1. home and garden
2. gardening and landscaping
3. yard and patio

Pavers
Victoria
Landscaping made easy
Contents
Choosing pavers? Begin here.
4
Pavers. Sustainable and low impact.
5
The Austral Bricks Paver Collection
6
Riviera Freedom
6
Riviera Classic
8
Designer Series
10
Nubrik Metro
12
Classic Series
14
Concrete Pavers
16
Paving – 8 Easy Steps for DIY and Professional Landscapers
18
Helpful Hints
23
Choosing pavers?
Begin here.
Austral Bricks sells a great range of pavers, both clay and
concrete, to suit any budget and application.
Clay or concrete: What’s the difference?
Clay pavers are made from naturally occurring clay and shale
that is fired in a high temperature kiln, permanently locking in
their colour and strength. They are usually smoother and very
durable and come in an extensive natural colour range.
Concrete pavers are made from sand and cement. They have
softer colours and are also very strong and come in a different
range of sizes and formats. They can be an economical option.
Large or small?
Standard “brick size” pavers can be laid in a wide variety of
creative patterns that give texture to a pavement. Larger
format pavers are very suitable for formal, contemporary
garden designs and can also make a small area look larger.
Which paver colours will go with my walls?
For larger areas avoid using pavers of the same or similar
colour as your walling. For example, if your walling is dark,
use a light colour paver trimmed with a band or edging of
a similar colour to the walling.
Are pavers suitable for a driveway?
Most pavers are suitable for driveways. Some require a
concrete base while others can be laid on a flexible base of
sand and crushed rock.
Do pavers need sealing?
Most pavers don’t require sealing. High value concrete pavers
should be sealed to help protect from staining. For the
ultimate in stain resistance Riviera™ Freedom large format clay
pavers are permanently treated with Paveshield®.
Can I do it myself?
Certainly! Paving is an ideal task for the keen do-it-yourselfer.
See Paving - 8 Easy Steps for DIY and professional landscapers
on page 18.
4
Pavers. Sustainable
and low impact.
Clay and concrete segmental pavers are commonly laid on a
flexible base of compacted sand and crushed rock. This offers
a range of environmental advantages, especially when
compared to poured concrete.
Segmental pavements are porous. Poured concrete
effectively seals the underlying natural soil. Pavers allow small
amounts of rainwater to pass through.
Pavers save water. A paved patio or courtyard creates an
all-weather recreation area that doesn't require watering
(or mowing) and looks great all year round.
Pavers allow for ground movements. Pavers laid on a base
of sand and crushed rock will “give” slightly with ground
swelling or contracting due to dry conditions or clay soils.
They are also easy to repair.
Need access under the paving? Just lift a few pavers to
access a gas or water pipe or to lop off a stray tree root.
Then simply reinstate the pavers. No jackhammers needed!
Clay pavers are all natural. Clay pavers are made from
naturally occurring minerals. There are no chemicals, no fillers,
no synthetic materials.
Pavers are the durable alternative. Unlike timber, pavers
last and last and don’t require expensive (and environmentally
unfriendly) finishes such as paint or oil.
Austral Bricks is a GreenSmart Leader, a program
sponsored by the Housing Industry Association to promote
environmental performance in Australia’s building industry.
Pavers are fully reusable. Pavers laid on a flexible base
can be lifted and re-laid or reused elsewhere without being
damaged.
Applications Legend
Slip Resistance
All Austral Bricks pavers conform to one of the top two categories of the five specified in the
Australian Standard on slip resistance.
V
L
Very Low
Very low risk of slipping when wet
Low
Low risk of slipping when wet
Durability
Most Austral Bricks pavers are rated as Exposure Class, the highest durability level in the
Australian Standard.
E
Exposure Class
G
General Purpose Suitable for all other applications
Suitable for all environments including harsh conditions such as paving around
salt-chlorinated pools and on salty soil.
5
6
Riviera Freedom Stain-Resistant Clay Pavers
Riviera Freedom Napoli
Less cleaning,
more living,
that’s Freedom!
Sit back and relax with Riviera
Riviera Freedom Impressio
™
Freedom stain-resistant clay
pavers. As well as being
beautiful and remarkably
durable, these large-format
pavers resist common stains,
making them easy to clean and
maintain. That’s because every
Riviera Freedom clay paver is
treated with Paveshield™, a
revolutionary surface coating
Riviera Freedom Impressio
that is permanently bonded to
Riviera Freedom Modena
the paver during manufacture,
ensuring a high level of stain
resistance.
