Looking to upgrade your outdoor space with high-quality pavers? Whether you’re planning a patio, driveway, or garden pathway, choosing the right pavers can make a huge difference in durability, aesthetics, and functionality. Wellington’s climate, with its mix of rain and wind, requires pavers that can withstand the elements while enhancing your home’s curb appeal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best paver options, installation tips, budgeting considerations, and maintenance advice to help you make an informed decision.
Types of Pavers Available in Wellington
When choosing pavers for your patio or pavement, it’s important to understand the different materials available. Each type has its own advantages, depending on your needs.
1. Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are one of the most affordable and versatile options. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures, making them suitable for both modern and traditional outdoor spaces. They’re also durable and easy to replace if damaged.
2. Brick Pavers
Brick pavers provide a classic and timeless look. They’re strong, slip-resistant, and work well in heritage-style homes and garden pathways. However, they require regular maintenance to prevent moss buildup and maintain their color.
3. Natural Stone Pavers
For a high-end, elegant appearance, natural stone pavers are a fantastic choice. Options like limestone, travertine, and bluestone offer a unique, natural texture. While more expensive, they’re incredibly durable and can handle Wellington’s varying weather conditions.
4. Permeable Pavers
If drainage and sustainability are a concern, permeable pavers are the best choice. They allow rainwater to pass through, reducing runoff and preventing puddles. These pavers are great for areas with heavy rainfall or strict drainage regulations.
Choosing the Right Pavers for Your Project
To select the best pavers, consider the following:
✔ Weather Conditions – Wellington experiences frequent rain and wind, so opt for non-slip, water-resistant pavers.
✔ Durability – Driveways need high-strength pavers, while patios can have more decorative options.
✔ Budget – Natural stone is premium-priced, while concrete and brick offer cost-effective alternatives.
✔ Maintenance – Some pavers require more upkeep, such as resealing or cleaning, while others are low-maintenance.
For patios, go with concrete or natural stone for a stylish, comfortable space. For driveways, interlocking concrete pavers work best for long-term durability.
Installation Process of Pavers
Installing pavers the right way is key to ensuring they last for years without shifting, cracking, or becoming uneven. Whether you’re working on a patio, driveway, or walkway, following the proper installation steps will make a huge difference in the final result. Here’s a breakdown of the process and why each step matters.
1. Site Preparation – Setting the Foundation for Success
Before laying pavers, the area needs to be completely cleared. This means removing grass, rocks, old concrete, and any debris that could interfere with a level surface. Depending on the site, excavation may be needed to ensure proper drainage and prevent water from pooling underneath the pavers. In Wellington, where the ground can be soft or uneven, proper site preparation is essential to avoid shifting over time. Once cleared, the area should be graded so that water naturally drains away from buildings or low points. A good rule of thumb is a 2% slope for drainage, which prevents standing water from weakening the base.
2. Base Layer – The Backbone of a Strong Paver Installation
The base is what gives pavers their strength and stability. Typically, this consists of a compacted layer of crushed rock, gravel, or sand, depending on the project’s needs. A driveway requires a thicker, more compacted base than a simple garden path because it must support the weight of vehicles.
A standard base layer for patios and walkways is around 10–15 cm of compacted gravel, while driveways need at least 20–30 cm to handle heavy loads. The key here is compaction—using a plate compactor (a heavy vibrating machine) ensures the base doesn’t shift over time. If this step is skipped or done incorrectly, the pavers could start to sink, settle unevenly, or become loose.
3. Laying Patterns – More Than Just Aesthetic Appeal
Pavers aren’t just thrown down randomly; their laying pattern affects the overall durability and weight distribution. Some patterns, like herringbone or basket weave, interlock the pavers tightly, making them ideal for driveways or high-traffic areas. Others, like running bond (a simple row-by-row layout), work well for patios or garden paths but are less resistant to shifting.
The pattern you choose impacts not just the look but also the longevity of your pavers. A herringbone pattern at a 45-degree angle is one of the strongest options, especially for driveways, as it locks the pavers together and resists movement from car tires. For patios, a randomized stone pattern can create a more natural and relaxed look.
4. Paver Placement – Precision Matters
Once the pattern is chosen, it’s time to start laying the pavers. This step requires careful alignment to ensure the pavers fit tightly together without large gaps. Pavers should be placed edge-to-edge, with small spacers used if necessary to maintain consistency.
One of the most common mistakes is not checking alignment frequently. Even being off by a few millimeters at the start can lead to misalignment over larger areas, causing gaps or crooked sections. Regularly using a string line or level helps keep everything on track.
