Granite paving has long been regarded as one of the most durable and reliable surface materials used in British landscaping. From traditional courtyards and period gardens to modern patios, driveways and commercial walkways, granite paving slabs and granite setts are chosen for their strength, longevity and understated appearance.
When planning a project, one of the most common questions is the same: how much does it cost per square metre to supply and lay granite paving slabs or setts? This guide explains the real costs involved, using realistic UK pricing based on current granite paving supply, and breaks down where the money is actually spent.
1. Granite Paving Material Cost Per Square Metre
The starting point for any granite paving project is the material cost. Granite is a dense natural stone, quarried, cut and finished to precise tolerances, which places it above concrete and many sedimentary stones in terms of production cost.
Based on current granite paving prices from our own UK-held stock, a sensible budgeting range for standard 20 mm granite paving slabs is as follows:
- Silver Grey Granite paving 20mm: approximately £24 – £26 per m²
- Blue Grey Granite paving 20mm: approximately £31 – £38 per m²
- Luxury Absolute Black Granite Paving 20mm: typically £40 – £42 per m²
- These figures are rounded up slightly to reflect real-world budgeting rather than promotional pricing. They represent honest supply costs for consistent, well-graded granite paving, not loss-leader or clearance material.
Granite setts are priced differently. Because they are thicker and significantly heavier than paving slabs, they are usually calculated on a higher cost per square metre. For budgeting purposes, granite setts typically fall into the range of:
- Granite Setts (standard driveway and edging formats): approximately £47 – £57 per m²
Exact sett pricing depends on thickness, surface finish and size, but the additional stone volume is the main cost driver.
2. Labour Cost to Lay Granite Paving
Granite is not a forgiving material. Its density and weight mean it must be laid correctly, on a proper mortar bed, with careful attention to levels, drainage and jointing. As a result, labour costs are higher than for basic concrete slabs.
Across most of the UK, professional labour costs to lay granite paving typically fall within:
- £50 – £80 per m² for straightforward patio or path installations
- £80 – £120 per m² for more complex layouts, cuts, or granite setts
Setts are more labour-intensive than slabs. Their smaller size, increased thickness and need for tighter tolerances mean installation takes longer, particularly on driveways and load-bearing areas.
3. Ground Preparation and Sub-Base Costs
One of the most common mistakes in budgeting is underestimating groundwork. In reality, the sub-base is what determines whether a granite surface lasts decades or begins to move after a few winters.
Typical ground preparation costs may include:
- Excavation and waste removal
- Compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base
- Edge restraints where required
- Drainage considerations
For most domestic projects, groundwork and preparation costs usually add:
- £20 – £35 per m²
Poor ground conditions, existing concrete removal or restricted access can push this figure higher, particularly in urban areas.
4. Total Cost Per Square Metre – Realistic UK Figures
When material, labour and preparation are combined, the true cost of laying granite paving becomes clear.
| Installation Type | Typical Cost Per m² |
|---|---|
| Granite paving slabs (standard patio) | £100 – £140 per m² |
| Granite paving slabs (complex layout) | £120 – £160 per m² |
| Granite setts (paths, borders) | £130 – £180 per m² |
| Granite setts (driveways, heavy-duty use) | £150 – £200+ per m² |
These figures reflect genuine UK installation costs using properly sourced granite, not short-term pricing designed to win quotes and cut corners later.
5. Example Budget: 25 m² Granite Patio
To put the numbers into context, a typical 25 m² granite patio might break down as follows:
- Granite paving slabs: 25 × £26 ≈ £650
- Ground preparation and materials: £600 – £750
- Labour (mid-range): 25 × £80 ≈ £2,000
Total estimated project cost: approximately £3,200 – £3,400
Figures will vary depending on access, location and design, but this provides a realistic baseline rather than an optimistic headline price.
6. Is Granite Paving Worth the Cost?
Granite paving is not the cheapest option upfront, but it remains one of the most cost-effective materials over time. Its resistance to wear, frost, staining and movement means maintenance costs are low and replacement is rarely required.
For homeowners and professionals alike, granite remains a material chosen not for trends, but for reliability, performance and long-term value.
Conclusion
The cost of laying granite paving slabs and setts per square metre is best understood by separating material, labour and groundwork. Using realistic UK supply prices, complete installations typically fall between £100 and £160 per m² for slabs, with higher figures applying to granite setts used in driveways or high-load areas.
A key factor behind these material costs is supply structure. As Paving Slabs UK is supplied directly by its parent company, parent company, Westone, which operates and controls its own granite quarries, materials are delivered to the UK without reliance on agents, traders or layered distribution chains. By supplying directly from quarry to UK subsidiary, unnecessary intermediary mark-ups are removed, allowing consistent quality and more stable, transparent pricing.
When properly installed, granite paving remains a once-in-a-generation investment — solid, dependable and well suited to the British climate.