Colour-matched bullnose pavers
are available for pool surrounds
and step edges. Riviera Freedom
are suitable for driveways when
Modena
Alassio
Pescara
Verona
Impressio
laid on a rigid base.
300 x 300 x 40 mm
V
Very low risk of slipping when wet
E
Exposure Class - salt safe,
suitable for all environments
Napoli
Torino
For information regarding colour variation, please see page 23.
7
Riviera
™
Classic Clay Paver Series
8
Riviera™ Classic Clay Paver Series
Riviera Classic Monte Carlo
Spend lazy days
on the Riviera
The colour and texture of real
fired clay in a large format paver.
That’s the revolutionary Riviera™
Classic Clay Paver Series from
Austral Bricks™.
Riviera Classic clay pavers are
available in six gorgeous colour
blends. They have the size –
300 mm square, 400 mm square
and 450 x 255 mm – to
complement popular
landscaping themes.
Riviera Classic Monte Carlo
Riviera Classic Portofino
Riviera Classic Naples
Riviera Classic’s strong lines and
formal symmetry open up the
smallest inner-city courtyard and
look equally at home in large
spaces.
The excellent slip resistance and
salt safe qualities of Riviera
Classic clay pavers makes them
ideal for use around saltchlorinated pools. All colours are
available in a bullnose edge for
pool surrounds, stairs and wall
capping. Riviera Classics are
suitable for driveways when laid
on a rigid base.
Imperia
Monte Carlo (Riviera Classic 300 only)
Andora
Portofino
Valletta
Naples
Riviera Classic 300
300 x 300 x 40 mm
Riviera Classic 400
400 x 400 x 50 mm
Riviera Classic 450
225 x 450 x 40 mm
V
Very low risk of slipping when wet
E
Exposure Class - salt safe,
suitable for all environments
For information regarding colour variation, please see page 23.
9
Designer Series
TM
A touch of European
elegance
Austral Bricks Designer Series™
pavers combine style with the
classical appeal of a stone
finish. These large format pavers –
most are available up to a massive
600 x 300 x 50 mm – are
perfect in today’s structured, lowmaintenance landscape designs,
but equally at home in country
and English garden settings.
Versatile Designer Series pavers
can also be laid in driveways
(on a concrete base) and indoors.
New additions to the range are
Terrazzo, highly polished to a
richness of clarity and colour,
and Natural Stone, genuine
sawn granite pavers.
Lay Designer Series Tuscan and
Honed pavers on a concrete
base in all vehicle pavements.
A concrete base is required for
all Designer Series Terrazzo and
Natural Stone applications.
Brought to you by
10
Designer Series Pavers
Tuscan
Honed
Terrazzo
Natural Stone
Lightly bevelled edges add a
formal touch.
Subtle, low sheen, satin
finish.
High-performance, highgloss pavers and flooring.
Solid concrete pavers with a
heart of stone! Designer Series
Tuscan pavers blend natural
aggregates with concrete and
premium-quality colouring
agents. These superb pavers
have remarkable strength,
durability and beauty.
Designer Series Honed pavers
are lightly polished to expose
the character of the underlying
aggregate, adding a hint of
stylish sophistication while
retaining excellent slip
resistance.
Once restricted to palaces and
cathedrals, terrazzo is now
affordable by all. Made with a
blend of marble, granite and
other natural stones, the highlypolished surface of our Designer
Series Terrazzo pavers is
remarkably durable and requires
little upkeep to maintain its
glow and beauty.
Cut from the finest
Australian stone with five
colours direct from nature
to choose from.
Available sizes:
300 x 300 mm x 40 mm
400 x 400 mm x 40 mm
600 x 300 mm x 50 mm
Bullnose available in each size
Available sizes:
300 x 300 mm x 40 mm
400 x 400 mm x 40 mm
600 x 300 mm x 50 mm
Bullnose available in each size
Available sizes:
300 x 300 mm x 36 mm
400 x 400 mm x 36 mm
The timeless appeal of
genuine stone! Our solid,
sawn granite Designer Series
Natural Stone pavers are
finished with a finely-textured,
hammered surface.
