Interlocking stone is a decorative and functional way to improve the look of your home’s landscape. Perfect for high-traffic areas such as driveways, patios, pool decks, and your front entrance, interlocking pavers will provide you with years of elegant and durable landscaping. The question is, how much does interlock cost in 2024?
The hardscaping experts at JHC Landscaping have created this comprehensive guide to outline the average costs for interlocking driveways and patios, different material choices, DIY vs professional installation, various factors that affect costs, and so much more.
- Interlocking Costs in 2024
- What Is The Average Cost For Interlocking Driveway?
- What Is the Average Cost for Interlocking Patio?
- How Much Does Interlocking Pavers Cost Per Square Foot?
- Why Is Interlocking so Expensive?
- Let’s review how much interlocking costs.
- Material Choices For Interlocking Projects
- Design Complexity and Customization Options
- Additional Project Requirements
- DIY vs. Professional Installation Costs
- Maintenance and Longevity of Interlocking Pavers
- Contact the Pros
- Frequently Asked Questions
Interlocking Costs in 2024
Interlocking costs in 2024 depends on the type of stone you select, square footage, and labour.
Here are the average interlocking pavers cost.
Common stone: $20 – $25+ per sq.ft.
High-end stone: $25 – $35+ per sq.ft.
Supply and demand also plays a role in the cost and availability of stone. Your installer will provide you with a wide selection of stone options, so you can get the highest quality materials at a cost that fits your budget.
What Is The Average Cost For Interlocking Driveway?
On average, the total of interlocking driveway costs ranges anywhere between $20 to $35 per square foot. Part of this estimate includes the price of labour, which ranges between $2 to $8 per square foot.
Labour costs however will fluctuate depending on the size of your pavers, the complexity of the design, and the size of your area.
What Is the Average Cost for Interlocking Patio?
On average, the cost for interlocking patio is $8 to $25 per square foot, or about $10 to $35 per square foot, including professional installation.
A patio would typically cost about $800 to $7,500, not including installation fees, and depending on the type of paver material you choose. This estimate is based on an average patio size being 100 to 300 square feet.
How Much Does Interlocking Pavers Cost Per Square Foot?
The cost of interlocking pavers in 2024, on average, is about $6 to $15 per square foot, not including labour or other necessary materials for installation. Depending on the project size and type of pavers, the total cost of installing interlocking pavers can range between $1,000 to $9,000. The price can vary greatly if you need to obtain permits, level ground or remove obstacles, or you opt to install customized or higher-end interlocking pavers.
Interlocking pavers are a versatile design choice that can be used for several different outdoor living spaces and walkways, so calculating your area’s square footage beforehand and planning to accommodate the space you are trying to cover accordingly will help you set a budget.
Why Is Interlocking so Expensive?
In 2024, Interlocking can be expensive depending on the details of the job at hand. A few project-specific variables that play a role in determining how much interlocking pavers installation cost will include square footage, site conditions and location, hourly contractor rate, the type, layout, and style of the pavers, the expense of removing and disposing existing surfaces, grading and levelling the area, and constructing an appropriate base.
Let’s review how much interlocking costs.
What affects the cost of interlocking?
Like any home renovation project, there are a variety of factors that can affect your budget. The same goes for interlocking paving. The most common things you should consider when putting your project plans together include:
Interlocking project size – The size of your project will determine how many bricks you will need. A larger project will require a more significant amount of bricks, while a smaller one will naturally require fewer.
Design Complexity – If you want to create a unique pattern or design, you will need different stone colours or materials. You also need a trained installer who can bring your design to life. We recommend reviewing your design in detail with your installer, so they can ensure they are bringing in the right quantity and colour of bricks to complete your design.
Type of Interlocking Stones Chosen – There are numerous interlocking stone options depending on your design and budget. Your installer will work with you to find the right stone option that fits your budget. Stones come in a variety of colours and sizes, which will impact their cost.
