Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Tempe, AZ

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If you want the texture and slip resistance of natural stone without paver joints to maintain, exposed aggregate is one of the toughest decorative finishes we pour. We build exposed aggregate driveways, patios, and walkways across Tempe, including near Corona del Sol area and South Tempe.

We're a third-generation, family-owned concrete company built on the kind of work ethic you'd expect from a business run by a working firefighter — precise, dependable, and built to hold up under pressure.

What Sets Our Exposed Aggregate Concrete Apart in Tempe

Getting a clean, even aggregate exposure takes precise timing — wash the surface too early and the stones fall out, too late and they never show. Tempe's older, denser lots mean tighter equipment access and mature tree roots that have to be worked around during excavation.

Here's what we get right on every job:

Aggregate selection from local river rock to imported decorative stone, matched to your color palette
Naturally slip-resistant texture that performs well around pools and entryways even when wet
Base compaction engineered for Tempe's soil to prevent the exposed surface from cracking or settling
Sealer systems that protect the exposed stone and keep colors vibrant under UV exposure
Border and banding options that combine exposed aggregate with a smooth or stamped edge
Precise wash-and-expose timing for a clean, even stone reveal across the whole surface

Our Exposed Aggregate Concrete Process

Design Consultation — We walk through aggregate type, size, and color options to match your home's style.
Base Prep & Forming — Standard structural base work, same as any quality concrete pour.
Pour & Seed — Concrete poured with aggregate seeded or mixed throughout, depending on the look you want.
Wash & Expose — Surface washed at precisely the right set stage to reveal the stone without dislodging it.
Sealing — A penetrating or topical sealer applied to protect the finish and enhance stone color.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete for Homes & Businesses in Tempe

Exposed Aggregate Patios & Walkways

Natural stone texture for outdoor living spaces and entryways near South Tempe.

Exposed Aggregate Driveways

Durable, slip-resistant driveways for homes near Corona del Sol area.

Pool Decks & Pool-Adjacent Surfaces

Slip-resistant exposed aggregate for pool decks and wet areas throughout Tempe.

Local Knowledge for Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Tempe

Tempe permits through the City of Tempe, and its older, denser lots frequently mean tight equipment access and mature tree roots we have to work around during excavation.

As a built-out college town, most Tempe concrete work is replacement and renovation rather than new construction, which calls for careful demo next to existing structures.

That local knowledge is the difference between exposed aggregate work that lasts and work that fails early — and it's why Tempe property owners keep calling Cortez Concrete.

The Family Behind Every Tempe Pour

We're not a franchise or a rotating crew of subcontractors. Cortez Concrete is a third-generation family business, run on the values our grandfather started with — show up, do it right, and stand behind it. With an active firefighter at the helm, that discipline and attention to safety shows up in every Tempe-area project we pour across the Valley.

Hire Cortez Concrete and you're working directly with the family whose name is on the truck — not a call center, and not a crew you'll never see again.

Exposed Aggregate Concrete in Tempe: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose the type of stone?

Yes, we offer a range of aggregate options from local river rock to imported decorative stone in different sizes and colors.

Is exposed aggregate slippery when wet?

No, it's naturally slip-resistant, which is why it's a popular choice around pools and entryways.

Does exposed aggregate need to be sealed?

Yes, sealing protects the stone and cement paste from UV fading and helps keep the surface easier to clean.

What is exposed aggregate concrete?

It's concrete finished by washing away the top layer of cement paste to reveal the decorative stone aggregate mixed into the mud, giving a textured, natural stone look.

How does exposed aggregate compare to stamped concrete?

Exposed aggregate shows real stone texture throughout the surface, while stamped concrete uses a patterned mold pressed into colored concrete — different look, similar durability.

Do I need a permit for exposed aggregate work in Tempe?

It depends on the scope, but most exposed aggregate work in Tempe is permitted through the City of Tempe, and we handle the submittal and any required inspections for you. We'll confirm exactly what your project needs during your free estimate.

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Exposed Aggregate Concrete Near Tempe

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