Clifton Beach Concrete Driveways

It depends on the weight of the van or boat and trailer, how often it moves on and off the slab, and the ground underneath. A standard driveway thickness may be fine for a small tinnie, while a large caravan or motorhome usually calls for a thicker slab with heavier reinforcement and a well compacted base. The approach matters too, because jockey wheels and tyres put concentrated loads on slab edges. We ask about the vehicle and how you use it, then recommend a slab design to suit. If a carport is going over the top, the footings will follow the carport engineering.

The slab on its own may not need approval, but the carport, shed or shade structure that sits on it often does, particularly given wind ratings in a cyclone-prone region. Boundary setbacks, site coverage and building approvals can all come into play, and the rules can depend on your property. The safest approach is to check with Cairns Regional Council or a private building certifier before work starts. Once you have approved plans, we will build the slab and footings to match the engineering, so the structure can go straight on top without delays.

Sinking usually points to a problem underneath the concrete. Common causes in coastal suburbs include a base that was not compacted well when the driveway was first built, sand washing out from under the edges during heavy rain, leaking stormwater or plumbing pipes, and tree roots. Sometimes a section has simply been overloaded by heavy vehicles. A sunken area is more than a cosmetic issue, as it can trip people up and send water towards the house. We look at the pattern of movement to work out the likely cause, then advise whether a section can be replaced or the whole driveway should be redone.

Sand, leaf litter and tyre marks show up most on very light, smooth concrete. Exposed aggregate is one of the most forgiving finishes, because the mix of stones breaks up the surface and disguises dirt and minor stains. Mid-tone coloured concrete in sandy, grey or earthy shades is another good choice. A broom finish adds texture and grip at a lower cost. Whatever you choose, a quality sealer makes cleaning easier and helps resist mould in shaded spots. We bring samples on the site visit so you can compare how each finish looks in real light at your home.