Natural Stone Paving Guide for Melbourne Gardens
The Timeless Appeal of Natural Stone
Melbourne’s landscape is demanding. We know that between the reactive clay soils of the north-eastern suburbs and the “four seasons in one day” weather patterns, your garden paving needs to be more than just pretty. It needs to be a workhorse. While modern porcelain and concrete alternatives have their place, they often lack the unique character and proven longevity of natural stone.
Our team at David Claude Landscape Design has spent years providing premium hardscaping solutions, replacing cracked concrete and faded faux-pavers with materials that actually improve with age. Real stone anchors a garden. It provides a tactile connection to the earth that manufactured products simply cannot replicate.
In this guide, we will break down the best natural stone options for Melbourne homes, the specific installation secrets for our tricky soil, and the real costs you can expect in 2026.
Bluestone: Melbourne’s Signature Stone
What Is It?
Bluestone is a dense basalt that is practically synonymous with Melbourne’s identity. It is the same durable material that has survived millions of footsteps in our iconic laneways and the heritage kerbstones of the CBD.
Characteristics
- Colour: Deep blue-grey that lightens slightly over decades.
- Density: Extremely hard (requires diamond-tipped tools for cutting).
- Origin: Premium “Harkaway” grade is the local standard, though many affordable options are now imported.
- Surface Feature: Look for “Cat’s Paw” (vesicles)—these are natural air pockets on the surface. We recommend a grade with less than 20% cat’s paw for dining areas to prevent food from getting trapped.
Finish Options
Sawn This finish offers a flat, clean surface with a contemporary feel. It provides a crisp look that contrasts beautifully with soft lawn textures.
Honed The stone is ground to a smooth, matte finish that feels luxurious under bare feet. We often use this for covered alfresco areas where slip resistance is less of a priority.
Flamed / Exfoliated High heat is applied to the stone to pop the surface crystals, creating a rough texture. This is crucial for achieving a P4 or P5 slip rating, which is the Australian Standard recommendation for uncovered outdoor wet areas.
Best Applications
- Modern Driveways: We recommend 30mm or 40mm thickness for vehicle weight.
- Pool Coping: The dense nature of bluestone resists salt attack better than softer stones.
- Steep Paths: The high grip of a flamed finish makes it safer for sloping blocks.
Cost Indication
Material: $60 - $150 per square metre. Installation: $70 - $120 per square metre. Total Installed Estimate: $130 - $270 per square metre. Note: Prices vary heavily based on the origin (Australian vs. Imported) and the percentage of “cat’s paw” selection.
Maintenance
- Sealing: Essential to prevent oil stains from BBQs. We recommend a penetrating sealer like Aqua Mix Sealer’s Choice Gold.
- Cleaning: Pressure wash on a low setting annually.
- Warning: Avoid hydrochloric acid washes, as they can turn the bluestone iron-brown over time.
Sandstone: Warm and Inviting
What Is It?
Sandstone is a sedimentary rock formed from sand grains cemented together over millennia. It brings a warmth that instantly softens the look of a garden, making it a favourite for heritage and coastal-style homes.
Characteristics
- Colour: Ranges from the creamy golds of local Gosford or Wondabyne sandstone to the grey-mint tones of imported Indian varieties.
- Texture: Naturally grippy and sandy underfoot.
- Porosity: Highly porous, meaning it holds water and stays cooler than dark stones.
- Regional Note: Australian sandstone is generally denser and better suited to our freeze-thaw cycles than some cheaper imports.
Finish Options
Diamond Sawn A smooth, consistent finish that highlights the stone’s banding. This is the standard for high-end pool surrounds.
Natural Split / Cleft The stone is split along its natural layers, creating a rustic, uneven surface. It adds immense character but can be a tripping hazard for elderly residents if the variation is too extreme.
Best Applications
- Pool Surrounds: Light-coloured sandstone reflects heat, keeping little feet cool in January.
- Feature Walls: Cladding retaining walls with sandstone creates a stunning backdrop.
- Informal Paths: Stepping stones set into toppings or groundcover.
Cost Indication
Material: $40 - $110 per square metre. Installation: $70 - $110 per square metre. Total Installed Estimate: $110 - $220 per square metre. Note: Premium Australian Wondabyne sandstone will sit at the top end of this bracket.
Maintenance
- Sealing is Non-Negotiable: Without a high-quality sealer, sandstone will absorb red wine, oil, and leaf tannins like a sponge.
- Salt Attack Risk: If you have a saltwater pool, you must use “salt-safe” grade sandstone (usually harder density) to prevent the stone from crumbling over time.
- Cleaning: Use a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid eroding the binder in the stone.
Granite: Ultimate Durability
What Is It?
Granite is an igneous rock formed from cooling magma, composed mainly of quartz and feldspar. It is the “heavyweight champion” of paving options—incredibly hard, scratch-resistant, and virtually impervious to chemicals.
Characteristics
- Colour: Speckled appearance in greys (Silver Grey), blacks (Raven), and subtle pinks.
- Density: One of the densest paving materials available.
- Stain Resistance: naturally repels water and oils better than other stones even before sealing.
Finish Options
Flamed This is the most common outdoor finish. It provides a highly non-slip surface (P4/P5 rating) that glitters slightly in the sunlight.
