Block paving can add a stylish appearance to your home, whether it’s used for the driveway or a patio.
With various colours, patterns and finishes, there’s an aesthetic that appeals for everyone. However, you might be wondering how much you can expect to pay for block paving once you reach out to a specialist contractor.
Although it is best to get a contractor to visit your property for a specific quote, it is important to get clued on the basics of what you can expect to pay so that you don’t get ripped off.
This article will cover the costs you can expect to pay for block paving and other factors that can affect the cost of block paving.
Cost per m²
We contacted 33 different block paving contractors for quotes for different types of block paving. These prices include supply and fitting of the block paving as well as VAT.
| Type of Block Paving | Average | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (e.g Herringstone) | £85 | £70 - £110 |
| Mid-range (E.g Cobbled Effect) | £110 | £85 - £130 |
| Premium (e.g Indian Stone) | £130 | £110 - £150 |
Depending on the size required to be paved, this would result in the following total prices.
| Size | Lower End Average | Higher End Average |
|---|---|---|
| 10m² | £850 | £1300 |
| 20m² | £1700 | £2600 |
| 40m² | £3400 | £5000 |
| 60m² | £5000 | £7500 |
| 80m² | £6700 | £9900 |
Factors that Affect the Cost
Size of Block Paving
Generally, the larger the block paving required, the lower a contractor can do the work per m². Generally expect a difference of £20-£25 per m² for lower sizes below 40m² compared to sizes above 100m².
Type of Blocks Used
In terms of supply only, the blocks alone can range from £14- £30 per m² to buy, however, this can rise considerably for more premium block types.
Standard block paving may be around £10 m², whereas something like Marshalls Drivesys Original Cobble is around £55 per m², meaning a £40 difference depending on the types of blocks used.
Edge Restraints
The edging acts as a restrain so that blocks don’t move and spoil the shape. There are various options available, but the common materials include brick, timber, metal and stone. All have different prices.
Drainage Issues
If you have a manhole step where the block paving is required, this will incur extra cost in order to mitigate.
If you need a new soakaway installed or extensive pipework or excavation for the drainage channel to reach an existing soakaway, you can expect to pay far more as well.
Access
Good access is important so that delivery lorries can be stationed outside your property. This allows the materials to be moved onto the site quickly.
Most houses shouldn’t have any problems if they are roadside and they can park close to your house. You may have a small problem if your driveway is on the smaller side and a lorry can’t fit through.
If a lorry has to be parked further away, then the contractor will add on additional labour costs compensate.
Area the Block Paving is Being Placed Onto
If you have an existing driveway for example, then a contractor can use this a base to lay the block paving onto. Because less excavation and preparation is required, this can reduce the costs.
If you have a stoned or grass area, then excavation is needed to remove the original material and a new base installed.
Even if you can use your existing driveway as the base, it still needs to be in good condition. If there has been damage, then this will need to be prepared before adding the overlay.
The cost of installing onto a ready-made base is about half the cost of installing onto a base that needs to be built by the contractor.
Amount of Waste Disposal
This is dependent on how deeply the dig needs to be undertaken. This may change for all sorts of reasons depending on the site condition, the use of the block paving etc.
Typically the two methods of waste disposal are by hiring a skip or a grab lorry.
The usual skip size is an 8-yard skip. This would carry around 6m³ of waste and cost about £200. A grab lorry can carry around 11m³ and cost around £250 for each load.
Grab lorries will tend to be more cost-effective, but regardless, these should be built into the contractor’s quotes.
Do Any Trees Need to be Removed?
Trees will need to be removed if they have roots underneath the block paving, as these would eventually push the block paving out.
Typically you’ll be looking at £150 – £300 extra for the removal of smaller trees up to £1000 – £1200 or more for larger trees than say over 75ft.
Location
Labour costs in London and the south of England are generally more expensive than elsewhere.
If the contractor needs to travel beyond a certain radius that they serve, then they may charge an extra call out fee on top. If you live in a more rural location, then this might need to be factored in.
Transport and haulage costs will also vary from project to project depending on the location.
Do You Need Planning Permission for Block Paving?
Permeable blocks that allow drainage does not require planning permission.
If the blocks are impermeable, then you must provide the water can drain into a suitable area. Impermeable blocks include materials like clay and a suitable drainage area could be a lawn or guttering.
If there is no drainage area that can be used, planning permission is needed for areas of 5m² or more of block paving.
Get Pricing on Block Pavings Near You
We’ve done our best to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay for block paving.
However, our guides are not a substitute for a fixed written quote specifically for you.
We work with all the best block paving experts ready to price your job. Get free, no-obligation quotes in your local area and compare prices using the form below.
- Compare Multiple Quotes & Save Up to 40%
- Certified & Vetted Block Pavers
- Free & No Obligation
- Local Block Paving Experts Near You
About the Author
Alex Johnson is a qualified quantity surveyor and writer with a passion for conducting original research and uncovering the true cost of jobs. His cost data has been referenced by EDF Energy and the Scottish Government.