As the saying goes – it gets worse before it gets better. So here’s the thing we didn’t know prior to deciding to go with an exposed aggregate concrete finish.

How the “exposure” actually goes down.

And it ain’t pretty.

Yup, the top layer of cement gets power washed off to expose the top layer of pea gravel.

This is why it was critical that the concrete was poured so late in the day on Thursday. After it’s finished, a chemical is sprayed on top to inhibit the very top layer from curing. 10 hours later, Paul and Marty were back to wash it away.

So tarps had to be put up and plywood shields had to be moved in sync with the sprayer all while trying to keep the cement water from going in the bushes, and into our neighbours’ yards and all over the house and most importantly, into the pool!

The end result was totally worth it.

But it ain’t over yet…

Dave and Kyle arrived late afternoon to cut stress joints to control the inevitable cracking.

Sweet!