A new driveway is one of the highest-impact upgrades you can make to a property. We have been laying driveways across the Central Coast for over 30 years, and every single one starts with proper sub-base preparation. The surface is the last thing we think about, not the first.
We use hot-mix AC10 asphalt as standard for residential work. It is dense, smooth and formulated for Australian conditions. We lay it hot, compact it thoroughly, and box the edges so the asphalt stays exactly where it should under load and temperature cycling.
Our quoting process includes a free site visit. We look at the existing surface, the sub-grade condition, and any drainage issues before we give you a number. There are no add-ons on the day, and no invoices with items you did not agree to.
Sub-base Assessment
We assess soil condition and drainage before laying a single thing. Shortcutting this step is why driveways fail early.
Hot-mix AC10
Standard residential grade hot-mix asphalt, durable, smooth, and built for Australian conditions.
Edge Restraints
Properly boxed edges and restraints stop the asphalt from spreading under load over time.
Compaction Testing
We test compaction throughout, not just on the surface but through each layer.
Line Marking
Bay marking, turning guides, or just a clean finish included where needed.
Site Clean-up
We leave the site cleaner than we found it. No spoil piles, no staining, no loose aggregate.
Anatomy of a driveway that lasts
The surface is the last thing we think about, not the first. Here is what sits under a driveway built to last 25 years.
- Hot-mix AC10 wearing course 50mm
Fine-graded asphalt, maximum 10mm aggregate. Dense, smooth and laid hot, then compacted. The closed surface keeps water out.
- Tack and prime coat
A bonding layer applied before the asphalt so the wearing course adheres to the base instead of floating on top of it.
- Compacted road base 150mm DGB20
Crushed rock compacted in layers and density-tested. This is the layer that decides whether the driveway lasts five years or twenty-five.
- Prepared subgrade and crossfall
Topsoil stripped, formation trimmed and compacted, with crossfall designed in so water runs off rather than sitting under the pavement.
Ask anyone quoting your driveway what base depth they have priced. If they cannot answer in millimetres, that is your answer.
Diagram shows typical construction sequence for standard site conditions on the NSW Central Coast. Actual scope, depths, and materials are determined on-site — conditions vary by substrate, drainage, and access. Speak to our crew for an assessment specific to your project.
The Process
Every job follows the same standard. No steps skipped, no quality shortcuts.
Site Inspection
Free visit to assess sub-grade condition, drainage, existing surface and access requirements.
Sub-base Preparation
Excavation, boxing and compacted sub-base construction to the correct depth for your site.
Primer and Tack Coat
Bonding layer applied before asphalt placement to ensure full adhesion to the base course.
Hot-mix Placement and Handover
AC10 laid hot, compacted to specification, edges finished and site cleaned before handover.
Frequently Asked
Questions specific to Residential Driveways on the Central Coast.
Ask Us Anything →Getting other quotes too? Smart. Take our questions sheet (PDF).
How long before I can drive on a new asphalt driveway?
You can drive on hot-mix asphalt within 24 to 48 hours in most conditions. We will advise you specifically based on temperature and the mix used on your job.
What is the difference between asphalt and bitumen?
In common use on the Central Coast, people use both terms to describe the same thing: a compacted hot-mix asphalt surface. Spray seal is a different product, less suited to residential driveways than hot-mix.
Do you do small residential jobs, or only large contracts?
We take on residential driveways of all sizes. A single driveway gets the same preparation standard as a commercial carpark. Call us for a no-obligation quote.
- Contractor quotes without visiting the site
- Cold-lay asphalt over an unprepared sub-base
- Hired paving rig with an unfamiliar operator
- No compaction testing or proof documentation
- Critical work subcontracted to a third party
- Phone goes to voicemail after final payment
Surface cracks in year two. You pay to replace it in year five.
Glenn and his team were terrific. Such a difficult job made to look easy.
Garry Parnell
Get a Quote for
Residential Driveways
Free site visit. Prompt written quote. No obligation. Central Coast NSW.