The national average cost for an average-sized (280 square-foot) paver patio is $3,350, but costs can range from $2,275 to $6,950 depending on a variety of factors. Costs can be as little as $500 for a small, simple paver patio and as much as $11,665 for a larger and more complex project.
Compared to a simple concrete slab, a patio made of pavers offers patterns and color variations that are aesthetically pleasing. See other patio options and their associated costs in our patio pricing guide.
Here’s everything this cost guide covers:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Cost by paver patio material
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average paver patio costs in 2024
| National average cost | $3,350 |
| Typical price range | $2,275 – $6,950 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $500 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $11,665 |
On average, a 280-square-foot paver patio costs $3,350, with costs ranging from $2,275 to $6,950. Homeowners can create a smaller square or rectangular patio (with an area of about 50 square feet) for $500, while a more elaborate patio with high-end materials can cost more than $11,665.
To get the best price on your patio installation:
- Get several quotes from installers or landscapers and compare prices
- Keep the patio simple
- Excavate the patio area yourself to reduce labor costs
Paver patio cost estimator by size
Of all the factors that affect the cost of a paver patio, size is the most important. As with other projects, installation costs increase as the size of the project increases. This increase is related to the varying project duration, labor, and materials required for installation. In general, homeowners can expect to pay between $8 and $24 per square foot.
| Patio size | Average cost |
| 60 square feet | $480 – $1,440 |
| 100 square feet | $800 – $2,400 |
| 150 square feet | $1,200 – $3,600 |
| 200 square feet | $1,600 – $4,800 |
| 280 square feet | $2,240 – $6,720 |
| 300 square feet | $2,400 – $7,200 |
| 400 square feet | $3,200 – $9,600 |
| 500 square feet | $4,000 – $12,000 |
| 600 square feet | $4,800 – $14,400 |
Paver patio cost by material
The cost of pavers varies widely with the material used, from $3 to $30 per square foot, not including labor costs. The most popular paving materials are as follows:
Brick pavers
Brick pavers (also called clay bricks) are the typical red bricks you use for building solid structures. They are environmentally friendly, durable, and stain-resistant. Brick pavers cost between $4 and $8 per square foot, not including professional installation.
However, thin brick pavers or half bricks, which are used as full brick alternatives to remodel an existing patio or structure, cost about $3 to $6 per square foot (pavers only).
Concrete pavers
Concrete pavers are the most popular and cost-effective paving material. They are highly customizable and ideal for a DIY project. They cost between $4 to $6 per square foot (not including installation).
Interlocking pavers
Interlocking pavers allow you to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind design by combining many colors and patterns. They are durable and prone to cracking. Interlocking pavers cost $3 to $6 per square foot without professional installation.
Stone pavers
Natural stone pavers are the most expensive and durable of all, costing between $7 and $16 per square foot. The most popular option, flagstone, costs between $13 and $30 per square foot. These costs do not include professional installation.
Other factors that affect cost
The total cost of a paver patio is determined by several factors that must be considered when estimating costs, such as:
Labor rates
Paver patio installation is very labor-intensive. Installers who charge by the square foot charge between $5 and $15 per square foot, while those who charge by the hour charge about $50 to $80 per hour. These prices vary depending on the installer’s experience, the project’s complexity, and your location.
Patio area
Installation areas that are not level or accessible drive up labor costs. This is due to the cost of grading the site (between $770 and $3,000, depending on the size of the area) and the additional cost of transporting materials and equipment to the site.
Design and pattern
The design and pattern you choose can also determine installation costs. Custom patio designs with curves require special cutting and cost more than popular layout designs such as herringbone, jigsaw puzzle, and concentric. The same is true for intricately patterned projects.
Project type
Pavers are great for a variety of home improvement projects because of their versatility. However, the cost of installation varies depending on the number of materials needed and the amount of labor involved. Here’s how much pavers will cost to install for projects other than a patio:
- A paver driveway costs between $10 and $40 per square foot, depending on size, reinforcement, type of paving, and design.
- A paver walkway costs between $1,430 and $3,530.
- Pavers around the pool cost more, ranging from $10 to $25 per square foot.
