Johnston Concrete Driveways

Around a pool you want good slip resistance when wet, a lighter colour that stays cooler under the Top End sun, and a finish that copes with chlorinated or salt water splash. Exposed aggregate and lightly textured or honed finishes with an anti-slip sealer are common choices that suit modern homes. Polished concrete looks smart but is usually better kept under cover where it will not be wet and in full sun. We bring samples so you can feel the textures barefoot, and we explain how each option will look and wear around your pool over the years.

Concrete shrinks as it dries, so fine cracks are common and are often cosmetic, especially when they follow or sit near control joints. Wider cracks, cracks where one side sits higher than the other, or sections that move underfoot can point to problems with the base, such as fill that was not compacted well or water getting underneath in the wet season. Rust spots can come from reinforcement or chairs too close to the surface. We can inspect the driveway, tell you whether the cracking is cosmetic or something that needs attention, and suggest a sensible repair if one is needed.

It can if the path covers an inspection zone or barrier that is part of your home's termite management system. Termites are very active across the Top End, so it is worth getting this right rather than finding out at the next pest inspection. We check how your house is protected and design paths to suit, which may mean leaving a gap, keeping the slab edge exposed or using a particular detail at the wall. Having your builder's termite paperwork available when we visit helps, and your pest controller can also confirm what your system needs.

It starts with setting a consistent fall during formwork and screeding, rather than trying to fix levels after the fact. Water also needs somewhere sensible to go, such as a garden bed, a grated drain or the street, not toward the house or a neighbour's fence. On compact Johnston blocks we look at neighbouring levels too, because wet season rain often moves across several yards before it reaches the street. Where space is tight, a strip drain at the low edge can make a big difference. We explain the drainage plan before we pour so you know how it will work.