How much does paving cost? Because there are various types of pavers, substrates, and patterns, there is a wide range of associated costs. While interlocking tiles are the most common type of pavers they cost around NGN5,000/m2 with installation cost.
Who should you entrust with interlockiong tiles? Send an enquiry to relevant contractors in your area with reviews, free of charge and no strings attached! All you need to do is fill in the form below.
Paving certainly adds a certain something to every driveway or garden. It refers to covering the ground with some kind of suitable material - stone, concrete, wood, or one of the numerous composite materials. Pavers certainly give a more attractive and elegant finish than asphalt. So if you want to elevate your outdoor space to the next level, paving is a great choice. Almost any surface can be paved - from patios, driveways, gardens, paths, pavements, roads, squares, and plateaus to any other similar outdoor space, thus improving both its functionality and appearance.
A paved yard goes a long way to making the outside of your property look neat and tidy and paving around the exterior walls of your house will give your home an inviting and welcoming appearance. It should be both stylish and functional, which can be achieved with the right choice of material.
The cost of paving a yard
The cost of materials, construction of a compacted base up to 50 mm thick, and laying paving is between NGN4000 - NGN6000/m2 this cost includes labour and materials.
Virtually every house has a driveway, garage, or carport, and it’s usually the first thing you notice when you approach someone’s home. It’s so much better to choose paving over asphalt for these areas, but why?
Why go for paving
A paved driveway will add a lot to the appearance of your outdoor space; instead of a uniform black surface, you can decorate this area any way you want by choosing one or more materials, one or more colours, one or more shapes - in other words, you can have any design you want by using a whole range of materials from exposed aggregate concrete slabs to granite cubes or cobblestones. Turf block pavers are also very popular - the honeycomb cavities in between them allow grass to grow, meaning your driveway will have a lovely green surface. The most important thing is to ensure that rainwater can drain away quickly, thus ensuring it will last for many years.
A paved patio is an extension of the living room and in architectural terms connects the interior and exterior of the home. In warmer climates, natural stone, exposed aggregate concrete slabs, or outdoor ceramic tiles are most often chosen for paving.
Why pave the patio
All these materials are easy to maintain and are long-lasting. Of course, you could also go for wooden decking. It will certainly look good and is very popular in cooler regions, sometimes as an extension of the outdoor pool area, since it is warmer underfoot and more comfortable to lie on.
The cost of paving a patio
The cost of materials, construction of a compacted base up to 50 cm thick with drainage, and laying paving is between NGN4000 - NGN6000/m2.
A paved access road always creates a powerful aesthetic impression. It can appear showbizzy and pretentious, but for good reason. As with any road, the preparation of a hard subbase, drainage, and the choice of materials is crucial since it will be used by vehicles. Concrete slabs, gravel or pebbles, and natural stone are probably the most common materials.
Why pave your access road
If the road is well planned and the subbase and surface layer laid properly, the road will last for years and will look amazing. In addition, if ever there is a need for repairs or to lay new services beneath it, it’s a relatively simple job just to remove a few of the slabs or pavers to carry out the necessary work and then put everything back as it was.
The cost of paving a road
The cost of materials, construction of a compacted base up to 50 cm thick with drainage, and laying paving is between NGN4000 - NGN6000/m2.
Is there anyone who doesn’t enjoy a stroll through a fragrant garden in full bloom? Probably not! But it’s an even more delightful experience if you can walk through it on beautifully landscaped paths. Garden paths can be paved in many ways. It might be one continuous path or a more intermittent one with the gaps filled with mulch, gravel and the like, or even grass. The pavers can also be arranged so they are stepped. There are many different paving materials available for paths - ordinary or exposed aggregate concrete slabs, various types of natural and artificial stone, composite materials, wood, and the list goes on.
The price of paving a garden
The cost of materials, construction of a compacted base up to 50 cm thick with drainage, and laying paving is between NGN4000 - NGN6000/m2.
