,600 | Before unusual demolition or drainage work |
| Driveway, 600 sq ft | $4,800 | $7,200 | $10,800 | Standard finish and thickness |
What a New Exposed Aggregate Slab Usually Costs
For a straightforward new installation, budget about $8-$18 per square foot, including concrete, placement, aggregate exposure, and standard finishing. A 400-square-foot patio commonly totals $3,200-$7,200, while a 900-square-foot driveway may run $7,200-$16,200. Small projects often cost more per square foot because setup, delivery, and crew time are spread across less area.
These estimates assume a typical 4-inch slab over a prepared base, standard reinforcing where required, and a readily available local aggregate. Premium stone, colored concrete, decorative borders, complex shapes, and difficult access can push the quote above $20 per square foot. Assumptions: U.S. mid-market labor rates, ordinary access, new construction, and no major drainage correction.
A practical planning figure is $12 per square foot for a standard-sized project with normal site conditions.
How Concrete, Base Work, and Finishing Shape the Quote
Contractors may quote a combined installed rate or itemize the work. The following ranges show typical cost shares for a new slab; actual bids can vary with local concrete prices and project size.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete and aggregate | $3-$6/sq ft | Mix and stone supply | Color, stone type, mix design |
| Base preparation | $1-$4/sq ft | Grading and compacted base | Excavation depth, soil condition |
| Placement and exposure labor | $3-$7/sq ft | Forming, pouring, washing | Shape, crew access, finish timing |
| Reinforcement and forms | $1-$3/sq ft | Mesh, rebar, edge forms | Thickness, edges, structural needs |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$6/sq ft | Existing concrete demolition | Slab thickness, hauling distance |
Some components are bundled, so these figures should not simply be added to the installed range. If labor is separately listed, a crew rate of roughly $50-$100 per worker-hour may help explain the bid, though many contractors price by the square foot.
Ask whether excavation, base material, reinforcement, cleanup, and old-slab disposal are included before comparing totals.
Stone Size, Slab Thickness, and Site Access Change the Price
Aggregate size and depth affect both appearance and finishing. Common 3/8- to 3/4-inch stone is generally less costly than specialty decorative stone; unusual colors or imported aggregate can add roughly $1-$4 per square foot. A standard 4-inch patio or walkway is less material-intensive than a 5- to 6-inch driveway designed for heavier vehicle loads.
Slopes, tight access, and long wheelbarrow routes can add labor or require a concrete pump, often adding $300-$900 for a small-to-medium job. Weak soil, substantial grading, or a base requiring more than about 4 inches of compacted aggregate may add $1-$4 per square foot. Drainage work and retaining edges are usually separate quote items.
Confirm the specified slab thickness and aggregate sample; changing either after approval can affect material and labor costs.
Regional Concrete Rates Differ by About 10%-25%
Local labor availability, ready-mix delivery distance, and disposal fees influence the final quote. Large metropolitan areas and high-cost coastal markets may run 10%-25% above the national midrange. Smaller cities and rural markets can be 5%-15% below it when crews and materials are nearby, although remote delivery can erase that advantage.
Concrete prices also vary within a state. A supplier several miles farther away, a congested urban site, or a market with limited decorative-concrete crews can change the estimate without changing the slab design. Compare bids from contractors familiar with exposed aggregate rather than comparing only general concrete rates.
Use local bids for the final budget, and check that each contractor priced the same square footage, thickness, and finish.
How Long a Pour Takes and What Crew Labor Covers
A prepared 200- to 400-square-foot patio may take a crew of three to five workers about one day for forming, pouring, and exposure finishing. A 600- to 1,000-square-foot driveway commonly requires one to two workdays, depending on layout, weather, and access. Curing and restricted use continue after the crew leaves, so the calendar time before vehicle traffic is allowed is longer than the installation time.
Exposed aggregate finishing has a timing-sensitive wash or surface-retarder step. A contractor experienced with the method can control exposure more consistently, while poor timing can produce uneven stone visibility or require corrective work. Include crew experience and the planned finishing method in the comparison, not just labor hours.
Three Example Quotes for Patios and Driveways
These examples illustrate how scope affects totals and are not fixed national prices. A 200-square-foot patio at $10 per square foot totals $2,000, assuming prepared soil, standard stone, and no demolition. A 400-square-foot patio at $14 per square foot totals $5,600, including modest grading and a more decorative aggregate.
A 600-square-foot driveway at $16 per square foot totals $9,600 when it includes a thicker slab, reinforcement, and removal of an existing surface. Its crew may spend 20-30 combined worker-hours on site, excluding curing. Compare each quote by total scope as well as its per-square-foot rate.
Permits and Drainage Work Can Add Separate Charges
Many small patios do not require a building permit, but local rules differ, and driveway apron work or changes near a public sidewalk may require approval. Permit and inspection fees can range from about $50-$500, with more involved projects costing more. Contractors should identify fees they collect for the municipality versus their own labor charges.
Water must drain away from the house and avoid pooling on the slab. Adjusting grade or adding a channel drain may cost $300-$1,500 or more, depending on length and outlet conditions. Check local permit requirements and drainage details before treating the quoted slab price as the complete project budget.
Reduce the Price Without Cutting the Aggregate Finish
Keeping the slab shape simple, grouping work into one mobilization, and completing light site clearing before the crew arrives can lower labor or setup charges. Choose a locally stocked stone rather than a specialty blend, and avoid adding colored borders or multiple finish patterns unless they matter to the design. Avoid excavation or base preparation yourself unless the contractor agrees to the standard in writing.
Get at least three itemized quotes for the same dimensions, thickness, reinforcement, aggregate, and removal scope. If an existing slab is cracked, ask whether localized replacement is feasible; widespread settlement or drainage failure may make a new slab the more durable option. The clearest savings usually come from controlled scope and comparable bids, not from skipping necessary base preparation.