When constructing or remodelling, we spend a great deal of time agonising over the colour of our house and our landscaping, but we frequently neglect the driveway. The driveway is a big part of your house’s curb appeal and deserves more attention.
A well-built driveway should last for at least twenty years if installed correctly; otherwise, you will need to repair it within a few years. In that case, you will have to contact the paving pros. This post will help you understand the functionalities of your driveway paving task, specifically:
Your driveway paving choices
Stuck for ideas on what to pave your driveway with? The good news is that there are more options than bitumen and gravel. Concrete offers a stable surface for driveways available in a range of finishes, including plain, stencilled, stamped, and exposed aggregate. Plain concrete is one of the most reliable and cost-effective paving options for driveways, requiring little maintenance aside from an occasional pressure wash.
Brick: Brick pavers not only look fantastic but also require minimal maintenance. A pressure wash every few seasons should suffice. In terms of durability, if a particular brick breaks, it is easily replaced. If you want intricate patterns on your driveway, such as basket weave or herringbone, expect to pay more. Brick requires a solid base to last as a driveway, considering the vehicle traffic it must endure.
Gravel:Gravel, though not strictly a paving material, is a relatively inexpensive surface for level driveways and rural homes. However, it does have its downsides. Gravel requires regular maintenance, can be dusty, and may require weeding.
What is a base?
A base is part of the preparation work done before your driveway surface is laid. Depending on the type of driveway and paving material, this is usually a crushed sandstone compacted with a roller. You might also have a concrete base. This ensures that your paving has a stable base to rest on and is vital to the longevity of your driveway. Drainage is also installed with the base to ensure stormwater runs to a suitable drain.
Hiring a driveway specialist
When it comes time to hire a professional for your job, ensure they are suitable for the task. Some questions to ask include:
- Are you certified for my job?
- Do you have valid insurance?
- Can you provide a written quote?
- Do you have any references I can follow up on?
- Can I see examples of your work?
How Much Does It Cost to Pave a Driveway?
Before we look at the cost of some different driveway paving options, let’s list what factors a specialist will use to estimate your task:
- Your material choice will affect the final price.
- The size, in square metres, of the surface to be paved.
- Slope: the steeper your driveway, the more expensive it will be.
As one of the most affordable options, a plain concrete driveway is an excellent standard to use when calculating the cost of a new driveway. With that as your lowest price point, you’ll be better able to assess the real value of more decorative paving options.
- R300+ per square metre for a plain concrete driveway on a level surface.
- R350+ per square metre for a plain concrete driveway on a sloping surface.
- R350+ per square metre for brick paving.
- R500+ per square metre for natural stone pavers.
Don’t forget to work the cost of a base into your budget, although a specialist will estimate the entire task. Expect to pay around:
- R10,500 to R18,000 for a gravel base for a site of 50 square metres with easy access and minimal preparation.
- R20,300 to R28,800 for a concrete base for a site of 50 square metres with easy access and minimal preparation.
Getting quotes for your driveway job
The best way to find out the cost of your driveway paving task is to get quotes from local paving experts or concretors. This will give you a sense of the current market rates.
