How Much Does Paving Cost in Perth (Price Guide)

How much will my paving cost? It’s the first thing most people ask us, and it’s a fair question. The honest answer is that we can’t give you a real figure until we’ve seen the area, because the same square metre of paving can involve very different amounts of work from one Perth home to the next.

What we can do is explain what goes into a paving price. Once you know what moves the number, you’ll know what you’re paying for, and you’ll be able to compare quotes on the same job rather than on a headline figure.

What goes into a paving price

Every paving job is made up of the same parts: the pavers, the preparation underneath them, the labour to lay them and the clean-up at the end. How much each part involves on your site is what moves the price.

The paver material

Brick, limestone, travertine, porcelain and crazy paving all sit at different points on the scale, and each has its own installation needs. Porcelain, for example, needs a clean, stable adhesive bed and wet saw cutting, so the labour is more involved than a sand-set brick paver. We compare the main materials in the table below.

The size and shape of the area

A larger area needs more pavers and more time. Shape is the one people forget. A simple rectangle lays quickly, while curves, corners, steps and narrow side passages all need more cuts. Heavily cut layouts in porcelain cost more again, because cutting porcelain accurately takes time.

The pattern

Straight lay and running bond are the fastest patterns to set out and lay. Herringbone and French pattern need more cuts at the edges and corners, which adds time. Patterns with more cuts also need more material ordered for off-cuts: around 5% extra for a straight stack, and up to 15 to 20% for a diagonal layout. Our guide to paving patterns covers each one.

Base preparation

This is where most of the work happens. Perth’s sandy soil drains well but doesn’t bind or compact like clay, so without a proper compacted base, pavers settle and shift. Driveways need more again: we excavate 200 to 250mm, lay 100 to 150mm of compacted crushed limestone road base, then a bedding sand layer, and use 50mm pavers rated for vehicles. Sites with heavier clay can need a deeper sub-base. We check ground conditions at the quote so it’s priced in, not found on the day.

Access and slope

Difficult access and a significant slope both add work. We look at how we’ll get materials in and how much levelling the area needs when we visit.

Removing old paving or concrete

If existing paving or concrete has to come out, that adds demolition and disposal. Sometimes new pavers can go over an existing slab, if it’s in good condition and at the right height. In most cases we recommend removing it so we can build a proper base and set the correct drainage fall.

Drainage

Every paved area needs a fall that carries water away from the house, and around a pool, away from the pool. That’s built into the base. If your site needs more than the standard fall, such as extra drainage work or a permeable system to help contain stormwater on your property, we explain what’s involved and show it on your written quote.

How the main paving materials compare

On porcelain and travertine, the price difference is often smaller than people expect. Once you allow for the sealing travertine needs over the years, porcelain can work out more cost-effective over the long term. It really comes down to the look you want and how much upkeep you’re happy to do.

Comparing paving quotes fairly

If two quotes for the same area are far apart, they’re usually not quoting the same job. Check that each one covers:

• The same paver, at the right thickness for how the area will be used.
• The same pattern. A switch from French pattern to running bond is a different outcome, not a better price for the same one.
• The base depth, compacted in layers, and the drainage fall.
• Removal of old paving, if you need it.
• Who is actually doing the work.

What’s included in our quote

We start with a free on-site measure and quote. Mike comes out, looks at the area, checks the ground, access and drainage, talks through your material options and gives you a written price. It’s a fixed price based on the site visit, not an estimate from photos.

Your price includes the pavers, site preparation, base work, installation and clean-up, with no separate charges for materials and labour. As preferred installers for Freo Stone, Eco Stone and Remastone, we buy directly from Perth’s main paver suppliers, so you’re not paying a retail margin on top of a supplier margin.

We don’t subcontract, and if the scope changes once work is underway, we tell you before any extra work goes ahead. The price we quote is the price you pay, and our clients consistently mention that in their reviews. Most residential jobs take 1 to 3 days. See the materials we lay on our paving page, or read about driveway paving.

Frequently asked questions

Can you give me a price over the phone?

We’d rather not guess. Two areas the same size can need very different amounts of base work, cutting and demolition. A free on-site measure lets us give you a fixed written price you can rely on.

Does herringbone or French pattern cost more?

Yes. Both need more cuts and a bigger material allowance for off-cuts. Straight lay is the more cost-effective option if budget is the priority.

Do you take on small paving jobs?

Yes. We take on jobs of all sizes, from small courtyards and pathways through to large pool surrounds and full driveways.

If you’d like to know what your project involves, get in touch and we’ll book your free on-site measure and written quote. We cover the full Perth metro area, from Currambine to Mandurah.

Mike Tuhaka

Mike Tuhaka runs Perth Landscape Guys. He and his team design and build outdoor spaces right across Perth, from Currambine down to Mandurah, including paving, decking, retaining walls, artificial grass, lawn and reticulation. They are preferred installers for Freo Stone, Eco Stone and Remastone, and have worked on commercial projects for Murdoch University and Parsons Group. What customers mention most is Mike’s honest advice and the regular updates from the first plan to the final clean up.