Concrete Pavers Guide

One of the classic things to install at your home is a concrete patio. This is a popular option because of the concrete patio is strong, durable, and relatively inexpensive to install. If you are beginning your research process, you’re probably wondering about the concrete patio cost. This article cannot substitute for proper estimator working on your job, but it will give you some guidance as to what the price may be, as well factors that could affect the final price.

Factors That Affect Patio Cost

Obviously, one of the main benefits of the concrete patio and the reason why many homeowners install one is its price. Concrete patios are cheap options when compared to brick, concrete pavers, stone, tile, and other hardscape solutions. However, you don’t want to go with bargain basement concrete, as you’ll have to deal with horrible cracks and other damage in the long run. Thus, make sure you’re getting a good deal, but don’t immediately go with the bargain option. Going for the contractor with the lowest bid is the quickest way to ensure that you’ll have to get the patio reinstalled in a few short years.

There are number of factors that contribute to the overall price of the concrete. The first is, of course, the price of the concrete itself. In addition, there will be other materials that may need to be added to the concrete in order to reinforce it or make it look nice. For instance, wire mesh or rebar might have to be added to ensure that cracks don’t grow too large. In addition, some preparatory work on the foundation or subbase of your new patio may need to be done. The extent of this preparatory work will obviously depend on the particularities of your project. You also have to pay for the molds and forms that may be necessary to create your patio.

In addition, there are other specific factors that may affect the final price. For example, the location of your home, i.e. the standard of living in your area will obviously affect the final cost. To put it simply, contractors in richer areas will just charge more for the same type of work than contractors in a less expensive area. Other minor factors include the time of the year, commodity costs, and the particularities associated with different contractors. Note that a smaller area of your patio will usually cost more per square foot than if your project was a larger area, so it may pay to get multiple places poured or to enlarge the size of your patio, if desired.

All the above deals primarily with poured option. However, it is possible to get large concrete slabs brought into your home and laid like papers. This option will generally be cheaper, as you won’t have to deal with wet concrete, molds, forms, and other aspects of the installation that are somewhat time-consuming and expensive.

The downside to a concrete patio, however, is that it is somewhat boring to look at. The gray and drab concrete certainly does go with most house designs, but it is not the most ideal hardscape solution in most situations. However, for those who want concrete for its cheap price but don’t mind spending a little bit more to improve the look of patio, there are few options available, which will be discussed in the following section.

Other Kinds of Concrete Patios and Their Costs

There many other ideas you can use to spruce up your backyard patio without having to go with more expensive options like pavers and natural stone. For example, it is possible to get stamped concrete patio. This will allow you to create many different designs, such as the appearance of bricks, in your patio without having to actually get paver materials and other expensive options. However, the stamped concrete patio cost will be higher than a that of a typical concrete patio.

Another option at your disposal is to go with a colored concrete patio. You can either do this by having the color mixed into the wet concrete before it’s poured, or by using concrete stainer to color the surface of the patio. Both of these options will incur a slightly increased expense, but it could make your patio quite unique compared to the typical look.

Don’t forget as well that there may be other costs associated with your patio, such as maintenance and upkeep. (See a discussion of concrete patio repair here.) You may also want to get accessories for your new patio, such as a new set of furniture or patio enclosure. For discussion of some outdoor patio ideas and enclosed patio, see these articles that are linked here.

The Verdict

So how much does a concrete patio cost in the final analysis? Obviously, we can only give a rough estimate due to the many different factors at play we comes down to getting estimate. Thus, it’s best if you contact up to three contractors in order to get a proper estimate done for your job.

In general you should expect to pay anywhere from $2.50-$5 per square foot for plain, typical concrete, depending on how complex the job turns out to be. If you begin to get stamped variations, you’ll be in the range of $5-$10 per square foot. As you get more complex, with special designs, stamps, and colors, you’ll be in the range of $10-$15 per square foot and maybe even higher, and at this point it will pay to look into the paving stones option, such as a concrete patio pavers, unless you are dead set on a concrete patio for some reason.

It should be known that the price of concrete is increasing constantly, so you may not get the deal that you got a few years ago any more. Most people will have to settle with the job costing within the four figure region, most often between 2000 and $5000.

Tags: concrete, costs, patios

Time to get a new driveway, huh? Well, you’re probably thinking about getting asphalt installed; why else would you be here, then?

It should be said straight out that the main reason people choose asphalt is due to cost. Among all the paving solutions you can have for your home, asphalt is the cheapest and most common. The only cheaper option really is loose stone, but this material comes with its own headaches (mostly maintenace) that makes it a relatively weak option for most homeowners driveway needs.

To that end, this article will give you a brief run down of the main factors that affect the price of asphalt, along with a very broad and general estimate of what you might pay for the material for your next outdoor hardscape project.

What Determines Asphalt Prices

Asphalt is a hot mix of ‘liquid asphalt,’ which is actually the stuff that is distilled from oil byproducts, and aggregate, which is a fancy word for stone. The price of these components together determines the asphalt paving pricing that you can expect.

