Rate of flagstone paving per square meter in Nepal

Overview

 

A brief analysis of flagstone specifications and scope

Flagstone is fundamentally a metamorphic or sedimentary rock that splits into flat layers and is used for the paving of pathways, floors, and various landscaping works. Flagstones from different districts like Sindhupalchok, Dhading, Kaski, Tanahun, etc. are easily available in the Nepali market. In the market, you can find hammer-dressed and machine-cut flagstone. Flagstone doesn't come in specific thicknesses like tiles and marbles. You can find a thickness of 1 inch to 3 inches on the market. Flagstones in Nepal are generally used in parks, temples, pathways, grounds, hotels, and hospitals. The flagstones normally available in Nepali markets are mentioned below. Depending on the scope of work, you can choose anyone between these two options:

 

• Quartzite flagstone
  
  
  

  
  

  
  

It's a metamorphic rock with a glossy surface available in various color options, like bluish, grayish, and golden. It offers a non-slip surface with wear and tear resistance. It has a classic appearance and is normally used in steps, pools, pathways, parking areas, etc. Like other paving materials, it gets hot from direct exposure to harsh sunlight. Also, it needs to be cleaned up on a regular basis to avoid green algae development.

 

• Slate flagstone

 

Like quartzite, slate is also a metamorphic rock with a clay-like mineral surface. It has a grayish or copper-like appearance. It's easier to shape and chisel as compared to quartzite. Its antique appearance and durability make it an ideal choice for roofing, wall cladding, and pavement purposes. If durability, traffic, or load are your primary concerns, it's better to use quartzite than slate.

For interiors in Nepal, tiles are mostly used. You can get a detailed idea of the cost of tiles in our earlier blog: https://www.ieccc.com.np/2024/06/rate-of-tile-work-per-square-meter-in.html.

 

The codes we use for our rate analysis

• Kathmandu district rate: 080/81
• DUDBC norms

You can check it out in the download sections: https://www.ieccc.com.np/p/downloads.html

 

Calculations

The calculation step includes

• Quantity of materials and cost
• Workers cost
• Cost of tools and plants
• Contractor's overhead and profit

 

Let's consider a flagstone thickness between 1.5 inches and 2 inches for an area of 10 square meters. Using mortar with a mix ratio of 1:4 cement sand with a thickness of 20 mm

Note: In DUDBC code, mortar thickness is not specified; the mortar specified in the code is for leveling purposes. But in tender procurement, a normal thickness of 20 mm of mortar is provided, so we are calculating the material quantity accordingly.

 

Quantity of materials

Considering 10% waste

Flagstone required: 11 square meters

As we have already provided a link for tile work on top, we are using the mortar quantity for further estimation. You can visit the link above for the calculation process.

Cement: 1.575 bags (including 5% extra for slurry)

Sand: 0.21 cu.m.

 

Material costing as mentioned in the district rate of Kathmandu 080/81

Flag stone: 11 sq. m. at Rs. 1194.79 = Rs. 13142.69

Cement: 1.575 bags at 700.00 = Rs. 1102.5

Sand: 0.21 cu.m. at 3319.61 = Rs. 697.12

Total cost of materials: 13142.69 + 1102.5 + 697.12 = Rs. 14942.31

 

Workers, as per DUDBC norms

Skilled workers: 2 at 1200.00 = Rs. 2400.00

Unskilled workers: 4.5 at 900.00 = Rs. 4050.00

Total cost of workers: 2400.00 + 4050.00 = Rs. 6450.00

 

Cost of tools and equipment's

Cost of tools for 3% of unskilled workers: 3% of 4050.00 = Rs. 121.50

 

Total cost: materials + workers + equipment's

                  = 14942.31 + 6450.00 + 121.50

Total cost: Rs. 21513.81

 

Contractor overhead and profit:

Contractor overhead at 15%: 15% of 21513.81 = Rs. 3227.07

 

Total cost per 10 sq. m. of flagstone work: 21513.81 + 3227.07 = Rs. 24740.88

Cost per square meter of flagstone work: 24740.88/10 = Rs. 2474.08

 

Summary of rate analysis

50-mm-thick flagstone paving work in 20-mm-thick cement sand mortar with a mix ratio of 1:4 all complete.
Description	Type	Unit	Quantity	Rate	Amount	Remarks
Workers	Skilled	MDay	2.00	1200.00	2400.00
	Unskilled	MDay	4.50	900.00	4050.00
Materials	Flagstone	Sq.m.	11.00	1194.79	13142.69
	Cement	Bags	1.57	700.00	1102.5
	Sand	Cu.m.	0.21	3319.61	697.12
Equipment's cost is 3% of unskilled workers.					121.50
Sub-Total					21513.81
Contractor's overhead and profit at 15%					3227.07
Total cost per 10 sq. m. of flagstone work					24740.88
Cost per square meter of flagstone work					2474.08

In words: Rs. two thousand four hundred seventy-four and eight paisa only.

 

Others

If you use flagstone of 25 mm (1 inch) thickness for the same specifications, the price per square meter drops by 20% to 25%. Also, you can use kota stone as its substitute, which is a comparatively expensive option available on the market. We will have a separate blog on rate analysis of Kota Stone later.