In an exposed aggregate concrete application, small (less than 1") decorative aggregates are hand seeded or broadcast on the surface of roughly finished still wet concrete. Depending on the desired look, the stones are seeded heavily (more stone is visible than concrete) or seeded lightly (more concrete is visible than stone). Stone is then tamped and trowled into the concrete so just a thin slurry is covering the stone. A concrete retarding agent is used to keep the surface slurry from hardening. The aggregate is then re-exposed with a water spray and or wire brush giving the look of aggregates embedded in the concrete. This process is best left up to the professional as it is definitely more of an art than science.
Chose from our full line of smaller round rock and crushed aggregates suitable for this application here