It’s getting warmer, which means pool weather is coming! However, in Australia, roughly 50% of child drowning cases happen in the home. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your home pool is safe for children. It may sound simple, but there are several things to keep track of. In this article, we’ve created a list of four things to consider when making sure your pool is safe.

Pool Gate

In Australia, there are certain regulations that your pool has to follow to ensure that it is safe for children, particularly when it comes to the pool gate. To make sure little hands can’t open the gate by themselves, the latch should be at least 1.5 metres from the ground, and the gate must be self closing, and self latching on the first swing. The pool gate should also open outward from the pool.

Pool Fence

Similarly, the fence must comply with safety regulations. There can’t be any vertical gaps more than 100 millimetres apart, and the fence must sit no further than 100 millimetres off the ground. At a height of at least 1.2 metres, the pool fence must always be in good, working order so that it’s secure.

Pool Surrounds

Any objects that may be used to climb the fence need to be packed away, and any other additional objects that may cause people to trip need to be removed from walking pathways as well. It’s also important to make sure trees and shrubs are trimmed so children can’t use them to climb the fence. The ground surrounding the pool needs to be free of any debris, and smooth to walk on.

Supervision

Without question, the most effective way to prevent children drowning is adult supervision, particularly with children under the age of 5. For young children, they should always be within arms’ length. It may also be helpful to learn first aid techniques such as CPR and resuscitation, or at the very least, ensure that your house has a comprehensive first aid kit to use in case of emergency.

By taking these things into consideration, you’ll be working to make sure your home pool is safe and fun for everyone to use. A Better Driveway specialise in installing exposed aggregate driveways and pool decks around Melbourne. If you’re looking to update your home, get in touch by calling 03 5783 4746 today.

As the weather heats up, many Australians are looking forward to the sizzling summer months. If you enjoy spending the summers lazing by the pool or cooking up a storm on the barbeque, it may be time to consider updating your outdoor entertainment area. So in this week’s blog, we’ve put together three ways to enhance your existing outdoor area.

Get green

For the final touches, native Australian plants such as ferns, kangaroo paw or banksia are great additions to any garden and will stand the summer heat. For something a little lower maintenance, succulents also bring colour and personality to a garden, without requiring much attention.

Think function over form

Even though you’re aiming to create an outdoor area that is the epitome of fun, it’s always important to consider the practical side first. Think about how you use your entertainment area- is it mainly for dining? Is it intended to be a play area for children (or adults)? These kinds of questions are integral to making sure your area is functional. For fuss-free flooring, concrete such as exposed aggregate is a great choice, as this can lead onto a grassy area. Umbrellas or shades are also a good option to think about, especially in Australian summer! After determining the basics of what you need, you can get creative.

Don’t be afraid to decorate

If you’re not looking to spend too much, but need to make your entertainment area more functional, simply add in new furniture that will be able to weather the elements. Think about fold-up chairs or tables that you can store under cover, brightly coloured cushions and easy to clean tablecloths. You may also want to add in some lighting, so that you can continue to enjoy the summer heat after the sun goes down. From fairy lights to lanterns, there’s something to suit every aesthetic and budget.

A Better Driveway are your go-to guys for decorative concrete landscaping solutions such as exposed aggregate, coloured and textured concrete driveways. For more information, get in touch today by calling 03 5783 4746.

Your driveway is one of the first things people see upon arriving at your home. With this in mind, it’s essential that you research and think carefully about what you want your driveway to look like. There are lots of different ways to create a driveway that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. In this week’s blog, we share our top driveway design tips. 

1) Think about functionality 

The first thing you should consider when designing a driveway is the functionality of it. Some initial questions to ask are: how many people will be using the driveway each day? How many drivers or soon-to-be-drivers are there in my household? It’s important that your driveway design meets these practical requirements.  

2) Consider vehicle dynamics 

In additional to functionality, it’s essential that you consider vehicle dynamics when designing your driveway. Keep in mind the dynamics of cars – how they move by themselves and in relation to others. For example, cars can’t turn at a right angle, so make sure the curves of your driveway are designed to accommodate that fact. Make sure you also consider the length of vehicles in relation to the length of your driveway. The key is to ensure that you design the right amount of driveway for your specific household. Also remember that vehicle sizes are constantly changing; smaller, more economical vehicles are being created and larger vehicles are also being designed to suit growing families. 

