Paving (residential)
Australian residential paving overview: sub-base, bedding sand, falls, drainage, AS 3727.1. Full guide at /practical/paving-residential.
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The complete article on residential paving is at Residential paving: pavers, concrete, sub-base and drainage.
That guide covers:
- Sub-base depths per AS 3727.1:2016 (75 mm pedestrian, 100 mm driveway)
- Bedding sand: 30 mm uncompacted coarse washed sand over sub-base
- Required falls: minimum 1:40 (25 mm per metre) away from structures per NCC 2022 Part 3.3
- Edge restraints, paver specifications and laying patterns
- Driveway crossover permits (required in every state)
- Drainage connections to a lawful stormwater point
- Common defects: sub-grade settlement, insufficient fall, sand migration
Quick reference
| Application | Min sub-base depth |
|---|---|
| Pedestrian paths, patios | 75 mm compacted roadbase |
| Driveway (vehicles under 3 t GVM) | 100 mm compacted roadbase |
| Driveway (3 to 10 t GVM) | 150 mm compacted roadbase |
Pavers cost roughly $75 to $160/m2 installed; poured concrete $100 to $160/m2 installed (2026, indicative). Crossover permits are required before work starts.