Paver Patio Calculator
Paver, base stone, bedding sand, polymeric jointing, edge restraint, and labor for concrete, brick, stone, or permeable patio installs.
Concrete: $3-6. Brick: $5-9. Stone: $8-20.
4 in patio; 6 in driveway
1 in standard
~80 sf coverage per bag
Perimeter of patio
30-60 sf/hr for 2-person crew
10% for cuts and patterns
Result
- Pavers cost
- $1,980
- Base stone
- 6.7 tons · $188
- Bedding sand
- 1.23 yd³ · $40
- Polymeric sand
- $160
- Edge restraint
- $160
- Material total
- $2,527
- Labor
- 10.0 hr · $550
- Total installed
- $3,077
- Effective $ / sq ft
- $8
This estimate is based on national average costs and may vary by region, project specifics, and market conditions. Use as a starting point for your bids.
How to install a paver patio
Five layers from the ground up: excavate to depth, compacted crushed-stone base (4-6 in), 1-in bedding sand, pavers snapped in pattern, polymeric sand swept into the joints + activated with water. Edge restraint locks the perimeter.
Installed pricing by style
| Paver style | Installed $/sq ft |
|---|---|
| Concrete pavers (Holland, plaza) | $18–28 |
| Architectural concrete (3-piece) | $22–38 |
| Clay brick | $24–42 |
| Natural stone (bluestone, travertine) | $30–60 |
| Permeable concrete | $20–32 |
Common mistakes (and what they cost)
- Skipping base compaction — pavers settle within 2 years. Tear out and redo.
- Using regular sand instead of polymeric — joints wash out, weeds grow, $400-800 to re-do joints after 6 months.
- No edge restraint — perimeter pavers spread outward. Fix is to re-set edge with restraint.
- No slope — water pools and freezes, popping pavers. Slope away from house at 1/8 in per LF minimum.
Frequently asked questions
How much base stone do I need under pavers?
4 inches of compacted crushed stone (#411 or #57) for patios, 6 inches for driveways and high-traffic surfaces. The base must be compacted in 2-inch lifts with a plate compactor. Skipping or skimping on base depth is the #1 reason patios fail — settling, frost heave, weed growth through joints.
How much does a paver patio cost installed?
Concrete pavers (Holland, plaza): $18–28 per sq ft. Architectural concrete (3-piece, premium): $22–38 per sq ft. Clay brick: $24–42 per sq ft. Natural stone (bluestone, travertine): $30–60 per sq ft. Permeable concrete: $20–32 per sq ft. Most variance is in prep (excavation depth, slope grading) and paver style.
Polymeric sand vs regular sand for joints?
Polymeric sand for any installed patio — it activates with water to form a flexible binder, locks pavers in place, blocks weed growth, and resists wash-out. 50-lb bag covers ~80 sq ft. Regular sand washes out in the first rain and weeds grow through within a season.
Do I need edge restraint?
Yes, always. Without it, perimeter pavers shift outward over time. PVC plastic edging spiked into the base ($1.50–2.50/LF) is the residential standard. Concrete curbing or metal edge for high-end installs. Always factor edge restraint LF as the patio perimeter, not the area.
How long does a paver patio install take?
Two-person crew on a 400 sq ft patio: ~3-4 days for typical install (excavate, base, edge, pavers, polymeric sand, joint compact). Production rate ~30-60 sq ft per hour once setup is done. Complex patterns (herringbone, basketweave, soldier-course borders) slow it down by 30-40%.
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