How Much Does Paving Cost Per Square Metre?

Last Updated Oct 26, 2016 · Written by Craig Gibson

Pavers|Renovation Costs

If you need to have any paving done, you're naturally going to wonder how much it costs. The easiest way to get initial costs is to find out how much paving costs per square metre. It's not enough, though, to just ask for quotes for paving. The true cost of paving depends on a variety of factors.

This article will help you figure out:
 

• what types of paving there are
• what to look for when hiring a paving contractor
• what they may charge you

^{Natural stone pavers create a practical extension to this decked area. © Spaces and Places}

Types of paving

There is a wide range of paving materials used, including concrete, brick, clay, terracotta and natural stones such as sandstone, granite, limestone as well as ceramic. These can be used to surface a wide range of areas, including:

Driveways: a well prepared base is essential to ensure that your paving does not warp or move when pressure is applied to it.

Pathways: a well laid path is not only functional, it can also be a decorative element for your outdoor area.

Patios: a paved patio area can help to extend your outdoor lifestyle and ensure you make the most of your home.

Pool surrounds: paving around a pool also needs to be slip resistant to ensure it is safe.


^{Paving around pools needs to be slip resistant. © Aquastone Pools & Landscapes}

Getting quotes from paving contractors

When you start getting quotes for paving, expect contractors to ask questions like :

• Are you paving a driveway, a pathway or a patio?
• Is the surface level or sloping?
• What type of pavers would you like?
• Do you want border pavers or simply pavers?

There are good reasons why you'll be asked these questions:

If you're paving a driveway, you will probably be advised to lay a concrete base, even if you're laying pavers on top of it. If you're laying a pathway, you might get away with a gravel base and if it's a patio, you will probably need concrete, but the base won't need to be as thick as a driveway base.

#hiptip: The base your paving rests on is crucial to the overall stability and longevity of your paving project

Does my paving contractor need to be licensed?

The short answer is it depends where you live.

For example, in Queensland, your contractor would need a structural landscaping licence. In Victoria, a paving contractor will need to be registered as a builder. In other states, such as WA, no licence is required for paving work, though if a project exceeds $20,000 they would need to hold a builders licence. In NSW they would need to hold a concreting licence if they lay any type of concrete paving or a "minor trade work" licence if they are laying stone paving.

So best to check or ask your contractor before you hire them. Which brings us to the next step - hiring.


^{Flagstone pavers have a rustic look and feel.  © Cornerstone Landscape Construction and Design}

Read: 5 things to consider before you start paving

Hiring a paving contractor

When it comes time to hiring a paving contractor make sure they are right for your job. Some questions to ask them include:
 

• Are you licensed for my project?
• Do you hold valid insurance?
• Can you provide a written quote?
• Does my quote include edging, gravel and sand?
• Do you have references I can follow up?

Always ask for the entire job to be quoted rather than get square metre or hourly rates.


Laying brick pavers on a base of sand. (iStock)
 

How much does paving cost?

So how much will your paving project cost?

Paving can cost anywhere from $40 to $100 per square metre. That figure includes materials and labour. A number of factors will determine the final  cost of your job, specifically:
 

• the type of paving you choose
• the size of your job
• how much prep work is required, including levelling
• how intricate your job is. Different types of pavers are easier to lay than others. For example, 500mm x 500mm square pavers might be easier and quicker to lay than smaller, rectangular pavers. If you're adding contrasting border pavers, bricks need to be cut for a complex pattern, it will cost more than a simple paving job. A sloping driveway will usually cost more than a level driveway. For example, a plain concrete driveway might cost around $65 per square metre on a level surface, but the same concreting company might charge $75 per square metre for a sloping surface.

Expect to pay in the region of:
 

• $45 to $60 per square metre for concrete pavers
• $40 to $70 per square metre for limestone pavers
• $40 to more than $75 per square metre for quartzite pavers
• $70 to $90 for brick pavers
• $75 to $100 per square metre for granite, travertine and flagstone pavers

Paving around swimming pools needs to be slip resistant and able to withstand exposure to chemicals   

How much does a base cost?

The base is important as it determines the stability and longevity of the pavers that rest on it.

Expect to pay in the region of:
 

• $1,500 to $1800 for a crushed rock base for a site of 50 square metres with easy access and little preparation
• $2300 to $2,800 for a poured concrete base for a site of 50 square metres with easy access and little preparation

The best way of finding out the cost of your paving job is to get quotes from local paving specialists. This will give you a sense of what market rates currently are. 

* All the costs and prices quoted were sourced at the time this article was written. They are indicative, may vary locally, are subject to market forces and should only be used as a guide.