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Melbourne Eastern Suburbs · Paving & Concreting

Paving & Concreting

Backyard with turf, bluestone paving and timber screening

From bluestone paths to exposed aggregate entertaining areas. We understand substrate preparation, expansion joints, reinforcement, and drainage falls — the things that determine whether paving looks good for two years or twenty. With a building background, we approach every paved surface as a structural element, not just a decorative one.

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5.0 Google & Hipages Rating
250+ Projects
Building, Design & Engineering Qualified
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What's Involved

Paving that starts with the base

The difference between paving that lasts and paving that cracks, sinks or lifts is entirely in what you can't see. Melbourne's clay soils move constantly — swelling in winter, shrinking in summer — and any paved surface laid on an inadequate base will fail. We see it regularly: entertaining areas with cracked concrete, driveways with sinking pavers, paths with trip hazards, all because someone skipped the substrate preparation to save a few dollars.

Our building background means we treat paving and concreting as structural work. Every job starts with excavation to a stable base, compaction in layers, proper drainage falls graded into the substrate, and reinforcement specified to the load and span. For concrete, we plan expansion joints before the pour so cracking is controlled, not random. For paving, we use the right bedding and jointing for the stone and the traffic it will see. The result is a surface that stays flat, drains correctly and looks good for decades, not just on the day it's finished.

Materials & Approach

Quality materials and proper technique

✦Bluestone paving — sawn, honed or natural split in various formats and patterns
✦Exposed aggregate concrete — durable, slip-resistant, ideal for larger areas
✦Crazy paving in bluestone, quartzite and natural stone blends
✦Stepping stones set in turf or gravel for garden paths
✦Substrate preparation with compacted road base and correct drainage falls
✦Steel reinforcement and expansion joints planned before the pour
✦Strip drains, pit-and-pipe and slot drainage integrated into the design
Indicative Pricing

What paving & concreting typically costs

✦Exposed aggregate concrete: $140–$220/m²
✦Bluestone paving: $130–$280/m²
✦Crazy paving: $180–$280/m²
✦Stepping stones (installed): $80–$150 each

Prices include substrate preparation. Final cost depends on site access, drainage requirements and layout complexity. See our costs guide or book a free consultation for an itemised quote.

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FAQ

Paving & concreting questions

How much does paving and concreting cost per square metre?
Exposed aggregate concrete typically runs $140 to $220 per square metre. Bluestone paving ranges from $130 to $280 per square metre depending on the format and laying pattern. Crazy paving runs $180 to $280 per square metre, and stepping stones are $80 to $150 each installed. Prices include substrate preparation, and the final cost depends on site access, drainage requirements and the complexity of the layout.
What's better — bluestone paving or exposed aggregate?
They suit different situations. Bluestone is a premium natural stone that ages beautifully and suits period homes and formal entertaining areas — it's more expensive but has a timeless character. Exposed aggregate is a poured concrete finish that's durable, slip-resistant and cost-effective for larger areas like driveways and pool surrounds. We often use both on the same project, with bluestone for feature areas and exposed aggregate for the broader surfaces.
How long does paving and concreting last?
Well-built paving and concreting should last 20 to 30 years or more with minimal maintenance. The key is in the substrate preparation — a properly compacted and drained base prevents the cracking, sinking and lifting that shortens the life of poorly laid work. We also use correct reinforcement and expansion joints in concrete to control where cracking occurs as the slab moves with temperature changes.
Do you handle drainage for paved areas?
Yes, drainage is integral to every paving and concreting job we do. We grade all surfaces for proper drainage falls — typically a minimum of 1 in 100 — and install strip drains, pit-and-pipe systems or slot drainage where needed. Poor drainage leads to pooling water, staining, moss growth and premature deterioration of the surface. Getting the falls right at the substrate stage is far cheaper than fixing drainage problems after the surface is down.
What about expansion joints in concrete?
Expansion joints are essential in any concrete slab. Concrete expands and contracts with temperature, and without properly placed joints it will crack randomly and uncontrollably. We cut control joints at regular intervals and install expansion joints at boundaries, around fixed objects and where the slab meets other structures. The joint layout is planned before the pour so cracks are controlled and the finished surface stays clean.
Get Started

Ready for paving that lasts?

Free on-site consultation. We'll assess your site, discuss materials and layout, and give you an honest, itemised quote from substrate to finished surface.

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0422 490 962