How Much Does a Paver Patio Cost?
Quick answer: a paver patio runs $10–$25 per square foot installed. A 15×20 patio (300 sq ft) typically costs $3,000–$7,500. Here's how to estimate yours.
- Cost per square foot
- What's included
- How many pavers
- Worked example
- Pavers vs concrete
- Common mistakes
Cost per square foot
A paver patio typically costs $10–$25 per sq ft installed. The spread comes from paver type (basic concrete vs premium brick or travertine), base work, pattern complexity, and your region. A simple 4×8 concrete paver patio lands at the low end; a herringbone pattern in premium stone runs higher. Get two or three local quotes — labor is the biggest variable.
What's included
The installed price should cover excavation, a compacted gravel base, sand bedding, laying the pavers, edge restraints, and sweeping sand into joints. What it usually doesn't include: demolition of an existing patio, drainage work, or grading beyond the patio edge. Ask what's itemized before comparing quotes.
How many pavers
| Patio size | Sq ft | 12×12 pavers (+waste) |
|---|---|---|
| 10×10 | 100 | ~110 |
| 12×12 | 144 | ~160 |
| 15×20 | 300 | ~330 |
| 20×20 | 400 | ~440 |
Count = sq ft ÷ paver sq ft, then add 5–10% for cuts and breakage. Standard 12×12 pavers cover 1 sq ft each, so 144 sq ft needs ~144 plus waste.
Worked example
A 12×12 patio with standard 12×12 pavers:
- Pavers = 144 + 10% waste = ~158
- Pavers material ≈ $1.50–$3 each → $240–$470
- Base, sand, edges, labor ≈ $1,200–$3,100
- Total ≈ $1,500–$3,600
That lands inside the $10–$25 per sq ft range for 144 sq ft.
Pavers vs concrete
Pavers cost more upfront but offer easy individual replacement if one cracks, plus a wider choice of color and pattern. Concrete is cheaper and faster but cracks over time and needs resealing. If you value repairability and looks, pavers earn the premium; on a tight budget, concrete does the job.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the base. 4–6 in of compacted gravel + sand or pavers shift.
- No edge restraint. Pavers wander at the edge without a border.
- Ordering exact count. Cuts and breakage need 5–10% extra.
- Quoting material only. Base and labor are usually most of the bill.
FAQ
A paver patio runs about $10–$25 per square foot installed. A 300 sq ft patio (say 15×20) typically costs $3,000–$7,500 depending on paver type, base work, and pattern.
A 12×12 patio (144 sq ft) with standard 12×12 pavers needs about 144 pavers plus ~5–10% for cuts and breakage — roughly 150–160 pieces.
Pavers usually cost more upfront ($10–$25 vs $6–$10 per sq ft), but they're easier to repair and replace individually and can add curb appeal. Concrete is cheaper initially but cracks and needs resealing.
A proper base is 4–6 inches of compacted gravel plus a 1-inch sand layer. Skipping the base causes pavers to shift and settle unevenly.