3) Guest parking  

A common thing that is neglected in the driveway design is guest parking. So, don’t make this mistake by ensuring that you include guest parking in your driveway design. Be sure to allow lots of parking space while maintaining a well-shaped landscape. Remember that too much impermeable surface can cause environmental problems, so think of using other materials instead of traditional asphalt.  

At A Better Driveway, we offer flexible, durable and affordable driveway solutions. From exposed aggregate driveways to coloured and textured concrete driveways, A Better Driveway will deliver a high-quality result. To learn more, contact one of our friendly staff members at (03) 9308 6112.

From coloured concrete to exposed aggregate, concrete is used in many areas of our home. Have you ever wondered what makes up this amazing substance? In this week’s blog, we’ll be running through the main properties of concrete and what role they play.

Cement

As the main binding element, cement essentially forms a glue for the other materials found in concrete. By combining iron, chalk, clay, slate, aluminium, iron, silicon, limestone and other chemicals, cement is created in a controlled mixture. When mixed with water, it reacts with the other materials by heating and hardening, to create a solid concrete structure.

Sand

Sand is the fine aggregate part of concrete, which assists in the solidification process. Sand fills up the pores within the concrete, so that the material is able to achieve the necessary strength required. Its resistant to weathering and its solid quality makes means sand is a perfect addition to the concrete mixture.

Coarse aggregates

The larger stones in the concrete mixture are known as coarse aggregates. As one of the main strengthening properties, they also ensure that your concrete mix stretches further. For the best strength properties, aim for 20mm aggregate. If the size of coarse aggregates is reduced to 10mm, you may weaken your concrete.

Water

The last element in concrete is water- this makes the mixture workable during placement. Through the setting process, the water will evaporate as the cement materials start to heat up and bind together in a hardened mix. It should only take a few hours for the water to evaporate, and for the concrete to harden to the point that it can be walked on without causing damage. A Better Driveway are your local concrete specialists, with services that offer exposed aggregate, decorative concrete and coloured concrete. For more information, get in touch by calling (03) 9308 6112 today.

Concrete is becoming an increasingly popular material to use both inside and outside one’s home. Aside from the refined, stunning finish concrete offers, it is also a highly durable material, making it extremely cost-effective. In this week’s blog, we discuss seven different ways you can enhance your home by using concrete. 

1) Polished concrete floors 

Although this may not be your initial instinct for flooring your home, polished concrete floors offer a sophisticated look like no other. However, this style can come at a cost. For a more budget friendly option that is also low-maintenance, try concrete-look tiles. 

2) Pendant lights 

A concrete pendant light is a stunning choice sure to enhance the sophistication of any home. Available in a wide range of colours, sizes and styles, concrete pendant lights are great to amplify a communal space, such as the living or dining room.  

3) Kitchen and bathroom sinks 

For a bold, statement look, try a concrete sink in either your kitchen or bathroom. The concrete can be polished for a more refined style or porous for a raw, industrial aesthetic.  

4) Concrete benchtops 

Another way you can introduce concrete into your home is with concrete benchtops. These are a popular choice for both the kitchen and bathroom. Concrete benchtops are widely selected due to their strength and timeless finish.  

5) Concrete furniture 

Concrete is a highly versatile material which can be used for a number of different furniture pieces. The hard part is choosing which furniture piece and area would best suit concrete. Options include table tops, stools, bench seats and side tables.  

6) Concrete accent 

Concrete is a striking, attention-grabbing material. However, if you’re more after a subtle, minimalist look, then incorporate concrete with decorative accents, such as door knobs, wall handles, pot plants and candles. Concrete can feature in any home without being dominating.  

7) Concrete driveway 

The last way to use concrete in your home is with a concrete driveway. Concrete is an excellent choice for your driveway as it is sturdy and stylish. There are also lots of different finishes available, including coloured concrete and textured concrete. At A Better Driveway, we specialise in providing decorative concrete solutions for driveways in Melbourne. To speak to one of our friendly staff members today, call us at (03) 9308 6112.  