The main causes for the changes in asphalt pricing depends on a number of factors. Those interested in the exact prices per ton can find an asphalt “price index” that shows how these prices have changed over time; for instance, check out this government resource. This resource gives you the price of the asphalt per ton; to figure out how much you’ll need will depend on the price of the asphalt per square foot. Note though that it’s the prices in California, and it’s somewhat old, but at least you can get a general idea – you can expect to be quoted anywhere from $80 to $130 per ton for your asphalt, and this number will continue to increase as oil prices increase. In addition, the thickness of your driveway will also affect the price; thus, you’ll come up with a ‘volume’, measured in yards or some other quantity, that you will need to purchase.

To do this, multiply your square foot measure by the thickness of the driveway in feet. This gives you cubic feet; multiply this by 145 pounds per cubic foot to get the weight of your asphalt. Divide this by 2000 to get tons, and then check the table (listed above) for a general price.

The exact amount you need will depend on your project; your contractor should give you an estimate on this. In addition, the price will also depend on the quality of the asphalt you purchase, as well as how much aggregate it contains relative to liquid asphalt.

The main factor that affects the price of asphalt is oil costs. Asphalt is made from oil-based products, so as the price of oil increases, the overall price of the asphalt will increase. The increase in oil pricing can also have secondary effects on the price of asphalt aside from the affect on the price of its components. For example, contractors who install asphalt may have to charge higher prices due to increased fuel costs and delivery costs for their work. Thus, oil price pressure can have a profound impact on not only the base price of the material but also on the overall costs of installing it.

Note that these costs will affect any other asphalt products, such as asphalt shingles. This just goes to show how critical oil prices are to our economy, and how increased pricing pressure can trickle down to all areas of the broader economic picture.

The second major component is the price of the aggregate. This depends on a number of factors as well, but also note that it is oil (e.g. fuel) dependent.

So How Much Will I Pay?

As we’ve seen above, the raw price you’ll pay will depend on many geo-economic factors, so whatever number we quote you will inevitably be wrong a month from now. In addition, there are other factors that affect the price of the material, factors that are particular to your local area and project. For more information on asphalt driveway cost, see the article linked.

We can, however, give you a decent range of the prices, or an average, that you may expect to pay for the material. A good measure for the full installation of your driveway is around $1 to $5 per square foot, though you’ll probably pay more towards the lower end of this range. Note that this may or may not include the $1 – $3 cost required to install a new aggregate base, if needed.

To get a more specific price, you’ll have to ask contractors for an estimate. This estimate should be free, so don’t think you have to pay for this service. You could also try to find cost calculators on the internet, though these too will only give you a rough guideline as to the costs associated with your project. Here is a cost calculator that may give you a good idea. Note, though, that they will also not give you any notion of the ongoing maintenance costs you’ll incur, so use them with care, just like you’re using the information from this page.

Additional Costs

Note that the installation is not the only aspect of the asphalt driveway prices that you have to worry about. To keep your new driveway looking nice, you’ll have to maintain it every year or so. This will require sealcoating, resurfacing, and overall repair of your asphalt driveway as it cracks, fades, and wears away. For example, you’ll pay somewhere around 8 to 30 cents per square foot for resurfacing. Granted, you could skip this maintenance, though the lifespan and overall appearance of your new project will greatly suffer in the short and long term.

Tags: asphalt, costs, other materials

One of the advantages of paving slabs is that they are larger and thus easier to install than smaller paving bricks like concrete pavers and their ilk. This means that the installation costs for concrete paving slabs are much lower than their smaller hardscape brethren. But how do the prices of the paving slabs themselves compare?

Before we go into a discussion about the prices of paving slabs, a note about where they can be used. You can use paving slabs almost anywhere, and there is no real difference between the slabs regardless of where they will be used aside from differences in colors, thicknesses, textures, finishes, sizes, etc. Patio paving slabs are largely the same as garden paving slabs, though they may be put towards different uses. This is just like it is for concrete pavers – patio pavers are the same as driveway pavers which are the same as pool pavers and so on. If you want a more in depth discussion of the types of concrete paving slabs, where to use and install them, and other factoids, click the link.

Paving Slabs Prices Range

In general, due to their larger size, paving slabs (or ‘flags’) are more cheap than concrete pavers, paving stones, brick pavers, natural stone products (such as flagstone pavers), and others. While you can expect to pay around $8 to $12 per square foot for the pavers, just for the material alone, you will probably pay about $4 to $10 for your concrete paving slabs prices. They in fact take a middle position in the scale between the cheapest concrete (poured slabs) and the most expensive (concrete paving stones).