Available sizes:
300 x 300 mm x 30 mm
400 x 400 mm x 30 mm
600 x 300 mm x 30 mm
Bullnose available in each size
V
Very low risk of slipping when wet
L
Low risk of slipping when wet
L
Low risk of slipping when wet
V
Very low risk of slipping when wet
E
Exposure Class - salt safe,
suitable for all environments
E
Exposure Class - salt safe,
suitable for all environments
E
Exposure Class - salt safe,
suitable for all environments
E
Exposure Class - salt safe,
suitable for all environments
Limestone
Limestone
Ingle White
Riverina White
Sandstone
Sandstone
Vetro Blue
Juparana Cream
Urban
Urban
Charles Sturt Grey
Balmoral Green
Latte
Latte
Flinders Charcoal
Calca Red
Slate
Slate
Vecchia Scuola
Grandee Black
For information regarding colour variation, please see page 23.
11
TM
Pressed Clay Pavers
12
Nubrik Metro™ Pressed Clay Pavers
Step out in style
with Nubrik
Metro
Whether your landscape is
large or small, cottage or
contemporary (or somewhere in
between), Nubrik Metro is the
stylish solution to all your
paving needs.
Metro looks great, with smooth
faces that offer excellent slip
resistance. Each paver face has
a unique character, highlighted
by crisp, straight edges.
The traditional paver size and
format allows Metro to be laid
in the widest variety of creative
and original patterns.
Metro Vanilla™
Metro Smoke™
Metro Caramel™
Metro Hazelnut™
Metro Red™
Metro Blue™
Best of all, Metro’s six natural,
kiln-fired colours will never fade
or change over their long,
low-maintenance life.
Style with substance.
That’s smart. That’s Metro.
50 mm
114 mm
G
230 mm
General Purpose
For information regarding colour variation, please see page 23.
13
Classic
TM
Clay Paver Series
Victoria Blue
14
Classic Clay Paver Series
Autumn Red
Traditional
Victorian
favourites!
For more than 20 years Austral
Bricks Classic Series clay pavers
have graced homes across our
state and around Australia.
Classic Red & Cream
Their design flexibility – ask
about the wide range of
patterns that are possible –
combines with rich colours and
textures to create attractive
and durable paths, courtyards
and driveways.
Choose a single colour or
add a distinctive touch with
Cream
Red
Autumn Red
Victoria Blue
edges, bands or panels in a
contrasting colour. Whatever
your choice and whatever the
setting, our Classic Series clay
pavers will give the good looks
and performance you demand.
50 mm
114 mm
230 mm
V
Very low risk of slipping when wet
E
Exposure Class - salt safe, 10
suitable for all environments
Rustic Red
For information regarding colour variation, please see page 23.
15
Concrete Pavers
16
Concrete Pavers
Desert Fawn
Pewter
Goldenstone
Sunburst
Desert Red
Red Ash
Colours, sizes and
shapes to suit any
landscape and any
budget
Austral Masonry concrete pavers
are an attractive and economical
way to pave your path, patio or
courtyard. Their soft, earthy
colours are available in three
distinctive sizes from brick-size
Slim Paves to mighty Paving Slabs
that are almost three times the
area of a standard paver. Concrete
pavers are easy to lay, making
them ideal for the home
handyperson wanting to create
attractive paving that is low
maintenance and long lasting.
Flagstone
190 x 190 x 40
V
Very low risk of slipping when wet
G
General Purpose
Slim Pave
230 x 113 x 40
Paving Slab
390 x 190 x 40
Bluestone
For information regarding colour variation, please see page 23.
Grass Pave
Scalloped Garden Edge
Grass Pave is a remarkably versatile paving block. Use
it as a multi-purpose paver for vehicle and other high
traffic areas. When sown with lawn or ground cover,
it produces a beautiful and practical effect.
The ideal way to provide a distinct and decorative
break between gardens and pathways while preventing
soil from being washed onto paths.
Size 387 x 290 x 90 mm
in Pewter only.
For information regarding colour variation, please see page 23.
Size 600 x 200 x 65 mm
in Bluestone, Desert Red
and Desert Fawn.
17
Paving - 8 easy steps
for DIY and professional landscapers
18
Before you begin ...
These general instructions will allow an average home handyperson to design, plan and construct a path, patio,
courtyard, BBQ area, or even a driveway using the “flexible pavement” system. This method uses a base of crushed rock
under a bed of highly-compressed sand supporting pavers laid with narrow, sand-filled gaps. No mortar or concrete is
required. Flexible pavements have proven to be economical and durable in a wide range of applications over many years.
For further information visit your nearest Austral Bricks Design Centre.
1 Estimating materials
Measure the length and width of the area to be paved and use the calculations below
to determine the quantity of materials required.
