What's the price difference between natural stone and concrete pavers?

Natural stone costs significantly more than concrete pavers in Metro Vancouver — typically $25-$60 per square foot installed versus $15-$30 per square foot for concrete pavers. This means natural stone runs roughly 50-100% more expensive for both materials and installation.

The price difference comes from several factors. Natural stone materials cost more because each piece is quarried, cut, and transported as a unique product. Popular options like BC basalt, granite, flagstone, and slate range from $8-$25 per square foot for materials alone, while concrete pavers typically run $3-$8 per square foot. Natural stone also weighs significantly more, increasing transportation costs.

Installation labour drives the biggest cost difference. Concrete pavers are manufactured to uniform dimensions and thickness, allowing for faster, more predictable installation. Natural stone pieces are irregular in shape and thickness, requiring skilled stonemasons to cut, fit, and level each piece individually. This labour-intensive process can take 2-3 times longer than concrete paver installation. Natural stone also requires diamond-blade wet saws for cutting, specialized lifting equipment for heavy pieces, and experienced craftsmen who understand how to work with the material's natural characteristics.

In Metro Vancouver's wet climate, natural stone installation becomes even more complex. The irregular surfaces and varying thicknesses make achieving proper drainage slope more challenging. Natural stone is often installed on a concrete slab with mortar (wet-laid) rather than on sand (dry-laid) to ensure stability, which adds concrete and mortar costs plus additional labour for the concrete work.

For a typical 400 square foot patio project in Metro Vancouver:

• Concrete pavers: $6,000-$12,000 installed


• Natural stone: $10,000-$24,000 installed

The performance difference justifies the cost for many homeowners. Natural stone offers unique, one-of-a-kind aesthetics that concrete pavers cannot replicate. Each piece has natural color variation, texture, and character. BC's local stone sources — particularly basalt and granite — complement the region's natural landscape beautifully. Natural stone also tends to age more gracefully, developing a weathered patina that many homeowners prefer to the more uniform appearance of concrete pavers.

However, concrete pavers offer practical advantages beyond cost savings. They're available in dozens of colors, shapes, and textures. Individual pavers can be easily replaced if damaged. The uniform thickness makes releveling and maintenance simpler. Modern concrete pavers also offer excellent durability — typically rated for 8,000+ PSI compressive strength.

For Metro Vancouver's climate specifically, both materials perform well, but concrete pavers are easier to maintain. The uniform joints make polymeric sand application more effective at preventing moss and weed growth. Natural stone's irregular joints can be more challenging to keep weed-free during our long, moist growing season.

When to choose natural stone: If budget allows and you want maximum visual impact, unique character, and don't mind higher maintenance complexity. Natural stone works particularly well for entertaining areas, front entries, and properties with natural landscaping.

When to choose concrete pavers: For cost-effectiveness, easier maintenance, uniform appearance, and projects where individual paver replacement might be needed (like driveways). Modern concrete pavers offer excellent aesthetics at a more accessible price point.

Need help finding a hardscape contractor to discuss material options for your specific project? Vancouver Interlock can match you with experienced professionals who work with both natural stone and concrete pavers throughout Metro Vancouver.

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