What Price Will I Pay? Some of the Factors

The exact point you’ll be on this range between four and ten dollars will depend on a large number of factors. We can’t lay out all the many factors, as some of them may be specific to your situation and project, but we can chart out some of the big differences. Of course, the price you’ll pay will depend on how much you order, that is, how many ‘square feet’ you purchase. Your price per square foot will decrease as you order more, as ordering large amounts of the material is far more efficient than ordering smaller amounts multiple times. This translates into lower costs for everyone involved.

Obvious, the quality of the material you use will have a large factor – the better the concrete, and the more fancy the texture, color, and finish, the more you’ll pay. This of course applies to any outdoor home material you use.

The price will also depend on the thickness of the slab. The thickness you select will depend on the particular project you are installing – if you need a more heavy duty slab, such as for new driveways, this translates into a thicker and thus more expensive slab.

In general, as well, the price of the slab will decrease as its surface area increases. This is because it is more efficient to make larger slabs and transport them on site than to make smaller brick and do the same. Installation costs should also be cheaper as the slab size increases (if you hire a contractor), though this will depend on the weight of the slab and other tricky issues that might come up during the project. Note, however, that as the size increases, you sacrifice the benefits of the ‘interlocking’ nature of the material. As the slabs turn more and more into a full-on poured ‘slab,’ the more chance you have of dealing with cracking and chipping concrete. The smaller the material, such as with interlocking pavers as the smallest case, the better chance you’ll have of avoiding the tyranny of freeze-thaw cycles and the havoc that can come about.

The Verdict

Note that you can save a ton of money by creating your own slabs. You can do this in two ways – first, pouring a normal concrete slab and then separating it off into different slab ‘sections.’ The second is to get concrete block molds or other concrete molds for sale and make your own slabs, just as if you made your own pavers with paver molds. This all requires a deft touch with concrete, though, so you may want to settle with buying the slabs pre-made from a home improvement store or mason supply yard.

In the end, the price you pay will need to be determined when you actually go out and buy the material yourself (or have a pavers contractor do it for you). It is possible to look for cheap paving slabs as long as you know where to find them, so don’t automatically buy the first kind of slabs you see.

Tags: costs, other materials, saving money

Determining the paving cost you’ll have to pay for your new installation is difficult because it depends on many factors. The general factors that will vary from area to area include: where you live (some areas have higher standards of living and thus higher prices), the time of year you get the work done, the contractor you hire and his or her bid, and so on.

In general, the price you’ll get from a contractor’s estimate will be on a ‘per square foot’ or square unit area basis. Any additional work required, such as excavation and removal of debris, may require extra costs that are added on to the project estimate. Thus, what you’ll ultimately

However, a general estimate of paving costs can be made according to a number of factors. If you know the type of project, its size, its design, the materials used, and the labor required, you can at least get a ballpark range for your project. The more specific price you’ll pay will have to come from a contractor or from your own calculations if you are installing the project yourself.

Here is a general breakdown of the main factors that will affect the paving price you’ll pay.

What Kind of Project?

First, determine the type and extent of your projects. Most home paving is done to new driveways, though walkways and patios are also quite popular. Other paving projects may also be possible, including pool decks, garden paving, and retaining walls are not uncommon.

Though most projects are similar to each other, there may be enough differences between project types to warrant a discussion. For instance, given the same amount of square footage, a driveway paving cost may be different than that of a patio or walkway due to the specific requirements necessary for driveways (due to the need for the driveway to withstand vehicles) versus these pedestrian applications.

Which Paving Materials Will You Use?

Next, you need to determine what kind of material you’ll use. This will be one of the most significant factors in the price you’ll pay, matched only by the labor necessary to install the material. The most popular paving materials are loose stone, asphalt, concrete, concrete pavers (paving stones), brick pavers, and natural stone pavers. The general price you’ll pay for these materials is contained in that above list from cheapest to most expensive. Thus, you’ll pay the least for loose stone and the most for natural stone pavers (like flagstone pavers).

Incidentally, this is also the order of expense when it comes to installation costs. The further into that list you get, the more extensive, expensive, and intensive is the installation, either for you or a contractor. For instance, asphalt and concrete is simply poured and spread in an area as one slab. Interlocking pavers, however, must be installed individually by hand, making the installation process more expensive and time-consuming.

Another important factor related to materials is the base or sub-base you may have to install before laying the top layer. This can also be expensive or cheap depending on how robust the base needs to be. For instance, a paver project requires a base made of both crushed aggregate and a layer of sand. This can cost anywhere from $1 to $3 per square foot or more, depending on various factors such as depth, materials choice, location, durability, etc.

Design Decisions and Pricing

The design of your paving project will also have an impact on how much you’ll pay. The more elaborate, extensive, and complicated your decorative paving, the more you’ll have to pay in time and money. Thus, if you want to keep costs down, keep your projects simple and to the point. However, don’t settle for plain designs, as simple tweaks and tips can spruce up any hardscape design without breaking the bank.