Paved paths either around the edge of your house or through the garden will give your home an air of luxury. For any path, the most important thing is a good, solid subbase, laid in line with the usual rules that apply when it comes to building any form of infrastructural feature, and suitable drainage. The paths can be paved with any material you choose. Materials can be combined in terms of colour, shape, and size - all that matters is that they are suitable for the soil and climatic conditions so they last as long as possible.
Why pave paths
Paving paths either in the garden, around the house, or elsewhere, and in doing so adhering to the principles of landscape architecture, will bring certain benefits whereby functionality is combined with aesthetics. For example, when it rains, you won’t find yourself entering the house with muddy shoes.
Price of paving paths
The cost of materials, construction of a compacted base up to 50 cm thick with drainage, and laying paving is between NGN4000 - NGN6000/m2.
A popular way to landscape and secure any type of bank or slope is by using hollow concrete blocks. These blocks can be used to shore up earth instead of using a full-blown retaining/breast wall, or to provide a green covering for vertical surfaces, for example on the boundary line, or areas that are the same or different levels. These hollow concrete blocks are extremely resistant to the weather and mechanical damage and are therefore incredibly durable.
Uses
These hollow concrete blocks can be used in a variety of ways.
They can be used as planters if you want the bank or slope to be covered with vegetation. You can find blocks that resemble flower pots or planters and they can be arranged one on top of the other or in a zigzag pattern, so when flowers or other plants are grown in them, a swathe of green adorns the slope.
Other blocks have a natural stone finish. They are most commonly used for decorative walls with a decorative wall cap on top.
Laying the blocks
A hollow concrete block wall that is intended to shore up a slope needs strong foundations. The first row of blocks is laid on freshly poured concrete and then must be left to dry and harden. Once the first course has set, a drainage channel is dug alongside the foundations and a pipe installed. A studded waterproofing membrane is also applied to the wall itself so as to prevent moisture from penetrating the concrete foundations. The wall can be placed up to a height of 1 m if completely vertical, or 1.5 m if slanted.
Price of hollow concrete blocks
The purchase price of these blocks is NGN250 - NGN300/block excluding delivery. The price of laying them depends on the soil type, the slope of the terrain, and, of course, the contractor. If you decide to use hollow blocks for your bank or slope, you can also contact us at daibau.ng. On our site you’ll find more advice on this topic, as well as reliable suppliers and manufacturers who will send a suitable quote in response to any enquiry you make.
There are numerous types of paving materials available on the market today and a whole range of colours and shapes. The amount of choice is enough to give anyone a headache and leave them asking themselves - which type do I choose? Of course, it all comes down to your personal preference, but you can use pictures of finished projects on the Internet or contractors’ references as a guide. We suggest you decide on two or three different shapes and then ask an expert how they could be combined.
Paver shapes
Pavers can be square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, curved, circular, or irregular in shape. Whatever their shape, pavers are laid side by side, like a jigsaw puzzle, so they can be used to cover even larger surface areas.
Pavers come with sharp or bevelled edges. Those with sharp edges are laid tight against each other, without any gaps, giving the impression of one large expanse; those with bevelled edges are laid with spaces, depending on the number of sides they have, making the design more eye-catching.
Paver size
Pavers come in a wide variety of sizes, from 8 cm granite cubes to large-format concrete slabs, measuring 50 cm or more. The larger the paver, the faster and cheaper it is to lay them; smaller pavers, larger surface areas, and complex designs make the work more expensive. Whatever their width, pavers are usually 5 cm thick as this makes them strong enough and durable.
Stone, concrete, or exposed aggregate paving slabs are usually larger formats and simple rectangular shapes. They are intended for paving patios, balconies, pavements, paths, and thoroughfares. They can withstand pressure, salts, and rain since they are impregnated and protected during the production process. Laying them is just as simple as any subsequent cleaning and maintenance, and their durability is unquestionable.
