Choosing the right paving material for your Melbourne outdoor space is a significant decision. The material you select affects appearance, durability, maintenance requirements and cost. This guide compares the most popular paving options for outdoor living spaces in Melbourne.
Bluestone
Victoria’s premier natural stone, bluestone is quarried locally and has been used in Melbourne architecture for over 150 years.
Characteristics
- Dense basalt stone with blue-grey colouration
- Available in various finishes: sawn, honed, flamed, shot-blasted
- Naturally non-slip when textured
- Develops beautiful patina over time
Advantages
- Extremely durable and long-lasting
- Heat resistant in hot sun
- Local material with low transport footprint
- Classic Melbourne aesthetic
- Increases property value
Disadvantages
- Premium price point
- Can be slippery when honed and wet
- Heavy – requires solid base preparation
- Limited colour range
Best For
- Premium entertaining areas
- Pool surrounds (with textured finish)
- Heritage and character homes
- High-traffic areas
Cost
$120-$250 per sqm installed depending on finish
Sandstone
A warm, natural stone popular for its colour range and softer appearance than bluestone.
Characteristics
- Sedimentary stone with varied colour tones
- Available in yellows, browns, greys and pinks
- Natural split or sawn finishes
- Softer than bluestone
Advantages
- Warm, natural appearance
- Wide colour selection
- Naturally non-slip surface
- Works well with both modern and traditional designs
- Good value for natural stone
Disadvantages
- More porous than bluestone – can stain
- Requires sealing in high-use areas
- Some varieties softer and less durable
- Can be inconsistent between batches
Best For
- Informal entertaining areas
- Garden paths and stepping stones
- Pool coping
- Complementing brick homes
Cost
$80-$180 per sqm installed
Granite
An extremely hard, durable natural stone available in various colours and finishes.
Characteristics
- Igneous rock with speckled appearance
- Available in grey, black, pink, and multi-coloured varieties
- Very dense and non-porous
- Various textures available
Advantages
- Extremely hard and durable
- Virtually impervious to staining
- Wide colour range
- Low maintenance
- Consistent appearance
Disadvantages
- Can be expensive (especially Australian granite)
- Heavy and challenging to work with
- Some find appearance cold
- Imported stone has environmental cost
Best For
- Contemporary designs
- Commercial-grade durability needed
- Low maintenance requirements
- Consistent appearance critical
Cost
$100-$220 per sqm installed
Porcelain Pavers
Engineered tiles designed specifically for outdoor use, growing in popularity for contemporary projects.
Characteristics
- Manufactured ceramic product
- Extremely consistent appearance
- Available in natural stone and wood-look finishes
- Large format options (up to 1200x600mm)
Advantages
- Consistent colour and size
- Very low porosity – stain resistant
- Wide design range
- Relatively lightweight
- Modern, clean appearance
Disadvantages
- Can crack if substrate moves
- Requires precise installation
- Can be slippery when wet (check slip rating)
- Manufactured appearance – lacks natural variation
- Edges can chip
Best For
- Contemporary designs
- Indoor-outdoor flow (matching internal tiles)
- Low maintenance preference
- Budget-conscious premium look
Cost
$80-$180 per sqm installed
Concrete Pavers
The most versatile and affordable option, with quality varying significantly.
Characteristics
- Manufactured concrete product
- Huge range of sizes, colours and finishes
- From basic utility pavers to premium exposed aggregate
Advantages
- Most affordable option
- Huge variety available
- Easy to source and replace
- DIY-friendly installation
- Good durability for cost
Disadvantages
- Lower-end products can look cheap
- Colour can fade over time
- Efflorescence common in early years
- Joints can grow weeds
Best For
- Budget projects
- Driveways and utility areas
- Where easy replacement needed
- Large area coverage
Cost
$50-$120 per sqm installed
Comparison Table
| Material | Cost | Durability | Maintenance | Heat | Slip | Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluestone | $$$$ | Excellent | Low | Cool | Good* | Classic |
| Sandstone | $$$ | Good | Moderate | Warm | Good | Natural |
| Granite | $$$$ | Excellent | Very Low | Variable | Good* | Contemporary |
| Porcelain | $$$ | Very Good | Very Low | Hot | Check | Modern |
| Concrete | $$ | Good | Low | Hot | Good | Variable |
*With appropriate finish
Considerations for Melbourne Conditions
Summer Heat
Dark materials absorb heat and can become uncomfortable underfoot. Consider:
- Lighter coloured options for barefoot areas
- Textured finishes that stay cooler
- Shading from pergolas or trees
Winter Moisture
Melbourne’s wet winters demand:
- Non-slip finishes, especially around pools
- Good drainage in paving design
- Sealed surfaces if using porous stone
Soil Movement
Melbourne’s reactive clay soils can move seasonally. This affects paving bases and may crack rigid materials over time. Proper base preparation is essential.
Making Your Choice
For Classic Melbourne Homes
Bluestone or sandstone complement traditional architecture and age beautifully.
For Contemporary Designs
Porcelain or granite provide the clean, consistent appearance modern homes demand.
For Family Gardens
Concrete pavers offer durability and value. Higher-end versions look excellent.
For Pool Areas
Textured bluestone or sandstone – naturally non-slip and comfortable underfoot. Porcelain with appropriate slip rating also works well.
For Budget Projects
Quality concrete pavers provide excellent value. Consider investing more in visible areas.
Installation Matters
Even premium materials look poor when badly installed. Ensure:
- Proper compacted base preparation
- Appropriate fall for drainage
- Consistent joint widths
- Level surfaces
- Quality edge restraints
- Suitable joint filling
Ready to Pave?
Paving choice significantly impacts your garden’s appearance and functionality. Consider how the material works with your home, lifestyle and budget. Contact us to discuss the best paving solution for your Melbourne outdoor space.