Installation Cost

Obviously, if you install the driveway materials (or other project) yourself, you’ll pay less in financial terms. However, don’t forget that your time is technically ‘worth’ something, as are your efforts and your peace of mind at a job well done. In addition, you may not be able to actually do the DIY paving project due to its difficulty or expense; for instance, blacktop is usually best left to the pros. Most people, then, will want to hire a contractor; as an investment, it offers a high ROI.

The Verdict

The total cost you pay will thus be based on these factors. You’ll always want to get bids from multiple paving companies and contractors; don’t necessarily go for the lowest bid, but don’t settle for the highest, either. Find the bid that best balances value and quality.

For a closer breakdown of paving costs per square foot related to driveways (and indeed, by extension, all other projects), see this article on a driveway paving cost estimate. (You can also see a more detailed breakdown of pavers cost and asphalt driveway cost at these links.)

Ongoing Costs

One final note. Don’t forget that certain materials and projects will require more ongoing maintenance than others. For instance, your asphalt paving cost will be higher than the initial price over the term of its life, as you’ll have to pay for sealing and resurfacing to keep it looking nice.

In addition, if you have to replace your driveway, patio, walkway, etc. due to poor installation or poor materials, your overall cost will be higher than if you picked a more durable material. Cement, for instance, will crack, perhaps requiring you to repair or even replace the concrete well before its time. Thus, it’s usually better to pay more in the short term than to have to deal with more expense in the long term.

Tags: advice, comparisons, costs

The first thing visitors and passerbys will see when they look at your house – besides your house, of course – will be the driveway. A well designed and well installed residential driveway, made from quality materials, will accentuate the fine appearance of your home, even taking a modest home and turning it into something more. A pathetic driveway, on the other hand, can have the opposite effect – a crumbling mess can make even the nicest home look less valuable.

So, you’re probably considering a new driveway paving project, either for functional or aesthetic reasons, or perhaps both. Fortunately, and unfortunately, there are plenty of driveway paving materials available for you to choose from. Fortunately, insofar as you’ll be able to pick the perfect driveway for your home, given your budget, but unfortunately because the inexperienced homeowner may feel overwhelmed by choice. Paving a driveway is a complex affair: Which material should you use? Should you install it yourself as a DIY paving project? How do you hire a contractor? These and many other questions might be going through your mind right now. To help you out, this driveway paving guide will help you sort out the various aspects of this process, both to help answer questions you have and to better inform your ongoing research process.

A driveway is a huge investment in your home, both in your time and financial resources, so you’ll want to spend time doing your due diligence. The more research, the better. We hope that this article reveals and guides you in your quest!

BUDGETS AND COSTS

Before going further, you’ll need to sketch out your basic budget. Obviously, you’ll want to have a range, as sometimes costs can add up faster than you expect, especially if your job will require special work.

Which material is the cheapest? This is a different question from “which material is the most valuable?” You may pay more money, in absolute terms, for one material, but end up making more in the long run given the quality of the material and the potential to increase your home’s value. Thus, don’t necessarily think only in terms of sheer prices per square foot, but rather in short and long term costs and value.

If you’d like a general cost estimate to get you started, here is a general scale for price for the most common driveway materials for both materials and labor, all other things being equal: To

Stone < Asphalt < Concrete < Concrete Pavers < Brick Pavers < Natural Stone Pavers

To get a more specific estimate, you can read this article on driveway paving cost or you can find  a cost calculator for these products for a decent guide, but the only true measure will be an estimate from a local contractor.

Let’s talk about the relative merits of each material.

WHAT DO YOU WANT IN A DRIVEWAY?

After budget, the next questions you need to ask yourself are about performance and looks. First, performance – you’re going to be driving and parking on this surface, so you want to make sure it won’t break apart. Most driveway materials will have no problem standing up to this kind of abuse – as long as they’re installed in a proper manner. This is why it’s critical to find a skilled contractor – if you look for a bargain, you may get a disaster instead. Go with quality.

Next, aesthetics. This may be a very small concern of yours after the above two – paving cost and how well and long the driveway holds up – but it’s still important, especially considering you’ll be living with the driveway for many years. In general, go with the materials that have more design options – usually, these are your paving stone materials, as they come in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and thus give you more freedom to create.

Depending on your project and circumstance, you may have other concerns to consider. For example, you may have environmental concerns to balance; in this case, you’d want to avoid materials like asphalt that damage the environment or any driveway material that isn’t permeable in order to allow for proper water drainage. A good material to look into in this case are grass pavers or other permeable alternatives.

DRIVEWAY PAVING MATERIALS

As stated in the cost section above, the most popular materials for your driveway include loose stone (gravel, for example), asphalt, concrete, concrete pavers, brick pavers, and natural stone pavers. The material you choose will depend on a large number of factors, not least of which is your budget. This will probably be the main determinant of your final selection. Truth be told, if you had an unlimited budget, you’d surely go for one of the pavers options, and probably with the most expensive option – one of the natural stone pavers. However, most of us need to settle with more affordable options, which is why concrete and asphalt, in particular, are so popular.

