How Much Does a Paver Patio Cost?

Highlights

• The typical cost range for paver patio installation is $2,400 to $7,000, with a national average of $3,400.
• The most significant cost factors for installing a paver patio are size and design, stone type, labor, geographic location, and grading and leveling.
• Homeowners may install a paver patio because they enhance curb appeal, are long-lasting, and can be customized to complement any home. The project also has a high return on investment.
• Many homeowners can make their own DIY paver patio with a bit of work. However, professionals can generally finish the project more efficiently and effectively.

A patio is an easy way to dress up a backyard and increase space for entertaining. Concrete is a classic choice, but for a unique, eye-catching patio, homeowners may want to consider pavers. Brick, stone, and slate are just some of the options for a paver patio that can be used to carry a home’s design into the backyard. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $3,400, or between $2,400 and $7,000, to install a 280-square-foot paver patio. Specialized patio paver designs or complex jobs could run closer to $10,000. The final price of a paver patio is primarily dependent on the material choice, the size of the patio, and labor. Here are all the factors for homeowners to know about paver patio costs.

Factors in Calculating Paver Patio Cost

Paver patios are available in several options to suit homeowners’ preferences, from red brick to sandstone to tile. To purchase and install most pavers, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $8 to $25 per square foot. For a high-end stone, the cost could rise to $50 per square foot. Preparing the ground to last a long time and installing the pavers is a time-intensive process. Grading and leveling might require extra equipment to add or remove dirt in order to level the ground. Labor is usually half of the total cost for a paver patio, but it’s well worth having an expert carefully lay the pavers to prevent uneven surfaces.

Size and Design

As can be expected, the larger the square footage of the patio, the higher the installation cost will be. Full or half bricks typically cost between $2 and $8 per square foot, making them a popular choice. For homeowners who prefer natural stone, the price ranges from $15 to $50 per square foot—buying in bulk from a brickyard can help homeowners get the best price. For those with complex paver patio ideas, odd shapes, rare colors, and large sizes can all increase the price per brick or stone.

Stone Type 

Natural stone pavers cost between $15 and $50 per square foot on average. Paver stones from a local quarry will keep prices low, since they won’t be shipped far. Popular options for patio materials include bluestone, brick, concrete, flagstone, gravel, interlocking, natural stone, plastic, porcelain, rubber, slate, stamped concrete, and tile, but homeowners can do an online search for “pavers near me” to find local options.

Labor 

Labor makes up a significant portion of the cost to install paver patios, and the amount varies due to location, experience, and complexity. The average price range is $50 to $80 per hour or $4 to $11 per square foot. Preparing the ground can take almost as much time as laying the pavers in some cases. A 300-square-foot patio would likely take 35 to 40 hours for a pro to complete but 40 to 50 for a DIY project.

Geographic Location

Paving stones that aren’t local to a particular region or readily available typically cost more due to shipping costs. Additionally, labor rates vary widely and are usually higher in urban areas, where contractors may have higher overheads and the cost-of-living index is greater. Homeowners can look up “paver patio installers near me” to get a sense of local prices.

Grading and Leveling

One challenge while installing a paver patio is ensuring that the ground is properly graded and leveled with adequate drainage systems. Pooled water can damage a patio over time, so it’s a good idea for a homeowner to consult a pro to check for any underlying conditions. The expected foot traffic, paver permeability, slope, and drainage requirements all affect how much ground will need to be leveled or built up to create a smooth foundation.

Additional Costs and Considerations

While materials, labor, and patio size make up the bulk of paver patio costs, there are a few other items for homeowners to consider when planning a patio budget. Not every item applies to each project, but it’s helpful for homeowners to know available options and upgrades that might not have been obvious. These additional costs can range from landscaping to coverings to plumbing or electrical add-ons. Every paver stone patio will need to have a base that provides adequate drainage on the property, and soil conditions can vary even within the same city. The following are considerations that may not appear in a paver patio cost calculator but are worth homeowners’ consideration.

Permits 

Generally, permits are not required for paver patios. However, if significant excavation is needed to properly prepare the soil and ensure adequate drainage, a permit is likely needed. When speaking with a paver company, homeowners will want to ask about local requirements, as they will vary by location.

Landscaping 

Existing landscaping might need to be removed during the grading process. If heavy equipment is necessary, landscaping may be damaged and need to be replaced when the project is finished. Additional landscaping could be added when the patio is complete to further enhance the backyard ambience. A landscaper can help plan and build a beautiful design for an average price of $1,350 to $5,700.

