Residential driveway specification
Two driveway quotes can look identical on paper and be very different underground. This page sets out how driveways quoted through this site are built, so a quote can be compared properly with any other.
Standard
Driveways are constructed with reference to AS 3727.1, the Australian Standard for residential pavements, and to the relevant council's standard vehicle crossing drawing. Where a council drawing and this specification differ at the crossover, the council drawing governs.
Preparation and base
The existing surface is removed and the area prepared to suit the ground: soft spots and organic material taken out, and compacted base material brought in where the site needs it. Sandy ground and fill sites get additional preparation so the slab is properly supported.
Membrane and reinforcement
A membrane is laid where the site requires it, and every slab is reinforced with steel mesh positioned so the steel can do its job.
Concrete
Typically 25 MPa concrete at around 100mm for passenger vehicles. A thicker slab with heavier mesh is quoted where caravans, boats or light trucks will use the driveway, and on shared multi-unit driveways.
Joints
Control joints are cut to direct any movement to planned lines, with isolation joints against the garage slab, house footings and existing concrete where needed.
Drainage and fall
The driveway is set with a fall away from the dwelling. Where the block falls towards the garage, a grated strip drain across the threshold is connected to the stormwater system. The grade at the crossover is set so a standard passenger vehicle clears the change of level.
Crossover
The section between the boundary and the road is built to the council's standard drawing. A vehicle crossing permit may be required by the council, and council permit fees are not part of the quoted price.
Finish and cure
Broom, steel trowel, full depth oxide colour or exposed aggregate as quoted. As a guide: foot traffic after 24 hours, passenger vehicles after seven days, heavy vehicles after 28 days. Exposed aggregate is sealed after cure as agreed at quote.
What this means for a quote
If a competing quote is materially cheaper, the difference is usually in the preparation, the mesh, or the concrete grade, none of which are visible once the driveway is poured. Ask for those three items in writing and compare.