For a long discussion of the relative merits of each material, check out this discussion on the merits of stamped concrete vs pavers and a comparison of all the other materials mentioned above in terms of strength, durability, maintenance, price/value, and more. Note, however, that there also other materials out there, from paving flags and concrete slabs to macadam and block paving and everything in between. Thus, this discussion isn’t exhaustive, but it will at least highlight the most common and popular material types available.

Even if we go with these inexpensive options, we still shouldn’t settle for “cheap” necessarily. There is a big, big difference between high quality and low quality asphalt driveway paving, for example, so keep this in mind when shopping around with potential driveway paving contractors.

MAINTENANCE AND YOUR DRIVEWAY

The sticker price you pay at first installation may not be the only money you lay out over the lifetime of the driveway. Consider what maintenance costs, both in dollars and in your time, may also come with that material. It may be prudent, for example, to invest more now for a low-maintenance material (concrete) than to pay a little bit now for a material that won’t hold up as well over time and will require more maintenance and repair (e.g. asphalt).

Blacktop, for instance, will require periodic maintenance to keep it looking fine. Over time, it will fade and crack, showing the aggregate within the structure, and will thus not look as nice. To keep it looking great, you’ll probably have to get some sealcoating or resurfacing work done; if you don’t, that’s fine, but be ready to deal with a less than optimal driveway. Even paving stones will require occasional concrete paver sealer; usually homeowners will be able to go on sealing pavers themselves, so it usually is not much more of an added expense aside from the time spent working on the project.

TEN DRIVEWAY PAVING IDEAS

To finish this article, we’d like to leave you with ten design ideas and construction tips that you may want to consider when getting your new driveway. Of course, these are just suggestions, but hopefully they’ll spur your own ideas and thoughts when it comes time to craft designs and plan your own outdoor creation.

1. If you’re going with the traditional materials, like concrete or asphalt, don’t limit yourself to the standard iteration of these materials. For instance, you can get stamped concrete to look like paving stones at a fraction of the cost. You can also use stains and finishes to make your concrete look totally different from the typical drab, grey appearance.

2. Consider adding a walkway, patio, or pool deck at the same time as your driveway. You can have an integrated project while also saving more money overall if you get it all done at once.

3. Watch out for scams, especially for companies that will come in, excavate your old driveway, and leave you hanging for weeks or even months while they get other jobs in the area, all just to save them a few bucks. Read reviews, do your research – for instance, here’s some information on how to hire the best paver contractors. These questions can be asked of any contractor, as well.

4. Consider matching your new driveway with new landscaping.

5. Don’t just automatically copy the old design for your new driveway. Consider making the driveway bigger or smaller, depending on your needs, and think about the design flairs you can add, such as curves and sections.

6. You can mix and match options – if you can’t afford driveway pavers, for instance, consider mixing an asphalt or concrete driveway with a paver apron, border, or walkway. Thus, you can capture some of the beauty of this material without the full expense.

7. Don’t balk about hiring professional design services if you need the help. For a small investment up front, you can have a driveway created for your that will go best with your decor and your home’s style and theme.

8. Consider adding other flairs to your driveway, such as fans, circle kits, benches, retaining walls, and more.

9. Pick a color that complements, not necessarily matches, your home’s colors.

10. Finally, if you really need to save money but want to use a brilliant material, consider the driveway a do it yourself project. If you know how to pave a driveway yourself, and have the skills and experience and tools to do the job safely and correctly, you can save money on labor, making a job more affordable, though of course you’ll be paying some of the ‘cost’ of the driveway in your time.

Tags: advice, basics, costs, DIY, driveways, other materials, projects

If you’ve decided to use clay brick pavers for your patio, walkway, driveway, pool deck, or other home installation, you’ve made a good choice. However, pricing and budget is probably a big deal for you, and brick pavers aren’t the cheapest option available. Thus, the more work you do to find a good deal on these pavers, the more you’ll save overall, so it should be worth your time to do a little research. To help you out, here is some information on brick pavers prices – what you’ll usually pay and ways to get a good deal or discount on your next paver project.

Note that none of the below takes into account installation costs – this is just a discussion of the cost of the material itself per brick or per square foot.

A General Brick Pavers Price Estimate

Brick pavers are usually bought in pallets, so the cost is usually described in units of per square foot. In general, you’ll pay anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot; this works out to $.50 to $3.00 per brick or more. Remember, this is just for the material – tack on another $5 – $10 per square foot for installation. In general, you’ll pay more for interlocking brick pavers than you will for concrete pavers, as the material and method to make the brick is a bit more expensive than for concrete.

In addition, this price will depend on the exact kind of brick you select. There are many brands, types, and colors out there, as well as different shapes and sizes that can be used to make certain brick paving patterns. The most common and popular option is the standard brick size that you’ll find with standard red brick in other applications, but other options are available if you’re willing to pay. The color and style of brick paver you select will depend on the designs you have in mind for your next brick paver project, but be open to changing your design if it can save you money in the end.

