Exposed Aggregate Driveway, Walkway, and Steps Cleaned Up Right

Exposed aggregate is one of those surfaces that looks great when it's well-kept - but it also collects dirt, algae, and organic buildup faster than most people expect. The texture that makes it visually interesting is the same texture that gives grime something to grip onto. Over time, that buildup dulls the whole surface and makes it look worn out rather than well-designed.

That's exactly what we were dealing with here. The driveway, curved walkway, and front entry steps were all showing the same thing - a heavy layer of buildup that had settled into the aggregate and was stealing all the color and contrast from the surface. The steps especially had thick green algae growing across them, which beyond the appearance issue, also makes the surface slippery and unsafe.

The right approach with exposed aggregate isn't just blasting it and hoping for the best. The texture requires careful, consistent pressure to pull the buildup out without damaging the surface or leaving uneven clean lines. We worked through the full driveway, the winding walkway, and all three sets of steps with the same level of attention on each section. No skipped spots, no rushing through the edges.

The warm, earthy tones in the stone came back clean and bright across every surface. That kind of result doesn't happen with a quick rinse - it takes the right technique applied consistently across the whole job. Whether it's a driveway, a walkway, or entry steps, exposed aggregate responds well to a proper cleaning when it's done right.

If your aggregate surfaces are starting to look dark, patchy, or just flat - that's usually buildup, not permanent damage. A thorough driveway and concrete cleaning is often all it takes to get the color and character back in that surface.