Paver Patio Cost Calculator
Estimate the installed cost of a paver patio by size, material, pattern, and add-ons. Every estimate includes the compacted base, edge restraint, polymeric sand, and labor.
Updated November 2026 · U.S. pricing
Estimated installed cost
$0 – $0
| Pavers and installation | — |
|---|---|
| Pattern upgrade | — |
| Border | — |
| Fire pit | — |
| Lighting | — |
| Old patio removal | — |
| Total | — |
Typical range for professional installation. Not included: grading, retaining walls, drainage corrections, gas lines, and permit fees.
How this paver patio estimate works
The calculator starts with an installed cost per square foot for the paver material, including excavation, a 4-inch compacted gravel base, edge restraints, polymeric sand, and labor. Pattern upgrades, borders, and features are added separately.
Paver patios cost more than poured concrete upfront, but they can be repaired one paver at a time and often last 25–50 years with proper base prep. The base is the part you cannot see and the part that determines whether the patio stays flat.
Paver patio cost per square foot
| Material | Installed per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete pavers | $8–$14 | Widest choice of colors and shapes; best value |
| Brick pavers | $12–$20 | Classic look; higher material and labor cost |
| Flagstone / natural stone | $15–$30 | Irregular shapes take longer to set |
| Travertine | $16–$30 | Cooler underfoot; premium material |
Includes standard base, edge restraint, polymeric sand, and labor. Pattern upgrades and borders are extra.
Paver patio cost by size
| Size | Square feet | Concrete | 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 is included in an installed price
- Removing grass, soil, or old surface material
- Excavating to depth for the base and pavers
- 4 inches of compacted gravel base, or deeper where needed
- Edge restraints pinned along the perimeter
- Laying pavers in the selected pattern
- Compacting, sweeping polymeric sand, and cleanup
Ask how deep the base will be and how it will be compacted. A patio on a thin or poorly compacted base will settle and heave within a few seasons, no matter how good the pavers look on day one.
Add-ons that change the price
- Contrasting border: $3–$6 per linear foot of perimeter.
- Herringbone or basketweave pattern: +$1–$2 per sq ft for additional cutting and labor.
- Built-in fire pit: $700–$2,500, plus any gas line work.
- Patio lighting: $600–$1,800 for low-voltage fixtures.
- Old patio removal: $2–$5 per sq ft, including hauling.
- Sealing: $1–$2 per sq ft, optional but helps resist stains.
Paver patio vs. concrete slab
| Option | Installed per sq ft | Lifespan | Repairs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paver patio | $8–$30 | 25–50 years | Individual pavers can be lifted and replaced |
| Concrete patio | $6–$10 | 30–50 years | Cracks are patched; settling is hard to fix |
| Stamped concrete | $10–$18 | 25–35 years | Color and pattern are difficult to match |
Concrete is cheaper and faster. Pavers cost more but handle freeze-thaw movement better, offer more design flexibility, and are easier to repair. In cold climates with expansive soil, pavers are often the more durable long-term choice.
Can you install pavers yourself?
Yes, but the base work is heavy and unforgiving. For a 320-square-foot patio you will move roughly 6–8 cubic yards of gravel and soil, rent a plate compactor, and make hundreds of cuts. DIY material costs run about $4–$8 per square foot for concrete pavers, or $1,300–$2,600 for 320 square feet, compared with $2,560–$4,480 installed. If the base is not compacted correctly, the savings disappear in repairs.
Paver patio FAQ
How much does a 16×20 paver patio cost?
A 320-square-foot concrete paver patio costs about $2,560–$4,480 installed. Brick runs $3,840–$6,400, and flagstone or travertine runs $4,800–$9,600. Borders, fire pits, and lighting add to those totals.
Is a paver patio cheaper than concrete?
No. Paver patios typically cost $8–$14 per square foot installed for concrete pavers, compared with $6–$10 for a poured concrete patio. The higher upfront cost is offset by easier repairs and better performance in freeze-thaw climates.
How long does a paver patio last?
A well-built paver patio lasts 25–50 years. The pavers themselves can last longer; the base and edge restraints are what usually fail first. Proper excavation and compaction are the key.
Do I need a permit for a paver patio?
Usually not for a ground-level patio, but rules vary by city, especially for raised patios, retaining walls, and patios near property lines or drainage ways. Check local zoning and HOA rules before starting.
What is the best base for a paver patio?
A compacted gravel base, typically 4–6 inches for pedestrian use and deeper for heavy loads or poor soil. Some installers use a concrete base for unstable soil or high-traffic areas, which adds cost.