Cobblestones are amongst the oldest ways to pave roads as they are extremely resistant and long-lasting. They come in a variety of colours and sizes and can be arranged in many different ways, which can result in an incredibly beautiful and stylish surface. They are most often used for paths, pavements, approach roads, passageways, yards, parking spaces, and town squares.
Turf block pavers are concrete elements with open cells that resemble a honeycomb. When they are used to pave a parking lot or driveway, grass can grow through these cavities so the entire space takes on a more elegant, natural appearance. These pavers consist of two layers with the top one made of quartz sand that is resistant to harsh weather conditions. They can be used by themselves or combined with asphalt and concrete slabs of a similar format. Turf block pavers are mainly produced in dimensions of 40x60x10 cm.
Kerbstones are concrete or stone elements that form the edging to a paved or asphalted surface. There are three types of kerbstone, categorized according to their use: garden, yard, and road. Large, heavy concrete kerbstones are used to edge pavements, roads, parking spaces, and streets, while smaller, more lightweight concrete or stone ones are laid in gardens, parks, and along paths.
Paving materials must be resistant to pressure, moisture, contraction and expansion, and similar physical and chemical influences from the external environment. As such, not every material is suitable for this type of use. It’s also a good idea for the paving material to match what the house and the garden are made from so as to form a visual and physical whole. Thus, a brick house should have brick paths, while granite or exposed aggregate slabs are the chosen material for minimalistic, contemporary houses. Wood, stone, and their various imitations are more suitable for buildings made of traditional materials.
Concrete blocks come in all different sizes, colours, shapes, structures, and textures, with sharp or bevelled edges; in short, they are the most popular and widely-produced paving material as they are easy and quick to lay and provide so much flexibility in terms of combinations and patterns. They do not freeze, are anti-slip, and can withstand various types of loads, while some are impregnated and resistant to salts or UV radiation. For this reason, they can be used on any outdoor surface.
Many manufacturers produce concrete block paving, with the biggest producers having ranges made from natural or artificial materials that are well-known across the globe, such as Prestige, Antique, Intact, and Classic.
Exposed aggregate pavers are made of a special type of concrete that is treated when it is semi-dry, thus removing the top layer of cement paste. One method is the ‘wash-off’ method using a water spray and a broom. Once treated, the final product has a rough surface. These pavers are made in different colours and dimensions and can result in really amazing designs. Like other concrete pavers, they are resistant to cold weather, salt, and other damage, and are anti-slip. They can be used for paths, driveways, walkways, roads, pavements, yards, or town squares. Their usual dimensions are 60x60 cm or 40x40 cm.
Sandblasted pavers are made by removing the surface layer of cement paste when it is completely dry to expose the aggregate beneath. The result is a rough, uneven surface with a very interesting appearance. To increase its durability, it can then be impregnated with various protective agents. These pavers are usually 40x40x4 cm.
Smooth concrete pavers look quite simple. They are anti-slip and also extremely resistant to external influences such as salt, UV radiation, damage, and pressure, and therefore last for a very long time. They are used as much for vehicular surfaces as for pedestrian ones, so they are often found on residential driveways as well as municipal features like marketplaces and town squares. These pavers are usually 40x40x4 cm. They are easily maintained by washing with water or neutral cleaning agents.
Stone has been used for paving for hundreds of years since it’s the most resistant and sturdiest material in nature, not to mention its impressive and grand appearance. Granite, marble, sandstone, slate, limestone, quartz, and porphyry are the most commonly used stones.
If you do go for stone, bear in mind that types of stone differ greatly in terms of colour, structure, and other qualities, so whichever you choose needs to fit in perfectly with both the exterior as well as the interior of your home. The ease with which natural stone can be shaped depends on the type, but processing methods include polishing, brushing, flaming, and cutting. Any internal or external surface can be clad with stone and it will retain its beauty and stability for decades.
Granite is a very solid and high-quality natural building material. It is used for both external and internal surfaces, as well as many other features, such as windowsills, steps, counters and worktops, garden equipment, fireplaces, and tabletops.