Utility Work

Adding any kind of utility work to a paver patio project is not automatically built into paver patio costs. Most homeowners rely on exterior outlets on their houses to provide electricity. Still, if the patio is large or extends deep into the backyard, it’s worth considering adding electrical outlets on the far side ($600 to $2,300). Water lines for a kitchen or small shower ($400 to $2,000) and gas lines for a barbecue ($15 to $25 per linear foot) would need to be installed before the base is graded and leveled.

Drainage

Paver patios need a base under them that allows for proper drainage for the soil’s condition. In most cases, using proper base materials should be sufficient, but occasionally drainage pipes may be needed. Common base materials include geotextile fabric, Class II road base, and bedding sand. These cost an average of $0.10 to $1 per square foot. To direct excess water away from the home, in some cases it may be possible to make a drainage slope, which costs $1,296 to $6,480. If this is not possible, another option is a French drain. French drains are pipes that run underneath the patio collecting water and sending it to another part of the property. Installing a French drain costs $3,296 to $9,480.

Sealant

To protect a patio from weathering or heavy foot traffic, homeowners will want to seal it before using it. The choice of sealant depends on the material choice and its porousness. Brick tends to be more porous than stone, so the sealant will need to account for that. The total area being sealed will also affect the price. Homeowners can expect to pay about $200 per 1,000 square feet to seal a paver patio.

Additions and Upgrades

Patio upgrades can include any number of the following elements: low walls, intricate paver designs, brick ovens, outdoor kitchens, awning or roof framework, paver walkways, heaters, cooling misters, lights, and more. Any outdoor living additions could cost an extra $100 to $20,000. The best patio furniture could cost as much as $2,000. An outdoor kitchen would be the most expensive, since plumbing and electrical would have to be installed as well, but a paver patio with a fire pit is much less pricey. Below are some common additions to a paver patio and their average costs.

Paver Patio Cost by Type of Material

It might be surprising for homeowners to learn how many materials are available for paving a patio. Each type has its own unique character, and there’s an option that will blend well with almost any home’s exterior. The costs range widely among types of pavers, not only for base costs but also for installation costs. Below are some of the most common paving stones and their associated costs.

Bluestone

Bluestone is a kind of flagstone that’s popular for its ashy blue hues. Bluestone is thick and heavy and comes in slightly imperfect rectangular or square shapes. Usually, the stones are a much larger size than most common stone pavers, which gives them a smoother, less busy appearance. Due to their size and uniqueness, bluestone patios cost  $18 and $30 per square foot, including installation. Pavestone is a tumbled concrete paver that can mimic the appearance of bluestone and costs only $4 per square foot on average.

Brick

Due to their low cost and high availability, brick pavers are the most common material for paver patios, and some homeowners choose to learn how to build a brick patio themselves. A traditional red brick patio is an iconic look in some regions, but other colors like tan or gray can also be used. A brick paver patio costs $12 to $20 per square foot on average, including installation.

Concrete

Concrete can be precast in the shape of traditional bricks. Concrete is not as long lasting as brick, but it does have the financial edge when it comes to design options, as it can be dyed in whatever color a homeowner desires. The cost of a concrete patio made from pavers is between $6 and $17 per square foot, including materials and installation. Some homeowners choose to save money by creating their own DIY concrete patio.

Flagstone

Another popular natural stone rock is flagstone. It’s a sedimentary rock that’s often a form of sandstone or another combination of minerals. Flagstones have irregular shapes and sizes, so laying them on the patio is like working a jigsaw puzzle. Flagstone comes in a variety of colors, which adds some flair to the patio. A flagstone paver patio costs $16 to $30 per square foot to install.

Gravel

Gravel is a less expensive option for a patio, yet it’s a high-maintenance choice. The ground will still need to be prepped to drain water and stabilize the gravel layer. Gravel is often used as a base material before some pavers are set, but it can work as the top layer if preferred. Homeowners will want to be aware that gravel tends to migrate as it’s walked on, so it must be raked occasionally to keep it level. A gravel patio costs between $6 and $14 per square foot to install.

Interlocking

For a durable option, interlocking pavers are a top choice. They come presealed and have a design that locks them in place with each surrounding piece for a firm, stable foundation. Since they are prefabricated to connect like puzzle pieces, installation is also faster than that of most other materials. Interlocking pavers typically cost $3 to $6 per square foot, not including installation.

Natural Stone

Marble, cobblestone, and tumbled granite are popular choices for natural stone pavers, but it helps a homeowner’s budget to stick with locally available stone choices so they can avoid paying transportation costs. Natural stone has beautiful variations that are rarely reproduced well, so they are appealing to many homeowners. Most varieties cost between $15 and $30 per square foot. Flagstone can cost as much as $30 per square foot to purchase and install, and tumbled granite is $25 per square foot on average.

