How Much Does a Paver Patio Cost?
A professionally installed paver patio costs about $8–$30 per square foot, or roughly $2,560–$9,600 for a 16×20 patio. Material choice and base prep account for most of the range.
Updated November 2026 · U.S. pricing
Pavers are priced by the square foot, but the visible pavers are only part of the job. Excavation, a compacted gravel base, edge restraint, and polymeric sand make up a large share of the installed cost — and they determine whether the patio still looks flat in ten years.
Paver patio cost per square foot
| Material | Installed per sq ft | 320 sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete pavers | $8–$14 | $2,560–$4,480 | Best value; widest selection |
| Brick pavers | $12–$20 | $3,840–$6,400 | Traditional look; higher labor |
| Flagstone | $15–$30 | $4,800–$9,600 | Irregular stone; slower installation |
| Travertine | $16–$30 | $5,120–$9,600 | Premium, cool underfoot |
Includes excavation, 4-inch compacted gravel base, edge restraint, polymeric sand, and labor. Pattern upgrades and borders are extra.
Paver patio cost by size
| Size | Square feet | Concrete pavers | Brick | Flagstone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 | $800–$1,400 | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 | $1,150–$2,000 | $1,730–$2,880 | $2,160–$4,320 |
| 16 × 20 ft | 320 | $2,560–$4,480 | $3,840–$6,400 | $4,800–$9,600 |
| 20 × 30 ft | 600 | $4,800–$8,400 | $7,200–$12,000 | $9,000–$18,000 |
What the installed price includes
- Removal of grass, soil, or an old patio surface
- Excavation to the depth required for base and pavers
- Compacted gravel base, typically 4–6 inches
- Edge restraints anchored along the perimeter
- Laying and cutting pavers to the selected pattern
- Compaction, polymeric sand, and cleanup
Ask for the base depth and compaction method in the quote. A patio on 2 inches of loose gravel will shift within a season. A proper base is 4–6 inches of compacted gravel, deeper on soft or clay soil.
What changes the price
Material
Concrete pavers are the least expensive and easiest to source. Natural stone and travertine cost more and take longer to install because every piece may need cutting and fitting.
Pattern
Running bond is the fastest layout. Herringbone and basketweave require more cutting and add about $1–$2 per square foot.
Borders and features
A contrasting border runs $3–$6 per linear foot of perimeter. A built-in fire pit costs $700–$2,500; low-voltage lighting runs $600–$1,800.
Site access and grade
Tight side yards, slopes, and long carry distances slow the crew. Drainage corrections and retaining walls are separate work and can add thousands.
Region
Labor rates vary roughly 30–50% between lower-cost and high-cost metros, which moves a 320-square-foot patio by well over $1,000.
Pavers vs. poured concrete
| Factor | Paver patio | Concrete patio |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost | $8–$30/sq ft | $6–$10/sq ft |
| Lifespan | 25–50 years | 30–50 years |
| Repairs | Individual pavers can be replaced | Cracks are patched; settling is difficult |
| Freeze-thaw performance | Excellent with a proper base | Good with air-entrained mix and joints |
| Design flexibility | High | Moderate; stains and stamps available |
Concrete wins on upfront price. Pavers win on repairability, design, and performance in climates with repeated freeze-thaw cycles. If the patio will be heavily shaded, poorly drained, or built over expansive clay, the base matters more than the surface.
DIY paver patio costs
Materials for concrete pavers run about $4–$8 per square foot, or $1,300–$2,600 for 320 square feet, compared with $2,560–$4,480 installed. You will also need to rent a plate compactor and possibly a wet saw. The labor is heavy: expect to move 6–8 cubic yards of soil and gravel and make dozens of cuts. DIY makes sense for small patios with easy access; it rarely makes sense for large, irregular, or sloped spaces.
Maintenance and sealing
Paver patios need little routine care: sweep, rinse, and top up polymeric sand in joints every few years. Sealing is optional; it costs $1–$2 per square foot and helps resist stains and weeds. Reapply every 3–5 years. Do not seal a new patio until the pavers and sand have dried thoroughly.
Do you need a permit?
Ground-level patios often do not need a permit, but raised patios, retaining walls over a certain height, patios near property lines, and work that changes drainage usually do. HOA rules may cover materials, color, and size. Check before ordering materials.
Paver patio FAQ
How much does a 16×20 paver patio cost?
About $2,560–$4,480 in concrete pavers, $3,840–$6,400 in brick, or $4,800–$9,600 in flagstone or travertine, installed. Borders, fire pits, and lighting add to those ranges.
How much does a paver patio cost per square foot?
Most installed paver patios cost $8–$30 per square foot. Concrete pavers are at the low end, brick and natural stone in the middle, and premium travertine at the high end.
Is a paver patio cheaper than concrete?
No. Concrete typically costs $6–$10 per square foot installed versus $8–$14 for concrete pavers. Pavers cost more upfront but are easier to repair and handle freeze-thaw movement better.
How long does a paver patio take to install?
A 320-square-foot patio usually takes 3–5 working days, including excavation, base, laying, and sand. Larger patios, complex patterns, and difficult access take longer.
Should I seal my paver patio?
Sealing is optional. It helps resist stains and reduces weed growth, and costs about $1–$2 per square foot per application. Wait until the patio is fully dry and the polymeric sand has cured.