If you’re considering of giving your driveway or back garden a makeover and getting rid of uneven ground or old paving, block paving is a reasonably obvious choice because it is hailed for adding value to your house.
Block paving is affordable and typically provides a positive return on investment. In addition, block paving is available in a variety of designs, hues, and shapes to complement virtually any aesthetic.
However, there are a few important factors to watch out for when selecting a specialist to finish your project. This essay will discuss:
- What is the price of block paving?
- What factors affect block paving prices?
- How to reduce the cost of block paving
- What kind of block paving ought you to pick?
- What steps are necessary to lay block paving?
- How to locate and employ someone.
Keep reading to learn the most cost-effective tricks to keep costs down and the quality good if you’re thinking about remodelling your outdoor space and want block paving to take centre stage.
What Is the Price of Block Paving?
A table with anticipated expenses per square metre based on the size of the area and a general breakdown of additional material costs can be found below:
- 41 square metres and under, €111
- 41 to 111 square metres for €85
- For 111+ square metres, pay €75.
- Blocks and edging cost €951
- Sharp Sand is 151 euros.
- Sand dried in a kiln costs €75.
- For $451, three skips
- Additional supplies worth €351
- Total cost: €2,175 ($38 per square metre) (labour not included).
These prices are negotiable, as they are with most jobs, so once you’ve decided what you need and how much you’re ready to spend to get the job done, you can start talking to a local paver about your options.
What Affects Block Paving’s Cost?
Location
Depending on where you live, prices can change; generally speaking, Northampton is much more expensive than London.
Material Choice
There are various types of block paving, which means there are various ways to choose the finest option for your region while being cost-effective.
Due to the wide range of shapes, sizes, and textures available in concrete block paving (CBP), it is the most common type of block paving. When set out in specified patterns, CBP makes it simple to achieve virtually any look or style.
Natural stone has a high potential for return on investment when it comes to selling your home because it is durable and gets better with age.
area measurements
The cost of labour and supplies will increase as the size of the room increases. Although it need not stop you from installing block paving, you should be aware of this if you are attempting to stick to a budget.
Pavement Layout
As with any flooring, there are a variety of styles and patterns available to give your block paving a particular look or feel. However, as you might anticipate, more intricate laying patterns, like as herringbone or basket weave, cost more than simple designs.
Similarly, selecting a rectangular or square shape rather than an organic shape like a circle or oval will increase the cost of the project because pavers will need to trim each stone to fit the pattern, which leaves room for additional potential damage to the stones should they chip or crack during the installation process as well as more waste.
Preparation
There might be some paving already in place where you want your new stones to be set; this must be removed before the workers can begin. If you’re able to, removing things yourself will likely result in a significant reduction in overall costs because you won’t be paying experienced labourers to remove items that you might be able to remove yourself.
Prior to the arrival of your pavers, you will need to hire a professional if your property needs to be levelled or dug up.
Extra Resources
There is an additional expense to consider when preparing the sub-base for your paving in addition to the cost of the stones and labour.
Before laying your paving slabs, you often need to apply a layer of dirt, sub-base, sharp sand, and mortar, which means you’ll need a lot of additional supplies. You might also want to lay down a membrane that prevents weeds from sprouting if you want to ensure that your paving lasts and remains in good condition.
Last but not least, a skip may need to be rented if there is existing paving to be removed or the land needs to be levelled. You can save money on skip hire and removal if you can remove the trash on your own and transport it to a recycling facility.
landscaping
A landscaper could be required if there is a lot of ground preparation work that has to be done before you can lay your block paving. In addition to your labour and material costs, this might add up to be a significant expense.
Any effort you can do to help the earth become ready before a landscaper arrives will help reduce costs because it takes them less time to work on your job. You may assist save money on labour charges by clearing away any debris, huge stones, or other garden garbage.
How Can I Get Block Paving Cheaper?