In an increasingly digital age, many of us are seeking respite in our gardens. Whether that means gardening, or simply sitting outside with a cup of tea, our gardens can be sanctuaries; a place to find peace and harmony in our busy lives. That’s why landscaping design can be so important, as this determines what kind of atmosphere our gardens hold. In this article, we’ll be focusing on the design principle of unity in landscaping, and how you can utilise this to create exterior tranquility in your home.

What is unity?

Unity is a design principle founded on balance. This concept is used to create an overarching sense of integration and wholeness throughout your space. In order to achieve this, there are certain things to consider. Too many or too little plants or objects can set you on the wrong path- it has to be just right.

Concept

To start off, consider what kind of concept or theme you want to carry through your garden, as this will help to create unity. For example, if you like a certain type of plant such as ferns, you could create a design based around this plant, and choose other elements that will complement your main concept. You can also create themes around things such as colour, seasons, history or spirituality.

Rhythm and order

Carrying on with your chosen theme, the best way to go about striking the right balance is by considering rhythm and order. Put simply, firstly make use of repetition. Repeating the same elements throughout your space can create unity. Secondly, think about grouping- how can your placement of different elements together create harmony? Thirdly, consider sequence, as a continuous flow of elements can help the eye to move visually through your garden.

By making use of these strategies, your garden can become the perfect place to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A Better Driveway specialise in decorative concrete landscaping solutions such as exposed aggregate driveways. Get in touch by calling (03) 9308 6112 for more information today.

 

A stunning driveway is crucial to the design of your home. Although sometimes forgotten or neglected, the driveway is the first thing people see when they enter your property and should therefore be given careful consideration. It is essential that the material you choose for your driveway aligns with the aesthetic of your home. Not only should your driveway look good, it should also be durable and low maintenance. In this week’s blog, we share the best materials to pave your driveway with. 

1) Exposed aggregate 

Exposed aggregate is a durable, skid-resistant and low maintenance material to pave your driveway with. It is distinct from other paving materials in that the finish is achieved by removing a thin layer from the top of laid concrete, revealing the natural textures and colours of the aggregate. Besides from exposed aggregate being a sturdy paving choice, it also looks beautiful and is extremely effective in comparison to other driveway materials.  

2) Concrete  

Another popular driveway material is concrete. The benefits of concrete include its versatility, durability and sleek finish. Designed to suit a variety of architectural styles, concrete can seamlessly complement the design of any home. The simplicity of concrete also ensures that it will remain timeless throughout the years. For a more inexpensive paving choice, concrete is the way to go.  

There are two concrete paving looks to choose from: coloured concrete and textured concrete. Coloured concrete is created by mixing oxides through the concrete and then finishing it with a high quality sealer. The results are long-lasting and stunning. The other option, textured concrete, became popular in the later 80’s and 90’s. It features a decorative paving look and can be done in either stencil or slate. With a wide range of colour and pattern combinations available, textured concrete is a fun and different paving material for your driveway.  

At A Better Driveway, we offer expert concrete services. Choose from exposed aggregate, coloured concrete or textured concrete to create an elegant yet heavy-duty driveway. Call us at (03) 9308 6112 to get a quote today.

Gardening is all about balance. It’s a fluid interaction between freedom and control, of mixing neatly trimmed hedges and equally spaced plants with some sense of wilderness. Over the past 25 years, Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf has been incredibly influential in redefining what we may consider naturalism in planting practices. In this article, we’ll be exploring key ideas from Oudolf that you can incorporate into your own garden.

Colour

Oudolf is known for his almost melancholic, naturalistic style when it comes to garden design. By rooting his design in an abundance of grasses, the resulting effect is harmonious and subtle, with soft, complex colours. With hues of rust, deep purples and overarching, delicate grasses, Oudolf creates a dreamy landscape, in which patterns of repetition and contrast are championed.

Choice of Plants

One of the most remarkable things about Oudolf’s design is the ways in which its beauty doesn’t fade over time. Because he understands the ways that plants behave throughout different seasons, his choice of plants transforms the garden design into a work of art. By favouring clump-forming perennials such as Helenium, Astilbe, Sanguisorba and Molinia, the plants retained their original form as monocultural blocks throughout the year.

