What Is the Block Paving Cost in 2024 – All You Need to Know
Your Quick Answer.
The average cost of block paving in the UK in 2024 ranges from £70 to £75 per sqm.
Factors like the size of the area, type of blocks used, complexity of the design, and location can impact the total cost of a block paving project.
For answers to those question read on further…
By creating this block paving cost guide for 2024, we hope to give you a better idea of what all the cost are involved before you think about hiring a monoblock driveway expert, or consider DIY.
Budget to High-End Cost of Block Paving
| Type of Block Paving | Cost per M2 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Block Paving | £25 – £30 | Low cost, basic materials |
| Mid-range Block Paving | £40 – £50 | Good balance of cost and quality |
| High-end Block Paving | £60 – £75 | Premium materials, best durability |
| Average cost of install (as of 2024) | £70 – £75 per m² | |
Block Paving Cost Per M2
block paving cost per m2 will vary depending on the size of the area and the material you choose.
It is a costly investment, but the quality and durability of the block paving will ensure it lasts for years to come.
The overall cost of the project depends on factors like the size of the area, complexity of the pattern, location in the UK, and any necessary prep work.
But in general, you can expect to pay from £20 m² on the low end for concrete up to £125+m² for the highest-end materials.
A typical single-car driveway is 3m x 5m (15 square metres).
In contrast, a double-car driveway is 5m x 6m (30 square metres).
It’s worth noting that the minimum width required for a single-car driveway is 3m, whereas a double-car driveway needs to be at least 5m wide.
Tradesperson Cost
| Experience Level | Day Rate | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level | £100 – £150 | Newly qualified or less than 2 years experience |
| Mid-level | £150 – £200 | 2 to 5 years of experience |
| Experienced | £200 – £250 | Over 5 years of experience |
Why Install Block Paving?
The brick driveways have a long history of providing homeowners with a beautiful and essential part of the house.
As we all know, the driveway is one of the first things that people see when they enter your home.
There are many benefits to installing a driveway block paving.
Block paving has remained a popular choice for many years due to its durability and stylish appearance.
The flexible installation options make it an ideal choice for both new builds and additions to existing driveways.
It’s easy to maintain
Driveways require high levels of maintenance, as they are prone to moss and weeds, as well as general wear and tear over time.
Pressure washing on a regular basis will keep them looking like new for years.
A wide range of colour choices
The colour palette options available in block paving can be anything from subtle shades that blend in with your home to vibrant colours that create a statement piece.
Block paving is durable.
Traditional materials such as concrete or tarmac are prone to cracking over time, mainly if they are not laid correctly in the first place.
A block paved drive is incredibly resilient and can withstand even the harshest weather conditions; they won’t crack, break or deteriorate over time.
Factors Affecting Block Paving Costs
Several factors can affect the cost of block paving. Here’s a rundown of the most important ones:
Size of paved area
It won’t take a mathematician to work out that the larger the paved area, the more it will cost.
The average paving project costs £2,100 in total.
However, a quarter of all projects cost between £1,000 and £1,500, while a further quarter cost between £1,500 and £2,000.
Type of material
Block paving is made from either concrete or clay. Concrete is cheaper than clay – about half the price on average – yet there’s not much difference in quality between these two materials.
Prices depend on how thickly they are laid (see below).
The thickness of the paving material
The thicker the paving material, the longer it will last.
A depth of 50mm is standard for driveways and patios; however, some companies offer a thicker product at an additional cost.
For example,
Marshalls Driveway Block Paving costs start from £50 per sqm for 50mm thick block paving and from £60 per sqm for 60mm thick blocks – so a 20 sqm driveway would cost £1,000 with 50mm blocks and £1,200 with 60mm blocks.
Common Block Paving Materials
The following materials are the most common types of block paving:
Concrete Blocks: Concrete is a material with a high strength-to-weight ratio, and its main benefit is that it is strong and easily moulded.
The production process allows for many shapes, designs, textures, and colours to be added to the surface of the concrete blocks.
This has made them very popular for driveways, patios, garden paths, courtyard areas, etc.
Some common patterns are herringbone pattern and stretcher bond.
Natural Stone: Natural stone paving slabs have been used in gardens for many years now.
They offer a very natural and unique look that can be difficult to replicate with any other material.
They come in different shapes and sizes, from large slabs that somebody can lay down in one piece to smaller individual pieces that can be laid like tiles.
Permeable Block Paving Price
Permeable block paving is an eco-friendly and sustainable choice for driveways, patios, and paths.
The porous design allows water to drain through, reducing puddles and helping to prevent flash flooding.
If you’re considering permeable paving for your home in 2024, here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect in the UK.
The average cost of permeable block paving is around £70 – £120 per square metre.
This price includes the cost of the paving blocks as well as the installation labour.
Some of the factors that impact the total cost include:
- Size of the area to be paved
- Type and quality of permeable paving blocks
- Complexity of the paving design and pattern
- Amount of excavation and preparation work required
- Location in the UK
For a typical 50 square metre driveway, the total cost would be in the range of £3,500 – £6,000.
