How Much Do Granite Setts Cost in the UK? 2026 Price Guide
If you're planning a driveway, patio border, or garden path with granite setts, the first question is always the same: how much will it actually cost? The answer depends on the type of finish, the size of sett, and whether you're comparing supply-only prices or fully installed costs.
This guide breaks down real 2026 UK pricing so you can budget properly — no vague ranges, no hidden extras.
Granite Setts: Supply-Only Prices in 2026
The supply cost of granite setts varies primarily by finish and source country. Most granite setts sold in the UK are sourced from either Portugal or India, with Portuguese natural-split setts at the lower end and Indian flamed or bush-hammered granite at the mid-range.
| Sett Type & Finish | Typical Size | Price per m² (inc VAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Natural split / cropped (Portuguese) | 100x100x50mm | £35–£45 |
| Tumbled (Portuguese) | 100x100x50mm | £40–£50 |
| Flamed (Indian granite) | 200x100x50mm | £55–£60 |
| Top finished, rest natural split | 100x100x50mm | £50–£60 |
| Top finished, rest sawn | 100x100x50mm | £55–£65 |
| Black granite (handcut) | 100x100x50mm | £61–£70+ |
What Affects the Price?
1. Finish
As shown above, the finish is the biggest price variable. Natural split is cheapest; fully sawn and finished on all faces is most expensive. For most UK driveway projects, flamed or natural split setts offer the best balance of price, grip, and appearance.
2. Colour
Silver grey and mid-grey granite are produced in the highest volumes and offer the most stable, competitive pricing. Darker colours (black, charcoal) and speciality colours (pink, yellow gold) cost more due to stricter grading and smaller production runs. Expect to pay 10–20% more for black granite compared to silver grey.
3. Thickness
50mm-thick setts are standard for patios, paths, and standard car driveways. 100mm-thick setts are heavier, use more stone, and cost more — but they're necessary for heavy vehicle areas, commercial entrances, and roadways. The price difference between 50mm and 100mm is typically 30–50% more per m².
4. Delivery
Granite is heavy — a pallet of setts weighs roughly 1 tonne. Delivery costs vary widely between suppliers. Some include delivery in the displayed price; others charge £50–£150+ depending on location. At Universal Paving, delivery is free on full pallet orders across UK mainland, so the per-m² price you see is the price you pay.
5. Supply chain
Most UK granite setts pass through at least two intermediaries between the processing facility and your driveway. Each layer adds a margin. Suppliers who import directly — like Universal Paving — can offer lower per-m² prices because there are fewer hands in the chain.
Installation Costs
Supply is only half the cost. Granite setts are heavier and more labour-intensive to lay than standard paving slabs, so installation costs are higher.
| Cost Component | Typical Range (per m²) |
|---|---|
| Groundwork & sub-base preparation | £20–£40 |
| Labour (laying setts on mortar bed) | £50–£80 (simple layouts) |
| Labour (complex patterns, curves, mixed sizes) | £80–£120 |
| Jointing compound (resin mortar) | £5–£10 |
| Drainage (if required) | £10–£25 |
How Granite Setts Compare to Other Materials
| Material | Supply Cost per m² | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Granite setts | £35–£65 | 50+ years | Very low |
| Sandstone setts | £35–£50 | 20–30 years | Low (develops patina) |
| Concrete block paving | £15–£30 | 15–25 years | Medium (fades, weeds) |
| Porcelain setts | £40–£55 | 30+ years | Very low |
| Resin-bound gravel | £40–£70 (installed) | 10–15 years | Medium (requires resurfacing) |
Granite looks expensive upfront, but when you divide the cost by the lifespan, it's often the cheapest option over 20+ years. Block paving that costs £15/m² but needs replacing after 15 years is more expensive long-term than granite setts at £57/m² that last 50+ years.
How to Get the Best Price on Granite Setts
Buy by the full pallet. Per-m² pricing drops significantly when you buy full pallets rather than individual boxes or half-packs. Most suppliers offer their best rates on full-pallet orders.
Choose natural split or flamed. These finishes offer the best value — excellent grip, good appearance, and lower cost than bush-hammered or fully sawn options.
Stick to silver grey. Unless you specifically need a dark or coloured granite, silver grey is the most competitively priced colour across nearly every UK supplier.
Buy from a direct importer. Suppliers who import directly from the processing facility — rather than through distributors — can pass on the savings. At Universal Paving, our silver grey granite cobbles start from £55.45/m² and setts from £57.66/m² with free UK delivery because we import directly without intermediary markups.
Order 10% extra. Cuts, breakages, and future repairs are inevitable. Ordering 10% more upfront is always cheaper than re-ordering a small quantity later at a higher per-m² rate — and granite is a natural product, so colour matching between batches isn't guaranteed.
Ready to Price Your Project?
Browse our granite setts range, check the per-m² pricing, and order directly. For trade pricing or bulk orders, contact our team — we're happy to quote for any project size.
