Cost of Block Paving in 2018Last Updated on December 30, 2017
By admin
Block paving prices can vary widely across the UK. In this article, we will go through all the different factors that affect the price and offer advice on how to get the best possible deal for your money. We even have some information about doing the job yourself.
Here’s the deal:
Most of us know that block paving tradesmen have a bad reputation. Unlike a plumber, there are no qualifications required to be a block paver. So it’s very important to be armed with the basics, just in case anyone tries to behave in a less than honest manner.
Firstly we want to get three quotes from local suppliers. Whilst getting these quotes we can ask any questions we may have, such as:
When hiring tradesmen, block paving prices will vary depending on the area in the country and additional groundwork that may need to be performed.
So that you’re armed and ready to negotiate with the professionals, here’s the average block paving costs from around the UK (VAT included):
Up to 40m² £100 per m²
40-70m² £85 per m²
Over 100m² £75 per m²
Geographically, areas around London will be the most expensive. Areas outside will be quite similar to each other. Here is the average cost of block paving a 55m² driveway in different regions around the UK:
London £4500-£5000
South, SW and Midlands £4000-£4500
Outer Region and North £3500-£3750
Finally, we have a rough breakdown of the estimated material cost:
Blocks, edgings £950
Sharp Sand £150
Kiln dried sand £75
3 x skips hires £450
Additional supplies £350
Total material costs – £2075 (£38 per m²)
The average cost of labour (outside of London) for block paving construction is £45 per m². This will also cover the company’s overheads and profits. If you’re attempting the project yourself this stands to be your largest potential saving.
Armed with these UK national averages you may now confidently weigh up the savings to be made of doing it yourself. Otherwise, you can quickly identify a fair deal from a professional at Quotatis and have them complete it for you.
Block paving a driveway is one of the most rewarding DIY jobs you may ever undertake. Constructing a spectacular driveway or path will fill you with daily pride for years. Whilst a single path is quite a simple job it can become a much larger DIY venture if you decide to tackle a whole driveway.
So what is the cost of having my block paving done professionally?
Is it worth trying to make a saving by doing it myself?
These key questions are addressed in this extensive article, plus you will gain an excellent understanding of the process, associated costs and guidance on finding qualified professionals to help you.
Will I Need Planning Permission?According to the official UK regulations, you will not need planning permission to lay permeable concrete block paving in your front garden or driveway.
If using impermeable blocks, you must allow the water to run into a suitable drainage area, such as a lawn or border. Where there are no suitable drainage areas you will need planning permission for more than 5m²of paving.
What Paving Options Are Available?The material used for block paving will either be Concrete or Clay. In most cases people opt for concrete blocks due to the reduced costs and ease of installation. Clay blocks are far more hardwearing and encouraged by the Brick Development Association (BDA).
Here is a quick run-down of each material’s characteristics for block paving:
Concrete
By admin
Block paving prices can vary widely across the UK. In this article, we will go through all the different factors that affect the price and offer advice on how to get the best possible deal for your money. We even have some information about doing the job yourself.
Here’s the deal:
Most of us know that block paving tradesmen have a bad reputation. Unlike a plumber, there are no qualifications required to be a block paver. So it’s very important to be armed with the basics, just in case anyone tries to behave in a less than honest manner.
Firstly we want to get three quotes from local suppliers. Whilst getting these quotes we can ask any questions we may have, such as:
- How long will it take to complete?
- How long have you been in the trade?
- How long have been working in this area?
- What exactly does the job involve?
When hiring tradesmen, block paving prices will vary depending on the area in the country and additional groundwork that may need to be performed.
So that you’re armed and ready to negotiate with the professionals, here’s the average block paving costs from around the UK (VAT included):
Up to 40m² £100 per m²
40-70m² £85 per m²
Over 100m² £75 per m²
Geographically, areas around London will be the most expensive. Areas outside will be quite similar to each other. Here is the average cost of block paving a 55m² driveway in different regions around the UK:
London £4500-£5000
South, SW and Midlands £4000-£4500
Outer Region and North £3500-£3750
Finally, we have a rough breakdown of the estimated material cost:
Blocks, edgings £950
Sharp Sand £150
Kiln dried sand £75
3 x skips hires £450
Additional supplies £350
Total material costs – £2075 (£38 per m²)
The average cost of labour (outside of London) for block paving construction is £45 per m². This will also cover the company’s overheads and profits. If you’re attempting the project yourself this stands to be your largest potential saving.
Armed with these UK national averages you may now confidently weigh up the savings to be made of doing it yourself. Otherwise, you can quickly identify a fair deal from a professional at Quotatis and have them complete it for you.
Block paving a driveway is one of the most rewarding DIY jobs you may ever undertake. Constructing a spectacular driveway or path will fill you with daily pride for years. Whilst a single path is quite a simple job it can become a much larger DIY venture if you decide to tackle a whole driveway.
So what is the cost of having my block paving done professionally?
Is it worth trying to make a saving by doing it myself?
These key questions are addressed in this extensive article, plus you will gain an excellent understanding of the process, associated costs and guidance on finding qualified professionals to help you.
Will I Need Planning Permission?According to the official UK regulations, you will not need planning permission to lay permeable concrete block paving in your front garden or driveway.
If using impermeable blocks, you must allow the water to run into a suitable drainage area, such as a lawn or border. Where there are no suitable drainage areas you will need planning permission for more than 5m²of paving.
What Paving Options Are Available?The material used for block paving will either be Concrete or Clay. In most cases people opt for concrete blocks due to the reduced costs and ease of installation. Clay blocks are far more hardwearing and encouraged by the Brick Development Association (BDA).
Here is a quick run-down of each material’s characteristics for block paving:
Concrete
- Cheaper to purchase
- Variety of shapes and textures
- Accurate sizing
- Variety of block depths available
- Colour fades through the years
- Aggregate can become exposed
- Expected life of 20+ years