Material choice · exposed aggregate concrete
In exposed aggregate concrete, the visible stones determine much of the appearance. Castle gravel is offered, among others, in beige and champagne-like shades. If you want that material look in a concrete pavement, assess the actual gravel and the concrete mix together.
A trade name is not yet a complete specification
Castle gravel is a product name used by suppliers. The exact colour, grain distribution and properties can vary per product. Therefore, do not rely solely on the name: ask which supplier, grain size and batch are meant. Even a photo of loose decorative gravel does not reveal how the final result will look in concrete.
From loose gravel to exposed aggregate concrete
Loose decorative gravel lies as separate stones on a substrate. In exposed aggregate concrete, the aggregates are fixed in a concrete mix. Through a controlled surface treatment, the stones become visible at the surface. These are different applications: the suitability of gravel for loose garden covering does not automatically prove that the same batch is suitable for the intended concrete mix.
Why a test panel is useful
A test panel shows the combination of gravel, mix and washing out. Assess the appearance after sufficient drying and also look at a wet surface. Place a facing brick or other garden material next to it. This way you discuss not only a colour name, but a result closer to the intended execution. Natural variation between stones and batches remains possible.
Preparation in Hasselt
For the project in Hasselt, Castle gravel is listed as the planned material choice in the existing project file. The available photo shows the formwork and the work zone before pouring. Therefore, we do not present it as a reference photo of the finished gravel surface. See the preparation in Hasselt for the site images.
Form and use remain equally important
The choice of material is not separate from the installation. Consider the connection to a staircase, the edges of a path and the drainage of rainwater. For a terrace, how the surface feels when walking and when moving garden furniture also matters. For a driveway, load and floor construction play a different role. Have these points assessed together with the execution.
Visible stones do not automatically make concrete permeable to water
A exposed aggregate surface is a finish. The drainage or infiltration of rainwater requires its own design. Do not confuse it with a special water-permeable concrete system.
Making a choice for your outdoor space
Start with the application, desired shade, and the other materials surrounding the pavement. Then discuss which aggregate is technically suitable and available for the concrete mix. On our page about exposed aggregate concrete you can read more about execution, price factors and maintenance. For a finished residential project you can find the reference in Leuven view; this is an example of exposed aggregate concrete, not proof that Castle gravel was used there.
Castle gravel for exposed aggregate concrete: colour and material selection