Block paving costs vary massively across Bournemouth properties. Understanding what drives these prices helps you budget properly and avoid nasty surprises.
Material choice creates the biggest price difference. Concrete blocks start around £20 per square metre for basic grey pavers. Clay blocks jump to £35 to £50 per square metre. Premium imported blocks can hit £80 per square metre.
Labour and Preparation Costs
Excavation depth affects your bill significantly. Standard driveways need 200mm excavation. Problem ground or heavy vehicle access requires 300mm digging, adding £8 to £12 per square metre.
Access difficulty pushes labour costs up. Narrow side returns or rear garden locations mean hand digging and wheelbarrow work. Specialist equipment and techniques can help manage these challenging conditions, though this can still double your labour rate.
Hidden Cost Factors
- Poor drainage requires French drains or soakaways, adding £500 to £1500
- Existing surface removal costs £3 to £8 per square metre
- Skip hire ranges from £180 to £400 depending on waste volume
- Complex cutting around cars or corners increases labour by 15% to 25%
- Sloped driveways need extra sub base material and retention work
Why Quality Investment Matters
Cheap installations fail within five years. Poor sub base preparation causes sinking and weed growth. Inadequate edge restraints let blocks spread and crack.
Quality materials and proper installation typically cost 40% more upfront but last 25 years without major repairs. Budget block paving needs significant maintenance every three to five years. When choosing between different paving options, natural stone versus block paving presents distinct cost and durability considerations worth evaluating.