M AT E R I A L S P E R S Q UA R E M E T R E
Product
Size
(mm)
Gap
(mm)
Pavers
Sand
Fine crushed rock
Path/patio
Flagstone
190 x 190
2
27
Slimpave
230 x 113
2
37.5
Paving Slab
390 x 190
2
13.5
Classic & Metro
230 x 114
2
37
0.025 m3
300 x 300
4-6
10.8
Driveway
0.10 m3
Riviera 300, Riviera Freedom
Riviera 400
400 x 400
4-6
6.2
Riviera 450
450 x 225
4-6
9.6
Designer Series
300 x 300
2-3
10.8
Designer Series
400 x 400
2-3
6.2
Designer Series
600 x 300
2-3
5.5
0.075 m3
Concrete base
recommended
Allow additional quantities for breakages, site wastage and cuts.
One 20 kg bag of pre-mixed concrete will be sufficient for 10 to 15 metres of edge restraint haunching.
19
2 Mark out
Begin your project by identifying the area you wish to pave.
Set a taut stringline to the finished pavement height around the
perimeter of the area and, in large areas, across the middle (see
diagram right). Ensure the pavement area has a minimum fall of
1 in 50 to shed surface water. Slope paving away from buildings
and allow for final paving surface to be below any damp proof
course. Time spent preparing the site will be rewarded in the
long run and your paving will be as good as the foundations.
Mark out and set stringlines
The base must be firm.
3 Excavate
Excavate the pavement area within the stringlines to the total
depth required, that is, thickness of fine crushed rock base (FCR)
Total depth
of excavation
+ bedding sand + paver.
Paver
Bedding sand
Edge restraint (concrete)
Base course
Check level to ensure drainage
EXCAVATION TABLE
Bedding
sand (mm)
Driveways - 40 mm pavers
Base
course (mm)
Use concrete base
Driveways - 50 mm pavers*
25
100
175
Path/patio - 40 mm pavers
25
75
140
Path/patio - 50 mm pavers
25
75
150
* Use concrete base for driveways constructed with all Riviera and Designer Series pavers
20
Total
depth (mm)
4 Base Course
Spread an even layer of fine crushed rock over the excavated area to the
required depth as indicated in step three. Level with a straight edge and
compact thoroughly using a vibrating plate compactor.
NOTE:
This finished compacted base should be level and
completely solid. Test with a spirit level to ensure it drains in
the required direction, away from any structure.
Compact base course
5 Bedding Sand
Rake coarse washed sand over the base course and then spread to
an even 25mm layer. Allow 5mm for settlement on compaction. To do
this, lay two 25mm wide pieces of straight timber across the base about
two metres apart. Use a straight edge (either a screed bar or a piece of
straight timber) to screed (level) an even layer of sand between the rails.
Remove the rails and place sand in the rail tracks.
Screeding board
Screed rail
Spread bedding sand in sections
6 Lay Pavers
First, determine the average width of the pavers by placing 20 pavers
tightly side by side and measuring their overall width. Divide the figure
by 20. Add the gap size to this average width. Use this dimension to
place a moveable stringline at a spacing of 10 average paver widths
+ 10 gaps.
On an even sand base, start next to any fixed object, for example, house
or fence, and lay your pavers in the bedding sand in the desired pattern.
Herringbone is strongly recommended for driveways using small format
pavers. Ensure pavers are close to but not touching each other, with the
recommended gap between pavers. Avoid putting any weight on the
leading edge as the paver can tilt or slip and ruin the even sand base.
Ensure every tenth paver ends at the moveable stringline.
Note: To ensure a more uniform blend of colour, select pavers from
more than one pack as you lay. (See Blending, page 23.)
Lay pavers
21
7 Edge Restraint
Dig a narrow trench around the perimeter of the pavement.
Shovel concrete into the trench to form a restraining edge
against the pavers. Fill to near top of pavers, allowing space for
soil and turf. The edge restraint must extend below the
bedding course.
Concrete edge keeps pavers in place
8 Compact
Spread fine dry sand over the pavers and sweep into gaps until
filled, and compact. Compaction is best done with a vibrating plate
compactor with an old piece of carpet placed between the compactor plate and the pavers to avoid chipping.
Sweep more fine dry sand across paving and work into gaps.
Repeat compaction until gaps are completely filled.
Compact sand into gaps
PAT T E R N S
S TA C K B O N D
HERRINGBONE*
* Herringbone is the only pattern recommended for driveways using small format pavers.
