- Driveway paving is block paving built to carry cars, bakkies and delivery vehicles on a compacted base that drains.
- It suits new builds, replacing cracked concrete or failed paving, widening a driveway and paving a new entrance.
- Describe the job once and compare quotes from independent paving contractors.
Send the rough size in m², what is there now and a photo from the street.
Compare Paving QuotesWhat a Driveway Paving Job Includes
- Excavation. Removing the old surface and digging to the depth the base and pavers need.
- Base course. Crushed stone (usually G5) laid in layers and compacted for vehicle loads.
- Edge restraints. Kerbs or a concrete edge so the paving cannot spread.
- Falls and drainage. Levels set so water runs to the street or a drain, not to the garage or house.
- Laying. Bedding sand, pavers, cuts at the edges, jointing sand and plate compaction.
- Clean-up. Rubble removal and a swept, usable driveway.
Driveway Pavers and Laying Patterns
| Option | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 80mm concrete pavers | Standard for vehicle traffic | Interlocking or rectangular blocks |
| 60mm concrete pavers | Light car use only | Needs a very good base; many contractors advise 80mm |
| Clay pavers | Hard-wearing, colour lasts | Costs more than concrete |
| Cobble-style pavers | Textured, older look | Check the product is rated for vehicles |
| Herringbone pattern | Best lock under turning tyres | More cuts at the edges |
Reasons Homeowners Redo Driveways
- Cracked or lifting concrete.
- Wheel tracks sinking into old paving.
- Water ponding at the garage door or running towards the house.
- Widening for a second car or a new entrance.
- A new build or extension that needs a finished driveway.
How a Driveway Is Paved
- Site visit. The contractor measures, checks levels, access and where water should go.
- Excavation. Old surface out, soil removed to depth, rubble taken away.
- Base. G5 laid in layers, wetted and compacted, shaped to the falls.
- Edges. Kerbs or a concrete haunch set along the sides.
- Paving. Sand bed screeded, pavers laid and cut, joints filled and the surface compacted.
Driveway Paving Prices
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| 80mm concrete pavers, installed incl. excavation and base | R600 - R950 per m² |
| Steep, tight-access or high-spec driveways | R950 - R1,200+ per m² |
| Clay paver driveway, installed | R650 - R1,200 per m² |
| Double driveway, about 45 - 60 m², concrete pavers | R27,000 - R57,000 total |
| Remove old paving or concrete, incl. disposal | R80 - R250 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 Driveway Quote
- Paver type, make and thickness (80mm is the norm for vehicles).
- Base material and compacted depth.
- Excavation, rubble removal and skip hire included or extra.
- Kerbs, edging and any channel drain at the garage.
- Who arranges approval if the work extends onto the pavement verge.
- VAT, start date and how long you will be without the driveway.
Cape Town Site Conditions
- Winter rain. Falls must take water away from the garage and house. A driveway sloping to the garage usually needs a channel drain.
- Sandy ground. Loose sand needs a well-compacted base and firm edges or the paving spreads.
- Steep driveways. Need stronger edges and a textured paver for grip.
- Tree roots. Lift paving over time. Ask about root barriers near large trees.
Comparing Quotes
Ask each contractor to price excavation, base, paving and rubble removal as separate lines.
Send one enquiry through Cape Town Paving and compare quotes from relevant independent paving contractors covering your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How thick should driveway pavers be?
80mm is the usual choice for cars and heavier vehicles. 60mm can carry light cars on a very good base, but many contractors will not recommend it for a driveway.
Can new paving go over an existing concrete driveway?
Sometimes, if the concrete is sound, the falls work and there is enough height at the garage door. Cracked or uneven concrete is usually broken out first.
How long does a driveway take?
A typical double driveway takes a few days to a week once work starts, depending on excavation, base work and weather. Ask each contractor for their timeline.
When can I drive on new paving?
Usually once the joints are filled and the surface compacted, as block paving has no curing time. If concrete edges were cast, confirm the wait with your contractor.
Which laying pattern is strongest for a driveway?
Herringbone, at 45 or 90 degrees, locks best under turning tyres.
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.
Driveway Paving Cape Town. Describe your driveway once and compare paving quotes.
Compare Paving QuotesCompare Driveway Paving Quotes
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