Texture

There’s not much that’s more stunning than a well formed garden- and with Oudolf’s naturalism-oriented design, it often appears as though the plants happened to arrange themselves just so. Planting is intermingled; the grasses sing in harmony with the blooms to create a garden with shifting character and charm. By combining native plants, with woodland textures, open areas, and steel and concrete detailing, his design becomes a feast for the eyes of textures and shapes.

While not everyone pursues a more natural approach to gardening, Oudolf positions natural elements as core to his design philosophy. With his mastery of colours, textures and planting, there’s something everyone can learn from his practice.

A Better Driveway specialise in installing exposed aggregate driveways around Melbourne. If you’re looking to update your home, get in touch by calling 03 5783 4746 today.

 

Spring is the perfect time to turn over a new leaf in many aspects of your life, including your garden. You can start a vegetable garden, spruce up areas you may have neglected, renovate your lawns and plant new blooms to inspire as we head into the warmer months. In this article, we’re going to give you some tips on how to update your home exterior for the better.

Plant Vegetables

With a greater emphasis on sustainability in our community, there’s never been a better time to add in a vegetable garden to make your home a little more self sufficient today. Early spring time is the best time to plant new vegetables, whether you’re planting a whole new garden, or simply growing herbs in the sunny corner of your kitchen. The best vegetables to plant are the summer seasonal varieties, such as tomato, chilli, lettuce, parsley and basil.

Add Colour

As we start to see less of winter, the trees are starting to regrow their leaves, which means you can plant flowers too. Flowering bulbs such as daffodils or tulips, or potted plants such as pansy, polyanthus or cineraria, add a stream of brilliant colour across your garden. Make sure to also plan ahead for the summer months, by planting seedlings of petunia and phlox in your garden beds or pots for continuous colour.

Revamp and Renew

Spring, and eventually summer, means we’ll all be spending more time in the beautiful outdoors. One of the best ways to update your home exterior is to clean or mend your existing outdoor furniture so your loved ones have plenty of seating for those Sunday barbecues and backyard cricket. Add new life by repainting faded furniture, adjusting and tightening the nuts and bolts, and cleaning pathways and stone areas to remove accumulated dirt or leaves.

A Better Driveway specialise in decorative concrete landscaping solutions, such as exposed aggregate concrete driveways and coloured concrete pathways. For more information, get in touch by calling 03 5783 4746.

What does Pythagoras have to do with architectural design? Some say that architecture begins with geometry, and as it turns out, geometric design was founded in Pythagoras’ general principles around symmetry and balance. It’s a creative way to mix shapes, lines and curves together for a simple, yet beautiful effect. As one of the leading design trends in 2017, it’s clearly here to stay. In this article, we’ll be going over ways you can incorporate geometric design into your home today.

What You Need To Know

Rooted in mathematical principles, geometric design is often created with formulaic precision, though there are also more experimental options available.. Put simply, it is the fundamental science of forms and their order. In architecture, geometric design is based in ideas around proportions and symmetrical elements that come together to create harmony. While there are often no fixed rules with architectural design, it can be incredibly helpful to consider space, structure and form to arrive at a well-formed, geometric design solution. As the Roman architect Vitruvius believed, ‘without symmetry and proportion no temple can have a regular plan’.

How Can You Use Geometry In Your Home?

From the ancient Egyptian pyramids, to the Empire State Building in New York, geometric design remains a key element of these iconic architectural feats. One of the best way to incorporate this concept into your home is by introducing geometric patterns into floors, walls and driveways. For an especially striking design, choose coloured stone or concrete and ensure that the pattern is highlighted by creating contrast between the different materials. Another way to create interest, is by choosing a particular style of cut for your materials; stone tiles will appear differently depending on the cut, and this will impact design.

Because geometric design is often used to create seamless patterns, it can be incredibly useful to bring a sense of balance to any design. The team at A Better Driveway are specialists in decorative concrete solutions, offering a wide range of colour options at affordable prices. Get in touch today on 03 9308 6112.