The most common stone types include natural stone, brick, concrete, and resin. Each one offers a different level of protection from the elements and lifespan. So choose a stone that is going to suit your lifestyle and reflects how long you want your new stone to last.
Additional Project Requirements – The next important factor to consider is what will be involved in the design and installation of your project. If you are starting from scratch, then you may need to remove your existing driveway or path. This will require excavation, debris removal and preparing the landscape for the brick installation.
This can take a day for smaller spaces to several days for larger properties. Your installer will be able to provide you with a detailed plan of how your project will proceed, so you can factor any additional project requirements into your budget. The installation process will likely take a day or two depending on the complexity of your design, so you may not have access to your driveway or areas of your property for a few days.
Material Choices For Interlocking Projects
You can find interlocking pavers made of various materials to suit your desired aesthetic. Here at JHC Landscaping, the interlocking pavers we offer differ by cost, durability, and design options.
- Concrete Interlocking Pavers: Around $8 to $15 per square foot is the average cost of installation. Concrete is the least expensive interlocking price per sq ft and can be made in a wide variety of colours and shapes. Although concrete pavers are more prone to cracking than brick, they are also easy to repair and generally inexpensive.
- Brick Interlocking Pavers: Typically costs about $10 to $17 per square foot. Made with clay, this material is ideal for high-traffic areas and can withstand heavy weights from vehicles. Compared to concrete, brick pavers are less prone to cracking.
- Stone Interlocking Pavers: On average, interlock stone price is about $12 to $25 per square foot. This material will not hold up well to heavy traffic, making it more suitable for patios and walkways. Stone interlocking pavers won’t fade in colour like brick or concrete, but the natural material is more expensive than other paver types.
Design Complexity and Customization Options
Concrete, clay bricks, and natural slate/stone are the three most popular types of outdoor interlocking pavers. Some customization options you might choose to make your pavers projects truly your own include opting for a different colour such as red, teal, brown, etc., or selecting a different shape such as hexagon, dumble, zigzag, or basil. Some homeowners even have certain pavers engraved or shaped in specific ways to give their home a unique flair. When shopping, here are the average interlock prices of different paver materials.
- Concrete Stone: This popular paving material typically costs $8 to $15 per square foot.
- Natural Slate/Stone: The price starts at $15 per square foot and can range upwards of $50 for more elegant stone builds. Paver companies may also work with marble, flagstone, or other types of natural stone.
- Concrete Brick: $8 to $15 is an acceptable interlock price per square foot. Concrete brick is durable and is made with the colour of natural brick.
- Clay Brick: Ranges between $10 to $20 per square foot. Made of clay, limestone, and other materials, clay brick is more slightly costly than concrete brick but will give your outdoor living space a different aesthetic.
Additional Project Requirements
So how much does it cost to install interlocking pavers? Well, there are a few additional costs that can add to the total expenses of installing interlocking pavers.
- Debris Removal: Before installing new interlocking pavers, you may need to remove existing concrete or pavers. This debris removal process can cost about $50 per hour.
- Landscape Preparation: You may need to grade the area before laying pavers, and this can cost about $50 to $150 per hour or $200 to $1,200 per day.
- Excavation: If you need to level your land by excavating or add sand or gravel beneath pavers for drainage, its essential to take note of any surrounding utility lines. You’re looking at around $600 to $800 per line for moving utility pipes or underground wires.
DIY vs. Professional Installation Costs
You could spend as little as $350 and can save about $2 to $9 on your interlocking price per sq ft if you opt to tackle your pavers installation yourself. You will however need the tools and equipment to lay the base properly and safely before adding your pavers. Keep in mind that you might also need a building permit before you can install pavers as part of a patio or walkway and you’ll certainly need to acquire one if you’ll be attaching your pavers to an existing structure, like your sidewalk. The general range for these fees cost $25 to $50.
