Factors Determine Paving Prices

Revised: June 22, 2011

When you are thinking of paving your driveway, you will have collected a few quotes from contractors and eliminated some of them after having selected the one that can offer labour and materials that will best fit your budget. The one that offers the best paving prices along with a solid reputation of quality work is the one that gets the job.

There are no real set prices of materials as such but the paver grade and size will be taken into account. For people paying cash, there are also usually discounts offered as well as clearance sales for end of range products where you can really save on costs. Some of these stock clearance products were offered at much higher prices before being market down.

The price of concrete and brick pavers are less expensive than natural stone pavers and this is because standard concrete and brick pavers are mass produced while natural stone is quarried, with each paver being individually cut. This obviously requires more labour and will influence the cost of paving.

Different Materials and Manufacturers Influence Price

Every paving block or slab is different, coming in different sizes and thicknesses. The first choice you need to make is on the material. Concrete is always a popular option, simply because of its good price and it can look so good. The fact that concrete can be imprinted and become very decorative with its different colours has meant many people looking at in a new light. With stamped concrete there are many designs available and you can even get the concrete to take on a stone or brick-like appearance. Many people pay extra to get natural stone or brick paving without realising that they could save a lot of money by choosing concrete.

The shape, size and texture and brand of pavers will influence the price as well as prices varying from different manufacturers and suppliers.Natural stone for instance will be more expensive than concrete or brick pavers and this is because the performance and quality factor are added into the price.

Contractors Measure and Fit To Determine Price

Paving prices are also dependent on the professional you are getting to lay your paving. The quote they give will be split between labour costs and the materials and laid out in such a way that you will be able to see exactly what you will be paying for. To bring costs down, you can buy your own pavers and just have the contractor lay them for you, whether it is for a driveway or patio. Sometimes a patio will necessitate other additions like a couple of steps or even an additional wall and this of course will raise the price.

The Do-It-Yourself Route?

Paving prices will also vary on a number of others factors. For instance how big is the intended area to be paved and how much digging and labour will be involved in preparation for the area? Some contractors charge more than others while others offer such bargain prices that the work ends up being substancard.The way to save money on your paving installation is if you are a handyman to simply do it yourself.

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