How Much Does a Paver Patio Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $2,400 - $7,000
A paver patio costs $3,800
on average, but it can cost between $2,400
and $7,000
, depending on size and material type.
The average paver patio cost is around $3,800
for a 280-square-foot patio, but prices can range from $2,400
to $7,000
, depending on a bunch of factors, like size, design, paver quality, add-ons, and more. You could pay anywhere from $8 to $50 per square foot, depending on the project's size, labor, material, and design complexity.
While functional, a concrete slab patio can leave your outdoor space looking a little lacking. Investing in the extra paver patio cost gives you tons of color and style options that can help bring your space to life. Pavers cost more than their concrete alternative, but their durability and style make them worthy of the splurge for many. In this paver patio cost guide, we’ll help you estimate what your new patio will cost.
Paver Patio Cost Factors
From size and style to installation obstacles, many variables can affect the cost of installing a paver patio. Below, we’ll discuss the main factors that could have an impact on your paver patio cost.
Size
Your paver installation cost will typically range from $8 to $25 per square foot, so the size of the patio is one of the biggest cost factors. Prices for flagstones or other high-end materials might be as much as $50 per square foot. Below is a paver cost estimator based on some of the most common patio sizes.
Square Footage | Average Range | High Cost |
---|---|---|
6x10 (60 sq. ft.) | $480 – $1,500 | ~$3,000 |
8x12 (96 sq. ft.) | $768 – $2,400 | ~$4,800 |
10x10 (100 sq. ft.) | $800 – $2,500 | ~$5,000 |
10x16 (160 sq. ft.) | $1,280 – $4,000 | ~$8,000 |
10x20 (200 sq. ft.) | $1,600 – $5,000 | ~$10,000 |
14x20 (280 sq. ft.) | $2,240 – $7,000 | ~$14,000 |
20x20 (400 sq. ft.) | $3,200 – $10,000 | ~$20,000 |
24x24 (576 sq. ft.) | $4,608 – $14,400 | ~$28,800 |
25x30 (750 sq. ft.) | $6,000 – $18,750 | ~$37,500 |
30x30 (900 sq. ft.) | $7,200 – $22,500 | ~$45,000 |
Paver Type
Pavers generally range between $8 to $50 per square foot, including installation. The quality, shape, material, and even the size of the pavers you want can play a role in your per-sqaure-foot price. High-quality pavers made from expensive stone or materials that are hard to cut to shape and size will naturally be more expensive.
While the look of your pavers is a major consideration when it comes to the type you install, you should consider the climate in your area as well. “Other factors to consider when selecting pavers include weather patterns, i.e., are you going to have to shovel snow in this area? If so, a crushed rock patio is not ideal,” says Tara Dudley, Angi Expert Review Board member and owner of Plant Life Designs. “Is it going to be in a sunny area or a shady area? Natural stone tends to weather more in a shadier location, so pavers would be a good choice! Another thing to consider is the type of furniture you plan to use on the patio and how it will sit on the stones.”
Patio Design
Basic paver patio designs follow a simple, continuous pattern, such as herringbone or running bond. More intricate brick walkway patterns, such as mosaics or spirals, require extra skills and planning. These types of designs will drive up costs for labor and may require the use of more expensive materials.
Access to the Patio Site
If your patio site is more challenging to access, it may incur extra labor charges. For example, if rocks or other obstacles make it difficult to maneuver the wheelbarrow or machinery around, this could tack on more hours to your overall labor cost.
Also, a patio that’s easy to back a truck up to and unload the supplies will generally cost less than a patio where pavers, flagstones, or bluestones need to be wheelbarrowed to the site.
Site Preparation and Excavation
If there is challenging terrain to work with, such as plants, tree roots, and hard soil, your job will carry higher costs for site preparation and excavation. Sites with soft, workable soil and few or no obstacles will cost the least.
Labor
The labor cost alone to lay pavers is around $50 to $80 per hour or $4 to $11 per square foot. A 300-square-foot patio takes most professionals between 35 and 40 hours to complete. You’ll likely pay more for complex installations or if you live in an area with a higher cost of living.
Additional Materials
If you’ll be adding extra features to your patio, like railings, fences, stepping stone walkways, and paver edging, be sure to budget extra for the additional materials and the labor to install them. For example, the cost of a new patio railing could cost anywhere from $20 to $600 per linear foot, and installing paver edging could add between $100 and $250 to your total paver patio installation cost.
Sealing
Sealing your patio pavers will cost around $200 to cover up to 1,000 square feet. This step will help preserve the beauty of your pavers by creating a protective barrier against stains and water damage, so it’s a wise investment to make.
Permits
Check with your local municipality or HOA before building a new paver patio to see if you need a permit. You’ll likely need one if you plan on investing in the cost of an outdoor kitchen or similar project in the future.
Additional Cost Factors
You may budget extra for additional features that elevate your space even more and add utility.
Landscaping: Landscape design costs between $1,930 and $7,230 if you hire a local landscape designer.
