Pavers are often used for hardscaping projects in outdoor applications, this is primarily because they look good and are typically resilient under the toughest of climatical conditions. Understandably, the cost is a major consideration when undertaking any home improvement type of work. In this post, we’ll share the average costs of some common pavers to give you a rough idea of how much you can expect to pay per square metre.
What do pavers cost?
Many factors can affect the overall price you pay for your pavers. Some of these include:
- The quality of the pavers that you choose
- The type of pavers you buy
- How many pavers do you need
- The size and finish of the pavers
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25 per square metre to $100 + per square metre for pavers here in Australia. At the entry-level end, you have pavers such as concrete pavers, and at the higher end, you’ll find pavers such as marble.
You should know that not all pavers are equal, and their quality can vary drastically. For a long-standing finish, ensure you are choosing the highest quality pavers you can for your money. Poor quality pavers will often crumble, crack and deteriorate after only a short time. This can lead to repairs and replacements which cost more money and time.
How do I know how many pavers I need?
You don’t want to be short pavers, but you also don’t want to have tonnes extra, that’s why it’s a good idea to get your calculations right.
Here’s how you can do this:
You need to measure the length and width of the area in metres you plan to pave. After you have measured these, you’ll need to multiply the length and width and this should give you how many square metres you need. An easy way of working out how many square metres of paving you will need is by using an online paver calculator. You simply punch in the length and width measurements, and it will give the exact number of square metres you need. They usually include the standard extra 10% for waste. These are straightforward and self-explanatory to use. You can find these with an internet search.
Different types of pavers and their average cost
Here are some favoured paver choices and their average cost:
- Limestone pavers – $40 – $70 per square metre
- Travertine pavers – $50 – $115 per square metre
- Aggregate pavers – $45 – $75 per square metre
- Sandstone pavers – $35 – $75 per square metre
What can pavers be used for?
Pavers are an extremely versatile construction product, and they can be used for many applications. Here are some popular uses:
Driveways
Pavers are often used for driveways as they can add a touch of sophistication and elegance. If you do decide to use pavers for your driveway, you need to consider the thickness. At a minimum, they need to be 50mm thick. Additionally, some pavers are better for driveways than others. A robust and dense paver such as travertine is recommended.
Pool areas
Pavers are the go-to pool surrounding choice for many. They look clean and contemporary, and lighter coloured pavers remain cool in the summertime. If you are looking for pavers for your pool area, you’ll need to factor in whether they are chemical and salt resistant, and they need to have a high slip rating to ensure they are safe when they get wet.
Entertainment areas and patios
For many, no backyard is complete without an entertainment area or patio, and pavers are an ideal choice as they not only enhance the space, but they are soft underfoot and offer great traction.
Fire pits
Fire pits for the everyday backyard have grown in popularity over recent times, and a suitable material to use around a fire pit is pavers. Building a fire pit area is a simple project that only takes a few hours but can make a huge impact.
Paths and walkways
Having pathways and walkways around the home can make it safer and can add to the curb appeal of your property. Pavers are often used for this application.
Other factors to consider when working out the cost of your paved project
It’s not only the pavers that you’ll have to pay for when undertaking a paved project, so it’s important to keep this in mind when working out your budget. Here are some other factors to consider:
Materials and equipment
Along with pavers, you’ll need to have additional materials and equipment to complete the job. The type of things you’ll need will depend on the installation technique you choose. If you are hiring someone to install your pavers, these things will be factored into the quoting, and you won’t have to worry about buying these.
Labour costs
If you do choose to have a professional install your pavers, you will need to consider the labour costs that will be involved with your installation. More complex installations usually incur higher fees.
Sealer
Once your paved area is finished, it’s strongly advised that you have your pavers sealed. The sealer protects your new pavers from preventable damage. Things such as spills, rain, and the sun’s UV rays can all affect the integrity of your pavers. It’s easy to apply and can extend the lifespan of your pavers considerably, so it’s worth doing.
Pavers are a great investment!
Good quality Perth Pavers are strong and last for decades when installed properly. If looked after, you can expect them to look as beautiful 10 years down the track as they do today. It’s worth paying a little more for higher quality pavers than opting for cheap versions to ensure they stand the test of time. Before committing to a particular paver, it’s smart to sit down and work out exactly how much you are willing to spend on the entire paver project. This will ensure you have to funds to complete the job to a high standard. If you are looking for premium pavers and/or an experienced paving team, look no further than us here at Bonita Stone. We manufacture, fit and install pavers all across Perth. Contact us today if you have any questions or would like more information.