How to Save Money on Brick Pavers

If you really want to install a brick paving project but have a limited budget, there are ways for you to save money when you buy brick pavers. Most of the time, if you have a contractor come in and do the work for you, he will buy the material for you. However, you can skip this step and purchase the material yourself in order to lower overall costs. Here are some ideas:

(1) Price shop. Obviously, you’ll want to visit as many supply yards and home improvement stores as you can, or at least call, to get a quote on the price per square foot. You might even get lucky and happen upon wholesale brick, which can be significantly cheaper.

(2) Brick paver prices ultimately depend on the specifics of your job – what kind of project you’re building, the design, and so on. Thus, consider making the job simpler or smaller if it will lower your overall materials design.

(3) Don’t rule out going the ‘used brick paver’ route. You may be able to find brick pavers that other homeowners are trying to get rid of for bargain basement prices – or in some instances, even free. Check sites like Craigslist and freecycle for local leads. As always, make sure you personally inspect the material before paying for it – you want to make sure the color and strength of the brick is still good. Of course, you won’t be getting pristine materials, so be ready to compromise, but don’t compromise too far.

(4) Note as well that there are other materials you’ll have to pay for in addition to the brick. Of course, the brick will be the most expensive part, but mortar, sand, edging, and the material to form the aggregate base and foundation will all cost. Don’t skimp when it comes to a base or proper installation, but you may be able to find some cost cutting measures here to help defray the total cost of the project.

(5) Visit home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot and other mason supply yards to see if you can get bricks for sale. They may have salvage or left-over material that you can get for a steal. The more legwork you do, the more likely you’ll find inexpensive materials.

(6) Your last resort is the internet. Since you are pretty much limited by your geographical area, you should use the internet to do research on suppliers in your area that you can call or visit.

(7) When getting bricks from used sources, make sure they are the right kind of brick! Some bricks are not made to go into the ground, as they will not stand up well to water or to the abuse of vehicles, foot traffic, and weather. So make sure you’re getting proper ‘clay brick pavers’ rather than the pavers used to build walls, stoops, and homes.

The Verdict

To get a firm price for your project – which will depend on many factors such as availability, labor, and your area – you’ll need to get an estimate from paver contractors. There are cost calculators out there that can give you an estimate, but since the exact cost is so dependant on many factors, you’ll have to take the cost on a case-by-case basis. Follow the link for a discussion of more brick pavers cost information, particularly those costs associated with installation and labor.

Tags: brick pavers, brick pavers for sale, costs

If you want to get a new asphalt driveway installed in front of your home, you are probably going with this material due to its low cost. Let’s face it – blacktop isn’t the most unique material in the world, and it doesn’t look as great as other options like concrete pavers. It is strong and durable, however, and it is very cheap because it is so common.

General Asphalt Paving Pricing Estimation

So how much will you pay for your new driveway? The asphalt driveway cost will depend on a number of factors, many of which will be detailed and described below. Note, in general, that the main paving costs will derive from two main sources: the materials and equipment needed to lay the new driveway, and the contractors and laborers needed to actually do the work. It is these two main factors that will ultimately determine the asphalt driveway cost per square foot.

In general, the price for your new driveway will be between $1 to $5 per square foot. If you get any special type of asphalt, such as stamped or colored, expect to pay more. For isntance, the stamped asphalt driveway cost can be nearly double the unstamped variety. This may or may not include any excavation that needs to be done or any other special preparatory work that has to be done. Prices will be lower per square foot if you have a larger driveway – the more work done, the less you will pay per unit area, as it will be more efficient for the blacktop contractor to come in and do a larger project than a smaller one. (The fixed costs are much the same regardless of the size of the project, and these fixed costs will be diluted more if they are associated with a larger project.)

However, as stated above, these costs will depend on more specific factors. Let’s take a look at some of the important ones.

Factors that Will Affect Paving Costs

The main factors that will affect the blacktop driveway cost estimate include:

*Oil and other commodity costs. Blacktop is an oil product, so as oil prices increase, you’ll pay more for blacktop. That’s just the reality of the chemistry and economics and is largely unavoidable. And with the continually increasing cost of oil, don’t expect this to decrease any time soon!
*The thickness of the asphalt. Some climates may require thicker asphalt in order to protect against frost and other damage. Obviously, this would cost more money.
*The depth of the base. 4 inches of gravel is usually the standby, but more or less may be needed depending on the environment.
*Your location. If you live in a richer area, you’ll have to pay more for the work. But you probably already know that you’re paying more for products and services, so this is most likely expected.
*The contractor you hire. Expect to pay for quality, and be ready to suffer the consequences if you look for and receive a ridiculous bargain. Anyone doing work for bargain basement prices will give you a bargain basement driveway, so buyer beware. However, there is some leeway in the price here, especially if you can team up with your neighbors to get driveways done at the same time. You could get a nice discount this way.
*The square footage of your driveway. This is obvious, but remember that a large project may enjoy lower prices per square foot due to increased efficiency of laying the blacktop.
*The season. If you get your driveway done during the busy season (spring to early summer), expect to pay more due to increased demand.
*The specifics of your job. If you want curves, or if your driveway is sloped, or a myriad of other design features, you may have to pay more for the privilege.
*If any problems or issues pop up during the installation, expect to pay. For instance, if the contractor has to deal with utility lines at all and needs to hire a subcontractor, you’ll be footing that bill. A general rule: The smoother the job, the less you’ll have to pay, so try to be open about any potential issues before the work begins.
*If you want special kinds of asphalt, such as stamped or colored, you’ll pay more.
*If you combine asphalt with other driveway materials, you’ll obviously have to pay for the installation of those materials too. For instance, many people get concrete pavers or natural stone pavers (cobblestones) as an apron and border for an otherwise asphalt driveway. This will cost you more than a plain blacktop drive.

