In this definitive guide, we’ll break down the current average prices of popular building materials in South Africa. Whether you’re building a backyard flat or planning a multi-unit development, this article will help you better understand material costs, regional differences, and the economic factors influencing the industry.
In a country where infrastructure development is on the rise—from expanding housing estates to commercial property booms—construction is big business in South Africa. Yet, behind every towering skyscraper or dream home lies a web of decisions about building materials: which ones to use, where to source them, and how much to spend.
Building Materials Prices in South Africa
Type Price Range (each)
Cement Stock Brick R2.30 – R3.50
Clay Brick (Makoro Satin) R4.40 – R5.50
Face Brick (Travertine/FBS) R5.00 – R7.00
Maxi Hollow Brick R3.65 – R4.98
Bevel Paving Brick R2.80 – R4.00
Insights:
Cement stock bricks are the most affordable and widely used.
Face bricks are priced higher due to aesthetic and weather-resistant qualities.
Maxi bricks speed up construction by covering more wall space.
Concrete Blocks
Type Price (each)
390x190x190mm Hollow Block R14.43 – R15.42
390x90x190mm Solid Block R9.52 – R12.17
These are commonly used for load-bearing walls, especially in commercial and institutional buildings.
Cement (50kg Bags)
Brand Price (per bag)
PPC Surebuild 42.5N R111.90 – R125.30
AfriSam All Purpose 42.5N R124.00 – R132.50
PPC Surecem 32.5N R99.90 – R101.60
Lafarge Fastcast Cement R110.00 – R125.00
Cemza General Purpose 32.5N ~R104.20
Sand & Stone (Per Cubic Meter)
Material Price Range
River Sand R200 – R400
Plaster Sand R300 – R450
Crusher Mix R500 – R700
G5 Filling R400 – R600
19mm Concrete Stone R500 – R750
Pro Tip: In coastal cities like Durban or Cape Town, delivery adds 10%–20% depending on distance from the quarry.
Timber & Roofing
Type Price (approx.)
38x38mm Batten (3.6m) R35 – R50
38x76mm S5 Structural Pine R80 – R120
Roofing Sheets (IBR/Zincal) R150 – R280/m²
OSB Board 18mm (2.4×1.2m) R400 – R600
Plumbing & Electrical
Item Price Range
110mm PVC Sewer Pipe (6m) R200 – R350
15mm Copper Pipe (1m) R80 – R120
Electrical Twin+Earth Cable R900 – R1,400 (100m)
Distribution Board (12-way) R600 – R900
Light Switches & Plug Sockets R30 – R90 each
Finishing Materials
Product Price-Range
Skimming Plaster (20kg bag) R100 – R140
Ceramic Floor Tiles (per m²) R120 – R280
Interior Paint (20L) R650 – R1,200
Cornices (3m, polystyrene) R60 – R110
Ceiling Boards (6mm/9mm) R150 – R250
Factors Influencing Material Prices
Several variables shape the cost of building materials in South Africa:
1. Exchange Rates
Many materials or inputs (like cement additives or tiles) are imported. A weaker rand results in higher costs at the checkout.
2. Fuel Prices
Logistics significantly impact cost. Diesel hikes increase transport fees, especially for sand, stone, and bricks that come from remote quarries.
3. Local Demand
During periods of high construction (like post-flood infrastructure recovery or housing drives), demand pushes prices up. Some suppliers adjust rates monthly or quarterly.
4. Regulations and Standards
Compliance with SABS and local council codes might require higher-quality materials, leading to added costs. Non-compliant materials may be cheaper but could invalidate insurance or occupancy certification.
5. Regional Pricing Differences
Material costs vary significantly by province.
| Province | Cement (50kg) | Face Brick | 390mm Block | Crusher Stone (per m³) |
| Gauteng | R112–R124 | R5.00–R6.50 | R14.00–R15.00 | R600–R750 |
| Western Cape | R115–R130 | R5.50–R7.00 | R15.00–R16.50 | R580–R720 |
| KZN | R110–R125 | R4.80–R6.30 | R14.50–R15.80 | R550–R700 |
| Limpopo | R105–R118 | R4.50–R6.00 | R13.80–R15.20 | R520–R680 |
| Eastern Cape | R104–R120 | R4.90–R6.20 | R14.00–R15.50 | R500–R660 |
Smart Buying Tips for South Africans
To get the most value for your building budget:
Get Multiple Quotes
Always compare prices from three or more suppliers. Ask if discounts apply for bulk purchases.
Use Supplier Loyalty Programs
Chains like Builders offer loyalty rewards and discounted contractor rates.
Buy in Bulk Strategically
For high-use items like cement, bricks, and sand, bulk orders can save 5%–15%. Coordinate deliveries to avoid storage damage.
Watch for Seasonality
Prices may rise during dry months when demand peaks. Buying ahead during off-season (e.g., winter) can save costs.
Beware of “Too-Good” Deals
Low-quality or counterfeit materials abound. Ensure materials are SABS-certified and request product specs where needed.
Sustainable and Cost-Effective Alternatives
Given rising prices, many South Africans are exploring greener and smarter material choices:
Interlocking bricks reduce mortar use and labor costs
Fly ash cement blends offer environmental and budget benefits
Timbercrete and earthbags work in small-scale or off-grid structures
Plastic composite roofing sheets last longer and resist rust
Why Building Material Prices Matter
Materials typically account for 40% to 60% of total construction costs. Choosing cost-effective materials without compromising on quality is key to staying within budget. Moreover, South Africa’s fluctuating currency, fuel prices, import tariffs, and labor market influence these costs regularly.
Knowing the current market rates helps:
Budget realistically
Avoid being overcharged
Compare suppliers confidently
Make sustainable and strategic material choices
Current Building Material Prices in South Africa
Below is a breakdown of average prices for essential building materials sourced from major suppliers like Builders Warehouse, Cashbuild, and Build It.
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Conclusion
Building materials prices in South Africa vary slightly according to the region, supplier and brand. It is definitively worth the shot to buy in bulk as this effectively brings down the total costs of many materials. It is also good to buy in seasons when there is low demand.