Site Preparation for Driveways, Slabs & Sheds

Excavating, levelling and preparing bases for driveways, shed slabs and paving with a mini excavator and skid steer.

  • Job guide
  • 1 min read
  • Published 17 September 2026
RS06 Skid Steer Featured machine RS06 Skid Steer $19,990 View machine

A solid base is what makes driveways, slabs and paving last. Compact machines make stripping, levelling and moving base material quick and accurate.

Equipment combination

  • Mini excavator (R15, R18 PRO) for stripping and cutting to level.
  • Skid steer (RS06) with a 4-in-1 bucket for spreading and grading base material.
  • Mini dumper (RD06) to move material through tight access.
  • Compaction equipment such as a plate compactor or roller.

Before you dig: lodge a free enquiry with Before You Dig Australia (byda.com.au) and locate underground services. See Before You Dig in WA.

Process

  1. Set out and set levels. Mark the area and establish finished heights and falls.
  2. Strip topsoil and organics. Remove grass, roots and topsoil — they don't compact.
  3. Cut to subgrade. Excavate to the depth needed for your base and finished surface.
  4. Compact the subgrade. A firm, even subgrade prevents later sinking.
  5. Place base material in layers. Spread road base or crushed limestone in layers and compact each one.
  6. Final trim. Grade to your levels and falls, ready for formwork, pavers or concrete.

Drainage matters

Build in falls away from buildings and plan where stormwater will go. Slabs and driveways often need specific base and drainage details — follow your engineer, builder or product supplier.

Perth materials

Crushed limestone and road base are common base materials locally. Sandy subgrades usually compact well when moist.

See it in person: visit 10 Bushby St, Bellevue WA 6056 or call 1300 263 551. You can also send an enquiry.

Still have questions?

Our Bellevue team can help you choose the right machine and attachments.

1300 263 551
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