Bush Hammered A mechanical hammer creates a pitted, weathered texture. It looks fantastic on driveways and adds an “old world” charm.
Best Applications
- High-Traffic Driveways: Granite cobblestones or thick pavers withstand turning car tyres without marking.
- Contemporary Courtyards: The uniform colour of grey granite suits minimalist designs.
- Commercial Entries: Where safety and zero-maintenance are the priorities.
Cost Indication
Material: $70 - $160 per square metre. Installation: $80 - $130 per square metre. Total Installed Estimate: $150 - $290 per square metre.
Maintenance
- Low Effort: Granite is the most forgiving stone.
- Sealing: Still recommended, but you can often go 5+ years between applications.
- Durability: It will likely outlast the house itself.
Travertine: Mediterranean Elegance
What Is It?
Travertine is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs. It is easily recognised by the natural pits and voids in its surface. Most high-quality travertine in Australia comes from Turkey or Italy.
Characteristics
- Colour: Classic creams, beiges, and the increasingly popular “Silver” travertine which features grey and warm brown swirls.
- Temperature: The “Cool Touch” factor is real—travertine does not retain heat, making it the #1 choice for north-facing pool decks.
- Grading: “First Quality” has fewer holes; “Commercial” grade has more voids and fillers.
Best Applications
- Pool Coping: We use drop-face rebates to create a seamless edge into the water.
- Outdoor Rooms: The soft colour palette bridges the gap between indoor timber floors and the garden.
- French Pattern: A layout using four different sized pavers to break up grid lines.
Cost Indication
Material: $50 - $120 per square metre. Installation: $70 - $110 per square metre. Total Installed Estimate: $120 - $230 per square metre.
Maintenance
- The “Holes” Issue: You can buy travertine “filled” (smooth) or “unfilled”. For outdoors, we prefer unfilled for grip, but be aware that debris can collect in the pits.
- Acid Sensitivity: Never use vinegar or acidic cleaners; they will etch the surface instantly.
- Sealing: Use a penetrating sealer that allows the stone to breathe while repelling water.
Comparison Table
| Stone | Durability | Est. Cost (Installed) | Maintenance | Slip Safety (External) | Heat Retention |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluestone | Excellent | $130 - $270 | Medium | Excellent (P5 Flamed) | Moderate |
| Sandstone | Moderate | $110 - $220 | High (Sealing vital) | Good (P4 Sawn) | Low (Stays Cool) |
| Granite | Ultimate | $150 - $290 | Very Low | Excellent (P5 Flamed) | High (Dark colours) |
| Travertine | Good | $120 - $230 | Medium | Good (P4 Tumbled) | Very Low (Coolest) |
The Hidden Challenge: Clay Soil & Slopes
Building on Reactive Clay
Melbourne’s northern and eastern suburbs are notorious for reactive clay soils. This soil swells when wet and shrinks when dry, which can cause flexible paving (pavers on sand) to heave and crack.
We strictly recommend a concrete base for these areas. Laying a 75mm-100mm reinforced concrete slab first creates a stable platform that moves as one unit. The stone is then “wet bedded” (mortared) onto the concrete. This prevents the “wave” effect you often see in older paved paths.
Handling Sloping Terrain
Gravity is the enemy of paving on a slope. If you simply lay pavers on crushed rock on a steep driveway, they will eventually migrate downhill.
Rigid installation is the solution here as well. We also install concealed edge beams or concrete haunching at the bottom of the slope to lock the entire paved area in place.
Choosing the Right Stone
Consider Your Setting
- Modern Architecture: Sawn Bluestone or Flamed Granite offers the clean lines you need.
- Heritage Homes: Wondabyne Sandstone or “cat’s paw” Bluestone complements Victorian brickwork.
- Mediterranean Style: Silver Travertine or Tumbled Sandstone creates that relaxed, European vibe.
- Bushland Gardens: Natural Split Sandstone or random bluestone stepping stones blend with native planting.
Consider Your Budget
- Value Choice: Imported Sandstone or Standard Travertine.
- Premium Choice: Australian “Harkaway” Bluestone.
- Ultimate Investment: Flamed Granite or Australian Wondabyne Sandstone.
Consider Maintenance
- Low Maintenance: Granite or sealed Sawn Bluestone.
- Accept More Care: Sandstone (needs sealing) or Unfilled Travertine (needs cleaning).
Installation Quality Matters
Even the most expensive stone will fail if the preparation is rushed. We see it too often—beautiful stone laid on a thin base that cracks within a year.
Our Installation Checklist:
- Sub-base: Minimum 100mm compacted crushed rock (or concrete for clay).
- Drainage: Ag lines installed behind retaining walls and proper falls (slope) on the paving to stop water pooling.
- Adhesion: We use high-quality, polymer-modified mortars that flex slightly with thermal expansion.
- Grouting: Epoxy grouts are expensive but stain-resistant; sand-cement is traditional but can crack.
Always ask your installer for a portfolio of work that is at least 3 years old. A brand new patio always looks good; the real test is how it looks after three Melbourne winters.
Contact us to discuss which natural stone is the right fit for your property’s specific soil and style.
