Friction surfacing (FS) is a solid state layer deposition technique with a simple setup, presenting advantages compared to fusion-based approaches. Previous investigations showed microstructural gradients along layer width and thickness. The current study provides new insight into the FS layer formation for aluminum and its relation with the microstructure evolution. Special consumable studs containing two different aluminum alloys were used to visualize the different materials in the resulting deposit. The investigation was performed at different process parameters, revealing some fundamental material flow characteristics. The layer center presents inner stud material, where advancing side and top are formed by outer stud material. The bottom and retreating side present a mixture of inner and outer stud material. The part of the layer that is formed by the outer material, presumably undergoes higher strain rates during deposition, presenting finer grains. The top of FS layers shows a pronounced texture, i.e. shear texture components, compared to the other parts with random texture. This phenomenon can be related to the shearing of the stud material between already deposited material below and the stud at its rear edge. Overall, the FS layer formation characteristics revealed in this study are directly related to local microstructural properties.