Which size aggregate gentler on feet?

mazstar1980 · Oct 29, 2013 11:23 pm

We are doing exposed aggregate concrete drives and paths and can't afford to hone it. We were told different information - one person said smaller stones are sharper while another person said larger stones are harsher on feet/furniture.

We were originally going to go for Holcim Wattle which has large stones - apparently larger stone enhance concrete strength as well.

Does anyone have advice/informed opinions?

Treeseachanger · Oct 30, 2013 9:37 pm

As far as I am aware, it depends upon the amount of exposure you want. The more exposed the look, the sharper the stones will be on your feet. The size of the stones may not have any bearing at all unless they are flat. You can ask for minimal wash off, but you would have to make sure you like the look of it as the stones will become less of a feature...Medium exposure is still a bit sharp on the feet so if you want the exposed agg, always keep your thongs handy!!

Rory · Nov 03, 2013 5:00 pm

The main factor that determines whether its rough or smooth is the choice of a crushed aggregate vs a pebble aggregate.
Aggregate thats been crushed will have better grip underfoot but be rougher. While pebbles will be a lot smoother.

Treeseachanger · Nov 03, 2013 6:04 pm

That's interesting, I've never seen a total pebble aggregate mix. Could you post a pic?

Treeseachanger · Nov 05, 2013 10:18 am

Sorry I can't get on to your website. It times out on me before the pics load...?

kexkez · Dec 03, 2013 10:31 am

Rory will need to link to a picture.

Rory · Dec 03, 2013 10:48 pm

Sorry Im not sure how to link to the gallery. You will have to try a different computer to see the link. The websites working.

Regards
Rory

MyH1Login · Dec 03, 2013 11:05 pm

Treeseachanger

That's interesting, I've never seen a total pebble aggregate mix. Could you post a pic?

Not sure if what I saw today was 100% pebble mix, but it did have a lot of smooth pebble pieces and was definitely much nicer on the feet, unfortunately I didn't take a pic either.

Funny I stumbled across this thread, as I was just at the concreter display this arvo, and took pics of some affordable choices

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(Except of course the one on the left, which is nearly double the price of the one in middle/right)

I tried most of the aggregates, and they're all pretty rough - bearable, but rough. Depends on a person's threshold! They also had samples of polished concrete (?) - you won't go wrong with smoothness with those

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Bandha · Jan 27, 2014 5:14 pm

Ideal aggregate used to be called river pebbles (ie naturally rounded by river action). Not sure if you can still get it in concreting quantities as it can't really be manually produced; would be ideal on the feet if you can find it. Also tended to be very good aggregate as any water-prone minerals (feldspars, mica, etc) had already been weathered out by the water.

The Concrete Firm · Feb 11, 2014 7:38 pm

Treeseachanger

That's interesting, I've never seen a total pebble aggregate mix. Could you post a pic?

Sorry it took me a while to work out how to host a photo and then share it:

These are an example of one of many pebbley mixes that are smooth on the feet, suitable for around the pool:

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