Block, clay brick and cobble paving in Johannesburg
You have decided on paving. Now you are choosing which kind. Here is how concrete block, clay brick and cobble pavers differ, and how to get quotes from contractors who lay them in your area.
The three paver families
Most paving in Johannesburg homes falls into three families. Each can make a good driveway or patio. The right one depends on how the area is used, the look you want and what you are prepared to maintain.
- Concrete block pavers. Made from concrete in moulds, in rectangles, interlocking shapes and many colours. Usually the most affordable option, widely stocked, and easy to replace one block at a time. Pigmented colours can fade with sun over the years; ask how the colour is made.
- Clay brick pavers. Fired clay, so the colour runs right through the brick. Many people choose them for a classic look that ages well. They usually cost more than standard concrete pavers.
- Cobbles. Concrete or natural stone cobbles give a textured, older look for entrances, feature areas and heritage-style homes. They take more labour to lay well and are usually the premium choice.
Shape, thickness and pattern
For driveways, the paver's thickness and the laying pattern matter as much as the material. Interlocking shapes and a herringbone pattern resist the twisting force of turning tyres better than a simple stretcher bond. Thicker pavers are generally chosen where heavier vehicles turn. Ask each contractor which thickness and pattern they propose for your driveway, and why.
For patios and walkways, where there is no vehicle load, you have more freedom: larger slabs, natural stone, mixed borders and softer colours. Our page on paving design and layout explains the common patterns.
What lasts depends on what is underneath
No paver will save a poor base. Whether you choose a budget concrete block or an expensive clay brick, the life of the paving is decided by the sub-base, the compaction, the edge restraint and the drainage. A cheaper paver on a well-built base will usually outlast an expensive one laid on loose fill. Our guide to paving base depth explains what to ask.
Buying the pavers yourself
Some homeowners buy the pavers and pay a contractor to lay them. That can work, but agree in writing who is responsible if the pavers are short, damaged or mismatched in colour between batches, and who orders the extra blocks needed for cuts and breakage. If the contractor supplies, the quote should name the paver, its thickness and its supplier.
What drives the cost
The contractor quotes you once they have measured the job. These are the factors that usually make the difference:
- The paver family: concrete block, clay brick or cobble, and the specific product.
- Thickness and shape: interlocking and thicker driveway pavers cost more than thin patio blocks.
- Colour and finish: blends, through-colour clay and textured cobbles change the price.
- The laying pattern and borders: herringbone and soldier courses add labour and cuts.
- Base preparation, which is the same work whichever paver you choose.
- Delivery distance and access for the truck and the pallets.
Our paving cost guide sets out the published Johannesburg price ranges and names their sources, and our guide on how to compare paving quotes shows what to check line by line.
Block, clay and cobble paving by suburb
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, clay or concrete pavers?
Neither is better everywhere. Clay keeps its colour well and suits a classic look; concrete is usually cheaper and comes in more shapes. Read our comparison of block, clay and concrete paving for the detail.
Are paving bricks and block paving the same thing?
People use the words loosely. Block paving usually means concrete pavers; paving bricks often means clay brick pavers. Ask the contractor to name the exact product on the quote.
Can I mix pavers?
Yes. A clay border around a concrete block field, or cobbles at an entrance, is common. Mixed thicknesses need care so the surface stays level.
Do you sell pavers?
No. We connect you with paving contractors who cover your area. They can supply and lay, or lay pavers you buy.
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