Getting an Estimate From a Contractor

Ultimately, it’s hard to give an exact price given that costs depend so much on local factors. For an exact measurement of your cost, you’ll need to get an estimate done by a local contractor. You can also use an asphalt driveway cost calculator to help give you a more focused estimate, though it won’t always be entirely accurate. Always get more than one bid or quote, as you’ll want to see what different contractors will offer you for the job. Don’t necessarily take the lowest price – balance out the quality of the work with the price you’re willing to pay. Substandard work will always come back to bite you.

Repair, Maintenance, and Other Costs

Note that your expenditure won’t end when the asphalt is newly installed in your front yard. You will also have to pay repair and maintenance costs down the line if you want your driveway to last long. Consider it part of the fixed cost of the driveway – the consequences of not maintaining your driveway could be getting a whole new one, a very expensive endeavor. Periodic sealing, sealcoating, and resurfacing will help keep your driveway looking great. Expect to pay anywhere from 10 to 20 cents per square foot for these services if you don’t do it yourself.

Tags: asphalt, costs, driveways

If you want to add natural beauty and durability to your home in patios, walkways, driveways, pool decks, and other installations, flagstone is the way to go. It will provide you with years of pleasure, and there are plenty of design options – shapes, sizes, and colors – to satisfy even the most demanding creativity.

The main disadvantage for those looking to buy flagstone is getting it for a cheap price. Flagstone pavers can be very expensive to purchase, depending on a number of factors, including geography, rarity of the stone, brand, and the type of stone and color you want. However, there are a few ways to get cheap flagstone, as long as you know where to look. However, there are ways to lower the price that you have to pay for flagstone and flagstone pavers. Here are some tips:

Ten Tips to Buy Flagstone and Save Money

(1) First, decide on your budget. Some flagstone will cost more than others simply due to the type of stone it is, so you need to know the ballpark that you’ll pay to help eliminate expensive options off the bat.

(2) Next, you need to know where to buy flagstone normally. You can get this stone, either in raw or pavers form, from mason supply yards, home improvement stores, and directly from the quarries themselves. Each option will offer different types of flagstone for sale as well as different prices.

(3) The first option, mason supply yards, will often have a decent variety of stone for sale at a variety of prices. Most contractors will work through these yards to obtain your stone, so if they are doing the buying, they will probably get it here. It may be intimidating to buy flagstone from the sources, however, so many people go for other options. However, if you know how to find a deal, you could find used or scrap flagstone available for a cheap price, as long as you are willing to ask.

(4) The next try is home improvement stores. These will usually have very limited quantities of flagstone available, certainly not enough for any large job, and the variety will also be very low. If you only need flagstone for small projects, this may be the way to go.

(5) The best way to buy flagstone is directly from quarries and companies that sell it. This will offer you the most price options as well as the largest variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. You can often customize the size of the stone or pavers to your liking, making this the option of choice if you need to customize your project at all. You will often get good prices here, since you are buying directly from the manufacturer, but you can also expect to pay decently high prices as well for this material.

(6) What other ways are there to buy flagstone for cheap? One way is to look online at sites like Craigslist where people are giving away material. Some sell it for a small price, while others ask that you come and remove it yourself; you can then have the stone for free. This can be a good deal if the stone is in good condition, but always be careful when buying products used, especially building materials. There is usually a reason that someone’s giving away expensive material like this, so always check it out in person before committing to taking it.

(7) Keep an eye out for other deals – contact a mason supply yard, contractor, or other flagstone manufacturer for constant updates about excess flagstone or other deals.

(8) If you are having multiple projects paved with the material in your yard, consider doing all the projects at once. Buying bulk flagstone will maximize the savings you get, as the transportation and quarrying costs will all be rolled into the one project.

(9) In addition, if friends of yours are also considering to have an installation of flagstone put in, consider buying the material together to enjoy bulk rates.

(10) Finally, consider ways to salvage the material from other yards. You might have some lying around yourself, or friends or family might have stone that they no longer have a use for. Recovering and recycling this stone could save you hundreds of even thousands of dollars.

