Blog>Cost Guides>Block paving cost guide

Last updated: 20 March 2024

Block paving cost guide

Considering adding block paving to your home? In this guide, we'll reveal the average block paving cost and show you the many different options you can choose from.

Block paving cost guide
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Fast Facts

  • The average block paving cost per m² is £100

  • You can expect to pay around £5,500 to install block paving on a 50m² driveway

  • Block paving costs will vary based on lots of factors, like the material and layout you choose

Block paving is versatile and comes in a wide range of colours, patterns and finishes to suit every taste. It could be the perfect choice for your driveway, garden path or patio - or why not use it for all three?!

Here, we'll reveal the typical cost of block paving, helping you to budget for the project.

How much does block paving cost?

The average cost of block paving for a 50m² area such as a driveway is £5,500.

Type of pavingCost + VAT (Range low - high)Average cost
Block paving cost (50m²)£4,500 - £6,500£5,500
Block paving labour costs£640 - £1,400£1,020
Block paving cost per m²£90 - £110£100
Concrete block paving cost per m²£20 - £50£35
Block paving bricks prices per m²£30 - £70£50
Stone block paving cost per m²£60 - £100£80
Composite resin block paving cost per m²£95 - £125£110
Permeable block paving prices per m²£60 - £90£75
Cost to remove block paving (per m²)£40 - £110£75
Last updated: December 2024
Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now

That said, your total block paving cost will depend on lots of different factors, such as the size of the area and the materials used.

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Block paving cost per m²

Your tradesperson may quote you a price for block paving per square metre, rather than for the whole job. This can be useful if your new block paving will only cover a small area, as you will get exactly what you pay for.

The average block paving cost per m² is £100.

Block paving labour costs

Your total block paving price will take into account both materials and labour.

The average block paving labour cost is £250 per day. That said, costs for labour can vary widely in different areas of the UK.

Block pavers price near me

The best way to get an accurate paving blocks price is to get in touch with local tradespeople in your area.

They'll be able to give you a bespoke quote that takes into account your unique needs.

Enter your postcode into the search box below to browse a selection of reliable paving specialists on Checkatrade.

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Paving block prices for a range of materials

There are a number of different materials you can choose from for block paving. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. And each comes with a different price tag.

The most commonly used block paving materials include:

Concrete block paving cost

Concrete is the cheapest block paving material. It's also very hard-wearing.

As you can imagine, this makes it a popular choice.

The average concrete block paving cost is £35 per m².

Block paving bricks prices

Brick block paving is another popular option.

It's available in a wider range of styles, sizes and colours than concrete. But it's not as cost-effective and is less durable.

The average block paving bricks price is £50 per m².

Block paving bricks prices

Stone block pavers price

Stone block paving costs significantly more than concrete or brick.

That said, it looks fantastic when laid and is also more resistant to weather damage and erosion.

The average stone block pavers price is £80 per m².

Composite resin paving blocks price

Composite resin blocks are a modern alternative to more traditional materials.

They're exceptionally hardwearing and versatile. Plus, they're often made of recycled materials. However, they do come at a higher price point.

The average composite paving blocks price is £110 per m².

Permeable block paving prices

Permeable block paving is designed to let moisture flow through it into the ground underneath.

Using permeable block paving will mean you won't need an additional drainage system. It will also minimise the risk of flooding during heavy rain.

The average permeable block paving price is £35 per m².

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Factors affecting your block paving cost

planning your driveway resurfacing project

We've touched on a few of the factors that can impact your block paving costs already.

But there are lots of different things that will affect your total price. Here are the most influential factors.

Size of the space

The larger the area of block paving you need, the higher the cost will be.

For instance, a 50m² driveway will cost on average £5,500to pave.

But if you want to get rid of your lawn to create a full drivewayin front of your house, you'll probably need to pave an area of around 80m². In this case, you're looking at a cost closer to £10,000 - £12,000.

Complexity of the design

In block paving, the individual blocks or bricks can be laid in many different patterns to create distinct finishes.

The more complex the design you choose, the longer the job will take and the higher labour prices will climb.

For instance, a complex herringbone design will take longer to lay than a more simple pattern.

Shape of the space

Simple square or rectangular spaces will be easier to fill than more complex shapes.

The more complex the shape of the area you want to pave, the higher you can expect your labour costs to climb.

Whether extra landscaping is needed

Once your new block paving has been installed, you may need to pay extra to landscape any green areas of your property.

This is because these areas may have been damaged by the block paving installation. Or, they may simply need to be upgraded to match your new patio or driveway.