Another crucial aspect is cutting pavers to fit around edges, curves, or obstacles. A wet saw or a diamond-blade angle grinder is often used to get clean, precise cuts, ensuring a perfect fit without large, awkward gaps.
5. Finishing & Sealing – Locking Everything in Place
Once all the pavers are in position, the final step is securing them. This is done using jointing sand, which is swept into the gaps between the pavers and then compacted. This process locks the pavers together, preventing movement and weed growth. For extra durability, many professionals use polymeric sand, which hardens when wet and reduces the chances of weeds sprouting between the joints.
For long-term protection, a sealant is applied over the entire surface. This does two things:
- It protects against stains, moisture, and fading, especially important for areas with heavy foot traffic or vehicle use.
- It enhances the color and texture of the pavers, giving them a richer, finished look.
Sealing is especially important in Wellington, where the climate can be unpredictable. Frequent rain can cause moss or mildew buildup, and sealing prevents excess moisture from seeping in, reducing the risk of cracking.
Cost Considerations and Budgeting
Paver costs vary based on material, labor, and additional prep work.
- Concrete Pavers – $40–$80 per square meter
- Brick Pavers – $60–$100 per square meter
- Natural Stone Pavers – $100–$200+ per square meter
- Permeable Pavers – $80–$150 per square meter
If you’re considering a DIY approach, you’ll save on labor but need to factor in base materials, tools, and sealing costs. Hiring a professional paver in Wellington ensures proper installation and saves time.
Maintenance and Longevity of Pavers
Keeping your pavers in top condition extends their lifespan. Follow these simple maintenance tips:
- Regular Cleaning – Sweep and wash your pavers to prevent dirt buildup.
- Weed Prevention – Use joint sand or sealants to stop weeds from growing between pavers.
- Repairing Shifting Pavers – If pavers move over time, remove, level, and reinstall them.
- Sealing – Apply a sealant every few years to protect against moisture and stains.
Finding the Best Paver Contractors in Wellington
Choosing the right contractor for your paving project can make the difference between a long-lasting, high-quality installation and one that starts showing problems within a few years. Whether you’re installing a driveway, patio, or walkway, working with an experienced professional ensures your pavers are properly laid, structurally sound, and visually appealing. Here’s how to find the best paver contractors in Wellington.
1. Check Reviews & Reputation
Start by researching Wellington-based paver contractors on platforms like Google, Facebook, and trade directories (e.g., NoCowboys, Builderscrack). Look for companies with a consistent track record of positive reviews—not just a high star rating, but also detailed feedback from previous clients.
Pay attention to comments about workmanship, reliability, and communication. A contractor might do great work, but if they’re constantly delaying projects or hard to reach, that could be a red flag. If you notice repeated complaints about missed deadlines, hidden costs, or poor durability, steer clear.
2. Get Multiple Quotes & Compare
Never settle for the first quote you receive. Instead, contact at least three different paver contractors to compare pricing, materials, and estimated project timelines. A well-detailed quote should include:
✔ Cost breakdown (materials, labor, prep work, sealing, etc.)
✔ Estimated start and completion dates
✔ Type of pavers used and installation method
✔ Any potential extra charges (for excavation, drainage, or design changes)
If a quote is significantly lower than others, be cautious—it might mean cheaper materials, rushed work, or hidden fees down the line. Likewise, an expensive quote doesn’t always guarantee the best quality.
3. Review Past Work & Ask for References
A good contractor should have a portfolio of completed projects that showcase their skill and attention to detail. Look for examples that are similar to your project—whether it’s a herringbone driveway, a decorative patio, or a large-scale commercial pavement. If possible, visit a completed site in person to assess alignment, joint spacing, and overall finish.
Don’t hesitate to ask for references from past clients. Speaking directly with previous customers can give you insight into how the contractor handles communication, unexpected challenges, and project completion.
4. Confirm Warranties & Workmanship Guarantees
A reputable paver contractor should stand by their work. Ask about warranties on both the materials and the workmanship. Quality pavers often come with manufacturer warranties (ranging from 10 to 25 years), but poor installation can still cause issues. A professional contractor should provide at least a one- to five-year guarantee on their work, covering issues like uneven settling, cracking due to improper compaction, or drainage problems.
Be sure to get everything in writing—a verbal promise won’t help if problems arise later.
Takeaway
Paver installation is more than just laying stones—it’s about building a durable and visually appealing surface that lasts for years. Taking shortcuts, especially with the base and compaction, can lead to costly repairs down the road. By following these steps carefully, you’ll ensure your patio, driveway, or walkway stays strong, level, and beautiful, no matter the weather.
