Exposed Aggregate vs. Broom Finish in Kansas City: Cost, Traction, and Maintenance

Choosing between exposed aggregate and a traditional broom finish comes down to priorities: appearance, traction, maintenance effort, and budget. Both can be excellent in Kansas City when specified and installed correctly. This guide compares performance in heat and freeze–thaw, slip resistance in rain and snow, sealing schedules, and where each finish shines (driveways, walks, patios, pool decks). You’ll leave with clear expectations and a checklist to put in writing before you sign a bid.

What Each Finish Is

Broom finish: After floating and troweling, a broom is dragged across the surface for uniform texture and grip. It’s the regional standard for driveways and walks because it balances traction, cost, and durability. Exposed aggregate: The top layer of paste is removed shortly after placement to expose attractive stone. The result is a speckled, slip-resistant texture prized for aesthetics on patios, walks, and decorative driveways.

Traction and Safety

Both finishes can deliver excellent traction if executed well. Broom textures offer consistent grip that’s friendly to shoes, bikes, and strollers. Exposed aggregate provides micro-texture from the stones; however, overly aggressive exposure can create sharp points that catch snow shovels or feel harsh on bare feet. Around pools, many homeowners prefer exposed aggregate for wet traction provided it’s sealed with non-film penetrating products or film-formers with anti-skid.

Durability in Kansas City Weather

Our climate punishes weak surfaces. With broom finish, the main risks are finishing over bleed water (leads to dusting/scaling) and skipping curing. With exposed aggregate, the risk is over-exposure or uneven exposure that leaves paste too thin around stones, making it vulnerable to pop-outs or raveling. In both cases, air-entrainment, proper curing, and timely joints matter more than the finish itself.

Cost Comparison (Typical Ranges)

FinishMaterial/LaborNotes Broom finishLowerEfficient to place; great ROI for driveways and walks Exposed aggregateModerate–higherAdditional steps (retarder/wash); more crew timing and cleanup

Exact pricing depends on access, thickness, reinforcement, and local market. The premium for exposed aggregate reflects additional labor and care during the exposure window.

Sealing and Maintenance

Broom finish: Penetrating silane/siloxane every 2–5 years is typical. It preserves traction and resists salts without changing appearance. Exposed aggregate: Many owners prefer a slight sheen to pop the stone colors; that calls for thin acrylics with anti-skid or a penetrating sealer followed by a compatible light film. Recoat cycles are typically shorter (1–3 years for films), and careful cleaning is needed before re-sealing.

Where Each Finish Excels

Driveways: Broom is the default for predictable traction and easy snow removal. Exposed aggregate can look great on aprons or bands if jointing and snow-shovel habits are considered. Walks and entries: Both finishes work. Exposed borders or medallions add interest without complicating snow removal. Patios: Exposed aggregate shines for aesthetics; choose stone size/color to match architecture and landscaping. Pool decks: Exposed aggregate offers good wet traction; select rounded aggregate and use non-film penetrating sealers or films with anti-skid.

Execution Details That Make or Break the Result

Subgrade and base: Uniform compaction and edge support prevent settlement that telegraphs as cracks or raveling. Mix and air: Exterior-grade, air-entrained concrete; avoid adding water on site—use water reducers for workability. Joint plan: Spacing about 24–36× slab thickness (inches), intercept re-entrant corners, align with borders/stone patterns. Exposure timing (aggregate): Use surface retarder per instructions; wash at the correct window to avoid over- or under-exposure. Curing: Penetrating cure/seal for broom; prompt curing for exposed aggregate to protect the matrix around stones.

Snow Removal, Deicers, and Edges

Snow shovels and plows can catch on aggressive exposed aggregate if the profile is too sharp or the surface film softens in warm spells. Keep blades slightly off the surface and use plastic edges where possible. Regardless of finish, avoid deicers the first winter; use sand for traction. Redirect downspouts so edges don’t stay saturated, which is where most winter damage starts.

Hybrid Designs: Best of Both

Many homeowners mix finishes for function and curb appeal—broom in the drive lanes for traction and snow-friendliness, with exposed aggregate borders or bands for visual pop. The joint plan should align with both finishes so crack control remains effective and https://juliuszbcn822.wpsuo.com/do-you-need-rebar-in-a-concrete-driveway-in-kansas-city attractive.

Homeowner Checklist (Put This in Writing)

Thickness (4" patios/walks; 5–6" driveways) and reinforcement plan (rebar grid; dowels at thresholds). Exterior air-entrained mix; water reducer, no on-site water added for slump. Joint layout diagram tied to geometry and finish pattern. Exposure method and timing (for exposed aggregate); mockup panel encouraged. Curing method and first-winter aftercare; sealer type and schedule.

Case Example: Exposed Border, Broom Lane – No Winter Drama

A Kansas City homeowner wanted curb appeal without sacrificing snow-season practicality. The crew formed a broom-finished main lane with a 2-foot exposed aggregate border, aligned joints to the border pattern, and applied a penetrating sealer overall (plus a light acrylic to the border with anti-skid). Three winters later, traction remains excellent and the border color still pops—zero raveling because exposure timing and curing were dialed in.

FAQ

Is exposed aggregate slippery when sealed? It can be if a glossy film is used without anti-skid. Penetrating sealers or films with grit solve this. Does broom always look “plain”? Borders, saw-cut accents, and color can elevate broom without complicating maintenance. Which lasts longer? Both finishes last when the spec and execution are right. Failures usually trace to poor curing, late joints, or over-exposure—not the finish itself.

Authority Reference

For exterior finishes, sealing, and freeze–thaw durability guidance, see the Portland Cement Association.

Kansas City Concrete Contractor Services
6041 Walrond Ave
Kansas City, MO 64130
Phone: (816) 408-3461
https://kcityconcretecontractors.com

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Pub: 08 Jan 2026 09:35 UTC

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