Premium Hard Surfaces for Melbourne Gardens
The hard surfaces in your garden—paving, decking, and paths—form the foundation for outdoor living. They define spaces, create flow, and set the tone for your entire landscape.
At John French Landscape Design, we install premium paving and decking using quality materials and time-tested techniques. Whether you prefer the natural warmth of stone or the contemporary appeal of timber, our experienced team delivers surfaces built to last.
Paving Options
Natural Stone
Natural stone brings timeless elegance to any garden. Our stone options include:
Bluestone Melbourne’s classic paving stone, available in:
- Sawn finish for a contemporary look
- Honed for smooth, refined surfaces
- Natural split for rustic appeal
- Various sizes from pavers to large format
Compare options in our paving materials guide.
Sandstone Warm, earthy tones that complement Australian landscapes:
- Local and imported varieties
- Honey, buff, and grey tones
- Natural cleft or sawn surfaces
- Excellent for informal settings
Granite Durable and sophisticated:
- Various colours from grey to pink
- Flamed, bush-hammered, or polished
- Ideal for high-traffic areas
- Long-lasting with minimal maintenance
Porcelain Tiles
Modern porcelain offers exceptional durability and design flexibility:
- Large format options (up to 1200x600mm)
- Stone, wood, and concrete effects
- Non-slip surfaces available
- Stain and frost resistant
- Low maintenance
Porcelain must be installed on properly prepared concrete bases for long-term success.
Brick Pavers
Classic brick pavers suit traditional and contemporary settings:
- Clay and concrete options
- Heritage and standard sizes
- Various laying patterns
- Recycled brick for character
Installation Standards
All our paving is installed to professional standards:
- Properly compacted bases
- Correct falls for drainage
- Quality mortar and bedding
- Sealed joints where required
- Clean, professional finish
Timber Structures
Decking
We build custom timber decks using premium materials:
Hardwood Decking
- Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Merbau
- 86mm, 136mm, and 140mm profiles
- Hidden fixing systems available
- Oiled or natural finish
Composite Decking
- Timber-plastic composite boards
- Low maintenance option
- Various colours and profiles
- Suitable for specific applications
Pergolas
Outdoor shade structures for year-round enjoyment:
- Traditional timber designs
- Contemporary steel and timber
- Flat or pitched roof options
- Custom dimensions and details
Alfresco Roofing
Covered outdoor living spaces:
- Insulated panel roofing
- Skillion and gable designs
- Integrated with existing structures
- Lighting and fan ready
Privacy Screens
Create private outdoor spaces:
- Hardwood slat screens
- Composite materials
- Vertical and horizontal patterns
- Various heights and configurations
Boardwalks
For sloping or sensitive areas:
- Elevated timber walkways
- Minimal ground disturbance
- Access over wet areas
- Curved and straight options
Design Considerations
Material Selection
We help you choose materials based on:
- Aesthetic preference: Style and colour palette
- Use patterns: Foot traffic and furniture
- Maintenance: Time and effort for upkeep
- Budget: Initial cost and long-term value
- Climate: Melbourne’s temperature variations
Layout and Pattern
The pattern of paving affects the space:
- Stack bond: Contemporary, linear feel
- Stretcher bond: Classic, traditional
- Random patterns: Informal, relaxed
- Mixed materials: Visual interest
Integration
We ensure hard surfaces work with:
- Garden beds and planting
- Drainage systems
- Steps and level changes
- Pool surrounds
- Outdoor furniture
Our Process
- Design consultation: Understanding your needs and preferences
- Material selection: Viewing samples and making choices
- Detailed quotation: Fixed price based on documentation
- Site preparation: Excavation and base preparation
- Installation: Professional laying by experienced team
- Completion: Cleaning, sealing (if required), and handover
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Spaces?
Contact us to discuss your paving and decking project. We’ll help you choose the right materials and create surfaces that enhance your outdoor living for years to come.