Block paving needs perseverance, diligent work, and it must be completed correctly the first time. Block paving projects can be completed on your own, which can save you money on labour if you’re up for it.
Before deciding to do it yourself, there are a few things to take into account:
- Confidence: Do you have prior knowledge of doing DIY projects and are you at ease with the time and effort needed to finish the job?
- Have you ever carried out a similar task or used equipment akin to what would be required for paving?
- Simply simply, do you have the time to do this project?
- Resources: Do you already own the required equipment? If not, are you prepared to rent it?
It’s advisable to begin with a small area or a straightforward path if you’ve never laid block paving before. By doing so, you can become accustomed with the procedure without taking on more than you can handle.
It should go without saying that if you undertake the work yourself, there are no warranties or guarantees in place. Don’t let this discourage you, though, if you’re prepared to take the chance and believe you can finish it to a high standard.
The ultimate expense of block paving will be your own time, even though you can significantly reduce labour costs by doing it yourself. Simply put, it’s not a project that should be rushed; it requires careful planning and time to complete.
Thorough excavation is the first step in quality block paving, followed by levelling and preparing the surface. If the repair is done improperly, you can have dips where water collects or loose pavement blocks.
If you don’t feel like you can complete a DIY project, you can try to find reclaimed or surplus paving blocks from friends or neighbours who have recently finished projects that require them.
A wonderful area to look for materials remnants that were purchased as a backup and never utilised are internet markets, which frequently sell for considerably less than the RRP.
Which Paving Type Should I Pick?
Block paving is often done with either concrete or clay as the material.
Concrete blocks are frequently chosen because of their low cost and simplicity of installation. The Brick Development Association, however, encourages the use of clay blocks because they are far more durable (BDA).
Let’s examine the benefits and drawbacks of specific forms of block paving:
The Benefits of Concrete
- The choice that is by far the most economical, especially for bigger projects that demand more material.
- a wide range of block depths, shapes, textures, and colour schemes.
- Any skill level may easily install it and the sizing is exact.
- an anticipated lifespan of more than 21 years
The Problems with Concrete
- If you choose coloured concrete, the colour will inevitably fade over time, but if you don’t mind ageing naturally, this isn’t necessary a problem.
- Over time, aggregate may become exposed.
- With time and use, cracks might develop.
Benefits of Natural Stone
- Due to the high expense of natural stone paving, your property gains a significant amount of value.
- It is highly resilient and, unlike concrete, won’t disclose aggregate.
- compared to artificial types, less prone to lose colour over time.
- Natural stone doesn’t require much maintenance over time other than routine cleaning.
Negative aspects of natural stone
- The cost While choosing to pave with natural stone can result in high costs, it can also increase the value of your house, making the decision cost-neutral.
- It’s not a wise choice for novices to make because any damage will be costly to repair.
advantages of brick
- an excellent technique to give a block paved area a uniform appearance.
- It is easy to lay, and after installation, you can virtually instantly drive or walk on it.
- Because of the stones’ texture, they are largely non-slip.
The Problems with Brick
- Bricks that are thinner can readily break when being compressed.
- The weight of cars can eventually cause dips in the brick if the sub-base wasn’t properly coated.
- Over the course of the paving’s lifespan, moss will probably develop in the mortar and cracks, necessitating some maintenance.
advantages of clay
- tough and durable, with a built-in grip to prevent slippage.
- There are pattern pavers available.
- longer lifespan and no fading of the natural colour.
The Drawbacks of Clay
- Due to its propensity for moss growth, maintenance is necessary.
- Fitting might be challenging because sizes can vary by a few millimetres every block.
- Similar to concrete, clay paving is more difficult to cut, making it unsuitable for beginners.
- because clay paving is often harder to locate than concrete alternatives, there is a higher cost each block.
- a maximum block depth
An Overview of Composite Resin’s Benefits
- Composite resin is porous, as opposed to non-permeable stones, hence there won’t be any rain or puddles forming on the surface.