Marble is a compact metamorphic rock with characteristic crystals. It comes in a multitude of colours and shades due to the different properties of the various minerals it contains. The veins that run through marble are formed by the crystallised minerals and again mean that each piece of rock has its own unique design. In fact, the pattern of these veins tells us exactly which quarry a piece of rock comes from because no two are the same. Most frequently, the granite is polished to a high gloss, which brings out its specific pattern and colour. Without a doubt, marble has been the most popular and most sought-after decorative stone for hundreds of years. Today it is used inside to cover floors and walls, and even ceilings, while outside it is used for paths and other walkways, and also for monuments.
Limestone is a hard rock, although it is vulnerable to water, especially acid rain. Limestone pavers are a uniform beige colour and are used mostly for covering interior walls, and much less for external surfaces, with only some types suitable.
Sandstone is a stone that looks very natural with its gentle, earthy tones. It is usually processed only minimally and is used for outdoor paving, since it is naturally anti-slip.
Quartz is a very hard stone. It is mostly used for paving external surfaces.
Porphyry is also a hard rock. With its rough surface, it is particularly suitable for paving outdoor areas.
Slate is a type of stone that is easy to cleave due to its laminar nature. It is mostly used for outdoor paving, although some types are also suitable for the interior.
Gravel is great for covering areas that need to stand out, aesthetically speaking. It is used for high quality, intricately shaped mosaics that need to be frost-resistant and stable. By combining pebbles and gravel of different sizes and colours, colourful patterns or mosaics can be formed. This type of covering is increasingly popular for patios, seating areas in gardens, and similar places. You can buy gravel in specialist shops or from stone cutters.
Outdoor tiles can be ceramic or, more recently, porcelain, i.e. stoneware. They are resistant to water, and salt and do not crack. Stoneware tiles are also anti-slip, so they are increasingly sought after for patios, balconies, and steps.
Granite, in the form of cobbles, is one of the oldest local materials for paving public areas such as squares, marketplaces, and streets. They come in various shades of grey, green, yellow, and red. The combination of colours and how they are placed can result in fascinating designs and even mosaics. Granite cobbles are best suited to uneven ground; however, cobblestones are not the most resistant material when it comes to rainfall, especially on sloping surfaces. Granite cobblestones can be anything between 5-20 cm square in size.
Bricks were a common paving material in those places where no other suitable materials were available. Made from clay and/or shale, brick pavers are fired in a kiln at higher temperatures than wall or chimney bricks. This kind of paving is better and longer lasting in drier and warmer climates.
Turf block pavers are a special type of paver because of their distinctive appearance. They’re made of concrete and have open cells that allow grass to grow through them until the whole surface is covered in green. They are most commonly used for parking areas and access roads. If you want to break the monotony of a large, uniform space, then these pavers are an excellent choice.
Wooden paving can be a great addition to your garden. It combines perfectly with the natural environment and materials. Since timber itself is not moisture-resistant, it must be protected, but care must also be taken when selecting the type of wood. Chestnut and oak are the best in this sense.
Pavers can also be made from tree cookies, i.e. cross-sectional slices taken from a tree trunk. The trunk itself should be more than 10 cm in diameter, and the ‘slices’ 15-20 cm thick. Laying wooden pavers is simple, but it does require a well-prepared substrate, particularly in terms of drainage, so that, come the autumn, the wood does not start to rot. Wood can pave patios, garden paths, the perimeter of ponds or swimming pools, seating areas, and gazebos.
Paving is a very affordable way to landscape an outside area, whilst also being very quick. The price of paving materials varies significantly depending on the material itself, the preparation of the substrate, the dimensions of the area to be paved, and the complexity of the design and the paving method.
