Paver patio cost for professional installation is about $8–$24 per square foot. A 280 sq ft patio averages roughly $3,350, and a 20×20 patio (400 sq ft) typically runs $3,200–$9,600. Paver material, base preparation, pattern complexity and site access drive the range.
Paver patio cost by size
| Patio area | Approx. dimensions | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| 100 sq ft | 10×10 | $800–$2,400 |
| 150 sq ft | about 10×15 | $1,200–$3,600 |
| 200 sq ft | about 10×20 | $1,600–$4,800 |
| 300 sq ft | about 15×20 | $2,400–$7,200 |
| 400 sq ft | 20×20 | $3,200–$9,600 |
| 500 sq ft | about 20×25 | $4,000–$12,000 |
Cost of pavers per square foot by material
Material-only prices:
| Paver type | Material cost per sq ft | Look and feel |
|---|---|---|
| Interlocking concrete | $3–$6 | Uniform, strong, many colors |
| Thin brick / half brick | $3–$6 | Brick look at lower weight |
| Concrete | $4–$6 | Versatile, widely available |
| Brick | $4–$8 | Classic, colorfast clay |
| Natural stone | $7–$16 | Unique color variation |
| Flagstone | $13–$30 | Irregular natural slabs |
Installation labor typically adds $5–$15 per sq ft, or about $50–$80 per hour.
What's included in paver patio cost
Excavation and grading
Crews dig out soil to make room for the base, paver thickness and edge restraints. They also shape the subgrade to slope away from the house. Grading can cost $770–$3,000 depending on area.
Base layers
- Compacted gravel base: commonly several inches of crushed stone, compacted in lifts
- Bedding layer: about an inch of coarse sand or fine aggregate, screeded flat
- Optional geotextile fabric over soft or clay soils
A weak base is the main reason paver patios sink and shift.
Pavers, edging and joints
Pavers are laid in a pattern. Herringbone is strongest for traffic, while running bond and stack patterns are simpler. Edge restraints hold the field in place. Joints are filled with sand or polymeric sand, which hardens to resist weeds and washout.
Slope and drainage
Patios should slope away from the house, commonly about ⅛–¼ inch per foot. Use our Slope Calculator. If your yard funnels water toward the patio, plan for a drain. See French drain cost.
How to estimate materials
- Area: length × width. 20×20 = 400 sq ft.
- Pavers: area ÷ paver coverage, plus 5–10% waste, or more for herringbone and curves.
- Base gravel: area × base depth in feet ÷ 27 = cubic yards.
- Bedding sand: area × 1 inch (0.083 ft) ÷ 27 = cubic yards. For 400 sq ft, that's about 1.2 cubic yards.
- Joint sand: follow the product's coverage chart.
Our Paver Calculator, Gravel Calculator and Sand Calculator do each step.
DIY vs. professional paver patio cost
A DIY build of a 280 sq ft patio can run about $5,400–$5,650 with mid-range pavers around $16.50 per sq ft. That's more than the professional average, because pavers make up most of the DIY cost. DIY savings come mainly from labor, and only if you choose economical pavers. You'll also need to rent a plate compactor and haul heavy materials.
Pavers vs. concrete patio
| Factor | Pavers | Poured concrete |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower (see concrete patio cost) |
| Cracking | Joints flex; individual units can be replaced | Cracks can appear and are hard to hide |
| Freeze-thaw performance | Good when built on a well-drained base | Good with proper mix, joints and sealing |
| Repairs | Lift and relay a section | Patch or replace slabs |
| Design options | Wide range of colors and patterns | Stamping and staining |
In freeze-thaw climates like New York, a properly built paver patio can handle frost movement well, because the joints let units shift slightly without cracking.
Ways to save on a paver patio
- Pick standard concrete pavers in a simple pattern
- Keep the shape rectangular to reduce cutting
- Do the demolition of an old patio or sod yourself, if allowed
- Avoid raised patios that need retaining walls. See retaining wall cost.
- Get quotes in the off-season
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?
About $3,200–$9,600 installed, depending on paver type and site preparation.
Are pavers more expensive than concrete?
Usually, yes, upfront. Pavers can cost less to repair over time because damaged units can be replaced individually.
How long does a paver patio last?
With a solid base and good drainage, a paver patio can last decades. Joint sand may need topping up over time.
Do paver patios need to be sealed?
Sealing is optional. It can enhance color and help lock joint sand, but needs periodic reapplication.
National averages for planning only.
