Paving Calculator Australia — Pavers, Sand & Cement
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Bedding — sand & cement screed
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How to calculate pavers and bedding in Australia
The number of pavers needed is the total area divided by the area of each paver (including joint allowance on two sides), then rounded up with a wastage percentage added. Bedding material for a dry-pack screed is calculated from the bed volume — typically a 4:1 sand-to-cement mix by volume. At 30 mm depth over the paved area, multiply by the area in m² to get the screed volume. Sand density is approximately 1,600 kg/m³ and cement approximately 1,500 kg/m³. Add 10% wastage for cuts on straight patterns; 15–20% for diagonal or herringbone layouts.
Paving calculator — FAQs
How deep should the sand bed be under pavers in Australia?
For residential concrete pavers on a compacted sub-base, a 25–40 mm compacted sand or dry-pack screed is standard. The most common specification is 30 mm. For natural stone and slate, 20–30 mm is typical. The sand should be compacted before laying pavers, so allow for a slightly deeper initial bed that will compact down — most screed sand compacts by roughly 10–15%. Always lay pavers on a stable, well-compacted base (typically 100–150 mm of compacted road base for driveways).
What is a standard paver size in Australia?
Common Australian concrete paver sizes include: 400 × 400 mm (very common for paths and entertaining areas), 450 × 450 mm, 600 × 300 mm (plank style), 600 × 600 mm (large format), and 230 × 115 mm (brick pavers). Natural stone sizes vary widely. Always buy pavers with all cuts planned — irregular areas often need 15% or more wastage for cut pieces at edges and corners.
Should I use sand or a sand-cement mix under pavers?
For pedestrian paving (paths, patios), coarse washed sand alone is acceptable and is the simplest option. A dry-pack sand-cement mix (4 parts sand : 1 part cement) gives a firmer, more stable bed that is less likely to wash out or shift — it is the better choice for driveways, heavily trafficked areas, or near water features where plain sand would erode. Do not use wet concrete as a paving bed — it makes future paver removal very difficult and can crack unevenly.
What joint width should I use between pavers?
Concrete and clay brick pavers: 10 mm joints are standard, filled with kiln-dried or polymeric sand. Natural stone (bluestone, granite, sandstone): 3–5 mm joints are typical for a tighter, more formal appearance. Larger format pavers (600 × 600 mm+) suit wider 10–15 mm joints proportionally. Polymeric jointing sand (available at Bunnings and landscape suppliers) is recommended for driveways as it hardens to resist insect and weed intrusion.
Do I need a permit to pave a driveway or path in Australia?
In most states, minor paving work on private property (paths, patios, small driveways) does not require a building permit. However, stormwater drainage requirements apply — paved areas must direct water to an approved drainage point and must not cause water to flow onto neighbouring properties. Some councils require a drainage plan for large impervious areas. If connecting to a stormwater system, a licensed plumber may be required in some states. Check with your local council before any large-scale paving project.