22
B A S K E T W E AV E
STRETCHER BOND
Helpful Hints
Delivery
Blending
Paving the way for a smooth delivery
Your paving contractor is a professional tradesman and is
Delivering your pavers is the exciting first step in the
responsible for ensuring an even colour distribution
construction process. Here are a few simple guidelines to help
us help you.
• Deliver ahead of time The first delivery should take place
at least a day before work commences, otherwise time may
be lost on site due to waiting. Give us at least 48 hours notice
for subsequent deliveries.
• Take as many pavers as you can in a delivery A full load
ensures priority delivery and efficient on-site blending.
• Help us find you Give a clear street address, including the
nearest crossroad. Tell us of any obstacles such as a narrow,
dead-end or one-way street, weight restrictions, clearways,
and nearby schools or hospitals. Place a job site sign
prominently.
• Ensure site access Tell us beforehand if there is difficult site
access or if the site is locked. If you require us to enter
through neighbouring land, it’s your responsibility to get prior,
written permission.
This process is called blending. Our pavers are partially blended
during packing but this is not sufficient to guarantee a well
blended pavement. Blending on site is important whether the
pavers are a single colour or multi-coloured.
In summary, the blending instructions attached to all packs
recommend:
1. Don’t mix pavers of different types or qualities (for example,
firsts and seconds).
2. Check any accessories, for example bullnose pavers, for
colour matching.
3. Work from at least three open packs of the same paver type
and quality.
4. Select the paver from a top corner of each pack.
5. Work progressively from a corner down and across each
pack in a diagonal pattern. (Don’t remove pavers in
horizontal layers.)
• Where do you want them? We need to know before
delivery if packs need to be placed around the site – use
signs to indicate placement. Don’t allow paver types (colour
or quality) to be mixed. Discuss which pavers go where with
the site supervisor or your paving contractor.
• Pavers are heavy! A tractor with a paver pack weighs
Colour variation
The product photographs in this publication are indicative only
of the range of colours available. Visit an Austral Bricks Design
about five tonnes. Ensure the ground (including underlying
Centre to view samples and current products before finalising
pipes) and any pavement traversed can sustain this weight.
your selection.
Our tractors need at least 2.5 m clear width and 2.6 m height
clearance.
• Safety first and last Ensure children and pets are out of
the way during delivery. Our driver has the final say when it
comes to safety and possible site damage.
• Inspect the delivery Call Austral Bricks immediately if there
are any problems. Product liability transfers to the purchaser
once the units are installed.
23
Linkwall Retaining Walls
VICTORIA
Landscaping made easy
Linkwall
R e t a i n i n g
W a l l s
Kensington blocks & cappers in Bluestone
Linkwall Retaining Walls
Kensington blocks
& cappersin Bluestone
Red Ash
Desert Red
Desert Fawn
Goldenstone
The Linkwall System is a gravity retaining wall
system that’s ideal for domestic or commercial
projects. The blocks are laid dry, and the unique
rear lip design interlocks each block to a
permanent attractive wall. Linkwall is an easy to
install product for the ‘do-it-yourself’ gardener,
or if you need help, visit our website to find a list
of contractors who install our products.
Sandstorm
Bluestone
NOTE: All dimensions are nominal. (Actual dimensions and weight may vary from these nominal
dimensions due to variations resulting from the manufacturing process. Specifications may change
without notice.)
COLOUR VARIATION: Please note that colours and textures may vary slightly from one
manufacturing run to another.
Terraced Vertica blocks & cappers in Sandstone
Completed project photography in this brochure will vary from the Victorian colour range.
Please use the swatches above as samples for available colours.
For further information, contact your Austral Bricks representative, or visit one of our display centres.
Choosing the
Landscaping with Linkwall
Most landscaping requires the use of retaining walls to
contain garden areas or to separate one level of land
from the next.
SMALL WALLS (borders & garden edging)
Borderstone
140
• Ideal for garden edging, tree rings, small
planters, low terraces
100
• For walls up to 300mm high above ground
One of the easiest ways to build a beautiful retaining
wall is with one of our Linkwall systems. As the wall is
built, the textured rock face blocks interlock to form a
215
• Wall steps back at 5:1 gradient
• Approximately 4.65 units per lineal metre
• Colours available: Bluestone, Desert Fawn
and Desert Red
strong, durable and very attractive retaining wall. The
interlocking block is ideal for low garden beds, retaining
MEDIUM WALLS (medium garden walls)
walls or larger terracing projects.