Plastic

Not to be left out, even plastic is an option for patio pavers. These pavers are designed more for aesthetics than durability, so if there is going to be plenty of foot traffic on the patio, homeowners are advised to consider a different option. Plastic pavers are hollow inside and available in various colors with an average price of $1.90 to $8 per square foot, not including installation. They can also be installed as grids filled with grass or gravel, depending on a homeowner’s preference.

Porcelain

For hardy winter climates, porcelain pavers are a durable choice when homeowners are installing patio pavers. This material is impermeable, so they are frost-proof and strong enough to avoid corrosion from de-icing chemicals. Foot traffic doesn’t affect porcelain, as it’s a tough and nonslip material. Those who prefer this kind of durability but like the look of wood can ask a local supplier about long, plank-wood porcelain imitations. Homeowners can expect to pay between $1.10 and $18 per square foot for porcelain pavers, not including labor costs.

Rubber

Using a rubber or composite paver is an unconventional yet less expensive option that comes in at $1.70 to $10 per square foot for materials only. Rubber pavers are usually made of recycled materials. In general, there won’t need to be a perfectly flat surface under rubber pavers, so ground preparation may go more quickly. Since they’re made of rubber, these pavers will be slip-resistant and durable, but they will fade over time.

Slate

Slate is a natural stone that comes in a larger size than many other stones and naturally splits along the clefts. It’s often used around pools due to its nonslip quality, yet it’s not considered a long-lasting patio stone. Slate can be purchased for an average of $15 to $30 per square foot, or homeowners can choose a slate concrete look-alike that’s much more durable and comes with more color options.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete can be made to look like a wide variety of other materials while being more durable and requiring less frequent maintenance. Using a variety of molds and dyes, manufacturers can produce stamped concrete that looks like wood, stone, brick, or other paver materials. Homeowners can expect stamped concrete patio costs to be around $15 to $30 per square foot.

Tile

Patio tile is a little different from kitchen tile. These tiles have to be rated for outdoor use, which means they are usually manmade and much thicker than indoor tile. Outdoor tile could be made of porcelain, quarry pavers, brick, or stone. The average cost of patio tile is $15 to $20 per square foot, including installation.

Benefits of Choosing to Build a Paver Patio

Updating a patio can be more fun than just laying a concrete pad. The best-in-class patio pavers are a fun way to bring color, style, and personality to boost the curb appeal of an outdoor living space. Pavers are durable, nonslip, and usually low maintenance, which are just a few of the reasons they’re a great return on investment. Unlike a deck, they don’t need to be sanded and sealed each year. If a brick or stone is damaged, only that stone needs to be removed and replaced.

Added Curb Appeal

Functional outdoor living space is a coveted feature for prospective home buyers. The better the backyard, the better value a home has. A well-maintained property is always a wise choice that automatically keeps curb appeal high. In addition to sprucing up a backyard, updating a front porch with some trendy bricks to add a splash of character could be just what a house needs.

Return on Investment

Paver patio costs are higher than the cost of laying a concrete pad. It’s important for a homeowner to make sure the paver patio will provide a good return on investment, and the good news is, homeowners can expect an 80 percent return on investment. A unique and attractive paver patio can be a selling point for potential home buyers who don’t want a backyard that looks just like their neighbor’s.

Low Maintenance and Longevity

Paving stones are known for their ability to last—up to 25 years is not an unreasonable expectation, depending on stone choice. That’s longer than concrete, which tends to break down, settle, or crack much sooner. Paver patios do not need to be sanded and stained every year like a deck does—homeowners just spray them with water when they get dirty.

Customization Options 

The possibilities are indeed almost endless when it comes to designing a paver patio. Herringbone, circular, concentric, modern, and jigsaw puzzle are just a few of the pattern options for homeowners to choose from for a patio floor layout. They can design an oval, rectangular, square, or multishaped patio with walls, benches, or columns made of the same material.

Paver Patio Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

In the grand scheme of outdoor projects, learning how to build a paver patio is not one of the most complex tasks to DIY. It is, however, a time- and labor-intensive one, with a fair amount of time spent on hands and knees or carrying piles of stones or bricks. Homeowners wondering how to install pavers will want to start with a critical look at the area where the patio is being laid. If there is significant leveling work that needs to happen to fix a slope or a dip, heavy equipment may be required. Leveling the ground and applying the suitable base is critical to ensuring the patio can last longer than a few years. If a 300-square-foot patio takes a pro 35 to 40 hours to install, a homeowner can expect to spend at least 40 to 50 hours to complete it on their own.

