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Yes, spraying water on the surface helps concrete cure evenly by preventing the top layer from curing long before the wet bottom layer cures. Otherwise, the top layer will cure and shrink, creating tension, and this tension will tear the top and bottom layers apart, creating a weakened slab. Water prevents this from occurring.

A layer of exposed aggregate concrete should be 1 to 2 inches thick if you’re installing it on top of existing concrete. If you’re pouring a new slab with the finish, slab thickness will depend on the application. Exposed aggregate concrete driveways should be 4 to 6 inches thick in most cases or 8 to 12 inches for commercial vehicles. Sidewalks, patios, and walkways should be 4 inches thick.

Pavers last longer than both concrete and asphalt when well cared for. Since you can place individual pavers that suffer damage, you won't need to repave the entire driveway for an average of up to 50 years. However, the best material for you comes down to your local climate and budget.

Dry pour concrete cures in the same amount of time as wet pour concrete, so you’re looking at four to six hours for it to harden, 24 to 48 hours before you can remove forms and expose the slab to foot traffic, a week before it can stand up to vehicle traffic, and about a month for it to be fully cured.