Whether you’re managing a warehouse yard, a logistics hub, or even a manufacturing site, the right hardstand can be critical to your operations. A hardstand is an outdoor paved area designed to handle heavy loads, like machinery, vehicles, or storage.
But there’s more to hardstands than just picking the right material. You’re also likely wondering about costs—how much will you need to budget, and what factors will influence that number? These are questions that can make any decision-maker feel cautious. After all, infrastructure is a long-term investment, and making the wrong choice could cost you both time and money.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the different types of hardstands, their costs, and the factors you need to consider before making your decision. Whether you're considering concrete, asphalt, or gravel, we’ll help you understand how to get the most value for your money.
- Types of Hardstands and Yard Options
- Cost Factors: What Influences the Price of a Hardstand?
- What Other Costs Do I Need to Consider?
- Making the Right Choice for Your Business
Types of Hardstands and Yard Options
When it comes to hardstands, not all options are created equal. The type of hardstand you choose can have a significant impact on both the upfront costs and long-term performance of your yard. Let’s break down the three most common types of hardstands: concrete, asphalt, and gravel, and explore their typical uses in industrial and commercial environments.
The first cost to consider is ground preparation for the hardstand – this can be negatable if you already have a graveled compacted space. However, the cost to remove topsoil and backfill ready for the preparation can range from$50 to $150 depending on the volume of fill require, cost of local fill and also the quality of the soil conditions.
Concrete Hardstands
Concrete is the most durable option for hardstands and is widely used in environments that require heavy-duty, long-lasting solutions. It can support substantial weight, making it ideal for areas with frequent traffic from heavy machinery. Concrete is also highly resistant to wear and tear, extreme weather conditions, and chemicals, making it suitable for industrial sites with rigorous demands.
However, the upfront cost of installing a concrete hardstand tends to be higher than other materials due to the extensive preparation work involved. But if you’re looking for a solution that can last for decades with minimal maintenance, concrete is often the best choice.
Concrete cost per m2 can range from $110 - $190 per m2.
Asphalt Hardstands
Asphalt is another popular choice for yard surfaces, especially when cost is a significant consideration. It is less expensive to install than concrete and offers a smooth, flexible surface that can handle moderate to heavy traffic. This makes it a common choice for parking areas, access roads, and distribution yards.
While asphalt has a lower upfront cost compared to concrete, it does require more maintenance over time. It is prone to cracking under extreme weather conditions and heavy loads, meaning it will need periodic resurfacing or repairs. However, for businesses looking for a more affordable short- to medium-term solution, asphalt can be an effective choice.
Asphalt cost per m2 can range from $80 - $140 per m2.
Gravel Hardstands
Gravel is the most economical option for hardstands, offering a simple and flexible surface for light to moderate use. It’s quick to install, requiring minimal site preparation, and is ideal for businesses that need a temporary or low-cost solution. Gravel is often used in areas where traffic is infrequent or where a more rustic aesthetic is acceptable, such as agricultural settings or overflow parking.
While gravel is inexpensive, it does come with limitations. It requires regular maintenance and is not suitable for areas with heavy traffic or machinery. In addition, gravel surfaces can become uneven or muddy in wet conditions, which could hinder daily operations.
Cost Factors: What Influences the Price of a Hardstand?
The cost of installing a hardstand varies widely depending on several factors. While it might be tempting to simply compare the price of materials, other considerations can significantly impact the final budget. Below are the key factors that influence the cost of a hardstand:
Site Size and Layout
The larger the area you’re covering, the higher the overall cost. However, economies of scale can come into play with bigger projects, sometimes reducing the per-square-metre cost. Additionally, the layout of your site can affect pricing. If your yard has complex shapes, multiple access points, or requires specialised features like ramps or slopes, you may face higher installation costs.
Soil Condition
Before any hardstand can be installed, the site needs to be properly prepared. This often involves grading, levelling, and sometimes compacting the ground. If the soil on your site is unstable, additional work will be required to ensure the hardstand will last. This could include soil stabilisation techniques or adding a sub-base layer, both of which can increase the cost.
Drainage and Stormwater Management
Poor drainage can lead to water pooling, surface deterioration, and even structural damage. Depending on your location and the type of hardstand, you may need to invest in stormwater management systems, such as drains, kerbing, or permeable paving. This is particularly crucial for concrete and asphalt hardstands, which are impermeable and can accumulate water.
Drainage and stormwater management can be a significant cost with all the sumps, piping, kerbing, treatment and soakage pits – this is very heavily dependent on the civil design methodology and can be low as another $10 per m2 or as high as $80 per m2 if extensive soakage’s is required.
Local Regulations and Permits
Depending on where your site is located, you may need to adhere to specific local regulations or obtain permits before installing a hardstand. These regulations could cover everything from environmental impact assessments to stormwater management or drainage requirements. Obtaining these permits and ensuring compliance can add both time and cost to your project.