Larger patio projects, especially ones that need heavy equipment or custom designs, are best left to the pros. They’ll know exactly how to prepare the ground for a smooth foundation and which base material is best for the soil conditions. Proper drainage is key to preventing a patio that sinks or cracks over time due to water damage or shifting soil. While at first glance it seems that a DIY paver patio costs less than a professionally installed one, homeowners who choose to DIY may be surprised at how many materials and tools they need to get the job done right. Brick contractors already have the needed tools, know how to use them, and understand how to order enough material. If some bricks or pavers need to be cut down to fit properly in a curve, professionals will also have the right kind of concrete cutter to cut them safely. Finally, local patio contractors might get a volume discount on a homeowner’s preferred type of stone and can help them choose the best material to suit their budget and backyard.

How to Save Money on Paver Patio Cost

Even though a paver patio may cost more than a concrete pad or even a deck, there are still ways to keep from breaking the bank. Some options are to look up cheap paver patio ideas or learn how to build a paver patio without the help of a pro, but for those who are set on a particular design, there are plenty of ways to make the project more affordable. Homeowners will want to consult with a professional to understand their property and what works for their budget to get the most bang for their buck. The tips below can make it easier to identify the most common ways to save money on paver patio costs.

• Landscape wisely. Be creative with installing a functional patio if your property has a lot of grading or landscaping challenges. Eliminating extra grading or landscaping can keep costs low.
• Ask about erosion control cloth. In some cases this material can help stabilize soil on a slope that could be left in place.
• Get your hands dirty. Complete any landscape removal beforehand on your own to save on labor costs.
• Do your homework. Take plenty of time to research local stone pavers to learn which is the best option for your needs and budget.
• Shop around. Get several price quotes for pavers and from contractors.
• Consider location. Keep the patio located as close to the house as possible to reduce the amount of material and labor needed to run electrical or gas lines for an outdoor kitchen.
• Wait for the offseason. Consider buying your pavers during the offseason, when they might be discounted.
• Ask about surplus materials. If a contractor or brick company has any leftover materials from other jobs, it’s possible there will be just enough pavers available to lay your patio.
• Mix and match materials. Choosing multiple paver types like stone, brick, and concrete can create a fusion of designs at a lower cost.
• DIY the design. Hand-paint your own tiles rather than buying decorative tiles.

Questions to Ask About Paver Patio Installation

Paver patio costs are not complex, but there are a few things for homeowners to ask to make sure the contractor is qualified to install a durable and attractive patio that lasts for years to come. Asking the right questions can help homeowners minimize concerns and reduce miscommunication. The following are some questions homeowners may want to ask when consulting with a patio contractor.

• How long have you been installing paver patios?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you have references and a portfolio?
• Will you hire subcontractors or do the work yourself?
• Will you inspect my property before providing a bid?
• Can you help me design my ideal patio?
• How will you solve the slope or dip in my yard before installing the patio?
• How much will I save if I remove the landscaping on my own?
• What’s the best kind of base material for my soil?
• Will I need any extra drainage systems?
• Have you worked with this type of paver before?
• Can you create a custom design? If so, how much extra will it cost?
• How long will this project take?
• Do you offer a warranty on your work?
• What kind of maintenance will these pavers require?

FAQs

Choosing a contractor who can understand their client’s vision for their backyard escape is essential to a project’s success. Collecting as much information ahead of time will help homeowners feel prepared when they’re ready to install a paver patio or hire someone to do it for them. It doesn’t have to be a daunting process, so here are a few frequently asked questions to get started.

Q. Do I need to obtain a permit for a paver patio? 

In most cases, permits are not required for installing a backyard paver patio. If the property has drainage problems or significant grading, however, a permit may be required to use the heavy equipment to prepare the ground. Always call 811 (the national call-before-you-dig number) to check for buried utility lines before digging.

Q. How many pavers do I need?

It depends on the kind of pavers being laid. Bricks are a standard block size that can be quickly estimated, but paving stones have a wide range of sizes that can influence the total number of stones. A brickyard will be able to provide estimates based on the total square footage for whichever stone is being used. After determining the size of the pavers being used, use a paver calculator to estimate the number of pavers that will be needed based on patio size.

Q. Is paver edging necessary? 

Yes, if the patio uses natural stones or bricks. Think of paver edging like a dam. It’s designed to prevent the patio from shifting over time due to weather and general use when installed properly. Patio edging could even be made of a concrete barrier that keeps the bricks and stones in place while giving a new design texture.

Q. Do patios add value to a home?

In most cases, patio projects have a return on investment of up to 80 percent and will add 8 percent to 10 percent to a home’s value.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi, Thumbtack, HomeGuide, Fixr