Laying paving yourself costs on average €15 to €40 per m² in materials. Having it done costs €45 to €100 per m². On a 25 m² patio that’s a saving of €750 to €1,500. The key challenge: prepare the sand bed correctly – that is the most important part.
What Does Paving Cost? DIY vs. Contractor
Cost Comparison
| DIY (materials) | Contractor (materials + labour) | |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete slabs (30×30 or 40×40 cm) | €10 – €20 per m² | €40 – €65 per m² |
| Block paving (10×20 cm) | €12 – €22 per m² | €45 – €70 per m² |
| Waal-format bricks (21x10x7 cm) | €18 – €35 per m² | €55 – €90 per m² |
| Fired clay bricks | €25 – €50 per m² | €65 – €110 per m² |
| Natural stone (porphyry, granite) | €35 – €80 per m² | €80 – €150 per m² |
| Flagstones (large slabs) | €20 – €60 per m² | €60 – €120 per m² |
Additional materials (sand bed, edging, jointing): approx. €8 – €15 per m² extra.
Which Type of Paving to Choose?
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete slabs | Cheap, easy to lay | Less attractive | Driveway, back garden |
| Block paving | Flexible patterns, strong | Pattern-laying takes time | Driveway, parking |
| Fired clay bricks | Beautiful, authentic, durable | More expensive, heavier | Driveway, traditional garden |
| Flagstones | Modern look | Harder to lay, heavy | Modern patio |
| Natural stone | Premium appearance | Expensive, variable thickness | Patio, entrance |
Materials List: 25 m² Patio
Materials
| Material | Quantity | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Paving (e.g. block paving 10×20, 7 cm thick) | approx. 27 m² (5% wastage) | €350 – €600 |
| Building sand or sharp sand | approx. 3.5–4 tonnes | €80 – €150 |
| Hardcore (for driveways only) | approx. 5 tonnes | €100 – €200 |
| Edge restraints (concrete or steel) | 25–30 linear metres | €50 – €120 |
| Jointing sand (polymeric) | approx. 50–75 kg | €25 – €60 |
| Stabilisation material (optional) | approx. 1 tonne | €40 – €80 |
Total materials: €500 – €1,010
Step-by-Step: Lay Paving in 10 Steps
Step 1: Calculate the Materials
- Calculate the area to be paved (length x width)
- Add 5% for cutting wastage
- Calculate sand: area x 0.12 m = volume in m³
- Order everything at once
Step 2: Mark Out and Excavate
- Drive in boundary stakes and run a string line
- Check right angles using the 3-4-5 method
- Mark the fall direction (minimum 1–2% for drainage)
- Excavate the ground to the required depth
Step 3: Sub-base (For Driveways)
- Lay hardcore in a 20–25 cm layer
- Compact with a plate compactor
- Check height and fall
Step 4: Lay the Edge Restraints
- Dig a trench along the edges
- Mix concrete and set edge restraints
- Allow at least 24 hours to cure
Step 5: Lay the Sand Bed
- Spread sand in a 12–15 cm layer (becomes approx. 10–12 cm after compaction)
- Compact with a plate compactor
- Set guide rails and screed the sand to the correct level
Step 6: Start Laying
- Always start at the most visible corner
- Lay the first row along the string line or edge restraint
- Tap each slab into position with a rubber mallet
- Check the level every 3–4 rows
Step 7: Continuously Check the Level
Maximum 5 mm deviation for a patio, 3 mm for a driveway.
Step 8: Compact the Whole Area
- Clean the surface
- Compact the paving with a protective mat and plate compactor
Step 9: Apply Jointing Sand
- Spread dry jointing sand (polymeric) over the surface
- Brush into all joints with a stiff broom
- Compact again
- Remove excess
Step 10: Finishing
- Wash down with a hose or pressure washer
- Wet the jointing sand
- Allow 24–48 hours to cure
Common Mistakes When Laying Paving
1. Sand Bed Too Thin or Uneven
Inadequately compacted sand bed leads to settlement within a year.
2. No Edge Restraints
Without edge restraints the sand bed shifts at the edges.
3. No Fall
Water that cannot drain enters the joints, freezes and pushes slabs up.
4. Not Filling the Joints
Empty joints are an invitation for weeds. Always fill completely with polymeric jointing sand.
FAQs About Laying Paving
How much sand do I need?
25 m² x 0.12 m = approx. 3 m³ = approx. 4,500 kg. Order around 3–3.5 tonnes of sharp sand.
Can I lay paving on clay?
On clay you need a thicker sub-base. Start with a geotextile and at least 20–25 cm of crushed hardcore.
How long does polymeric jointing sand take to cure?
After 24–48 hours the jointing sand is cured and the surface can be used.
Building Plans and Guides
Ready to get started with professional plans and step-by-step instructions? Visit fredsdiyplans.com – with thousands of plans for every DIY project.