How to Build a Sidewalk With Pebbles on Top
A sidewalk or other concrete surface that appears to have a top layer of small pebbles is also known as concrete with an exposed aggregate surface. This type of surfacing is enjoyed for its appearance and its increased slip resistance. Although it might be tempting to tamp pebbles into the freshly poured concrete surface, this method would create air bubbles in the concrete and make the pebbles vulnerable to loosening. Instead, the aggregate should be mixed into the concrete and then exposed.
Build or place forms for the sidewalk as for a normal poured concrete sidewalk. Use 2-by-6s, 2-by-10s or plywood for the body of the forms, depending on the scope of the project, and lace wooden stakes to brace the forms in place. Oil the forms with a form lubricant or motor oil.
- A sidewalk or other concrete surface that appears to have a top layer of small pebbles is also known as concrete with an exposed aggregate surface.
- Use 2-by-6s, 2-by-10s or plywood for the body of the forms, depending on the scope of the project, and lace wooden stakes to brace the forms in place.
Prepare the concrete for the pour. Rather than use only standard sand or gravel aggregate, mix in the desired aggregate.
Pour the concrete into the form and level the top of the poured concrete with a wooden board.
Check the surface of the pour regularly to determine whether the aggregate is ready to be exposed. Do this by lightly brushing a small area of the concrete surface with a stiff-bristled broom. When the concrete is ready, this brushing will remove surface mortar without overexposing or dislodging the pebbles.
Spray the surface of the poured concrete gently with water.
- Prepare the concrete for the pour.
- Check the surface of the pour regularly to determine whether the aggregate is ready to be exposed.
Brush the surface lightly with the stiff-bristled nylon broom to loosen a thin layer of concrete.
Repeat this gentle spraying and brushing until the aggregate is exposed to the desired depth. Let the sidewalk cure as with standard concrete.
Apply an exposed aggregate sealer to the concrete surface about three weeks after the pour to keep aggregates from loosening. Ensure that the surface is clean and use a paint roller to apply the sealer.
Tip
Because timing the washing and brushing of the concrete surface is critical, this method may not be suitable for large projects or when there are time constraints. For greater flexibility with timing, spray the sidewalk surface with a chemical surface retarder immediately after the concrete is poured and finished. Application of a retarder delays set and allows the surface to be worked up to about a day after the pour.
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References
- Hardscaping: High Style, Low Maintenance Outdoor Spaces; Haig Seferian, et al.
- Black & Decker Complete Home Repair; Creative Publishing international
- Concrete Network: How to Expose the Aggregate
Tips
- Because timing the washing and brushing of the concrete surface is critical, this method may not be suitable for large projects or when there are time constraints. For greater flexibility with timing, spray the sidewalk surface with a chemical surface retarder immediately after the concrete is poured and finished. Application of a retarder delays set and allows the surface to be worked up to about a day after the pour.
Writer Bio
Angela Ryczkowski is a professional writer who has served as a greenhouse manager and certified wildland firefighter. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in urban and regional studies.