Because hardscaping is a multi-phased construction process where each step from design through preparation affects the eventual outcome of your project, it’s best to hire a professional paver installation expert. Though your interlocking pavers installation cost may be more than if you were to do it DIY style, here are six reasons why it’s worth the expense.
- Knowledgeable in local weather, ground, and site conditions and environment
- Understand all local building codes and regulations
- Licensed and bonded contractors are insured with workman’s compensation and liability insurance
- Has access to high-quality materials
- Can use the latest technology, techniques, and state-of-the-art equipment
Maintenance and Longevity of Interlocking Pavers
Interlock driveways, walkways, and patios are elegant, visually appealing additions to any home’s exterior. However, your hardscape will quickly turn unsightly when pavers start to sink or loosen, or when weeds begin to grow between the stones. This can be avoided by following these simple maintenance tips:
- Power washing
- Polymeric sand installation
- Using sealers
Proper maintenance is needed to help pavers retain their shape and colour, prevent weeds from growing in the cracks, and replacing loose or broken blocks. The cost of interlocking pavers is considered a long-term investment because those made of clay, concrete, natural stone, or even porcelain, pavers can last 20-25 years without any major repairs with proper care and maintenance. Concrete pavers can last upwards of 50 years if they are properly cared for and sealed effectively. This is due in part because interlocking pavers are made by weather resistant and durable materials.
Contact the Pros
There are so many reasons why you should consider interlocking pavers for your home. They are versatile and offer countless design options and locations such as in your backyard, around your pool, or at entrances around your home. And they also add significant curb appeal and value to your home. This makes them one of the best and most affordable investments you can make in your home’s landscaping.
Replacement is easy, as you do not have to redo the entire space to replace damaged or lost stones. Simply fill the spot with a matching stone and no one will know you had to make a change. Stones are also easy to maintain and manage and can easily be cleaned with mild soap and a high-pressure hose.
Want to learn more about how you can add value and beauty to your home with interlocking pavers? Contact JHC Landscaping services for a consultation and quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Interlocking can take as little as a few days to install, for example, if the pathway or driveway is short. However, a longer driveway or a large pool deck for instance, may require upwards of 10 days to complete. Ultimately, the time is takes to install interlocking pavers depends on the complexity and size of the project.
Yes, your interlock installation cost will be cheaper if you install interlocking yourself. On average, expect to pay $8 to $25 per square foot for the pavers, plus the costs of bedding and sealing sand will run you $0.40 to $2 per square foot. You will also need a vibratory plate compactor to set the pavers, and this device can cost you anywhere between $500 to $1,500 to purchase, or about $90 to rent per day.
Though installing interlocking pavers is not the most difficult landscaping project, it is certainly not easy. Installing interlocking pavers requires meticulous planning including inspecting your property, mapping out your square footage, checking local permit requirements, contacting your local utility company, choosing the type of paving material, and calculating the number of pavers. Then you will need to excavate your space, tamp the base, and finally lay your pavers.
For 1,000 sq. ft. of pavers, the interlock installation cost can start as low as $20,000, and go as high as $35,000. Common stone typically costs $20 to $30 per sq. ft. and high-end stone can run you $25 to $35 per sq. ft. The price depends on several factors like base preparation, excavation, stone type, ground, and installation cost.
The cost of installing 500 square feet of pavers can start as low as $10,000, and project upwards of $17,500. These estimates are based on the typical price of common stone costing $20 to $30 per sq. ft. and $25 to $35 per sq. ft for high-end stone. Several factors impact the final costs including excavation, stone type, the price of installation, ground, and base preparation.
To install 200 sq. ft. of pavers, the cost can range between $4,000 and $7,000. On average, common interlock stone price will start at $20, and can range upwards of $30 per sq. ft. High-end stone is more costly however, ranging between $25 to $35 per sq. ft. In general, the cost varies depending on several factors such as the type of stone, ground, base preparation, installation cost, and excavation.