Oak Bay driveway with exposed aggregate

A thoughtful upgrade for a classic Oak Bay home using a driveway with exposed aggregate

This Oak Bay project gave us the opportunity to create a meaningful upgrade for homeowners who were ready to refresh the front of their property. They wanted something stronger, cleaner, and more welcoming than the aging concrete that had been in place for many years. After reviewing their goals, walking the site, and looking closely at the surrounding neighbourhood, we recommended a driveway with exposed aggregate. This style offers a polished West Coast look that fits the character of Oak Bay and provides long term durability for everyday use. The California broom finish offers a clean, slip resistant surface. The exposed aggregate walkway brings texture and a handcrafted feel that creates a warm and inviting entry sequence.

The homeowners appreciated how the combination of finishes would brighten the front of the property while also giving them a solid structural upgrade. A driveway with exposed aggregate brings together beauty and practicality. It enhances curb appeal without adding extra maintenance. This blend of performance and visual appeal made it a natural choice for this home and for the surrounding neighbourhood.

Preparing a strong foundation for a driveway with exposed aggregate

The project began with the careful removal of the existing four inch concrete driveway. Once the slab was lifted out, our team excavated an additional six to eight inches of base material. This gave us the depth needed for a more robust structural system. Proper excavation is essential in Oak Bay because soil conditions can shift from one property to another. Building a driveway with exposed aggregate requires a stable foundation that will stand up to years of weather, traffic, and seasonal change without premature cracking or settling.

After excavation, we brought in six to eight inches of three quarter road base. This material was placed evenly across the subgrade and compacted in several passes to meet density requirements from the Oak Bay Engineering Department. Even though this work is not visible in the final product, it is one of the most important steps in the entire process. A well compacted base supports structural loads and helps keep the driveway level and dependable for many years.

With the subgrade finalized, our team installed ten millimetre rebar at two foot spacing. Reinforcement increases tensile strength and helps the concrete adapt to everyday use. It also ensures the slab performs as intended through seasonal changes and regular household traffic. Before the pour, we protected the home with poly sheeting to keep siding, trim, and landscaping clean throughout the work.

Finishing work that brings out the beauty of a driveway with exposed aggregate

With the forms set and the site prepared, we moved into placing the concrete. The California broom finish was applied carefully to create a uniform, textured surface that works well in wet and dry conditions. The exposed aggregate walkway was washed to reveal the natural stone within the mix. This created a subtle contrast that complements the broom finished driveway and enhances the overall appearance of the property. These techniques come together to create a driveway with exposed aggregate that feels balanced, modern, and right at home in this Oak Bay setting.

The completed work resulted in a thicker, more resilient slab that will support the homeowners for many years. It improves curb appeal, provides a clean and welcoming approach to the home, and reflects the consistent workmanship we bring to every Steller Concrete project. Thoughtful preparation, steady technique, and a focus on long lasting results guide each step of our process. This project is a strong example of how careful excavation, proper reinforcement, and skilled finishing can transform a home while adding real value to everyday life.