Plumbing, Gas, and Electrical: Budget up to $2,000 to add features like a gas cooktop, built-in lighting, a wet bar, or a similar utility-based feature.
Patio Covers: Building a roof over your patio costs between $3,000 and $10,000 on average.
Drainage: Adding simple base materials such as geotextile fabric or bedding sand costs $0.10 to $1 per square foot.
Paver Costs by Type
Concrete, natural stone, and brick are the three main materials to choose from when building a paver patio. Here’s what to know about their costs and characteristics.
Paver Material | Pavers Cost Per Square Foot | Details |
---|---|---|
Concrete | $8–$15 | Comes in several styles, textures, and colors, also called “slate concrete pavers” |
Natural Stone | $15–$50 | Earthy colors, unique, long-lasting, hard to clean, and may discolor over time. |
Brick or Clay | $10–$20 | Easy to maintain, but can chip or crack easily |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
It’s possible to lay down a paver patio yourself, but the process is time-consuming—taking 40 to 50 hours, on average—and there are a lot of nuances you need to get right to avoid problems with your pavers. Some common issues you might run into with a DIY paver patio installation include the following:
Poorly compacted soil, leading to an uneven surface over time
Improper slope, leading to pooling water and potential foundation issues
Improper placement and leveling of sand, leading to an uneven surface
Insufficient treatment after placement, resulting in shifting pavers
Difficulty cutting pavers around posts, steps, and other obstructions, leading to wasted materials
If you decide to install your own paver patio, always call the dig line first so you don’t hit gas lines or plumbing systems. Ultimately, hiring a brick paver company near you to install your paver patio will help you save time and avoid problems.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Pavers Yourself?
If you do decide to install your paver patio yourself, plan on budgeting around $350 for basic tools and materials, as well as $5 per square foot, on average, for the pavers themselves. Your DIY paver patio cost depends on the price of the pavers, as well as the tools you might already have in your garage.
Here are the basic supply costs to punch into your paver patio cost calculator:
Tools/Supplies | Cost |
---|---|
12-inch spikes | $10 |
Spade/shovel | $15 |
Plate compactor | $70 to rent |
Rake | $10 |
Broom | $10 |
Sand | $5 |
Gravel | $200 |
Edging | $5 |
Rubber mallet | $5 |
Sod cutter | $65 to rent |
Wet masonry saw | $60 to rent |
Remember to consider grading and drainage, as well as ensuring everything is up to code or your patio could need future repairs. Your best bet is to consult a local professional paver company to ensure you aren’t missing anything.
How to Save Money Installing a Paver Patio
Here are a few savvy ways to save money on your paver patio cost.
Find a brickyard and buy pavers in bulk
Search for factory-direct paving prices
Hire a landscaping company to do ground prep before the installation
Do simpler projects like sealing your pavers yourself
Choose a more affordable style of paver
Keep the design simple to keep labor costs down
Compare quotes and hire a pro to do it right the first time
How Do I Find the Best Contractor to Install Patio Pavers?
Knowing the right questions to ask paver contractors is key to find the best professional for the job. Before you invest in the cost to have a pro lay pavers, you should ensure that your contractor meets these criteria:
They are fully licensed and insured
Their work comes with a guarantee in case of future issues
They will give you an all-inclusive estimate of expenses
They can give you a full run-down of their installation plans and help you design your space
They have references and are happy to show you similar projects they’ve accomplished
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can compare quotes from different pavers and decide which is the best for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
When comparing pavers versus a concrete patio, paver patios tend to be more costly than their concrete counterparts. However, the total cost depends on the type of materials you use and the size of the patio. If your patio needs repairs, a paver patio will be easier and less costly to fix, even though it’s more expensive upfront. Plus, a paver patio won’t bump up your property taxes, while a concrete patio will.
Generally speaking, paver patios tend to be more budget-friendly than decks, but this will depend on the build. Building a deck costs anywhere between $4,000 and $11,600 on average, while paver patios go for around $2,400 to $7,000, though complex designs can reach upwards of $10,000. Decks will also usually raise your property taxes, while paver patios won’t.
Yes, building a paver patio—or any type of patio—can add significant value to your home. Not only does a paver patio look beautiful, but it adds tons of utility and space to entertain to your home, which most buyers will likely find valuable. Compared to a concrete slab or gravel patio, this type of patio can deliver an even higher ROI, especially because paver patios won’t affect your property taxes like other outdoor spaces might.
A pallet of pavers will cost about $300 to $700 per pallet. Each pallet covers about 56 square feet. The specific price you pay per pallet of pavers will depend on a few factors, including the type of paver you’re buying, the size and shape of the pavers, and how many pavers you need. In some cases, you’ll spend less per pallet if you’re buying in bulk for very large paver patios.
Yes, paver edging is a necessity when you’re installing a paver patio. The plastic edging helps prevent the paver borders from shifting outward over time, especially as they see continued foot traffic and soil expansion and contraction around them. Paver edging is a relatively inexpensive part of the installation cost, but it can make a big difference over time by minimizing upkeep and repairs.