With the cost of living skyrocketing in recent years, it makes sense to cut down on expenses where you can.

That’s why many homeowners are choosing to make their own DIY concrete pavers rather than purchasing them from a store.

Not only is this a thrifty option, but it also allows you to customize the pavers to match your home’s unique style.

Making your own pavers pretty much cuts the cost in half compared to buying them from a store. This is down to the fact that the raw material cost for concrete is very low. In addition, making your own pavers allows you to be in complete control of the design, color, and size of the pavers.

How Much Does It Cost to Make Your Own Concrete Pavers?

The main cost associated with making your own concrete pavers is the initial investment for the mold.

Molds can be bought from most hardware stores and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The cost of the mold will depend on the size and complexity of the design.

Related: What Is The Best Paving For Patios?

Related: Removing Oil, Grease, and Rust Stains Off Your Pavers (FAST)

Cost Comparison

Let’s assume you have a 200 sqft patio to work with. At the absolute best, your mold will cover approximately 4 sqft, for a total of 60 lbs of concrete.

To cover the whole patio, you’ll need 50 bags of concrete, bringing your investment up to $300.

Pavers are expensive. The average cost per square foot is $3. So, to cover the whole 200-square-foot patio, you’ll spend approximately $600.

Delivery costs are not included in this calculation.

Of course, these computations are rather basic, but they convey the overall correct concept that producing your own pavers is typically half the price of purchasing them.

Related: How Do I Dispose Of Patio Pavers? (QUICK AND EASY)

Buy in Bulk

Where possible try to buy your concrete cement in bulk as this will work out to be a lot cheaper in the long run.

You could also try to source your cement from a local construction site as they are often willing to sell unused bags at a discounted rate.

Related: Will Pressure-Treated Wood Rot In Concrete? (MAYBE?)

Dry storage

If you are going to buy in bulk, just ensure you have somewhere dry to store it until you are ready to use it.

Cement needs to be stored in a cool and dry place, out of direct sunlight otherwise, it will go hard and become unusable.

What is in Cement?

Calcium, silicon, aluminum, iron, and other chemicals are combined in a tightly controlled chemical reaction to produce cement.

Limestone, shells, and chalk or marl are among the most common ingredients used in the production of cement.

What Makes Cement So Effective?

The sheer amount of different use cases for cement is one of the reasons it is such an effective binding agent.

Cement is used in everything from construction to agriculture. It can be used as a mortar to bind bricks together, or as a base for laying paving stones.

It can also be mixed with water and used as a grout to fill the gaps between tiles.

To make the cement stronger, simply add more cement or less sand. Conversely, to make it more flexible, add more sand or less cement.

This versatility is one of the reasons cement is such widely used construction material.

Related: Can Pavers Be Installed Over Concrete?

Concrete Mix For Making Paving Slabs

The cement-to-sand ratio is 3:1. The three parts of sand might be made of a variety of sands.

It’s ideal to measure accurately by volume (not weight) using a bucket for each component in order to get consistent results (particularly for the right color throughout).

For making strong paving slabs that will withstand being driven over by a car, you should use a 6:1 gravel to cement ratio.

To make sure your paving slabs are weather-resistant, add 1 part water to 3 parts cement. This will make the concrete denser and less likely to crack when it dries.

Related: The Cheapest Way To Lay A Patio

What Else Can You Make With Concrete?

Concrete is an extremely versatile building material. In addition to making pavers, you can also use it to make:

  • Patios
  • Driveways
  • Pool surround
  • Furniture
  • Countertops
  • Fire pits
  • Edging
  • Planters

The possibilities are endless!

Why not get creative and experiment with different designs and colors to add a personal touch to your home?

Making your own concrete pavers is a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your home.

With a little time and effort, you can create beautiful custom pavers that will last for years to come.

FAQs

Is pea gravel a cheaper alternative to making your own slabs?

Pea gravel would be cheaper per square foot when comparing the material cost only. However, when you factor in the cost of the mold, concrete mix, and time, it’s cheaper to make your own slabs.

Is it cheaper to make your own stepping stones?

The short answer is that it is usually less expensive to make your own stepping stones. It will save you the most money, but this may not be the best option for everyone.
When making your own stepping stones, you’ll have to factor in the cost of the mold and concrete mix, as well as your time.
If you only have a few minutes to spare or don’t mind spending a bit more money, buying stepping stones from a store may be the better option for you.

Is concrete block paving permeable?

Porous concrete block paving, like its non-permeable counterpart, substantially reduces runoff surface water by allowing it to drain through the base and into the sub-base.
A key factor affecting the water absorption rate is the amount of void space within the block, which is determined by its porosity. This in turn is affected by the type of aggregate used, as well as how it’s been compacted during manufacture.
The level of compaction required will depend on the intended use of the block.

Is concrete block paving cheaper than resin?

Resin-bound concrete driveways are less expensive than block paving. Block paving is more expensive, but there are many factors to consider, such as the size of the space and the surface you’re laying on, as well as the materials utilized and labor involved.

About the Author

Passionate about helping households transition to sustainable energy with helpful information and resources.

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