Written by

Tom Grupa

September 18, 2024

Paver patio cost

A paver patio costs $10 to $17 per square foot installed. A 12x12 paver patio costs $1,400 to $2,500. A 20x20 paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. The cost of paver materials is $4 to $6 per square foot, while installation labor costs $6 to $11 per square foot.

Paver patio cost calculator

Enter the dimensions of your project in our paver cost calculator below to find the estimated total cost for installation.

Add 10% more material than you need to account for waste. Order 20% more when using angled patterns.

Paver installation cost breakdown

Paver patio materials cost $3.40 to $6.20 per square foot to lay the base, and installation labor costs $6.25 to $10.90 per square foot. Prices also depend on the size, pattern, grading, leveling, and operation fees.

Labor cost to install pavers

The average labor cost to install a paver patio is $6 to $11 per square foot, depending on the pattern, layout, grading, leveling, and operation fees. Professional landscaping companies charge $50 to $100 per hour for paver installation and prep work.

• Pattern and Layout – The more intricate the pattern or layout, the higher the labor costs. Plus, more cuts create more waste.

• Excavation and Dumping – Excavation costs $1 to $5 per square foot. Removing old concrete and dirt typically adds $0.30 to $0.50 per square foot more.

• Grading and Leveling – Regrading land costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot. Installing pavers on a slope or adding a thicker layer of aggregate base for a driveway increases costs.

• Delivery – Delivery fees add $0.50 per square foot, or $500 per 1,000 square feet of pavers. Each manufacturer also charges pallet exchange fees of $0.05 to $0.20 per square foot.

• Access – Difficult access to the area with equipment and materials also increases labor costs.

• Sealing – The cost to seal pavers is $1.50 to $3.25 per square foot, including pressure washing the area to clean it first, filling any gaps with paver sand, and applying the sealant.

• Overhead – Contractors add 10% to 20% to the total cost to cover overhead and profit.

Cost of pavers

The average cost of pavers is $2 to $4 per square foot, with prices ranging from $1 and $15 per square foot depending on the material. Pavers mainly come in concrete, natural stone, and clay brick with a wide variety of sizes, shapes, textures, and colors.

Paver base material costs

Paver patio base materials cost $1.40 to $2.20 per square foot, which includes Class II Road Base gravel, geotextile fabric, concrete bond beam or edging, bedding sand, and joint sand.

Paver patio installation cost by material

The three main types of paver patios are stone, clay brick, and concrete.

Paver installation cost by project

Most projects such as a patio, walkway, driveway, or pool deck cost from $10 to $25 per square foot depending on the materials, labor, and preparation work required.

Cost to install a brick paver patio

The average cost to install a brick paver patio is $10 to $17 per square foot or between $1,900 and $6,800 total. Paving bricks can be laid like a paver patio, or permanently using mortar-filled joints.

Paver walkway cost

A paver walkway costs $10 to $20 per square foot installed or $900 to $2,000 on average. Additional costs for grading or demolition may be required. Stepping-stone pavers can be spaced apart for a garden path, saving on labor costs.

Interlocking paver base panels can be used instead of a full paver base setup, which only needs a ½” sand bed and the pavers sit into the panels.

Backyard pavers cost

Backyard landscaping pavers cost $8 to $16 per square foot to install, with most homeowners spending $1,000 to $4,000 for their garden or patio.

• Brick pavers and grass paving systems are the most popular choices.

• When paving a garden that won’t be walked on, plastic pavers are a low-cost choice.

Paver driveway

The average cost to install driveway pavers is $10 to $30 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $5,700 to $17,200. A cobblestone paver driveway costs more but lasts the longest, while interlocking pavers provide the best solid surface.

A driveway for heavy vehicles costs more, because the base must include 6”– 12” of aggregate compared to the pedestrian 4” – 6”.

Pavers around pool cost

Installing pavers around a pool costs $12 to $25 per square foot or between $5,000 and $20,000 due to the curved layout and design patterns. Pavers are not slippery unless sealed, easy to fix, and won't crack like concrete.

Cost of paver patio vs. concrete

A concrete slab costs $4 to $8 per square foot and is cheaper than pavers unless you add coloring or stamping. Installing pavers costs $10 to $17 per square foot or about twice as much as laying concrete. Pavers are easier to repair, and concrete slabs are more affordable.

Paver patio FAQs

Do pavers increase home value?

Adding a paver patio or walkway increases your home's value, curb appeal, and makes it more attractive to potential buyers. Pavers provide a 69% return on investment.

Do you need a permit for pavers?

Applying for a permit and getting design approval is not required for brick paver patio installation.

How many pavers do I need?

To calculate how many pavers you need, use this formula or check out the table below:

1. Multiply one paver’s length by width (in inches), and divide by 144 to find the square footage.

2. Divide the total square footage of the proposed patio area by the square feet of one paver.

3. Add 10% more for waste during installation or 20% more if using an angled pattern.

4. Now you have the number of pavers you need.

Is paver edging necessary?

Paver edging is required to keep the area restrained. Otherwise, the pavers will slowly shift into the surrounding materials, and large gaps will form around the perimeter.

DIY paver patio cost

A DIY paver patio costs $5 to $10 per square foot, or about 50% less than hiring a professional contractor. Costs include renting power equipment (for excavating, grading, and tamping), underlay and base materials, delivery fees, sealer, and tools. Costs increase with a more uneven surface.

DIY patio paver kit prices

Paver patio kits cost $300 to $1,000 on average and come with instructions, layout templates, and precut pavers to construct a patio, fire pit area, or bar/kitchen area. Paver kits are more expensive than buying everything individually, and base materials are not included.

Another option is to forego buying pavers altogether and pour concrete into a patterned paver mold. Paver molds cost $15 to $100 each, depending on the size.

Getting estimates from paver patio installers

To get free, accurate estimates contact masonry contractors near you. Be sure to ask plenty of questions and get at least three quotes.

• Read reviews and check out their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.

• Verify their licensing and insurance is up to date.

• If referrals are local, ask if you can see the work in person.

• Always get estimates in-person, and be skeptical of low bids.

• Never pay cash and figure out a reasonable payment plan upfront. Upfront payments should only cover the cost of supplies, not labor.

Questions to ask

1. Are you bonded, licensed, and insured?

2. How many years have you been installing pavers?

3. Will you provide references from recent customers?

4. Is prep work and cleanup included in your bid?

5. Do you get discounts on pavers?

6. Do you offer a warranty?

7. What certifications do you have?

8. How much of a down payment is required?

9. Will you be using subcontractors?

10. When can you start and finish?