How much does exposed aggregate concrete cost for a driveway in Nepean or Barrhaven?

Exposed aggregate is one of the most popular concrete driveway finishes in Ottawa's suburban neighbourhoods, and for good reason — it offers excellent traction, hides minor imperfections, and holds up well against our brutal winters. Here's what to budget.

Exposed Aggregate Pricing in Ottawa

For a professionally installed exposed aggregate driveway in the Nepean and Barrhaven areas, expect to pay $16 to $24 per square foot, depending on the aggregate selected, driveway size, and site complexity. A typical two-car driveway (400 to 500 square feet) runs $6,400 to $12,000 fully installed, including excavation, Granular A base, forming, and finishing.

What Drives the Price Range

• Standard local aggregate (river rock, limestone blend): Lower end, $16 to $19/sq ft
• Premium aggregate (imported stone, specific colour blends): $20 to $24/sq ft
• Combination finishes (exposed aggregate field with stamped or brushed borders): Add $3 to $6/sq ft for the border areas
• Site access: Narrow lots common in newer Barrhaven subdivisions (Riverside South, Half Moon Bay) can add 10-15% if the concrete truck can't reach the pour site directly

For context, here's how exposed aggregate stacks up against other concrete options in Ottawa:

| Finish | Cost per sq ft |
|--------|---------------|
| Brushed (broom finish) | $12 - $18 |
| Exposed aggregate | $16 - $24 |
| Stamped concrete | $18 - $28 |
| Polished/sealed plain | $14 - $20 |

Exposed aggregate sits in a middle ground — more visually interesting than brushed, less maintenance-intensive than stamped.

Why Exposed Aggregate Works Well in Ottawa

The textured surface provides natural slip resistance on Ottawa's icy winter mornings — a meaningful safety advantage over smooth-finished concrete. The exposed stone also masks the minor surface scaling that can occur from road salt exposure, whereas the same scaling on a smooth or stamped surface is immediately visible.

The Process

Exposed aggregate is created by pouring standard concrete (minimum 32 MPa with air entrainment for Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles), then washing and brushing away the top layer of cement paste before it fully hardens to reveal the stone underneath. Timing is everything — too early and the stones dislodge, too late and the surface won't expose properly. Ottawa's summer heat can shrink the working window to as little as 30 minutes.

Maintenance and Sealing

Exposed aggregate driveways should be sealed with a penetrating or film-forming sealer within 30 days of pouring and resealed every 2 to 3 years. Professional sealing costs $1.50 to $2.50 per square foot in the Ottawa area. The sealer enhances the stone colour and protects against salt, oil stains, and moisture penetration. Avoid applying salt to any concrete driveway in its first winter — use sand for traction instead.

Local Availability

Ottawa-area concrete suppliers carry a range of aggregate blends suited to exposed finishes. Discuss stone selection with your contractor before the pour, as the aggregate type must be specified when ordering the concrete.

To get competitive quotes for exposed aggregate driveways in Nepean, Barrhaven, or anywhere in Ottawa, connect with local concrete contractors through Ottawa Driveways.

---

Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Homeupgraders
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Nic’s D.U.C.T Works Inc
• Jaiko Cleaning Services
• Regimbal