Description
Alexander Topping (Lilydale) is a crushed rock topping, sold as Lilydale topping, for driveways, paths and landscaping. It has enough fines to compact into a firm, walkable surface rather than staying loose, and it is the general-purpose option alongside the warmer-toned Tuscan Topping.
On a path, lay it over a compacted base and compact the topping itself; uncompacted topping shifts underfoot. In a garden bed, lay it over weed mat for tidy, low-maintenance cover.
Like any quarried topping, colour can vary a little between batches, so collect the full quantity in one load where a consistent colour matters. Allow about 10 to 15 percent extra for compaction and top-ups.
Technical Specifications
| Material | Crushed rock topping |
|---|---|
| Application | Paths and garden bed cover |
| Sold as | Loose, by the cubic metre in quarter-m3 steps |
| Collection | Pickup from Keilor East, Melbourne |
Where to Use
- Garden paths and walkways
- Informal driveways and parking bays
- Garden bed decorative cover
- General landscaping topping
How to Apply
- Prepare the base – compact a suitable sub-base for path use, or lay a weed mat for garden bed cover.
- Spread to an even depth – distribute evenly across the area.
- Compact for paths – compact thoroughly for a stable, walkable path surface.
- Edge the area – edging keeps the topping contained against lawn or garden beds.
- Top up as needed – replenish over time as material compacts or is displaced.
Important Notes
- Compaction is important for path use; an uncompacted topping shifts underfoot over time.
- A weed mat underneath is recommended for garden bed cover.
- Pickup from Keilor East (Melbourne). Sold loose by the cubic metre in quarter-m3 steps; part loads of a quarter, half and three-quarter cubic metre are available.
- Crushed stone contains crystalline silica: keep it damp when spreading or sweeping, avoid breathing the dust, and wear a P2 mask if it is dry and dusty.
- Roughly 1.5 tonnes per cubic metre: a quarter cubic metre is about 375 kg.
- Further reading: Crushed stone (Wikipedia).
