How Much Do Turf Block Pavers Cost?

The Costs

• Turf block pavers cost: $4 to $6 per square foot

Turf block pavers offer a simple solution to the landscaping problems that homeowners face. When properly installed, the pavers can draw attention to a specific area of the yard. The pavers also help with water and drainage, forcing water from rain and show to move away from the lawn and into the street. Though not everyone likes the look of turf block, contractors can put the pavers together in a variety of different ways. Some prefer a more classic look with the pavers placed close together while others like the look of grass growing up from between the pavers. Looking at the cost and other factors involved in the installation of these pavers can help homeowners decide if they want turf block pavers.

Maintaining Turf Block

Maintaining turf block is harder than maintaining other types of pavers. With traditional pavers, homeowners will arrange those blocks in a side by side fashion to create a patio or entertaining area. They need to clean the pavers every few weeks or months. Most designs that use turf block pavers let grass and other types of vegetation grow between the pavers.

Homeowners must fertilize the area and use pesticides when needed to control weeds and vegetation that grow out of control. They are also responsible for mowing or caring for the grass. Depending on the proximity of the pavers to each other, some homeowners will find that they need to cut the grass by hand. This is a time-consuming process, which is why many people opt to use turf block in sandier areas.

Turf Block Systems

Turf block systems are a series of pavers sold as a ready to assemble system. The kit comes with almost everything needed for installation, but homeowners must follow the instructions in the kit carefully. If they make even one simple mistake, it can lead to water not properly draining. The excess water can pool inside the pavers, causing damage to the blocks. Though these kits are often less expensive than buying the individual pavers and paying for installation, a simple mistake can be quite costly.

Installation of Turf Block

Installing turf block is a long and sometimes difficult process for those interested in DIY projects. The project begins with the removal of top soil from the ground. The top of the pavers should sit flush with the surface of the ground. After removing the soil, the contractor will tamp down the ground and add more dirt as needed to bring the pavers up to the surface.

Steel pins and metal stakes placed between the pavers will prevent slippage and add durability to the pavers. The contractor will also add grass seeds and other types of seeds to create the vegetation that grows up between. After installing the individual pavers, the contractor will add soil inside each paver and between the pavers. That extra soil will protect the pavers and help feed the seeds placed beneath.

Block Benefits and Disadvantages

The biggest benefit of turf block pavers is the drainage that it offers. With traditional pavers, the material used with either absorb the water and push it back into the soil or leave the water pooling on top of the stone. Turf block will actually help with runoff and drainage. The blocks help keep the water from pooling on the surface of the ground, but the pavers also prevent too much water from seeping into the ground.

Many homeowners will find that these pavers can also help with soil erosion. Soil erosion typically occurs when the ground contains a high level of chemicals or toxins, but it also occurs when too much rainfall hits a specific area. Some homeowners use retaining walls to protect against soil erosion and to keep larger hills from sliding or falling, but those walls will not work in flatter areas. Turf block functions in the same way as retaining walls.

On top of the other benefits of turf block, many people will find that it is stronger than other types of materials. It has a beautiful look that can help in areas with limited grass. Turf block lets homeowners enjoy the look of a lush and green lawn without worrying about mowing the lawn every week.

One disadvantage that homeowners should keep in mind is that it doesn't do well in colder areas. The salt used to melt ice and snow can break down the block. Maintenance can also be higher since turf block pavers let grass and other types of vegetation grow between it.

Turf Block Costs

Ordinary pavers cost anywhere from $5 per square foot to $30 or more per square foot. The more expensive pavers are those made from natural stone because the cost of sourcing those materials is higher. Man-made materials, including concrete, are less expensive than natural stone, but special designs will increase the cost. In comparison, turf block pavers can cost $4 per square foot up to $6 per square foot. Plastic pavers are usually less expensive, but those pavers aren't as strong or durable as concrete pavers.

In addition to the cost of the pavers, homeowners also need to look at any other potential costs. Depending on where they live, they may need to pay for a soil test. This test looks at the pH balance and determines if turf block is a suitable option. They also need to consider the hourly cost charged by laborers to finish the installation of the turf block. The cost of labor is usually $10 or more per hour, but the total cost depends on how long the project takes.

Last updated on Jan 12, 2017