- A complete paved backyard costs between $9 and $21 per square foot, depending on the area of installation.
The patio alternatives and landscaping features listed below can be added to your paver patio installation to enhance your outdoor space further.
Other patio materials
Flagstone is another high-end patio material for homeowners who want a stylish and organic hardscape design. A flagstone patio costs about $15 to $25 per square foot.
On the other hand, the cost of a concrete patio is about $4 per square foot, rising to $26 per square foot, depending on preference. Concrete patios are durable, low-maintenance, and affordable.
Landscape design
Landscape design costs an average of $4,590, or $5 to $45 per square foot. You can hire a landscape designer to create a beautiful design plan for your patio area that suits your taste and transforms your entire outdoor living space.
Artificial grass
Artificial grass is made from synthetic fibers designed to look like natural grass. Mixing this grass or turf with a paved patio, flowering trees, and native plants can create a water-efficient oasis in your backyard. Artificial turf installation costs an average of $5,300 or $5.50 to $19.75 per square foot.
Retaining wall
If you’re interested in adding more stone features to your landscape to complement your patio, installing a retaining wall offers numerous benefits, from transforming a slope into usable space to controlling erosion. Depending on the type of stone you want to use, building a retaining wall can cost anywhere from $40 to $345 per linear foot.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
DIY paver installation is possible but not recommended. It is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Mistakes, such as poor grading and leveling or improper installation, can cause a patio to shift over time. It is usually best to leave the work to a contractor who has the skills and experience to achieve the best end result.
Homeowners who want to do the installation themselves will need to purchase the materials listed below (if they don’t already own them).
| Materials | Cost |
| Pavers | $4,620 ($16.50 per sq. ft. x 280 sq. ft.) |
| Paver restraint spikes | $0.92 per bag at bulk price |
| Furring strips | $3 |
| 1-inch PVC pipe | $4 |
| Line level | $4 |
| Paver sand | $4 per bag |
| 2-inch by 4-inch by 4 feet lumber | $5 |
| Gravel paver base | $5 per bag |
| Paver restraints | $8 (per 6 feet) |
| Hose nozzle | $12 |
| Rubber mallet | $12 |
| Speed square | $12 |
| Wood screws | $12 per pack |
| Safety glasses | $13 |
| Paver base panel | $13 |
| Work gloves | $14 |
| Utility knife | $14 |
| Dust mask | $14 |
| Mason line | $15 |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Landscape fabric | $22 per roll |
| Polymeric sand | $22 per bag |
| Shovel | $24 |
| Ear protection | $25 |
| Broom | $26 |
| Hose | $37 |
| 4-feet level | $57 |
| Tamper | $68 |
| Wheelbarrow | $90 |
| Circular saw | $146 |
| Plate compactor | $83 daily or $333 per week |
| Total DIY Cost for a 280-square-foot patio | $5,402 to $5,652 |
As you can see, due to the many materials and tools you would have to purchase, the cost of installing a paver patio DIY is not lower than the cost of hiring a professional contractor in many cases.
Cost of paver patio installation by location
Your geographic location will most likely affect the labor and material costs quoted in this article due to state and local taxes, supply chain issues, and the cost of living in your area. Expect higher costs if materials are not locally sourced. Get a quote from a patio contractor in your area to find out your local paver patio costs.
FAQ
First, decide on the size of pavers you want to use, then calculate how many square feet each paver will cover. Divide your patio’s total square footage by this number for the number of pavers you need to purchase.
On average, a pallet of pavers costs between $335 and $1,165, with each pallet covering between 100 and 160 square feet. You can find the exact square footage on the pallet’s packaging.
The surface of your patio should be about 0.5 to 1.5 inches above the surface of the surrounding soil.
It largely depends on your budget. Pavers are more expensive upfront than concrete patios. So, if you’re on a tight budget and considering a low-cost patio project, concrete is the best choice. However, paver patios last longer than concrete patios, require less maintenance, and are easier to repair.
Final thoughts
It’s hard to beat the versatility, low maintenance needs, and durability of a paver patio compared to other options. The initial cost may seem high, but pavers’ longevity makes up for it in the long run.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: Zachary – Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 3.0
