The Foundation of Outdoor Living
The paving beneath your feet sets the tone for every outdoor space. Quality paving defines areas, guides movement, and creates surfaces for living. At David Claude Landscape Design, we work with premium materials expertly laid to create paved areas that will serve beautifully for decades.
Whether you’re creating a formal courtyard, a relaxed entertaining area, or practical pathways through your garden, our paving work combines material excellence with craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
Natural Stone Paving
Bluestone
Melbourne’s signature paving material, bluestone has been used in our most prestigious buildings and gardens for over 150 years.
Characteristics
- Dense, hard-wearing basalt stone
- Blue-grey colour with subtle natural variation
- Excellent slip resistance when appropriate finish applied
- Ages beautifully with minimal maintenance
Finish Options
- Sawn: Smooth, consistent surface with clean lines
- Honed: Slightly polished for refined appearance
- Flamed/Exfoliated: Textured surface with excellent grip
- Natural Split: Rustic character with irregular surface
Pattern Options
- Stack bond for contemporary settings
- Running bond for traditional appeal
- Random ashlar for relaxed character
- Herringbone for visual interest
Sandstone
Warm, inviting, and wonderfully tactile.
Characteristics
- Sedimentary stone with layered structure
- Warm colour tones from gold through brown
- Naturally textured surface comfortable underfoot
- Softer than bluestone, requiring appropriate applications
Finish Options
- Sawn: Clean edges with natural top surface
- Tumbled: Aged appearance with rounded edges
- Natural Cleft: Split face showing natural character
- Honed: Smooth finish for covered areas
Popular Varieties
- Indian sandstone in various colours
- Australian sandstone for local character
- Premium grades for demanding applications
Granite
For ultimate durability and sophisticated appearance.
Characteristics
- Extremely hard crystalline stone
- Wide colour range available
- Takes polish beautifully
- Ideal for high-traffic areas
Applications
- Driveways requiring durability
- Entry statements and feature areas
- Formal garden settings
- Commercial-grade residential applications
Concrete Paving
Modern concrete offers remarkable versatility at accessible price points.
Exposed Aggregate
Characteristics
- Concrete with surface washed to reveal aggregate
- Natural stone appearance at reduced cost
- Excellent durability and slip resistance
- Range of aggregate colours available
Design Options
- Light aggregates for contemporary look
- Dark aggregates for dramatic effect
- Mixed sizes for varied texture
- Seeded aggregates for specific colours
Honed and Polished Concrete
Characteristics
- Ground and polished for smooth finish
- Contemporary, sophisticated appearance
- Range of colours through pigments
- Best suited to covered areas
Applications
- Alfresco dining areas under cover
- Entry courtyards with protection
- Feature zones requiring refined finish
Decorative Concrete
Options
- Stamped patterns mimicking natural materials
- Coloured concrete in various shades
- Scored patterns creating visual interest
- Stencilled borders and details
Laying Patterns
The pattern in which paving is laid significantly affects the space’s character:
Stack Bond
- Aligned grid pattern
- Clean, contemporary appearance
- Emphasises individual pavers
- Best with consistent-sized units
Running Bond
- Offset like brickwork
- Traditional, timeless appeal
- Creates sense of movement
- Good for rectangular pavers
Herringbone
- Interlocking diagonal pattern
- High visual interest
- Excellent for driveways (structural benefits)
- More labour-intensive installation
Random Ashlar
- Mixed sizes in irregular pattern
- Relaxed, natural character
- Best with natural stone
- Requires skilled laying
The Installation Process
Quality paving installation follows careful methodology:
Preparation
- Excavation to appropriate depth
- Removal of organic material and soft spots
- Installation of edge restraints
Sub-base
- Crushed rock compacted in layers
- Falls established for drainage
- Final levels checked and adjusted
Laying
- Bedding material spread and screeded
- Pavers placed with consistent joints
- Levels checked continuously
- Cuts made with diamond equipment
Finishing
- Joints filled with appropriate material
- Surface cleaned of excess material
- Sealer applied where specified
- Final clean and inspection
Pool Surround Paving
Paving around pools requires special consideration:
- Slip Resistance: Textured finishes essential
- Heat Retention: Light colours for barefoot comfort
- Chemical Resistance: Materials that tolerate pool chemicals
- Coping Selection: Comfortable edge for swimmers
Maintenance
Quality paving requires minimal ongoing care:
- Regular sweeping to remove debris
- Periodic washing with appropriate cleaners
- Resealing natural stone as required (typically every few years)
- Prompt attention to any joint deterioration
Contact us to discuss your paving project and discover how premium materials and expert installation can transform your outdoor spaces.
