surface treatments   I   paving options

The functions of an area will determine its surface treatment.  Areas that will receive light traffic can be gravel or organic mulched or utilise ground cover plants.  Heavy traffic or wear areas are best paved or surfaced with compacted gravel.  Pave the areas where you sit, stand or walk.

There are sustainable options for paving that allow greater water penetration into the soil and reduce storm water runoff into drains.  Large expanses of impermeable surfaces such as concrete pavers are not recommended. 

• Paving is dependant on the aesthetic style you wish to reflect and any number of patterns can be created by combining pavers and pebbles.
• For example, using smooth and shiny white or black pebbles combined with a natural reconstituted sandstone paver creates a Japanese ambience.  Earth toned pavers combined with a bushland green pebble will be sympathetic to the Australian environment
• Large size pavers will be most attractive in the context of the scale of the surrounding environment and also give the illusion of space, making small spaces seem larger
• Hardwearing paths or paving beside the perimeter of the house are a practical option and help minimise fire risks
• Water runoff from paths and paving should be directed into gardens or to lawn areas
• Paths and paving can combine stepping stones or pavers surrounded by smaller pebbles (that allow water to penetrate the ground rather than run off).  Pavers could also be separated with small plants such as Festuca glauca, Poa meionectes or Mondo grass
• Complementary landscaping of edges of paths and paving with low border plants (such as Festuca glauca – very attractive ‘blue’ tuft that rebounds after being trod on or Poa meionectes, the native ‘green’ tuft alternative) defines edge, collects water and is aesthetically pleasing
• Concrete pavers heat up in summer, are uncomfortable to walk on and radiate heat to surrounding buildings or areas.   Apply passive cooling principles for outdoor areas and surrounding buildings and select a paver that does not heat up.

what to look for in a paver

Look for a blend of sands and cement, such as reconstituted Sandstone, NOT concrete or natural Sandstone, as this mixture has a multitude of benefits.  Not all pavers are created equal.  The finest quality and most reasonably priced paver available is handcrafted by ‘Maison’ and has the following characteristics:

• The non slip, grainy texture is ideal around pools and wet areas
• They are salt resistant
• Don’t get too hot to walk on in summer, unlike concrete, and won’t radiate heat on to surrounding buildings
• Will not go dull and powdery within 2 years as concrete is renowned to do
• Has no artificial colouring in the mix so pavers will not fade or bleach as concrete does.  This also means that pavers can be matched when you want to pave in stages or over a period of time
• Is not brittle and porous like natural stone
• ‘Maison’ pavers have a wash cycle of 40 which means they won’t crumble or deteriorate over time
• Can be used for all surfaces, including those for vehicular traffic
• Has a fine aggregate unlike concrete that makes cutting easier
• Does not require a sealer.  Unlike concrete and natural Sandstone, these pavers can be cleaned with household cleaners or can be high pressured gurneyed.