
Surface Retarder Process
We apply a surface retarder, then wash the paste off the next morning with pressure and a light acid rinse to reveal the stone beneath.
Licensed & Insured
A durable, high-traction finish using pea gravel, local river rock, or crushed granite — practical for driveways, pool surrounds, and walkways.
A durable, high-traction finish using pea gravel, local river rock, or crushed granite — practical for driveways, pool surrounds, and walkways.

We apply a surface retarder, then wash the paste off the next morning with pressure and a light acid rinse to reveal the stone beneath.

Pea gravel for economy, Santa Barbara river rock blends for visual variation, crushed granite for a cooler gray tone, or seeded glass and black basalt for accent bands.

The result hides staining better than smooth broom work, a practical choice for driveways, pool surrounds, and shared walkways.
Exposed aggregate removes the top layer of cement paste to reveal the stone underneath, giving a durable, high-traction finish that's a common choice for pool surrounds and sloped driveways.
Sealing every 2 to 3 years keeps the stones bright and reduces salt spray etching near the waterfront — a maintenance interval we plan around for coastal Santa Barbara properties.
Pea gravel, Santa Barbara river rock blends, crushed granite, and seeded glass or black basalt for accent bands.
The exposed stone provides better traction than smooth concrete and hides staining well, both useful on sloped driveways.
We apply a surface retarder, then wash the paste off the next morning with pressure and a light acid rinse.
Every 2 to 3 years, which also reduces salt spray etching on properties near the waterfront.
Call 805-424-5998 or request a quote online.