Project Overview
This Mount Waverley family wanted to transform their under-utilised backyard into a sophisticated outdoor entertaining zone. The existing space was a sloping lawn with a small concrete slab — functional but uninspiring. Their vision was a generous bluestone patio with a dedicated BBQ and outdoor kitchen area, integrated lighting, and a seamless connection to the garden.
The property featured several mature trees that the homeowners were keen to preserve, which added an important environmental consideration to the project. Our solution carefully balanced the desire for a large entertaining space with the need to protect the root systems of these established trees.
Before & After
Full project gallery available on request — contact us to see more of this Mount Waverley transformation.
Project Specifications
The Challenge: Tree Root Protection and Site Levels
The site featured three large established trees — two eucalypts and a mature oak — with root systems that extended across much of the patio area. Standard excavation would have damaged these roots, potentially destabilising the trees and creating safety issues. Additionally, the natural slope of the land meant the patio needed to be stepped down in two sections, creating a level change that required careful planning.
The homeowners were adamant that the trees must be preserved. This meant we couldn't simply excavate to our standard 200mm base depth across the entire site. Instead, we developed a方案 that worked around the major root zones.
Our Solution: Root-Protective Base Design and Stepped Patio
For areas near tree roots, we used a hand-digging approach to expose and work around major roots rather than cutting through them. Where roots were unavoidable, we used a raised base profile — reducing excavation depth to 100mm in root-protection zones and using a higher sand bed to achieve the same finished level. A root-barrier fabric was installed between the base and the subsoil to prevent future root growth from lifting the pavers.
The 200mm excavation in non-root areas was filled with 150mm of compacted crushed rock (Class 2 road base) and 50mm of bedding sand. Each layer was compacted with a plate compactor to ensure a stable, long-lasting base.
For the bluestone, we selected 40mm thick Victorian bluestone in a random flagstone pattern. This gives a natural, organic look that complements the garden setting. The stones were hand-selected and dry-laid to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing arrangement before being bedded permanently.
Integrated BBQ Area and Lighting
A dedicated BBQ zone was created at one end of the patio, featuring a bluestone-topped bench that matches the main patio surface. The bench includes a recess for a built-in BBQ and storage underneath, all finished in the same bluestone for a cohesive look.
LED strip lighting was installed in the risers of the step-down between the two patio levels. This provides subtle, warm illumination for evening entertaining while also improving safety. The lighting is IP65-rated for outdoor use and connected to a timer switch for convenience.