- Cobblestone paving gives a textured, old-world surface.
- It is laid with either natural stone setts, such as cut granite, or concrete pavers moulded to look like cobbles.
- Describe the job once and compare quotes from independent paving contractors.
Send the area, where it is and whether you want real stone or cobble-style pavers.
Compare Paving QuotesNatural Setts Versus Cobble-Style Pavers
| Feature | Natural stone setts | Concrete cobble-style pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Cut granite or other hard stone | Moulded concrete |
| Look | Each stone differs | Uniform, repeating |
| Surface | Uneven, textured | Flatter, easier to walk on |
| Cost | Much higher | Lower |
| Lifespan | Very long | Long; colour can fade |
Ask every contractor which of the two they are quoting. Both are sold as "cobbles".
Where Cobbles Work
- Driveways, with vehicle-rated thickness.
- Courtyards and entrances.
- Borders and edging around other paving.
- Garden paths. Setts are less comfortable in heels or for wheelchairs.
Laying Methods
- Flexible. Laid on sand with sand joints, like block paving.
- Rigid. Setts bedded and jointed in mortar on a concrete base.
- Patterns. Setts are often laid in fans or arcs; cobble-style pavers come in mixed-size sets.
Common Problems With Cobble Paving
- Wide sand joints washing out.
- Weeds in the joints.
- Loose setts where bedding has failed.
- An uneven surface underfoot.
How Cobblestone Paving Is Laid
- Base. Compacted base, or a concrete slab for rigid setts.
- Edges. Kerbs or a concrete edge.
- Laying. Setts or pavers bedded to pattern and level.
- Jointing. Sand, stabilised sand or mortar, then clean-up.
Cobblestone Paving Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Concrete cobble-style pavers, installed | R550 - R850 per m² |
| Natural granite setts, installed | R1,200 - R1,700 per m² |
| Kerbs or edge restraints, installed | R200 - R380 per metre |
Ballpark figures, not quotations. Indicative 2026 estimates compiled from published Western Cape and national paving price guides and a Cape Town materials supplier price list, checked September 2026. Most sources do not say whether VAT is included, so confirm VAT on every quote. A site visit and a written quote set the actual price. See Paving Prices Cape Town for what these figures include.
What to Check in a Cobblestone Quote
- Natural stone or concrete, with the product or stone named.
- Thickness for the traffic.
- Flexible or rigid laying, and the joint material.
- Pattern and edge detail.
Cape Town Site Conditions
Heavy winter rain washes sand out of wide joints. Mortar or stabilised jointing holds better where water runs across the surface.
Comparing Quotes
Ask for a photo of a finished job in the same product before you decide.
Send one enquiry through Cape Town Paving and compare quotes from relevant independent paving contractors covering your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cobblestones real stone?
Not always. Natural setts are cut stone. Many "cobbles" are concrete pavers moulded to look like stone.
Can cobblestones be used on a driveway?
Yes, with vehicle-rated thickness and a proper base.
Are cobbles comfortable to walk on?
Natural setts are uneven. Cobble-style concrete pavers are flatter.
How do I stop weeds between cobbles?
Well-filled joints, stabilised sand or mortar, and regular sweeping.
Related Pages
Cape Town Paving is a free quote-comparison service. Paving work is quoted and carried out by independent contractors, and your agreement is with the contractor you appoint. Ask each one for a written, itemised quote, what is and is not included, and their payment terms before paying anything.
Cobblestone Paving Cape Town. Describe your job once and compare cobblestone paving quotes.
Compare Paving QuotesCompare Cobblestone Paving Quotes
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