Condition of the current space

If the current space where your block paving will go is in poor condition, it will need to be excavated and brought up to scratch at an extra cost.

Type of materials used

Every material, from concrete to clay, has a different price.

We've already covered the cost of some of the most common materials. But they typically range from £5,500 per m² for concrete to £110 per m² for composite.

Quality of materials used

The better the quality of the materials used, the higher your cost will be.

But remember, higher quality materials will increase the longevity of your block paving, saving you expensive resurfacing costs in the future.

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What additional costs are involved with block paving installation?

Block paving labour costs

When calculating your block paving cost, you may need to factor in some additional services.

Here are some extras you may want to budget for.

Weed membranes

This will prevent weeds from growing through your new driveway or patio, helping to keep it in good condition for longer.

Disposing of your old driveway

In order to create a stable foundation for your new driveway or patio, it’s important to remove the old materials first.

The average cost to remove an old block paving driveway is £75 per m².

Excavation

Most driveways or patios will need to be excavated to ensure a strong base for your block paving.

Sealing

Sealing your block pavingwill keep it looking its best year after year. You can expect to pay around £5–£17per m² for a professional to seal your driveway.

How much does it cost to lift and relay block paving?

If your block paving is installed correctly and regularly cleaned, it should last you long into the future.

However, there's always a chance that it becomes damaged. In particular, if you notice your paving sinking in areas, this could be due to:

  • Not excavating deeply enough before laying your paving

  • Lack of a geo membrane

  • A mains water leak washing the sub-base away

  • Failed compaction in the area where your paving was laid (eg. if a tree was removed beforehand)

  • A build-up of acidic dirt, moss, weeds and lichens causing your paving to erode

In this case, lifting and correctly relaying your block paving could be the best way to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again.

The cost to lift and relay your block paving will depend on the extent of the damage and how much of your paving is affected. But you can expect to pay in the rough region of £75 to lift and relay a square meter.

Useful block paving checklist

  • Block paving is a versatile, stylish choice to enhance your driveway or patio

  • The average cost of block paving will depend on several factors, such as the size of the space and the materials used

  • Choose from materials including concrete, stone, brick and composite resin for block paving

  • Don’t forget to budget for weed membranes, the removal of your old driveway and excavation

  • It’s not wise to attempt to lay block paving yourself unless you have training and experience in this area

Ready to transform your outside space with block paving? Enter your postcode below to find a specialist near you.

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FAQs

What are the benefits of block paving?

Here are just a few excellent advantages of choosing block paving.

  • There's a wide variety of materials, colours, styles and patterns to choose from

  • Block paving is porous, making it more environmentally friendly than other surfacing materials

  • If properly looked after, you can expect a block paving driveway to last for 15 – 20 years

  • Very little maintenance is needed to keep block paving looking its best

  • Block paving is stylish and eye-catching

Why install block paving?

It’s easy to see why so many people choose to upgrade their properties with the addition of block paving.

With both practicality and aesthetics on its side, block paving is always a wise choice.

Plus, it offers you the option to use the same style of block paving throughout your outside space, transforming your driveway, paths and patios with a uniform finish. In this way, it's a great method for creating a seamless transition from front to back.

Can I install block paving myself?

You might be tempted to save on the cost of block paving installation by carrying out the job yourself.

However, it can be very difficult to achieve a professional finish with block paving, especially if you have no experience. Plus, mixing materials like concrete can be tricky.

If you don’t do a high-quality job, you could end up with an unstable, sinking driveway. In this case, you'll likely need to hire a specialist to fix your mistakes - which could end up being more expensive than simply hiring them to install your block paving in the first place.

If you’re adamant that you want to install your own block paving, it’s worth practising on a small area like a path before attempting to cover your whole driveway.

To achieve a long-lasting, flawless finish, we recommend hiring a professional who has all the tools, experience and knowledge required to finish your job to a high standard.

What alternatives are there to block paving?

Before deciding on block paving, it’s worth considering the alternatives to see if they better fit your requirements. Options include:

What is the cheapest block paving?

The cheapest block paving material is concrete. The average concrete block paving cost is £35 per m².

Do building regulations affect block paving installation?

Most building regulations won't affect block paving installation.

However, you should check that your paving meets drainage requirements and doesn't negatively affect access to your property.

To avoid needing planning permission, any driveway that's 5m² or larger will need to have an adequate drainage system. Using permeable block paving is a great solution.

What tradespeople can help with my block paving project?

There are a number of different tradespeople who may be able to offer block paving installation.

Here are some of the key trades that it's worth considering:

To view a selection of the best experts in block paving near you, simply enter your postcode into the search box below.

See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job

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