The preparation of the subbase is the first step when it comes to paving. The longevity of the paved surface will depend largely on whether the subbase has been prepared properly according to the type of pavers you have chosen and what the space will be used for. So, for example, a surface that will be used for vehicular traffic but which is not laid properly at the start will begin to deteriorate very quickly. Therefore, an even and firm subbase needs preparing. Firstly, soil needs removing down to a depth of 20-30 cm before a watertight membrane is laid. A layer of sand and gravel is then applied. This is rolled and compacted until it is firm enough to withstand the load it will have to support and a slope of at least 2.5% must be incorporated for drainage purposes.
The drainage layer is a key part of any civil project - as much for quality as for durability. Drainage involves laying a membrane and then two layers of gravel. In this way, the subbase will remain flat and stable and there won’t be the constant need to repair bumps, holes, or cracks. This layer will ensure unhindered runoff and prevent water retention, which usually causes damage.
Installing edging or kerbstones will determine the boundaries and height of the paved surface. Concrete or stone edge restraints of various sizes are used for this job - from 5.5x20x100 cm to 15x24.5x100 cm.
Again, for the edging to last, it needs to be laid properly. First, a trench must be dug. This is then filled with concrete up to a height of about 20 cm. The edging stones are placed on this base with a minimum spacing of 5 mm. Once they have been levelled, concrete is poured around the stones to keep them in place. The gaps between the edging stones are filled with cement.
In order for pavers to fit perfectly, they very often need to be cut. This requires a suitable tool - an angle grinder - with a suitable blade depending on the material (concrete, stone, or brick). For natural stone, a diamond blade or a professional wet saw should be used. If you are cutting them yourself, do not forget ear protectors, safety glasses, a face mask, good work gloves, and shoes with steel toe caps.
You always start paving from a corner or along an edge. If possible, start from the lowest part of the area to be paved. Don’t push the pavers right up to one another; instead, leave gaps between them for pointing and grouting. Plastic paver spacers can also be used to ensure even gaps, while a length of taut string ensures that the pavers are laid straight. The pavers are levelled with a rubber mallet or a plate compactor. An angle grinder or a hammer and chisel can be used to adjust their size. If the pavers are not the same colour, then take them from different packs so they end up looking as uniform as possible.
The variety of shapes and colours of paving slabs, tiles, and blocks allow the creation of colourful designs or mosaics. The way pavers are arranged will of course determine the final appearance of the paved area, so it does no harm to plan it carefully beforehand. Designs can also be created by laying pavers of different sizes, by placing them asymmetrically or randomly, by combining different colours or shapes, and so on; the possibilities are endless. The design can also include different textures or even an image. The most common designs, though, are quite simple - diagonal, running bond, semi-circular, circular, or herringbone.
Before starting to point the paved surface, it must be cleaned and allowed to dry. The joints in the paving are filled with sand or a special jointing compound.
If filled with sand, then quartz sand or something similar is used that does not contain limestone. This method can only be applied in dry weather. In order to achieve as good a finish as possible, a plate compactor should be used; it will mean that the pavers sit better on the substrate, the joints can be pointed more evenly, and the entire surface will be more even. A plate compactor is a machine that compresses the substrate using vibrations, so once it has been used, more substrate material will sometimes need adding to fill in any lower areas.
A grouting compound gives some flexibility to the joints, making them more resistant to erosion. It also prevents grass growth in between the pavers. It can be used for pointing yards, parking areas, and other public areas that will not be exposed to heavy traffic.
Despite their durability and resistance, paved surfaces still require maintenance and cleaning. The easiest way to remove dust, grime, and weeds from between the joints is by power washing. It will mean you restore the original appearance of your paving and extend its service life. One disadvantage of this method is that the jet of water can erode the grouting between the pavers, so you’ll have to re-point the joints afterwards with a grouting compound or quartz sand. You’ll have to wait until the whole surface is dry before you do, though.
You can remove weeds from the joints between the pavers by hand using a weeding knife. However, although it will ensure that the pointing won’t be damaged, it is a very slow process and won’t get rid of the roots. You could use chemical agents, which are more effective but not particularly good for the environment. The regrowth and spread of weeds can be slowed down by using herbicides or a homemade weedkiller using a mixture of vinegar, salt, and soap.