Labour and Installation Complexity
Finally, the complexity of the installation plays a major role in the overall cost. Simple gravel hardstands can be laid relatively quickly, whereas concrete and asphalt require specialised labour, machinery, and more time to install. If your site involves excavation, grading, or even demolishing an existing surface, labour costs will increase accordingly.
What Other Costs Do I Need to Consider?
Beyond the materials and installation costs of a hardstand, there are several additional factors that can influence your overall budget. These are often overlooked but are critical to ensuring the functionality and longevity of your yard. Let’s take a closer look at some of these extra considerations:
1. Crossovers
A crossover is the area where your hardstand connects to public roads or other access points. Depending on your location, you may need to comply with local council or government regulations for the construction of these crossovers. This could involve using specific materials or designs, which may add to your project costs. Additionally, crossovers need to be durable enough to handle the transition between your yard and roadways, especially if you’re dealing with heavy vehicle traffic.
2. Kerbing
Kerbs act as barriers between different sections of your yard or between your hardstand and landscaped areas. They help with traffic control, prevent erosion, and provide a finished look to your yard. Depending on the size and complexity of your yard, installing kerbing can require additional labour and materials, increasing the total project cost.
3. Line Marking
If your yard is used for vehicle storage, parking, or logistics, line marking may be essential for maintaining an organised and efficient operation. This includes painting lanes, loading zones, or parking bays on the surface of your hardstand. While line marking is generally not as expensive as some of the other considerations, it’s an extra cost that should be factored into your budget, particularly if you’ll need regular re-marking due to wear and tear over time.
4. Ongoing Maintenance
Even after installation, hardstands come with maintenance costs that vary depending on the material you’ve chosen. Concrete, while durable, may require joint sealing or crack repairs over time. Asphalt will need resurfacing or patching after a few years, and gravel, as the least durable option, requires regular regrading and topping up. Factoring in the long-term maintenance costs is crucial to ensuring your hardstand remains functional and safe for years to come.
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Making the Right Choice for Your Business
How do you make the right choice for your business? The answer lies in balancing your operational needs, budget, and site conditions.
1. Assess Your Operational Needs
The first step in choosing the right hardstand is to evaluate your business’s daily activities. Will your yard handle heavy vehicles and machinery regularly, or is it primarily for light traffic? If you expect constant use from heavy trucks or equipment, concrete is likely the best option due to its strength and durability. On the other hand, if your operations involve moderate use, asphalt can provide a cost-effective solution that will last for years with proper maintenance. Gravel should only be considered for low-traffic areas or as a temporary measure, as it doesn’t offer the durability needed for most industrial operations.
2. Consider Your Budget
Budget plays a critical role in any infrastructure decision. While concrete is more expensive upfront, it’s often the most economical choice in the long run because of its low maintenance and long lifespan. Asphalt is a good middle-ground option, offering a lower installation cost but requiring more upkeep over time. Gravel is the cheapest to install but comes with the highest maintenance costs, as it will need frequent attention to remain functional.
It’s important to look beyond just the initial cost. A solution that saves you money now may cost you more in repairs and replacements down the line. If your business relies on efficiency and minimal downtime, investing in a more durable solution like concrete could save you from headaches and unplanned costs later.
3. Evaluate Your Site Conditions
Your site’s natural conditions can also influence your decision. If you’re dealing with poor soil conditions or a site prone to water pooling, you’ll need to account for the extra costs of site preparation and drainage. Concrete and asphalt both require stable, well-prepared bases to perform well, while gravel can be more forgiving in uneven or challenging terrains.
Don’t forget to factor in climate as well. Areas with extreme temperature fluctuations may see asphalt deteriorate faster, while concrete can handle a wider range of conditions without breaking down as quickly.
4. Think About Long-Term Functionality
Your hardstand needs to stand the test of time. Consider how your business operations might evolve in the coming years. Will you be handling more vehicles or heavier machinery? Planning for growth now can help avoid the need for costly upgrades or repairs later. Concrete is often the best choice for businesses that anticipate increased demand over time, while asphalt offers a good balance of durability and flexibility for medium-term growth. Gravel should only be used in areas where functionality is less critical or where future upgrades are planned.
Choosing the right hardstand for your yard isn’t just a matter of short-term convenience—it’s a long-term investment that can impact the efficiency and safety of your operations. Delaying or choosing an unsuitable option could lead to costly repairs, downtime, and operational headaches in the future. Whether it’s cracked asphalt, uneven gravel, or poorly drained concrete, the cost of inaction or poor planning can far exceed the initial savings you might hope for.
If you're ready to make the best choice for your business, the next step is to assess your site, weigh your options, and move forward with a solution that ensures long-term value and peace of mind.