- An environmentally beneficial, sustainable choice
- It is affordable and simple to install.
- Using composite resin eliminates drainage problems that could arise with concrete paving since it repels water.
Cons of Composite Resin
- moss development, which, given the material’s smooth surface, can significantly increase the risk of slipping.
- Since resin solutions are not regulated, it is crucial that you thoroughly screen your employees before they begin to assure the calibre of their job.
What Goes Into Paving Block Laying?
Block paving requires a lot of time to install. The following actions must be taken, whether you do it yourself or hire a pro:
Marking-out
You must first indicate the precise location of the paving using spray markers or string lines. It’s a good idea to write a building plan for bigger projects.
Excavation
If you need to completely excavate the area, think about hiring a digger or excavator for a huge driveway; if not, a breaking hammer machine can be used to shatter any existing concrete.
You’ll need to rent skips to remove the extra soil after digging 211 to 251 millimetres to the level of the intended paving.
sub-base
Use a hardcore or scalping stone to disseminate, level, and condense a sub-base.
Use a minimum of 111 millimetres of thickness, filling any gaps and according to the suggested paving profile. The use of a geo-membrane on top is strongly advised.
Aesthetic Stones
Your block paving will benefit from a restraint edge to assist keep the blocks in place. Use an existing kerb or install your own edging stones; they should be secured with 75 mm of concrete.
Course Laying and Compacting
Sand should be evenly distributed, levelled, and then compacted using a vibration plate to form the foundation for your paving. Blocks should be level with the intended level of the paving and smooth, which is made possible by screeding. A thickness of 25 to 41 millimetres is ideal.
Blocks Being Placed
Press the bricks firmly together as they sink into the sand. As the bricks are lead squarely, spacing bursts will produce tiny joints between the blocks.
Setting up and cutting in
A string line can be used to verify the blocks’ alignment. Bricks should be set in overlapping joints, and disc cutter cuts can be used to make the necessary adjustments for the final blocks.
Finished touches
Install any gully covers and recess trays as necessary.
Jointing
With a brush, cover the entire block paving with kiln-dried jointing sand and then work the sand into each joint. Start vibrating the entire area for 11 minutes without sweeping the extra sand. Avoid focusing too much on any one location and instead cover the entire area.
… so forth.
For an additional 11 minutes, vibrate the blocks while spreading more jointing sand over the joints. Continue doing this until there is sand in every joint.
A wise suggestion is to make sure that any soft spots are completely dug. More sub-base material can then be used to backfill these areas. Digging a little deeper is always preferable to not digging enough.
Let’s estimate the time required by having a team of experts install an average-sized 55 m2 driveway. It may be brick paved in 4 to 5 days total with skilled labour.
A small number of labourers will be used on the first day to finish the preliminary groundwork. If they’re utilising cement breakers and diggers, this is going to be a really noisy day.
The surface preparation and pavement installation may only require 1 to 2 skilled personnel the next day. They’ll utilise vibrating-plate machines, which could also be a little disruptive, to level and compact the surface.
How Can I Locate and Employ Someone?
You’ll need to choose whether to hire a labourer, a general builder, or a paver based on the size of your job and your design preferences. If you have a new driveway or patio, you might also want to employ a landscaper to add lovely flowers, bushes, or fresh turf.
Asking for referrals from friends, family, and neighbours will enable you to observe the work of your possible paving specialist in person. This is a huge benefit because it allows you to evaluate their work in person rather than trying to do it through a printed or online portfolio.
Receiving word-of-mouth referrals from dependable family members and friends is another excellent strategy to guarantee the calibre of the service you’ll receive, since your friends and acquaintances won’t want to hurt your reputation by recommending someone who isn’t very good.
It’s also important to keep in mind that when purchasing paving slabs, certain manufacturers may have their own list of recommended installers. If this applies to you, it’s worth checking out.