Balmoral/Kensington
As Linkwall blocks are purpose designed to interlock
and remain in place without pins or mortar they are
especially easy for money saving ‘do-it-yourself’
203
• Ideal for low garden seating, retaining
elevated garden beds, front fences on
sloping sites, low to medium size
retaining walls and terraces
130
295
installation. The result is a beautiful, strongly
• For walls up to 900mm high for Balmoral
and 600mm high for Kensington
constructed wall that goes up quickly and easily while
• Wall steps back at 4:1 gradient
allowing considerable design freedom with straight,
• Approximately 26 per m2
curved or serpentine walls.
• Colours available: Bluestone, Desert Fawn,
Red Ash, Sandstorm and Goldenstone
Balmoral
203
130
295
Kensington
MEDIUM WALL ACCESSORIES
Capper
Finish your Linkwall project with Capper
Blocks. Their rounded edge is the answer
for stairs, terracing, water features and
casual seating. Cappers are reversible
with a smooth or split-face edge.
260
50
65
200
203
External Corner Block
This purpose built Corner Block is ideal
for 90° corners in retaining walls and
suits the Kensington or Balmoral blocks
Borderstone - Desert Fawn
Kensington - Sandstorm
130
295
Kensington Bluestone
right product
L aLARGE
rg e Wa
l l s ( s t(structural
r u c t u ra l reretaining
t a i n i n g walls)
walls)
WALLS
Cut Diamond
305
• Ideal for medium to large retaining
walls and terraced retaining walls
150
• For walls up to 1.05m
435
• Higher walls are attainable with
engineering computation
• Wall steps back at 3:1 gradient
• Approximately 15 per m2
• Colours available: Bluestone, Desert Fawn
and Sandstorm
Kensington with Capper
Vertica
r
pe
No
e
on
est
Blu
e
ton
nS
lde
n
Go
aw
tF
ser
De
orm
ds t
San
ed
tR
ser
De
sh
dA
Re
2
m
280
• Ideal for fully engineered vertical
walls with either straight runs or
relatively tight curves
200
450
• For walls up to 800mm
BORDERSTONE
• Higher walls are attainable with
engineering computation
46.5
140 d x 100 h x 215 w
Weight per unit: 6.3kg*
• Walls are at 4° angle
BALMORAL/KENSINGTON
• Approximately 11 per m 2
203 d x 130 h x 295 w
Weight per unit: 14.4kg*
• Colours available: Bluestone, Desert Fawn,
and Sandstorm
CAPPER
26
260 d x 50 h x 200 w
Weight per unit: 11.8kg*
• For more technical details, visit our website
CORNER BLOCK
203 d x 130 h x 295 w
Weight per unit: 22kg*
VERTICA ACCESSORIES
CUT DIAMOND
Capper
Vertica Cappers with their rounded
edge are designed to coordinate with
Vertica blocks and create the perfect
finish for large projects.
100
Vertica Capper
11
VERTICA CAPPER
280 d x 100 h x 450 w
Weight per unit: 27.1kg*
225
This purpose built Vertica Corner
Block is ideal for 90° external corners.
VERTICA
280 d x 200 h x 450 w
Weight per unit: 39.8kg*
450
External Corner Block
15
305 d x 150 h x 445 w
Weight per unit: 35.5kg*
280
200
VERTICA CORNER BLOCK
225 d x 200 h x 450 w
Weight per unit: 45.7kg*
450
Vertica Corner Block
Balmoral - Desert Fawn
Available
*Average weight per unit
Vertica - Sandstorm
Linkwall - 9 easy steps
for DIY and professional landscapers
Kensington Goldenstone with matching capper
9 easy steps for DIY and professional landscapers
Before you start installing
The Linkwall system is an ideal solution for retaining wall projects large or small,
as well as garden edging, raised garden beds and low garden seating. The following
installation procedures will provide you with general instructions to plan, build and
finish your landscaping project. For further information, see our Linkwall Technical
Specifications or speak to an Austral Bricks representative.
1
Things to remember when designing walls
WALL HEIGHTS
Constructing Linkwall retaining walls or borders above these heights requires engineering design:
Borderstone
300 mm (3 courses)
Minimum radius at base 500mm
Kensington
600 mm (4 courses)
Minimum radius at base 880mm
Balmoral
900 mm (7 courses)
Minimum radius at base 880mm
Vertica
800 mm (4 courses)
Minimum radius at base 2100mm
Cut Diamond
1.05 m (7 courses)
Minimum radius at base 2100mm
Retaining walls of any height may require council approval. Check with your council before commencement.
