The Challenge: Tackling Landscaping After the Build
You’ve finally made it through the long and exciting journey—your new home is built, the construction crew has packed up, and the site looks spotless. But as you step back to admire the house, you realise the landscaping still needs work. Transforming an untouched yard into a functional, beautiful outdoor space can feel overwhelming, especially after everything you’ve already put into the build. But don’t stress—Strol is here to help, just as we did for Phillip, who needed a sustainable and permeable solution for his driveway.
The Solution: Choosing PebbleLock Permeable Paving Over Traditional Asphalt or Concrete
Phillip’s property is located in a hilly area that experiences heavy rainfall, making flooding a constant concern. He needed a driveway that could handle water runoff while withstanding the wear and tear of Utes and other vehicles. On top of that, he wanted a solution that blended with the natural surroundings and slowed water flow into stormwater drains and nearby creeks.
Traditional surfaces like concrete or asphalt can worsen water runoff, overwhelm drainage systems, and lead to soil erosion. Permeable pavers, however, offer a range of benefits, including:
- Reduced water runoff
- Improved drainage, allowing water to filter evenly into the ground
- Prevention of soil erosion
- Redirection of clean water into drainage systems
Easy Installation and Maintenance
To maximise effectiveness, permeable paving works best when paired with a geotextile like SureTex. Once the area is cleared and levelled, SureTex is laid down to separate the stones and aggregate from the soil, allowing water to pass through at a steady rate, reducing erosion and stabilising the layers above—even if the ground shifts.
Installation in Five Simple Steps:
- Clear and level the site, removing any roots or large rocks.
- Lay down SureTex geotextile and secure it.
- Add drainage aggregate and a layer of crusher dust.
- Place the permeable pavers on top, clip them together, and secure them.
- Fill the surface with your chosen material—pebbles, hoggin, or decorative chip.
The Results: Achieving a Natural Look
Living in the countryside, Phillip wanted a driveway that would suit the rural landscape. “We’ve got big trees and a creek nearby, and we didn’t want a slab of concrete ruining the feel of the place. A decorative stone driveway was perfect. It matches the house and makes a lovely sound when we drive on it.”
Strol offers a variety of permeable paving solutions that blend seamlessly with natural landscapes. Whether you’re after a grassed driveway, stabilised lawn, pebbled path, or gravel access road, the Strol permeable paver range provides reliable, year-round support.
“Pebbles gave us a softer, more natural look. The colours blend beautifully, especially with the autumn leaves, and it’ll be easy to carry that theme on when we do the pathways around the house,” Phillip adds.
Long-Lasting and Low Maintenance
Phillip completed the entire installation in just one day with the help of his kids and a small digger to level the ground and spread the materials. By the end of the day, the driveway was fully laid with pavers and filled with stones. Thanks to the proper layering of aggregate and geotextile, maintenance is minimal—just the occasional sweep to tidy up any stray stones.
The pavers ensure a stable surface, preventing ruts and potholes, even in areas with heavy traffic. “This setup will add years to the life of our driveway,” Phillip says. “The design is so durable that even where the cars turn, we don’t get any ruts. Every now and then, we just rake the stones back over the pavers.”
With Strol PebbleLock permeable paving, Phillip now enjoys a driveway that’s both practical and beautiful, designed to withstand the elements and enhance the natural charm of his property.