🧱 Retreat Driveway Paving Project
From worn-out to wow-worthy: See how we transformed this Retreat driveway using durable cobblestone paving and expert sub-base installation.
📍 Project Overview
Client: Private homeowner
Location: Retreat, Southern Suburbs, Cape Town
Duration: 4 days
Surface Area: ±80m²
Service: Driveway paving using SABS-approved concrete cobbles
💬 The Client’s Need
The client contacted us after years of struggling with a crumbling, uneven driveway that worsened each rainy season. The driveway had poor water runoff, constant pooling, and had become an eyesore. They wanted something:
Durable enough for regular vehicle use
Beautiful and timeless in appearance
Resistant to shifting and cracking over time
🧭 Our Site Assessment & SolidBase™ Diagnosis
As part of our free site assessment, our paving specialist carried out:
Soil & Drainage Check: The Retreat property had soft clay pockets and a mild slope toward the house—ideal conditions for pooling and sinking.
Stability Test: Failed compaction in the old base.
Drainage Strategy: We proposed correcting the slope to direct water to the street, plus using a stabilised sub-base system to avoid future sagging.
🎨 Material & Design Choices
After walking the client through various design samples, they chose:
Material: Classic concrete cobbles, light grey with subtle texture
Pattern: Stretcher bond paving pattern
🛠️ Step-by-Step Construction Process
✅ Day 1 – Site Prep & Excavation
- Removed all old paving and organic layers
- Excavated to a depth of 200mm
- Installed geo-textile membrane for soil separation
✅ Day 2 – Base Layer
- Laid and compacted 150mm G5 sub-base in 3 compacted layers
- Screeded and compacted a 30mm bedding layer of coarse paving sand
✅ Day 3 – Cobble Laying
- Installed concrete cobbles in chosen pattern
- Cut edges precisely with a masonry saw
- Installed concrete edge restraints for long-term durability
✅ Day 4 – Finishing & Cleanup
- Applied jointing sand and vibrated pavers
- Sealed joints to prevent washout and weed growth
- Final slope test confirmed optimal runoff to the road
📸 Before & After
BEFORE
Uneven, cracked, muddy entrance
AFTER
Smooth, structured, and stylish cobbled driveway
High-resolution photos available upon request.
📊 Results That Last
✅ Surface drainage resolved
✅ Load-bearing base with zero future sink risk
✅ Visual upgrade with instant curb appeal
✅ Completed in under 4 working days
✅ Backed by Genius Paving’s 5-Year Workmanship Guarantee
🗣️ What the Homeowner Said
“We’re blown away. The slope issues are gone, the finish is just perfect, and the team worked cleanly and professionally from start to finish. You can really tell they know what they’re doing.”
🧰 Technical & Warranty Details
Base compacted to 95% Mod AASHTO
SABS-approved concrete cobbles
SANS 1200-compliant workmanship
5-Year no-sink, no-crack workmanship warranty
Optional maintenance schedule available
💡 FAQ: Common Questions from Clients Like You
Q: How much did it cost?
A: Cobble paving in Retreat typically ranges from R490–R590/m² depending on sub-base conditions and type of cobble pavers.
Q: Is maintenance required?
A: Minimal—re-sanding every 2–3 years and pressure washing. We offer maintenance support.
📞 Ready for Your Own Driveway Upgrade in Cape Town?
✅ Free on-site assessment
✅ Custom drainage & stability report
✅ Upfront pricing with no surprises