NB: Measurements are from ground level up and at least half of the first course is below ground level.
2
Estimating materials
Linkwall blocks
Fine crushed rock
No. per square metre of walling
Per metre of walling
Borderstone
46.5
0.025 m3
Kensington
26
0.09 m3
Balmoral
26
0.09 m3
Vertica
11
0.12 m3
Cut Diamond
15
0.12 m3
Example:
A Linkwall Balmoral retaining wall 10 metres long and four courses (520 mm) high will require:
• 136 Linkwall blocks
• 0.9 cubic metres fine crushed rock
• 10 metres agricultural pipe
Allow additional quantities for breakages, site wastage and cuts.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
TOOLS REQUIRED:
Appropriate footwear
Gloves
Ear protection
Respiratory protection
Eye protection
•
•
•
•
Stringline and pegs
Spirit Level
Tape measure
Bolster
•
•
•
•
Hammer
Spade
Hand compactor
Wheelbarrow
Installing retaining walls
3 Mark out
Begin project by identifying the location of your wall and staking
out and marking the wall or border with a stringline. A garden hose
Minimum offset from title
boundary and driveway
can be used to lay out curved areas.
Height “Y”
1.2 x “Y”
Identify location
Mark out
4 Excavate
Ensure in the early stages that underground services will not be
affected. Dig a trench along the marked-out line to the width
and depth shown in the table below. Level bottom of trench
and compact.
Level bottom of trench
EXCAVATION AND FOOTING TABLE
Excavation
Footing (fine crushed rock)
Borderstone
250mm wide x 100mm deep
75mm deep
Kensington/Balmoral
450mm wide x 200mm deep
150mm deep
Cut Diamond/Vertica
600mm wide x 200mm deep
150mm deep
9 easy steps for DIY and professional landscapers
5 Footing
Fill the trench with fine crushed rock to the required depth as
indicated previously and compact. To determine how much fill is
required, measure the length, depth and width of footing.
CALCULATION-VOLUME
Length x Depth x Width = Volume
Example: Footing is 6 m long, 300mm wide, 75mm deep.
6 x 0.300 x 0.075 = 0.135 m3 (say 0.15 m3 of
crushed rock required).
Compact footing
6 First course
Position the blocks side by side on the prepared base and level in both
directions using a spirit level. Ensure each block is bedded down firmly
into the crushed rock and is aligned with the stringline.
level
ground
Natural
Note: If the retaining wall runs downhill, step the first course down
the height of one block and forward the width of the
Set forward x 1
rear lip or “set back” of one block.
Set forward x 2
Footing (fine crushed rock)
Bottom of excavation
Base course for walls stepping downhill
7 Drainage
For walls above 300mm high lay an agricultural drain behind the wall
and back fill with open gravel. Place approximately 50mm depth
of open gravel (screenings) behind the base course and place a 65
to 100mm diameter agricultural drain (stiff PVC [white] with slots,
available in 6m lengths, or flexible PVC [black] with perforations,
available in 10 to 20m rolls), on top of the screenings. Make sure
the drain slopes in the direction of the connection point to your
main drain.
Back fill with screenings
8 Lay the wall
Continue installing additional courses one course at a time by
placing units offset by half a unit from the underlying course
(running bond). Pull each block forward gently to ensure the rear
lip is sitting tight.
Backfill each course with crushed rock, and compact as you go.
(Borderstone can be backfilled with soil. NB: Organic soil or clay is
NOT recommended for backfill material with other Linkwall units
as it provides inadequate compaction and drainage.)
Purpose-made External Corner Blocks are available to allow your
wall to turn a 90-degree corner cleanly and without cutting.
They are available in all colours and in most block systems.
Typical wall section
Soil or mulch
Maximum height “H”
Linkwall blocks
Ensure each course remains level
Screening
(free draining medium)
200 - 300mm wide
TIP: Prior to each course, ensure
top of previous layer is swept clean.
When placing subsequent courses,
50 - 100mm diameter
“Ag” pipe
Fall
make sure the joint is offset half a
block from the joint below. When
installing curved walls, the joint will
Footing (fine crushed rock)
1⁄
2
Depth of footing (refer table)
to 1 block buried
below ground
9 Finishing and capping
Linkwall capping blocks are available if a more decorative finish is
required. Partial blocks can also be used to finish your wall. When
laying the final two courses it is good practice to use a masonry
adhesive to secure the wall. Screenings are not placed behind the
final course; use topsoil instead for planting purposes. A filter can
be placed over screenings to avoid topsoil washing down.