Tags: buy, costs, flagstone for sale, how-to, saving money, where to buy flagstone

How much does flagstone cost?

The cost of flagstone will depend on a large number of factors. Flagstone is mined from a quarry and shaped into whatever shapes the customer needs. As such, this product is more expensive to produce, as it must be quarried, cut, shaped, and transported to the needed locations. Concrete pavers and other manufactured products can be made more cheaply and thus are cheaper for the customers. However, natural stone pavers give off an appearance that cannot be replicated or imitated by other materials. The natural stone material is quite impressive and beautiful to behold, making it well worth the flagstone cost.

Factors That Affect Flagstone Prices

There are a whole host of factors that will affect the price of flagstone pavers and products. Here are the major ones:

• Location. This will largely determine much of the price you’ll pay in two ways. First, an area with a higher cost of living will naturally, due to fundamental economic forces, demand higher prices for the product. Second, transport costs may be higher to move flagstone to your area, leading to increased costs for the entire supply and consumer chain. Fuel is expensive, so if you can get flagstone that’s closer to your project, you’ll probably pay less than if you have to get stone from a distant supplier.
• The dimensions of the flagstone. The flagstone cost per square foot will depend on the thickness of the stone, as this dimension can vary even when a project’s area is constant. Thus, thinner stone will be cheaper, but it may not be as solid and strong as thicker stone, though all flagstone is very durable.
• Type of flagstone. Flagstone is really a ‘catch-all’ term for any natural stone that has been quarried and cut to a flattened shape. Thus, there are many different types of stones that fit within the category, and thus different values for each. In addition, color matters, as does the quality of the stone, its finish, its composition, rarity, etc.
• The shape, size, cut, and finish on the stone can also impact the final price.
• The availability of the stone. Rarer stone, or stone that needs time to be ordered and supplied, will cost more.

Thus, it’s difficult to narrow down an exact price for flagstone, but we can give a very general estimate to put you in the ballpark – around $20 to $35 a square foot, though more is often common. If you are lucky to find flagstone wholesale, you’ll pay less, but this will not happen often. Buying the pavers used may also help, though you’ll want to be careful to purchase quality material. Some more ways to save on flagstone are:

• Have a tight design created for your flagstone project. Make the pattern very regular so as to minimize waste stone as much as possible. For instance, the more cuts required, the more stone you’ll have to order to make sure there’s enough.
• Buy used or wholesale flagstone if you can (as explained above).
• Cannibalize flagstone from another part of your yard, or find out if your contractor has any extra that he or she’d be willing to sell to you.
• Contact companies and suppliers directly to find the best rates.

Note that these prices and discussion is just based on purchasing the material. Installing a flagstone patio, driveway, walkway, or pool deck can have significant costs as well, since flagstone is heavy and can be difficult to work with, especially if it is irregularly shaped.

Tags: cost of flagstone, costs, flagstone, flagstone cost, flagstone cost per square foot, flagstone prices, how much does flagstone cost

The cost of your new cement driveway will depend on a number of factors. Before describing a cement driveway cost, a few definitions are in order. Your driveway, if you choose this option, will be made of concrete. Cement is a substance that ‘binds’ the aggregate (sand, gravel, rocks, recycled concrete, etc.) together to form your cement. In other words, concrete = cement + aggregate. So when we talk about cement driveways, we are really talking about concrete driveways.

Now that some definitions are out of the way, let’s talk prices. Your cement driveway cost estimate will depend on a number of factors, so it’s hard to account for all of them. Still, a few general points can be made about the general price range you might expect:

• The general price range for your cement driveway will be around $3-$8 per square foot. This does not include the cost of excavation, if necessary, and installation of a new gravel base, if necessary. This includes both materials and labor costs.
• The price per square foot does depend on the size of the overall project. For instance, if the project is quite huge, you might pay less per square foot than someone who has a very small installation, as the contractor has fixed costs that must be met. If you have a bigger project, these fixed costs are lower per unit than if they were if the project were small.

The specific price you’ll pay within that range will depend on a number of factors, including:

• The quality of the materials. If you get more heavy duty and higher quality cement and concrete, you’ll pay more overall. However, if the driveway lasts longer, you’ll pay less over the lifetime of your home, so it may be a good trade.
• Your geographical area. If you live in a more expensive area, you’ll generally pay more.
• The company or contractor you hire. Some simply charge more than others, and this may or may not correlate with the quality of the job and the speed at which it is installed.
• The season – expect to pay more during peak times.
• Any strange or unusual features of your driveway or front yard that require special or additional work; for instance, if an area sinks a lot, or if you want to put in a special apron.
• If you get stamped or colored cement or concrete, expect this price to increase further due to the increased cost of the materials.
• If other materials are included in the concrete to make it stronger, such as bars or mesh, you’ll pay more for the materials and labor.

Tags: cement driveways, costs, driveways