2GreenThe short answer: supplied and laid, paving in South Africa typically runs from around R300 per square metre for basic cement pavers to R1,500 or more for natural stone, with most home patios and driveways landing between R400 and R800 per square metre in 2026. The price depends far more on the paver you choose and the groundwork than on anything else. Here is a realistic breakdown, and the things that push the number up or down.
These are planning ranges, not a quote
Paving prices vary with the paver, the site, access and the amount of groundwork, and they move over time. Use the figures below to plan a budget, then get an on-site quote for an accurate price.
Paving cost per square metre by type
Installed rates cover excavation, a compacted base, the pavers, laying and edging. As a rough 2026 guide for the Winelands and greater Cape Town:
| Paver type | Supplied & laid (per m²) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cement / concrete pavers | R300 to R550 | Budget patios, paths, general use |
| Interlocking pavers | R400 to R650 | Driveways and high-traffic areas |
| Tumbled / simulated cobble | R500 to R800 | Feature patios, a rustic look |
| Clay brick pavers | R550 to R800 | Warm, classic Winelands character |
| Natural stone / cobblestone | R850 to R1,500+ | Premium patios and entrances |
What is included, and what is not
A proper installed price should cover the excavation, a compacted base layer, bedding sand, the pavers, laying, cutting and edge restraints. Watch for quotes that leave out the base or edging, because that is exactly where cheap paving fails. Things usually quoted separately include removing an old surface, extra earthworks on a slope, retaining walls, and drainage.
What drives the price up or down
- ✓Paver choice: this is the single biggest factor, as the table above shows.
- ✓Base and use: a driveway needs a deeper, stronger sub-base than a patio to carry a vehicle, which adds cost.
- ✓Area size: larger areas usually cost a little less per square metre, as setup is spread over more metres.
- ✓Pattern and cutting: herringbone, circles and diagonals need more cutting and labour than a simple stack bond.
- ✓Site access and prep: difficult access, a steep slope or removing an old slab all add to the bill.
- ✓Location: rates differ between regions and between a quick job and a small, fiddly one.
Driveway vs patio: why the difference
A patio only carries foot traffic and outdoor furniture, so a standard compacted base is enough. A driveway carries the weight of vehicles, so it needs a deeper, properly compacted sub-base and often a stronger interlocking paver, which is why a driveway usually costs more per square metre than a patio in the same paver. Skimping on the driveway base is the most expensive mistake we are called to fix, because the fix is a full relay.
Supply only vs supplied and laid
If you buy pavers yourself, supply-only prices are far lower, roughly R80 to R250 per square metre depending on the type, but you then carry the base preparation, laying and edging, which is where the skill and most of the cost sit. Labour to lay paving typically runs R300 to R650 per square metre on its own. For most homeowners a single supplied-and-laid quote is simpler and avoids the risk of a poor base.
How to save on paving
- ✓Choose a cement or interlocking paver over clay or stone if budget matters more than the finish.
- ✓Keep the layout simple: a stack bond or basic running bond cuts labour compared with herringbone or circles.
- ✓Pave only what you use, and use gravel or planting for the rest.
- ✓Get the base right first time, because a cheap base that fails costs more than doing it properly.
- ✓Compare a few quotes on a like-for-like basis, checking the base and edging are included.
Estimate your materials first
Before you compare quotes it helps to know your quantities. Work out your area, then see how many pavers per square metre your chosen size needs, or let our paving calculator work out the pavers and bedding sand for you. When you are ready for an accurate installed price, our paving team quotes supply and installation across Paarl, Stellenbosch and the Winelands.
Frequently asked questions
How much does paving cost per square metre in South Africa?＋
In 2026, supplied and laid, most paving falls between R300 and R800 per square metre, with basic cement pavers at the lower end and clay or tumbled cobble higher. Natural stone can be R850 to R1,500 or more. The paver you choose and the groundwork are the biggest factors.
What is the cheapest paving option?＋
Plain cement or concrete pavers are the most affordable, from around R300 per square metre supplied and laid, followed by interlocking pavers. Gravel is cheaper still where a solid paved surface is not essential.
How much does it cost to pave a driveway?＋
A driveway usually costs more per square metre than a patio in the same paver, because it needs a deeper, stronger sub-base and often a tougher interlocking paver to carry vehicles. Budget from around R400 to R700 per square metre installed for a typical interlocking driveway.
Is paving cheaper than concrete or tar?＋
The upfront cost is often similar, but paving is easier to repair, since you lift and replace individual pavers rather than breaking up a slab. It also usually looks better and adds more value, which is why many homeowners choose it.
Does the paving price include the base?＋
It should. A proper installed quote covers excavation, a compacted base, bedding sand, laying and edging. If a quote looks unusually cheap, check that the base and edge restraints are included, because that is where poor paving fails.
How much is labour only to lay paving?＋
Laying paving, if you supply the materials yourself, typically costs around R300 to R650 per square metre depending on the site and the complexity of the pattern. Most homeowners find a single supplied-and-laid quote simpler.
Does paving add value to my property?＋
Yes. A neat driveway, patio and paths lift kerb appeal and make outdoor space usable, both of which help a home sell faster and for more. It is one of the better-return hard-landscaping improvements.