Agpaving may assist in condensing search results if you like to keep things simple and utilise an online tool to conduct your search, making it easier for you to compare quotations and select the best paving contractor for your needs.
What Are the Right Questions to Ask?
Any job must include getting a written estimate. Since official certificates or training are not necessary for block paving, as we have previously stated, receiving a physical quote is an excellent approach to eliminate any potential paving contractors.
As a general guideline, you shouldn’t hire them if they won’t provide you with a written estimate.
It’s crucial to ask them about their paving installation experience and to obtain references, pictures, or videos of previous work. In this method, you may view tangible evidence of the paving contractor’s work as well as hear from people who can attest to their abilities.
By requesting proof of the paving contractor’s insurance, you may avoid inadvertently hiring one and ensure that both you and the worker are protected in the event of property damage or difficulties with their health and safety.
Last but not least, asking if they offer a warranty for their work can assist to ensure that your project remains in wonderful shape for years to come. If any problems, cracks, or splits do occur over time, you’ll know it’s not your problem to solve, but rather that of your workman and their team.
Final Verification List and Verdict
Block paving may give any area a tidy appearance, increase the ground’s toughness, and usually increase the value of your home. Consider installing it in your driveway, rear garden, or both.
Here is our last check list to make sure everything is ready before your project starts before you get started:
- Check out various paving slabs that might work for the space and your budget after measuring the area.
- Choose a layout and shape, keeping in mind any possible drainage concerns or manhole covers that can obstruct the laying.
- Once you’ve decided on the slabs you want to use and your design, use an online calculator to determine how much paving you’ll need, taking into account an 11% contingency in case of any damage during installation.
- To save paying for new stones, look into salvaged or surplus pavement that you can obtain.
- To reduce the cost of your paving bids, let us assist you in finding a specialist using agpaving.
- Once the paving is installed, it needs to be maintained regularly with a jet clean, frequent weeding, and re-sealing every two years to preserve the stones.
Questions and Answers
I need how much paving?
Using an online calculator to perform the grunt work for you is the easiest method to make sure you’re ordering enough slabs for your location.
The calculator will calculate everything for you if you enter the dimensions of the area you need to pave and the slab size you’re thinking about, with the option to add on an 11% contingency for any wastage or damage during laying.
Does Laying Block Paving Require Planning Permission?
You don’t need planning permission to install permeable concrete block pavement in your front yard or driveway, according to official Northampton legislation.
If you’re utilising impermeable blocks, you must let the water flow into a place where it can be drained properly, such a lawn or border. If there aren’t any regions with good drainage, you’ll need planning permission if you want to pave an area larger than 5 square metres. Before you begin, confirm your understanding of this to prevent unpleasant surprises that can cause your job to be delayed.
What is the lifespan of block paving?
Block paving can survive longer than 10 years if it is kept clean with regular jet cleaning, weeding, and adequate sealing. Even though it takes a long time, the care you put into it will pay off in the long life of your paving.
How Should Block Paving Be Maintained?
As was already noted, cleaning your block paving regularly is an important aspect of annual maintenance. To keep the paving well-protected from the elements and regular wear and use, it must undergo regular maintenance, such as jet washing to remove sunken dirt, weed removal, and sealing every two years.
How Do I Pick the Right Paving Design?
Choosing your paving design is typically a purely subjective, aesthetically pleasing decision. However, some layouts might function better in particular areas than others.
Take into account the area’s form, whether there are any adjacent manholes that can obstruct patterns, and whether there are any potential drainage concerns that could be resolved with some landscaping.
It depends on the circumstances, but if you’re really stumped, asking an expert for advice can be a smart place to start.
Are Block Paving’s Alternatives Available?
There are options if block paving isn’t your style or you just don’t like the way it looks. ranging from durable asphalt, which can endure between 25 and 31 years, to gravel as a decorative material.
If a green solution is something you’d want to think about, another option for organically resolving drainage problems is a sustainable drainage system (SuDS).
