When it comes to outdoor paving, concrete pavers cost between R250 and R500+ per square metre. For a base of 50 square metres, you can expect to pay R11,250 to R18,000 for a gravel base or R20,000 to R35,000 for a concrete base.
If you need the help of paving pros for any reason, don’t disregard concrete paving because of a picture of a cold, grey surface in your mind. Concrete specialists use various techniques to create stunning concrete paving effects that can make concrete not only affordable but also elegant. This could enhance your driveway, path, patio, or swimming pool surround and last for years with very little maintenance.
Like any project, you need to know how much your concrete paving task will cost. Another option to paving your driveway is getting it tarred. Follow this link for more pricing info on “How much does tar surfacing cost?“
Concrete Paving Alternatives
To get a complete picture of the cost of concrete paving, you need to know the available options. Some popular decorative options include:
- Precast concrete pavers: Cost-effective and reliable, available in a wide array of colours and styles. They are long-lasting, easy to maintain, and won’t break. Some styles can even mimic the appearance of more expensive stone pavers.
- Aggregate: A traditional method that involves adding small pebbles to the concrete mix. Widely used in housing developments and commercial applications, it is a very affordable choice.
- Spray painting: Can be applied directly over plain concrete. Stencilled patterns are available if you want something more decorative than a plain colour. Concrete spray painting starts at about R200 per square metre for larger areas. For small areas, it will cost more to cover transport and setup. Also, expect to pay more for patterns and multiple colours.
Concrete resurfacing: Can be done on new or old concrete. Using stencils and/or texturing techniques, a variety of effects can be achieved, from a natural stone look to elaborate patterns and designs. Concrete resurfacing costs range from R350 to R500 per square metre. If your concrete company quotes for both laying the concrete and stencilling, the price might start at around R850 per square metre for basic work, increasing to R1000 or more for detailed stencilling and texturing.
How Much Does Concrete Paving Cost?
Several factors will determine the overall cost of your outdoor paving project, including:
- Labour costs: Start at about R100 per square metre for a basic paving job and can increase to R300+ per square metre or more.
- Access and terrain: These will significantly impact the cost. Paving on a flat, level surface will cost less per square metre than paving on a sloping surface.
- Design: The design of the paving also affects the cost. A driveway made from large, square pavers will be more economical than an elaborately patterned driveway made up of small pavers.
- Base materials: The amount of bedding you need for your job, either sand or gravel.
For a garden path, you might be able to get away with laying a sand bed and placing natural stone pavers on top of it. However, choose tiles and tiling pros carefully, as they may crack if not properly laid. For a driveway, a concrete base is a must.
To have your pavers laid, expect to pay around:
- R250 to R500 per square metre for concrete pavers
For a base, expect to pay around:
- R11,250 to R18,500 for a gravel base for a site of 50 square metres with easy access and minimal preparation.
- R20,000 to R35,000 for a concrete base for a site of 50 square metres with easy access and minimal preparation.
