Paving in Drummond Cove.

Longer driveways on bigger blocks.

Drummond Cove has a good number of larger blocks, and with them come longer driveways than you see in the tighter city suburbs. A longer paved driveway means the base, the falls and the edge restraint matter even more, because there is more surface to stay level and more length for water to find a low point. We set consistent falls along the run and restrain both edges so the pavers cannot creep. For a long driveway, getting these basics right is the whole game.

Coastal exposure, same salt rules.

Being on the northern coast, Drummond Cove gets the same salt-laden sea breeze as the southern beaches, so the same rules apply: stabilised jointing sand that will not blow out, a properly compacted base over the coastal sand, and salt-tolerant pavers. We lean toward dense clay brick and sealed limestone here, and we seal the limestone on completion so the salt cannot mark it.

Retaining where blocks fall to the dunes.

Some Drummond Cove blocks run down toward the coast, and creating a level yard or driveway there can call for an engineered retaining wall. Over 500mm, or holding back a driveway or higher ground, that is permitted, engineered work designed to AS 4678 with full drainage behind it. We assess the slope and the surcharge and handle the City of Greater Geraldton permit where one is required.

Typical Drummond Cove jobs.

• Long clay brick or concrete-paver driveway on a lifestyle block
• Sealed limestone alfresco and pool surround with coastal views
• Salt-safe re-pave where wind had scoured the old joints
• Retaining wall to level a block falling toward the dunes
• Shed apron and turning bay in heavy-duty pavers