Machans Beach Concrete Driveways

It is worth being aware of. Acid sulfate soils can occur in some low-lying coastal and estuarine areas around Cairns, and they can cause problems if they are dug up and exposed to air. Most driveway and path jobs only involve shallow excavation, which keeps disturbance to a minimum. If your project needs deeper digging, such as for footings, drainage pits or a large slab, we may suggest checking with Cairns Regional Council or getting soil advice first. We would rather raise it early than discover an issue partway through the job. Every site is different, so we look at it case by case.

Yes. Under-house slabs are a popular job at Machans Beach because they turn a dusty or muddy space into somewhere useful. We check the clearance for barrows and equipment, work around stumps and posts without damaging them and set the slab so water falls toward the open sides rather than pooling. If you plan to enclose the area later, let us know, as that can affect what approvals you may need and how the slab should be detailed. Some owners also add a path or driveway connection at the same time so the whole area ties together neatly.

It depends on what is causing the damage. Fine surface cracks or one sunken section can often be repaired, and that is usually the cheaper option. If the base has been washed out or has settled across much of the driveway, patching tends to be a short-term fix and replacement is often better value over time. When we visit, we look at the pattern of cracking, check for movement and hollow spots and ask about how water flows through the property. Then we give you a straight answer on both options, including what each would involve and roughly how long the work takes.

The drier months, roughly from May to November, are usually the easiest time for outdoor concrete work in Cairns. Ground conditions tend to be firmer and there is less chance of heavy rain hitting a fresh pour. That said, we pour year-round when the conditions allow. In the wet season we watch the forecast closely, start early and have covers ready if a shower rolls through. If your block is soggy after heavy rain, we may wait a few days for it to drain before preparing the base. We will always talk to you before moving a booked pour.