ON A PATH TO PERFECTION

CHEAPER THAN CONCRETE AND COMING IN A RANGE OF HUES, DECOMPOSED GRANITE MAKES AN ATTRACTIVE ALTERNATIVE

There are a number of materials you can use for paths and driveways, but one of the most cost-effective is deco granite. Here are some tips on how to get the mix right.

Decomposed granite is cheaper than concrete and if you’re laying a big area, like a drive, it can save you a chunk of money.

Deco granite comes in pink, brown or gold and is relatively easy to use. Simply mark the area where you want the path to go and dig it out to about 100mm.

For paths, stabilise the granite by adding a five per cent mix of white cement. That’s about 1 bag of cement per tonne of deco granite.

If you’re doing a driveway – then double that to 10 per cent or two bags of cement to a tonne of granite.

It’s important to get the mix right. If you use too much cement the finished surface will be chalky; not enough and it won’t set properly.

If you’re using bricks to create an edge, then this is the time to lay them. Put the granite into the dug out area and level it off with a rake. Because the mix is quite dusty, give it a light mist with water. It’s vital not to soak the granite as this will cause the cement to rise to the surface and create a hard layer.

Hammer down the path with a plate compactor until you get it nice and level. Give the path a quick brush with a boom to get rid of any excess water or bits of cement and leave to dry for around one to two days.

One of the things I like best about deco granite is it’s porous – so, if you’ve done the job properly, water simply drains off the surface.

Watch Selling Houses Australia on Foxtel.