Paving & outdoor entertaining

Paving that stays flat

A paved area is only as good as what’s underneath it. We excavate, compact a proper base and set the falls so water runs away from the house, not towards it.

What we lay

Natural stone, sandstone and travertine

Natural stone gives a warm, high-end finish that suits Sydney’s light. Sandstone, travertine and other stones each have their own colour, texture and upkeep, and most benefit from sealing.

Porcelain pavers

Hard-wearing, stain-resistant and consistent in colour, with stone, concrete and timber looks. Porcelain is low maintenance and doesn’t need sealing, but it has to be laid on a solid, flat base.

Concrete pavers

A practical choice for larger areas, paths and driveways, with a wide range of colours and sizes at a lower cost.

Pool surrounds and coping

Coping and paving around the pool, chosen for wet, bare feet: non-slip, cool underfoot where possible, and resistant to pool water.

Steps, landings and paths

Steps with even risers and treads, landings where levels change, and paths that link the house, the lawn and the garden.

How we lay paving

1. Excavation. Digging out to the right depth for the base and the finished level.
2. Base. Compacted road base, built up in layers.
3. Falls. Set so water runs away from the house and towards a drain or garden bed.
4. Laying. Pavers laid on a mortar or sand bed to suit the material, cut neatly at edges and around pits.
5. Joints and edges. Grouted or sanded joints, and edges held so the paving can’t creep.
6. Sealing. Where the material needs it.

Slip resistance around pools

Paving in Australia is rated for slip resistance. Areas that get wet underfoot, like pool surrounds, outdoor showers and steps, need a higher rating than a dry terrace. We’ll recommend pavers with the right rating for each area, so the finish you love is also safe.

Entertaining areas that work

A good entertaining area is planned around how you’ll use it:

• Room for the table and chairs you actually own, with space to walk around them
• A spot for the barbecue or outdoor kitchen, with power and water planned in
• Shade in summer and sun in winter
• Easy steps down to the lawn and garden
• Conduits for garden lighting laid before the paving goes down

Drainage for paved areas

Paving creates a lot of run-off. We set the falls away from the house and add channel drains at doorways and along the low edges where needed, connected to your stormwater. See landscape drainage.

Planned with the rest of the yard

Paving sets the levels for everything around it: lawn, garden beds, steps and drainage. We plan them together, so the edges meet cleanly and the water has somewhere to go. On sloping blocks, paving often goes hand in hand with retaining walls to create level areas.