TIP: To split a block, use a hammer and bolster to score the
block on all sides. Pound the bolster on the score line until the
block splits. If the block does not split easily, you may need to
use a circular cut-off saw with a masonry blade. Read and
understand the operating manual before using a saw. Always
use eye protection when splitting blocks.
Splitting a block
move slightly off centre. Use a split
block to regain a running bond.
9 easy steps for DIY and professional landscapers
Please note: This information is given for general guidance and does not replace the services of professional advisers on specific projects. Local or
state regulations may require variation from the practices and recommendations contained in this publication. All dimensions quoted are nominal.
Copyright © 2007 Austral Bricks, may not be reproduced, copied or stored in any medium without prior, written authorisation.
Colour variation: Display panels and brochures are only an indication of colour and appearance. Linkwall is made from natural materials and may
vary from one run to the next. Please ensure you view more than one sample panel to get an indication of a product’s colour range.
Colour blending: When Linkwall blocks are delivered, the colours may vary within each pack and from one pack to the next.
To achieve the best blend in the job, please ensure you follow the blending instructions on the packs.
Balmoral Goldenstone
Borderstone Desert Fawn
Borderstone Goldenstone
Borderstone Goldenstone
Kensington Desert Fawn
PaveFX
8
PaveFX Clay Pavers
Coal
Clay pavers are the real thing
and they don’t come any more
real than the four earth-friendly
colours of PaveFX. Whether it’s a
path, patio or courtyard, these
pavers have the good looks and
performance you demand.
Select a single colour or use a
contrasting colour in edges,
bands or panels.
W E
S
Ore
Sand
W E
W E
S
S
PaveFX*
230 x 114 x 50 (37m2 laid
with nominal 2-3mm joint)
* Flat or low gradients
50mm
114mm
230mm
Residential pedestrian
Residential vehicles
W Low risk of slipping when wet
V
Very low risk of slipping
when wet
E
Exposure Class - suitable for
use in all areas
S
Salt resistant
9
Terrace
Clay Paver Series
Red
12
Terrace Clay Paver Series
Cream border
Red
W E
S
Cream
With all the unique characteristics
of clay combined with softly rolled
edges, Terrace Series clay pavers
are ideal for paths, patios and
courtyards. Their strong colours
of rich red, cool cream and
terracotta make them very
distinctive. Traditional in size and
with bold features, our Terrace
clay pavers will enhance any
home and are a real sign of
elegance and premium quality.
W E
Terracotta
S
W E
S
TERRACE*
230 x 114 x 50
* Flat or low gradients
50mm
114mm
230mm
Residential pedestrian
Residential vehicles
Red
W
Low risk of slipping when wet
V
Very low risk of slipping
when wet
E
Exposure Class - suitable for
use in all areas
S
Salt resistant
Red and Cream
13
Commercial
65 Clay Paver Series
Commercial Victoria Blue
Old Brunswick
Red
14
Commercial 65 Clay Paver Series / Old Brunswick
Commercial Victoria Blue
Austral Bricks’ Commercial 65
Series are specially designed for
high-traffic commercial
applications. Their extra depth
and patented keyed base work
together to accommodate high
axle loads and resist turning and
braking forces. With their
excellent slip resistance and high
durability levels, Commercial 65
Series is also the answer for
footpaths, malls and shopping
precincts.
Commercial Cream
Commercial Red
W E
W E
S
Commercial Terracotta
S
W E
Commercial Victoria Blue
S
W E
S
COMMERCIAL
230 x 114 x 65
NB: Made to order,
conditions apply.
Residential vehicles
High volume pedestrian
E
Exposure Class - suitable
for use in all areas
230mm
Heavy vehicles
114mm
W
Low risk of slipping when wet
V
Very low risk of slipping when wet
Salt resistant
Old Brunswick Red
Our Old Brunswick brick paver is an original
sized paving brick. The hardwearing properties
of fired clay combined with the beautiful
blended red brick colours have graced the
paths of some of Melbourne’s most famous
community and residential buildings. Today,
renovators and new homebuilders alike, often
look to real brick pavers to capture that
enduring classic pavement or driveway.
65mm
High volume vehicles
Residential pedestrian
V E S
OLD BRUNSWICK
76mm
230 x 110 x 76
Residential pedestrian
110mm
230mm
Residential vehicles
High volume pedestrian
V
E
Exposure Class - suitable for use in all areas
S
Salt resistant
Very low risk of slipping when wet
15