What a paver patio costs: the parts
- Pavers: price per paver × pavers needed, including waste for your pattern.
- Base gravel: compacted crushed stone, 4 in (100 mm) deep for patios and paths, 6–8 in (150–200 mm) for driveways.
- Bedding sand: a 1 in (25 mm) layer of coarse sand under the pavers.
- Edging: plastic, metal or concrete edge restraint around the perimeter.
- Installation labor: digging out, compacting the base, laying, cutting and sanding, usually quoted per square foot or square meter.
In the US, the calculator pre-fills example prices so you can see how the estimate adds up. They are not quotes: replace them with your own. Elsewhere, enter prices in your own currency.
Example: a 12 × 10 ft paver patio
A 12 × 10 ft patio is 120 ft². With 4 × 8 in pavers and ⅛ in joints that's 516 pavers, or 542 with 5% waste in running bond. The base takes about 1.7 yd³ (2.4 tons) of crushed stone and 0.5 tons of bedding sand.
| Item | Quantity | Example price | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 8 in pavers | 542 | $0.75 each | $406.50 |
| Crushed stone base, 4 in | 2.38 tons | $40 per ton | $95.20 |
| Bedding sand, 1 in | 0.50 tons | $45 per ton | $22.50 |
| Edging | 44 ft | $2 per ft | $88.00 |
| Installation labor | 120 ft² | $12 per ft² | $1,440.00 |
| Total | ≈ $2,052 (≈ $17 per ft²) |
The materials come to about $612, roughly $5 per square foot. Installation labor makes up about 70% of the total, so a DIY patio costs a fraction of an installed one.
What changes the cost of a paver patio
- Paver type. Plain concrete pavers are the cheapest. Clay brick pavers, natural stone and large-format slabs cost more per square foot.
- Pattern. Herringbone and circles need 10–15% extra pavers and more cutting time.
- Driveways need a deeper base (6–8 in or more) and often thicker pavers.
- Site work. Removing an old patio or concrete, grading a slope and poor access all add labor.
- Extras. Polymeric joint sand, steps, seat walls, a fire pit area and sealing.
Need only the quantities? Use the paver calculator, or the paver base calculator for the gravel and sand.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a paver patio cost?
It depends on the pavers, the base, the site and local labor rates. With the example prices on this page, a 12 × 10 ft patio comes to about $2,050 installed, or about $17 per square foot, of which about $5 per square foot is materials. Get local quotes for an accurate price.
How do I estimate a paver patio cost?
Work out the area, multiply by the pavers per square foot and add waste. Add the base gravel (4 in deep for a patio), bedding sand and edging, multiply each by its price, then add labor per square foot.
What is the labor cost to install pavers?
Installers usually quote per square foot or square meter, and it is typically the largest part of the job. Enter your quote in the Labor field to see the total and the cost per square foot.
Is it cheaper to lay pavers yourself?
Yes. Materials are often less than a third of the installed price. Renting a plate compactor and a saw adds a little, and a solid, well-compacted base is the part that matters most.
How many pavers do I need for a 10 × 10 patio?
About 452 standard 4 × 8 in pavers with ⅛ in joints and 5% waste, or about 495 in herringbone with 15% waste.