In terms of the paving blocks themselves, prices vary based on the material:
- Budget permeable concrete blocks: £20 – £40 per sqm
- Mid-range permeable concrete blocks: £40 – £60 per sqm
- High-end natural stone permeable blocks: £60 – £100+ per sqm
Additional costs to factor in include skip hire for waste removal (£200 – £300), drainage installation (around £80 per linear metre), and block paving sealant (£5 – £10 per sqm)
While the upfront cost of permeable block paving is higher than standard paving, it can save you money in the long run.
The sustainable drainage negates the need for planning permission on paved areas over 5 sqm.
Permeable paving also requires less maintenance and is less prone to cracking and damage over time compared to solid concrete or asphalt surface.
To ensure you get the best value for your money, always get quotes from multiple block paving installers and look for experienced professionals.
With permeable paving, you can enhance your home’s kerb appeal while doing your part for the environment.
Other Additional Costs
When planning your block paving project, it’s essential to consider additional block paving driveway cost beyond just the materials and installation labour.
Here are some additional expenses to factor into your budget in 2024:
Edging
- Concrete edging stones: £15 – £25 per linear meter
- Natural stone edging: £30 – £50 per linear meter
- Installation labor: £10 – £20 per linear meter
Proper edging helps contain the block paving, provides a clean border, and prevents shifting over time.
Budget for edging materials that complement your chosen paving style.
Drainage
- Channel drains: £25 – £40 per linear meter
- Catch basins: £100 – £200 each
- Soakaways: £500 – £1,000 each
- Installation labor: £200 – £500 per day
Adequate drainage is crucial to prevent standing water, especially for driveways.
Channel drains, catch basins, and soakaways help direct water away from your paving.
Costs vary based on the size and complexity of the drainage system.
Lighting
- Low voltage LED lights: £20 – £50 each
- Solar powered lights: £10 – £30 each
- Mains powered lights: £50 – £150 each
- Installation labor: £150 – £300 per day
Lighting enhances the beauty and functionality of your paved areas in the evenings.
Options range from affordable solar lights to high-end mains-powered systems. Consider the number of lights needed and installation complexity.
Retaining Walls
- Concrete blocks: £200 – £400 per sqm
- Natural stone: £300 – £600 per sqm
- Bricks: £150 – £300 per sqm
- Installation labor: £200 – £400 per day
If your paving is part of a terraced or sloped landscape, retaining walls may be necessary.
Wall materials should complement your paving choice. The size, height and complexity of the wall design influences costs.
Steps
- Concrete steps: £500 – £1,000 per set
- Natural stone steps: £1,000 – £2,000 per set
- Brick steps: £750 – £1,500 per set
- Installation labor: £300 – £600 per day
Steps integrated into your block paving provide an attractive transition between levels.
Prices depend on the number of steps, size, materials and any extra features like integrated lighting.
When budgeting your block paving project, get itemized quotes that include these potential additional costs.
Proper planning helps avoid surprises and ensures you achieve the outdoor space you envision.
Block Paving Price By Feature
Here are some block paving pricing based on job type:
- Block paving driveways. The cost of a block paving driveway job is typically £3,500 to £4,500.
- Block paving patios. The cost of a block paving patio job is typically £1,300 to £2,000.
- Block paving paths. The cost of a block paving path job is typically £1,100 to £1,800.
Find An Approved Block Paving Specialist Near You
It is essential to choose a good block paving company when you are planning a project, and there are some great ones out there!
FAQ
How easy is it to lay block paving for a beginner?
Block paving can be a great addition to your garden, driveway or patio.
It makes for an attractive and functional surface and will add value to your property.
However, if you’re thinking of laying your block paving, be prepared for some hard work!
The job isn’t the most straightforward DIY task in the world, but it’s not impossible either.
Laying block paving can be a challenging DIY project for a beginner.
Still, it is achievable with proper planning, preparation, and the right tools.
Beginners should take their time, follow instructions closely, and consider hiring a local professional driveway expert for complex designs or large areas.
Proper preparation of the base layers is critical for a stable, long-lasting block-paved surface.
What is the difference between a block and brick paver?
Concrete blocks are more affordable, modern and versatile.
At the same time, clay bricks are pricier but offer an attractive, timeless look and slightly better durability.
The right choice depends on your design goals, budget and personal preference.
What is the cost difference between concrete, clay and natural stone paving blocks?
Concrete blocks are the least expensive at around £10 per m², clay blocks cost £20-£25 per m², and natural stone blocks start at £30 per m² and up.
Higher-end stone paving blocks can cost £50-£100 per m²
What is the price difference between hiring a local contractor vs national paving company?
Prices from local block paving specialists may be 10-20% lower than those of large national companies.
However, it’s essential to get multiple quotes, check reviews, and only hire reputable contractors who provide a written guarantee.
How can I save money on a new block paved driveway?
- Choosing a more straightforward laying pattern and less expensive paving blocks
- Opting for a permeable sub-base that doesn’t require planning permission
- Combining multiple small projects to get a volume discount
- Comparing quotes from several contractors
