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The average rating for Bark Paving Contractors is 4.76, based on 14,493 reviews
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Fed up with your dull driveway but unsure how much it’ll set you back to get new paving? Read our handy guide to find out how much brick or block paving will cost.
Brick paving is made from clay that has been formed into the shape of a tile. The term ‘brick’ can also be used to describe the shape of the stone, but more often than not the material is not actually brick, so you want to make sure you are getting the right material.
The great thing about brick paving is that it’s so versatile in terms of the variety of colours it comes in, although red and grey are the most popular choices. Brick paving also tends to last for generations, making it a very cost-effective choice.
Price-wise, brick paving costs 15% to 20% more than concrete bricks. It’s also far more expensive than gravel or even a flat concrete drive.
Block paving is similar to brick paving but uses concrete and not clay to create each tile (known as ‘pavers’).
If you’re on a budget then block paving is ideal, as it’s much more cost-effective than clay.
Block paving also has a shorter life span of around 20 years, which is far less than brick paving.
Also, the quality of the concrete can vary significantly. It’s possible to find block paving that looks like natural stone, but equally some block paving can look cheap and be prone to breakage easily. That’s why it’s important to shop around.
The cost of brick and block paving will vary depending on the job, but here’s a rough breakdown of average costs based on prices throughout Canada:
| Type of paving | Highest average price (per square foot) | Lowest average price (per square foot) |
| Block paving | $20 | $3 |
| Brick paving | $50 | $10 |
As you can see, brick paving can end up being more than double the price of block paving! While block paving is a great option if you want to keep costs to a minimum, remember that it won’t last as long as brick paving.
Brick paving is considered the higher quality material versus block paving, which, as you can see, is reflected in the price.
If you wish to have brick paving, a good way to save money is to only have it placed in key areas such as the drive and walkways. Usually, the price will come under $2,000 for a medium to large size garden but will climb towards $3,500.
The final cost of brick and block paving will depend on several factors, including:
Your driveway shape
Maintenance costs
Location
If you’ve always found your driveway shape to be quite awkward or too narrow then now is the time to correct it. You’ll also need to decide whether you want the paving on just a portion of the drive (where you’d park and around entranceways) or if you wish to cover the entire space.
Price is also a factor here, as the greater the area you cover with paving the more expensive it will be. You may want to leave some of your garden space for grass or landscaping if you have a particularly large area to cover.
You’ll be happy to hear that the maintenance required for brick and block paving is fairly minimal. Although, over time your drive will benefit from professional cleaning which will cost between $100 and $295 depending on the size of your drive. Likewise, anti-mould/weed solution can be applied by cleaners and your paving can also be re-sanded too.
Brick paving is the easiest to maintain as clay is far less likely to crack compared with concrete. If any building work takes place that requires you to lift your paving stones, then this is very easy to do, which is another advantage of paving compared with a concrete drive.
Location is also another factor affecting price, as contractors will set different prices depending on where they are in Canada. Here’s a rough idea of how much you’ll pay depending on where you’re based:
| Location | The average cost of block paving per square foot |
| Toronto | $10 |
| Vancouver | $12 |
| Montreal | $15 |
| Calgary | $12 |
| Ottawa | $11.50 |
There are lots to consider when repaving your driveway. As well as deciding between brick and block paving, you’ll also need to factor in your garden as a whole. Here are some things to think about if you haven’t already done so:
Paving design
Gardening landscaping
Brick and block paving comes in a wide range of styles and colours, so you’ll be sure to find something that matches your tastes! Brick paving, in particular, retains colour well, and it’s also possible to have contrasting colours (such as light and dark grey) to add interest to the design.
Depending on the skill of the contractor, you may be able to have your paving laid in a circular pattern. This style works particularly well to frame landscaping, especially if you don’t want to remove trees from your garden.
Paving can be put down on its own to complement your existing garden. However, it’s also possible to have garden landscaping done as part of the job.
For example, if you have an uneven driveaway you may wish to have everything levelled off before the work starts. Or if you dislike the arrangement of any greenery, you can create a new paving design and start from scratch with new fencing, turf and plants.
Garden landscaping will come at an additional cost. However, it is one of the best ways to add curb appeal to your property.
Compared with other driveway material types, there are plenty of advantages with both block and brick paving. Firstly, paving stones are not only timeless but also look more expensive and classic, especially compared with laying concrete over your drive. Whatsmore, unlike concrete, paving stones are a lot less likely to crack. It’s also much easier to dig up paving stones for maintenance issues and place them back down without being able to tell the difference.
Even with the cheaper block paving stones, you will get approximately 20 years of use out of them, making them great value for money overall. However, if you have some flexibility with your budget, it’s worth getting brick paving, as this will prove to stand the test of time.
Dazzle neighbours, friends and family with beautiful brick and block paving. Find local experts near you to complete the job on Bark.
The average rating for Bark Paving Contractors is 4.76, based on 14,493 reviews
5/5
based on 14,493 reviews
