Quality and Reliability Your local Landscaping partner
Material Options & Cost Guide
Choosing the right material can significantly impact cost, maintenance and long-term durability.
This guide compares the most common landscaping materials used in South Australia — including paving, gravel, pebbles, mulch, soil and lawn options.
All price ranges below are typical South Australian averages. Prices vary depending on supplier, colour, style and delivery distance.
Concrete Pavers
Typical Price
-
$25–60 per m² (regular)
-
$40–70 per m² (driveway grade 60–80mm)
Pros
-
Very cost-effective
-
Wide range of colours, sizes and finishes
-
Easy to replace individual pavers
-
Fast installation
Cons
-
Appearance less natural compared to stone
-
Requires sealing over time
-
Can develop moss or stains
Best For
-
Courtyards
-
Pathways
-
Small/medium patios
-
Budget-friendly driveways
-
⭐ GroundPro Rating: 5/5 (Best Value)
Clay Pavers
Typical Price
-
$50–90 per m²
Pros
-
Natural baked colours that won’t fade
-
Timeless, classic look
-
Very durable
Cons
-
More expensive than concrete pavers
-
Limited colour options (mostly reds/browns)
Best For
-
Heritage-style homes
-
Feature pathways
-
High-end courtyards
⭐ GroundPro Rating: 4/5
Natural Stone / Porcelain Pavers
Typical Price
-
$60–150 per m² (natural stone)
-
$60–120 per m² (outdoor porcelain)
Pros
-
Premium appearance
-
Extremely durable
-
Adds value to property
Cons
-
Higher cost (materials + labour)
-
Natural stone requires sealing
-
Installation takes more skill
Best For
-
High-end courtyards
-
Pool surrounds
-
Luxury outdoor areas
⭐ GroundPro Rating: 3/5 (High-end choice)
Exposed or Stamped Concrete
Typical Price (installed)
-
$80–120 per m²
Pros
-
Cheaper for large areas
-
No gaps → no weeds
-
Many colours & patterns
Cons
-
Cracks are difficult to fix invisibly
-
Needs resealing
-
Requires correct drainage design
⭐ GroundPro Rating: 4/5
Gravels & Pebbles
Standard Gravel (Road Base / Blue Metal)
Typical Price
-
$70–90 per tonne
-
Approx $6–10 per m² (at 50mm depth)
Pros
-
Very affordable
-
Excellent drainage
-
Perfect for functional areas
-
Low maintenance
Cons
-
Not comfortable for bare feet
-
May form wheel ruts over time
-
Needs weed mat underneath
⭐ GroundPro Rating: 5/5 (Best for functional zones)
Decorative Pebbles
Typical Price
-
$120–200 per tonne
-
Approx $10–20 per m² (at 50mm depth)
Pros
-
Attractive appearance
-
Long-lasting (doesn’t break down like mulch)
-
Colour choices: white, black, mixed, riverstone
Cons
-
Higher cost than basic gravel
-
Still requires weed mat
-
Can get hot under full sun
⭐ GroundPro Rating: 3/5 (Ideal for decorative areas)
Mulch (Garden Bedding)
Typical Price
-
$35–110 per m³
-
Approx $3–6 per m² (at 50mm depth)
Pros
-
Cheapest way to upgrade garden beds
-
Reduces weeds by 60–70%
-
Retains soil moisture
-
Protects plants from heat
Cons
-
Needs topping up every 1–2 years
-
Coloured mulch fades over time
Types
-
Cottage/Forest Mulch (budget)
-
Pine Bark / Nuggets
-
Coloured Mulch
⭐ GroundPro Rating: 5/5 (Garden essential)
Soil & Garden Mix
Budget Fill
-
$30–50 per m³
Best for filling or height adjustments.
Garden Mix
-
$40–70 per m³
Ideal for general planting and flower beds.
Premium Organic / Veggie Mix
-
$70–100 per m³
For vegetable gardens, fruit trees and high-quality planting.
⭐ GroundPro Recommendations
-
Garden beds → Garden Mix + Compost
-
Veggie beds → Premium Organic Mix
-
Levelling only → Budget Fill
Natural Turf
Typical Price
-
$10–15 per m² (turf supply)
-
$18–34 per m² (installed with prep)
Pros
-
Cool underfoot
-
Natural feel
-
Great for kids and pets
Cons
-
Higher maintenance
-
Needs watering & mowing
-
Struggles in shaded areas
⭐ Rating: 5/5 (Most popular)
Synthetic Turf
Typical Price
-
$20–50 per m² (materials)
-
$40–75 per m² (installed)
Pros
-
Very low maintenance
-
Green all year
-
Ideal for rentals & busy households
Cons
-
Hot in direct sun
-
Higher upfront cost
-
Requires solid base prep to prevent sagging
⭐ Rating: 4/5
Edging Materials
Timber Edging
-
$15–40 per metre
-
Cheap & natural, but shorter lifespan.
Steel / Aluminium Edging
-
$20–50 per metre
-
Modern look, great for curves, very clean lines.
Concrete / Brick Edging
-
$30–80 per metre
-
Most durable, best for pavers and paths.
-
⭐ GroundPro Suggestions
-
Budget → Timber
-
Modern style → Steel
-
Long-term durability → Concrete/Brick
Quick Comparison Table
Material Cost Maintenance Comfort Appearance Value
Concrete Pavers $25–60/m² Medium ★★★★ ★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Clay Pavers $50–90/m² Medium ★★★★ ★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Natural Stone $60–150/m² Low–Medium ★★★★ ★★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐
Gravel $6–10/m² Low ★★ ★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Decorative Pebbles $10–20/m² Low ★★ ★★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐
Mulch $3–6/m² Medium n/a ★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Natural Turf $18–34/m² High ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synthetic Turf $40–75/m² Very Low ★★★★ ★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
GroundPro Material Advice
GroundPro’s Professional Recommendation
Every backyard is different. We help you choose materials based on:
-
Budget
-
Drainage
-
Maintenance expectations
-
Sun & shade levels
-
Kids & pets
-
Property style
-
Long-term durability
We provide honest, practical advice to ensure your project looks great and lasts.