Pavers are durable and come in a variety of options, which make them an easy choice for many hardscaping projects. However, not all pavers are created equal, and things like aesthetic and price can weigh heavily on the decision.
Paving stones have long been a popular building material for both landscaping (e.g., patios and pool decks) and industrial needs (e.g., roads). And because they are durable and come in a variety of options, pavers are an excellent choice for a multitude of hardscape projects.
How Much Do Pavers Cost?
Concrete pavers are a beautiful addition to any home renovation or new build project. They are a more affordable way to get the look of natural stone, versatile to be used indoors and out, and most have third-party testing results to back up their performance. But they aren't free. One of the most common questions asked by homeowners looking to install concrete pavers is “how much is it going to cost me?” And you ask it for good reason as there are a lot of pieces you need to keep in mind when pulling your full budget together.
Here are a few tips from the Paver Pros at FireRock to keep in mind when thinking about paver costs:
Perhaps the most obvious cost is the actual material itself, which may vary based on who you purchase from and where in the country you are located. The most cost efficient way to purchase is to choose standard sizes, color and thickness available from the manufacturer. Costs will increase if your project requires custom sizes, custom colors, or rounded or square coping.
In addition to the materials you can see, you also need to consider the materials you can’t see – the foundation. Most paver manufacturers can accommodate a few different foundation options by offering multiple thicknesses. FireRock, for instance, has 3 thicknesses – 1”, 1 ¾” and 2 ¾” – in a number of standard sizes. The thinner 1” paver is best when used on a concrete slab foundation whereas the thicker paver sizes require a polymeric sand base. When pavers are laid on a concrete slab, you will also need to account for grout to run between the paving stones to secure them together.
As you can imagine, a pallet of concrete pavers can be pretty heavy, so shipping costs must be considered as part of your overall budget. Your shipping costs will vary based on overall size of the order as well as the distance they need to travel from the manufacturer, so be sure to ask about this when getting a quote. In addition to the costs to get materials to your jobsite, you’ll also need to consider how to unload them from the truck. For example, a single pallet of FireRock 1” pavers weighs approximately 3,200 lbs. and requires a forklift to move as it is too heavy to raise/lower with a lift gate or moffett.
While it is possible to lay paver stones yourself, we do recommend getting the help of a professional, especially if your project requires any cutting or custom work done on site. Professional installers have ample experience with these types of stones and are skilled at laying a perfectly level space you are sure to love. Installation can cost as much as 2x your material cost, but oftentimes you can lean on your installer for assistance with delivery and for bringing required materials such as grout, sand, sealer, etc.
It is imperative that you seal your finished paver project in order to keep it looking good for years to come. There are a number of sealers on the market you can consider, such as SEK Surebond that protect the surface from everyday wear and tear and damage caused by UV rays, water penetration, stains and mildew among other things. Keep in mind that sealer will wear off over time, so it is recommended you reseal every 2-3 years.
In addition to sealing your paver installation, think about developing a regular cleaning schedule (especially for those outdoor projects) to keep them looking great.
When thinking about budgeting for concrete pavers or any stone project, consider the above to ensure there are no surprises in your budget.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us at 888-876-1025.
It's a must that we close our look back at 2016 showhouses with a classic - the Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse presented by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine. FireRock's masonry fireplaces (5 indoor units total!) and slate roofing were used in the 2015 Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse — a 15,000 square foot home located in Buckhead's Millwood Manor, just outside of Atlanta, GA.
For FireRock, 2016 was the year for showhouses. In addition to the Christopher Showhouse project, early 2016 debuted the inaugural Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens presented by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine. The spring showhome included 25,000 square foot of living space and 6,000 square foot of outdoor space in Buckhead’s Tuxedo Park neighborhood, and was opened to the public in early April.
When it comes to indoor or outdoor flooring pavers, the options can seem endless. Like we discussed before with patterns, pavers are available in a wide variety of materials, colors, shapes, thicknesses, layout sizes, etc. The abundance of choices can quickly become overwhelming for any new construction, renovation or DIY project.
Remember: Knowledge is power! Learning the important fundamentals of pavers can help simplify your decision-making process AND your overall project.
This article will teach you the need-to-know basic facts about natural stone and cast stone, the most common type of indoor and outdoor flooring pavers.
This backyard oasis nails the less-is-more approach with a swimming hole-style inground pool and contemporary pool house bar. Located at a lush, coastal community within Charleston, SC, this home mixes clean lines with tranquil pops of color.