How much does it cost to pave a driveway?

Your driveway is one of the first areas seen by visitors. To those who want to make the best impression on their guests, having a paved driveway can easily increase a home’s value. Driveway paving costs range from $40 to $100, depending on several things.

If you're planning to level up your outdoor space and would like to install driveway paving, this guide will help you understand driveway paving costs in Australia and avoid surprises when hiring a professional for the job.

Price list for driveway paving

Types of driveway paving and their average cost

The main driveway materials in Australia are concrete, brick, and natural stone.

Concrete

Concrete is popular due to its low cost of $40 to $65 per m² while being one of the most durable materials for driveway paving. It's a good option if you're looking for something low-maintenance. Concrete paving is easy to clean and can last decades if built well. However, it can become cracked and discoloured during extreme weather conditions.

Brick

Brick is another common option for driveways due to its versatility and ease of installation. Brick paving costs per m2 are $70 to $95. Brick paving is highly customisable in style, colour, and size and is less slippery. It's also often ready for vehicles as soon as brick paving specialists finish the job.

Whilst brick offers some benefits, it requires more upkeep since moss is more likely to grow on it. It is also at risk of misalignment and breakage during harsh weather. Still, some opt for brick paving due to its aesthetic appeal, which can easily complement your house’s design.

Natural stone

Natural stone is another material used for paving both driveways and patios. The cost of using natural stone in paving differs per type:

Compared to concrete or brick, natural stones look better with time and are resilient to harsh weather conditions, erosion, and damage. However, installing natural stone paving is challenging and requires a professional. Despite this, it comes in different textures and hues, making it a great addition to your home’s landscape.

What factors affect the cost of driveway paving?

Many things determine driveway paving costs. This section will provide a clearer picture of the average cost of paving a driveway in Australia.

Driveway size

The average cost of having a driveway paved increases based on the size of the surface. This is because the longer and wider the driveway, the longer it will take to finish. More materials will also be needed to accomplish the job, resulting in higher costs.

Paving design

The design or complexity of the driveway also affects paving costs. Some designs, such as herringbone and basketweave, are more expensive than simple ones. Squarish or rectangular materials are more complex than curved ones since they need to be polished and trimmed to fit the space. This might cause chipping or cracking and affect overall driveway durability.

Land preparation

How much it costs to pave a driveway will also depend on the current condition of the area. Professionals need to check if the driveway is of high quality and will stand the test of time.

The first few steps include marking out the project’s scope, removing and disposing of debris such as stones, rubble, and garden waste, preparing the land through digging, and spreading the base before levelling it out. The base usually costs around $1,500 to $1,800 for crushed rocked material and $2,300 to $2,800 for poured concrete.

Labour fees

Labour is another factor that also influences pricing. The rates of paving contractors differ per state. For example, labour fees in Perth start at $25, which is lower than in eastern cities like Melbourne.

Reasons to choose professional driveway paving

1. It helps beautify your house and adds value to your property. 
2. During harsh weather conditions, well-built paving with a sound drainage system helps protect your home from flooding or erosion and keeps away mud and sinkholes. 
3. It costs less than renting out parking slots.

Post a task for driveway paving

Whilst you might be familiar with the basic steps of driveway paving, like preparing, measuring, and laying out materials, you can skip the hassle and seek the help of a professional. Airtasker can connect you to someone who can lay out the paving for you. If you're planning to install a resin-bound driveway or repair existing paving, a Tasker can do the job well. Simply post a task on our platform, set your budget, and then prepare to receive offers.