Stonemasons cut and prepare stone; they will cut your stone to any desired shape or size, or even make a complex structure from several pieces of stone. You can order flooring, countertops, worktops, stairs and steps, stone cladding for walls, windowsills, sculptures, fountains, monuments, tables, benches, columns, vases, bowls, lamps, and much more from an experienced and skilled stonemason.
There are specialized companies that work with stone. They will be able to recommend the type of stone you should use, prepare the subbase, install drainage, and lay the paving in line with your wishes and requirements. A good, reliable contractor will have all the necessary equipment, tools, and machines, the most important of which are those for compacting the substrate and precision cutting tools. If you have no experience in these matters or are unsure which company to choose, you can also contact us. Send an enquiry and the verified specialists we work with will get back to you with a quote.
When should paving be laid?
The best time to lay paving is from March to October. However, we recommend you send your enquiry a month or two before this as contractors soon get booked up. It will mean that you already know where you stand before the start of the building season.
Asphalting the yard, driveway, or access road is the most economical solution in the short term, but not the best one from the aesthetic or practical point of view. In the event of any additional work at a later date, the asphalted surface must be cut and then patched up; if it cracks or is damaged in any way, it can only be repaired by re-laying the asphalt, which is again a great expense. This is why paving is much more convenient, more attractive, and economical in the long term. Paving is simple and offers many options in every sense of the word. If you choose to asphalt the surface, it will end up costing you almost as much as concrete paving.
| Asphalting | Paving | |
| Durability | Longer | Shorter |
| Easy to repair? | Less easy – when the asphalt has been laid, whenever it needs repairing, the whole surface will need relaying. | Easier – a broken paver or block can simply be replaced or the substrate beneath it fixed. |
| Flexibility | Less – if services need laying, the asphalt will need cutting and then patching up manually, but it won’t look the same. | More – pavers can be taken out individually and returned after the services have been laid without any visible signs. |
| Design possibilities | Limited – the standard option is the natural colour of asphalt, while painting or adding colour to it is expensive. | Better – there are limitless types of material available on the market as well as many different ways the pavers can be laid. |
| Conclusion | If you have a limited budget, asphalt is the best option. | If you want a longer-lasting and more attractive finish, we recommend paving. |
If you have some experience with this kind of work and you know the important things to bear in mind and how to go about it, then you can do it yourself. Otherwise, we encourage you to hire a professional. Your inexperience means you’ll run the risk of your paving deteriorating rapidly and it needing repairing, so you’ll have wasted both your time and your money.
| DIY | Contractors | |
| Purchasing materials | You’ll have to do it all yourself and you won’t have any bulk discount or the like. | They get a discount on materials and sometimes they are actually product promoters. |
| Substrate preparation | Having the material delivered and preparing the subbase are very demanding tasks – equipment, tools, and labour. | They have professional machinery, equipment, and tools; they do this type of work every day so they’re quicker and more skilful. |
| Substrate compaction | You’ll have to rent a plate compactor; you need to know what you’re doing and a certain level of skill when it comes to compacting the subbase. | They have all the equipment they need and know how to use it. |
| Conclusion | More expensive, time-consuming, requires experience | Hire a professional! ???? |
Rustic slabs, tiles, or blocks imitate the appearance of worn natural materials. If you like old yards and gardens, you can use these materials to instantly create an environment that will look as if it has been there for decades. If you intend to use old pavers, think about how they will fit in with the rest of your garden.
For a modern style, use tiles, slabs, and blocks with sharp edges, a smooth finish, and a minimalist structure. This goes really well with the trends of contemporary architecture. If you intend to use new materials, think about how they will fit in with the rest of your garden.
Reusing old pavers is becoming increasingly popular as the notion of ‘recycling’ gains in importance. These pavers have a special patina and a certain romantic charm due to their years of use. They are most commonly used in restorations or adaptations of old buildings.
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