Driveway & Pathway Base Materials: What to Use and Why

When building a driveway or pathway, what’s beneath the surface is just as important as what you see on top. A strong, stable base is essential to prevent shifting, cracking, and potholing—especially in Australia’s varied and often harsh conditions.

At Nepean Landscape Supplies, we often get asked: Which base material is best? The answer depends on your project type, traffic load, and finish. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between Road Base, Crushed Rock, and Crusher Dust, and explain the best way to layer them for a solid, long-lasting foundation.

Why the Base Matters

The base is the structural layer that supports the surface material—whether that’s pavers, decorative gravel, concrete, or asphalt. Without proper base preparation, even the best surface finish will fail over time. A well-built base:

• Supports weight without shifting
• Allows for adequate drainage
• Minimises erosion and weed growth
• Extends the life of your driveway or path

Let’s explore the most popular materials used for this purpose.

1. Road Base

What it is:
Road Base is a mix of crushed rock, gravel, and fine particles, typically graded and compactable. It’s one of the most commonly used base materials in civil, landscaping, and residential applications.

Best for:

• Driveways (especially vehicle-bearing)
• Pathways requiring heavy compaction
• Under concrete slabs or asphalt

Benefits:

• Strong load-bearing capacity
• Excellent compaction
• Cost-effective and readily available

Great for stabilising soft ground

How to use it:
Lay it in layers (typically 75–150mm thick), wet it down, and compact with a plate compactor or roller. For driveways, aim for at least 100mm of compacted base.

2. Crushed Rock (Blue Metal or Aggregate)

What it is:
Crushed Rock or Blue Metal is screened, angular rock available in a range of sizes (e.g., 10mm, 20mm, 40mm). Unlike road base, it has little to no fine particles.

Best for:

• Decorative gravel driveways
• Paths where drainage is important
• A middle layer in layered base systems

Benefits:

• Superior drainage
• Attractive appearance for exposed paths
• Reduced dust
• Reduced dust
• Hard-wearing

How to use it:
Use as a sub-base or topping layer over a compacted road base. It’s also ideal for gravel paths or rural driveways where appearance and permeability matter.

3. Crusher Dust (Stone Dust or Quarry Dust)

What it is:
Crusher Dust is a fine material made from finely crushed rock. It’s often used as a compactable surface under pavers, artificial turf, or as a filler.

Best for:

• Pathways under pavers
• Low-traffic areas
• Final bedding layer over road base

Benefits:

• Extremely fine and easy to level
• Excellent for screeding under pavers
• Helps lock in larger aggregates
• Good water retention (but not drainage)

How to use it:
Spread a thin layer (20–40mm) and compact with a plate compactor. Ideal as a finishing layer on top of road base or under synthetic grass.

Recommended Layering Process

Here’s a general guide to building a long-lasting driveway or path:

1. Excavate the area:
Remove topsoil and loose material to the required depth (usually 150–300mm depending on traffic and soil type).

2. Lay and compact Road Base:
This is your structural layer. Spread in even layers, wet it down, and compact thoroughly.

3. Add Crushed Rock (optional):
For improved drainage or visual appeal, you can add a layer of 10–20mm aggregate.

4. Top with Crusher Dust (if paving):
Apply a thin, level layer of crusher dust for pavers or artificial turf. Compact before final surfacing.

Final Tips for Success

• Use a compactor: Always compact each layer thoroughly to prevent sinking or shifting.
• Grade for drainage: Ensure your base slopes slightly away from buildings to prevent pooling water.
• Use geo-fabric where needed: Especially on soft or clay-heavy ground, a separation layer can stop mixing and rutting.

Need Help Choosing the Right Base?

At Nepean Landscape Supplies, we stock all the materials you need for a solid foundation—delivered across Greater Sydney. Whether you’re building a new driveway, installing a garden path, or prepping a slab, our experienced team can recommend the right materials for your specific project.

Call us today or visit our yard to talk base materials.

Bulk loads, expert advice, and reliable delivery—sorted.