This guide is general, educational information to help you understand typical costs and choices. Prices are approximate, based on examples seen in south-east Queensland in 2024–2026, and will vary with location, size, materials, supplier and time. It is not financial, legal, building or professional advice, and not a quote. Always get written quotes from licensed trades and check your own contracts before making decisions.
Depending on type
400 × 400 mm
Plus delivery
Or 10–12 wheelbarrows
Mulch and chip
Most yards also sell ¼, ⅓ and ½ m³ loads for a trailer, which cost a little more per cubic metre. Cypress mulches are often promoted for natural termite resistance, which matters near a house slab.
| Product | Price per m³ |
|---|---|
| Rural fines mulch | $43.90 |
| Eco bark mulch | $60.90 |
| Hardwood chip | $79.90 |
| Cypress blend | $99.90 |
| Cypress chip (A-grade) | $100.90 |
| Tea tree mulch | $102.90 |
| Hoop bark (1–2 inch) | $106.90 |
| Cypress carbon black mulch | $126.90 |
Pavers, stepping stones and capping
Concrete pavers cost about half as much per square metre as natural stone. Sale prices of 10–20% are common, so it is worth asking.
| Product | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete paver | 400 × 400 × 42 mm | $6.89 – $8.31 each ($43 – $52/m²) |
| Concrete paver | 300 × 300 × 40 mm | $4.13 each ($45.84/m²) |
| Brick-size paver | 200 × 100 × 50 mm | $0.81 – $0.90 each ($40.50 – $45/m²) |
| Bluestone paver | 600 × 400 × 30 mm | $19.89 each ($82.94/m²) |
| Limestone stepping stone | 450 × 450 × 30 mm | $14.95 – $18.95 each |
| Granite stepper (round) | 450 – 500 mm | $17.95 each |
| Granite edging stone | 300 × 100 × 100 mm | $8.95 each ($29.80 per metre) |
| Wall capping | 440 × 280 × 60 mm | $9.25 – $10.73 each ($21 – $24 per metre) |
| Grey block (solid) | 390 × 190 × 90 mm | $3.35 each |
Pebbles and turf
White tumbled pebbles (50–80 mm) are about $26 for a 20 kg bag. A bag covers roughly 0.2–0.3 m², so decorative pebble areas add up quickly.
A common couch turf is about $6.20 per m² plus delivery. Premium couch, buffalo and zoysia varieties cost more. Compare shade tolerance: most couch varieties tolerate only 20–30% shade.
How much do you need?
- Mulch: area (m²) × depth (m). A 10 m² bed at 75 mm deep needs about 0.75 m³
- Turf: measure the area and add 5–10% for cuts
- Pavers: price per m² × area, plus sand, edging and about 5% spare
- Delivery usually costs extra; check the minimum load
Related guides
Everything on this page is for educational and informational purposes only. Costs, prices, interest rates, rules and government schemes change over time, and the figures shown are approximate examples that may already be out of date. Nothing here is financial, tax, legal, building or professional advice, a recommendation or a quote. Do your own research, get written quotes and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any decision.