Why Cheap Paving Costs More: According to Paving Contractors

Kate Westall
19 hours ago
6 min read

We have all heard the saying, "you get what you pay for." It applies to almost everything in life, from shoes to cars, but it rings especially true in the construction industry. When planning a driveway, patio, or pool surround, the temptation to cut costs is strong. You might receive three quotes. Two of them are similar, but the third one is significantly lower. It looks like a bargain. You think about the money you will save and the holiday you could book with the difference.

However, experienced paving contractors know that this "saving" is often an illusion. The lower price tag usually hides shortcuts that will cost you dearly in the long run. Paving is not just about laying stones on the ground. It is an engineering task. It involves soil preparation, drainage management, and precise installation techniques that ensure longevity.

In the harsh Australian climate, where we face scorching summers and heavy seasonal rains, poorly installed paving fails quickly. It sinks, cracks, and becomes a trip hazard. Fixing a botched job involves ripping everything up and starting again, meaning you pay for the job twice. Understanding where the money goes in a quality quote helps homeowners make smarter decisions that add real value to their property.

The Foundation: What You Can't See Matters Most

The biggest difference between a cheap job and a quality job lies beneath the surface. To the untrained eye, two newly paved driveways might look identical on day one. But fast forward six months, and the difference becomes painfully obvious.

Professional paving contractors spend a significant portion of their time and budget on the "sub-base." This is the foundation layer. It typically involves excavating the existing soil and replacing it with layers of crushed rock and road base. This material must be compacted using heavy machinery to create a rock-hard platform.

The Cheap Shortcut

Budget operators often skimp here. They might scrape off the grass and lay the pavers on a thin layer of sand directly over the soil. This saves them money on excavation, waste removal fees, and crushed rock.

The problem arises when it rains. The soil beneath gets wet and soft. Without a solid sub-base to distribute the weight of your car, the pavers sink into the mud. This creates wheel ruts in your driveway or sunken puddles on your patio. Once the sub-base fails, the only fix is total replacement.

Drainage: Managing Australian Weather

Australia is known for its weather extremes. We can go from drought to deluge in a heartbeat. Proper drainage is non-negotiable. A quality paving job must be sloped correctly so that water runs off away from the house and into stormwater drains or garden beds.

Skilled paving contractors use laser levels to calculate the "fall." They install linear drains (grates) where necessary and ensure that water never pools on the surface. Pooling water is dangerous; it grows moss, becomes slippery, and can undermine the foundation of the paving itself.

Cheap contractors often eyeball the levels. They might lay the paving flat because it is faster. When the first storm hits, you end up with a swimming pool at your back door, or worse, water flowing back towards your house foundations, causing structural damp issues.

Material Quality: Not All Stones Are Created Equal

The pavers themselves vary wildly in quality. Whether you choose natural stone like Travertine and Bluestone, or man-made concrete pavers, there are different grades available.

Reputable paving contractors source their materials from trusted suppliers. They look for stone that is consistent in thickness, calibrated for easy laying, and durable enough to withstand traffic.

Budget quotes often rely on "seconds" or inferior imports.

Thin Pavers: Some contractors use thinner pavers (e.g., 20mm) for driveways where 40mm or 50mm is required. These thin pavers will crack under the weight of a vehicle.
Poor Quality Concrete: Cheap concrete pavers can fade rapidly in the sun or crumble at the edges.
Salt Attack: If you have a saltwater pool, you need salt-resistant pavers. Using the wrong stone here will lead to the surface pitting and eroding within a few years.

The Art of Installation

Laying pavers is a skilled trade. It requires patience and precision. The lines must be straight, the curves must be smooth, and the cuts must be accurate.

Professional paving contractors take pride in their "cuts." When paving up to a wall or around a drain, the pavers need to be cut to fit. A professional uses a high-quality diamond saw to create clean, tight gaps.

A cheap job is often rushed. You will see wide, uneven gaps filled with excessive mortar to hide the bad cuts. You might see jagged edges where pavers have been snapped instead of sawn. These messy details ruin the aesthetic of the entire project.

Edging and Haunching

Another hidden detail is the edge restraint. The pavers on the outside edge of a driveway or path are the most vulnerable. If they are not locked in place, they will drift outwards, opening up gaps across the whole paved area. Professionals install a concrete "haunch" or use specialized edge restraints hidden underground to lock everything tight. Cheap jobs often skip this step, leading to "spreading" pavers over time.

Compliance and Insurance

Building regulations exist to protect you. In many parts of Australia, significant paving works require compliance with local council rules, particularly regarding "permeable surface area" (how much of your block is covered in hard surfaces) and stormwater management.

Licensed paving contractors understand these rules. They carry public liability insurance to protect your property during the build. If they accidentally hit a water pipe or damage your fence, their insurance covers it.

The "man with a van" offering a cash deal usually has no insurance. If an accident happens on your property, you are liable. If the work is non-compliant and the council orders it to be removed, the cost falls entirely on you.

Questions and Answers: Common Questions About paving contractors in Australia

Q: Do I need a permit to pave my driveway?

In many cases, simple replacement of an existing driveway does not require a building permit. However, if you are creating a new "vehicle crossing" (where the driveway meets the road), you almost always need a permit from your local council. Additionally, some councils have restrictions on the percentage of your front yard that can be paved to prevent stormwater runoff issues. It is best to check with your local council or ask your contractor to investigate for you.

Q: How long should a paved driveway last?

A professionally installed driveway should last upwards of 20 to 25 years. The pavers themselves can last much longer—often 50 years or more for quality clay or natural stone. The lifespan is usually determined by the quality of the sub-base. If the foundation is rock solid, the driveway will stand the test of time.

Q: Why is natural stone more expensive to lay than concrete pavers?

Natural stone (like Sandstone, Granite, or Bluestone) often varies slightly in thickness. This means the contractor cannot just lay them on a flat bed of sand. They often need to be "wet laid" on a mortar bed, with each stone individually tapped down to ensure the top surface is perfectly level. This process takes more time and skill than laying uniform concrete bricks, increasing the labour cost.

Q: What is the best time of year to pave?

Paving can be done year-round in most parts of Australia. However, extreme weather can affect the process. Pouring concrete haunching or grouting is difficult in heavy rain or extreme heat (over 35 degrees). Spring and Autumn are generally ideal as the mild temperatures allow materials to cure properly and the ground is workable.

Q: Can I pave over existing concrete?

Yes, this is a common technique called "overlaying." If your existing concrete driveway is in good condition (no major cracks or heaving), paving contractors can glue thin pavers or tiles directly onto the concrete. This saves the cost of excavation. However, you must consider the height difference. Adding 30mm of paving might block doors from opening or create a trip hazard at steps.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Successful paving contractors in Australia

Your outdoor space is an extension of your home. It is where you welcome guests, park your car, and relax by the pool. The paving you choose sets the tone for the entire property. While the allure of a cheap quote is understandable, the risks associated with cutting corners are simply too high.