Block Paving vs Clay Paving vs Concrete

The short answer

Concrete block pavers are usually the most affordable and flexible. Clay brick pavers usually cost more and are chosen for colour that lasts and a classic look. A poured or exposed-aggregate concrete driveway is one continuous slab: neat, but harder to repair in patches. Cobbles and natural stone sit at the premium end. Published 2026 contractor prices in Johannesburg follow roughly that order; see the paving cost guide for the attributed figures.

Sources: Sinqobile Construction, Paving costs in Johannesburg 2026 (a paving contractor's published guide)

Concrete block pavers

Made from concrete pressed in moulds. They come in rectangles, interlocking shapes and a wide range of colours and thicknesses, and they are widely stocked. Interlocking shapes laid in a herringbone pattern are a common choice for driveways where cars turn. Their main drawback is colour: where the colour is a pigment in the concrete, it can fade with years of Highveld sun. Their main advantage, apart from price, is repair: a single cracked or stained block can be lifted out and replaced.

Clay brick pavers

Fired clay, like a face brick, with colour through the body of the paver. That is why clay paving tends to weather rather than fade, and why it suits older face-brick homes in suburbs such as Randburg, Linden and Bedfordview. Clay pavers come in fewer shapes than concrete and usually cost more. Like concrete blocks, they are individual units, so they can be lifted and relaid.

A concrete driveway

A cast concrete slab, sometimes coloured, stamped or with exposed aggregate. It gives a clean, modern look with no joints for weeds. But concrete cracks as it shrinks and as the ground moves, so it needs proper joints and reinforcement where specified, and a cracked slab cannot be repaired invisibly. On Johannesburg ground that can move with moisture, that matters. Paving units flex with small movements; a slab cracks.

Cobbles and natural stone

Cobbles, whether concrete or stone, give texture and an old-world look at entrances, courtyards and around trees. Natural stone such as flagstone, slate or sandstone is popular for patios and pool surrounds. Both take more labour to lay well. Around pools, check grip and how hot the stone gets in full sun.

Side by side

Looks over time: clay usually keeps colour best; concrete blocks may fade; slabs may crack visibly.
Repair: blocks, clay and cobbles can be lifted and relaid; slabs are hard to patch neatly.
Choice of shapes and colours: concrete blocks offer the most.
Up-front price: concrete blocks usually lowest; cobbles and natural stone highest, in published contractor guides.
Driveway strength: all can work; the base, the thickness and the pattern decide.

What matters more than the paver

Whatever you choose, the base under it decides how long it lasts. A budget paver on a good base will outlast a premium one on a poor base. Read how deep a paving base should be before you choose, and see block, clay and cobble paving to send us your job.

Frequently asked questions

Which lasts longer, clay or concrete pavers?

Both can last for decades on a good base. Clay usually holds its colour better; concrete blocks are easier to match and replace.

Is a concrete driveway cheaper than paving?

It depends on the finish and the contractor. Compare written quotes for both if you are undecided.

What is best for a sloping driveway?

Textured pavers in an interlocking or herringbone pattern on a strong base, with good edge restraint, are a common choice.

Block paving vs clay pavers vs concrete: which is best for you?