Paving Specialists in Christchurch

Paving costs in New Zealand vary by material and area size. Standard concrete pavers cost $80 to $150 per square metre installed. Clay pavers cost $100 to $180 per square metre. Natural stone paving costs $150 to $350 per square metre. Exposed aggregate concrete costs $80 to $140 per square metre. Plain concrete costs $60 to $100 per square metre. A standard 40-square-metre paved patio costs $3,200 to $6,000 for concrete pavers. A paved driveway (60 to 80 square metres) costs $5,000 to $12,000.

Popular paving materials in New Zealand include concrete pavers (Firth, Urbanstone — wide range of colours, shapes, and finishes), clay pavers (traditional look, excellent colour retention, very durable), natural stone (schist, granite, bluestone — premium look and durability), exposed aggregate concrete (exposed pebble finish, slip-resistant, low maintenance), and stamped concrete (patterned to look like pavers or stone at a lower cost). Each material has different aesthetic, durability, and maintenance characteristics.

Paved driveways require a properly prepared base to handle vehicle weight. The base typically includes 100 to 150mm of compacted GAP 65 (granular aggregate) over a geotextile fabric, followed by 25 to 40mm of bedding sand, then the pavers. For driveways, use pavers rated for vehicular traffic (minimum 55mm thick). Edge restraints are essential to prevent pavers from shifting. A paved driveway is more expensive than plain concrete but adds significant street appeal and property value.

Paved areas require minimal maintenance. Sweep regularly to remove debris. Wash occasionally with a garden hose or low-pressure water blaster (high pressure can damage joint sand). Re-sand joints every two to three years as polymeric sand washes out over time. Treat any moss or algae with a suitable cleaner. Repair individual pavers by lifting and resetting them — one of the advantages of pavers over poured concrete, which cracks and is harder to repair.