Paving
Pavers, natural stone, exposed aggregate and crushed rock all need a well compacted base and a fall that sends water away from the house. On reactive clay a deeper base and good edge restraint stop pavers sinking or lifting. Permeable options such as gravel and crushed rock let rain soak in, which helps gardens in a dry climate.
Decks
A building permit is required for a deck attached to a house or a pool whatever its size, according to the Victorian Building Authority (practice note BP-01). Decks are also domestic building work, so a contract over $10,000 that includes one needs a registered builder (landscaping guidance). Hardwood decking costs more than treated pine but lasts longer in coastal sun and wind.
What paving and decking cost in Geelong
A published cost guide's Geelong estimates (October 2026, GST inclusive) put paving at $56 to $150 per square metre and hardwood decking at $280 to $560 per square metre. Treated pine decking is listed at $165 to $325 per square metre on the same publisher's Geelong price index.
| Job | Geelong estimate (October 2026) |
|---|---|
Paving | $56 to $150 per m² |
Hardwood decking | $280 to $560 per m² |
Treated pine decking | $165 to $325 per m² |
Local limits on hard surfaces
Some areas limit how much of a block can be built on or paved. In the Ocean Grove Significant Tree Residential Area, buildings and works avoid a planning permit only if no more than 60 per cent of the site is covered by buildings and hard surfaces such as driveways, paving, decks and pools (Significant Landscape Overlay, Schedule 15). Ask your landscaper to check the overlays on your property before you settle on a design.
Water rules matter too: under Barwon Water's permanent water saving rules you cannot hose down paths, paving or driveways except to deal with a hazard, staining or during construction.
Paving and decking FAQs
Does a low deck need a permit?
For building approval, a deck attached to the house needs a building permit whatever its height (BP-01). Separately, the planning scheme exempts a deck no more than 800 mm above ground from a planning permit unless an overlay on your land says otherwise.
Which paving suits clay soil?
Any paving can work on clay with a deep, well compacted crushed rock base, edge restraints and a fall away from the house. Ask the landscaper how deep their base will be.