The average cost to install paver walkways is $13 to $27 per square foot, including labor and materials. Expect the cost to grow if the project requires a complex finish or extensive prep work.
Paver walkways can be costly, but they are adaptable, durable, aesthetically pleasing, and relatively easy to maintain. Installing a 100-square-foot paver walkway costs around $1,300 to $2,700.
This guide has gathered prices from big and small cities across the country, so you can get a better idea of the costs of this project in your region. Your final cost will depend on factors such as the type of paver and complexity of the design.
Cost by location
You can expect your paver walkway project cost to vary from location to location, as each location has different labor and material costs. Costs tend to be higher where paving materials are not sourced locally; the same is valid for urban areas with higher overhead and cost of living.
The table below shows the average cost per square foot to install paver walkways across the country:
| City | Average cost per square foot (labor and materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Portland, ME | $13.40 – $26.90 |
| Boston, MA | $14.40 – $29.60 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Atlanta, GA | $12.90 – $25.80 |
| Raleigh, NC | $12.70 – $25.30 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| Detroit, MI | $13.50 – $27.20 |
| Madison, WI | $13.60 – $27.40 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Missoula, MT | $13 – $26 |
| Boise, ID | $13.30 – $26.70 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Phoenix, AZ | $13.10 – $26.40 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $13.40 – $26.90 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $13.80 – $28 |
Cost by size
Because size largely determines the cost of installing a paver walkway, calculating the length and width of the walkway’s footprint will help you determine the project’s cost.
The cost estimator below is for some sizes of walkways and is based on the average cost of $13 to $27 per square foot:
| Paver walkway size in square foot | Overall average cost |
| 80 | $1,040 – $2,160 |
| 100 | $1,300 – $2,700 |
| 140 | $1,820 – $3,780 |
| 280 | $3,640 – $7,560 |
| 320 | $4,160 – $8,640 |
To estimate how many square foot of walkway you need, multiply the width by the length.
Cost estimator by type
Pavers come in various styles, colors, sizes, and price ranges, so your choices will impact the final cost. That said, pavers range from $8 to $50 per square foot installed.
| Type of paver | Average cost per square foot (including installation) |
| Concrete pavers | $7 – $16 |
| Clay brick pavers | $10 – $19 |
| Natural stone pavers | $13 – $36 |
| Slate pavers | $10 – $24 |
Concrete pavers
Concrete pavers are excellent if you want a durable, low-maintenance, and affordable material. They are designed to withstand greater pressure than regular poured concrete and usually come with a lifetime warranty for structural integrity.
A bonus: The uniform appearance of these pavers will match almost any home design.
Clay brick pavers
Clay brick pavers are among the most elegant paving materials, offering a classic look. Thanks to the availability of various patterns and textures, homeowners can create countless designs, from simple to highly intricate, with bricks.
Although not as durable as concrete pavers, they easily withstand average walkway usage if laid on a solid surface and regularly maintained.
Natural stone pavers
Natural stone is another low-maintenance but expensive pavement. Its variants, such as flagstone, marble, and bluestone, have a timeless appeal and fit perfectly into any landscape design.
Slate pavers
Slate pavers are much sturdier than natural slate and are available in a wide range of colors. Slate pavers are a great choice for homeowners who want to combine the look and feel of natural slate with the added strength of concrete.
Cost of Labor
The average labor cost for pavers is $50 to $85 per hour. This amount depends on the labor costs at your location, the contractor’s experience, and the project’s complexity.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
You can install a paver walkway yourself, but only if you are an experienced do-it-yourselfer. DIY paver walkway installation requires a significant amount of work, including excavating, leveling, tamping, and measuring, as well as basic and specialized tools to complete the project.
Buying all the tools and materials for a paver walkways will cost you around $2,980. Obviously, hiring a professional or stonemasonry company to complete the project is more cost-effective than doing it yourself unless you already have the tools and know-how.
Other factors that affect cost
In addition to the size and type of paver, there are several other factors you should consider that can significantly affect the overall cost. These factors include;
Preparation
Depending on the site’s condition, contractors may need to remove old concrete or grade the installation area to ensure proper drainage. Grading costs 70 cents to $2 per square foot and removing dirt and concrete costs 30 to 50 cents per square foot.
Complexity
Adding steps and intricate designs to a walkway is more expensive than simple paths. That’s because more materials and time are needed to complete the installation.
Decorative features
You can add some features to the walkway, but at an additional cost. Add-on features include:
- The cost of concrete stain ranges from $5 to $6 per square foot.
- Stamped concrete costs between $8 and $28 per square foot.
- Walkway covers cost between $4 and $230 per square foot.
Permits
You may need to consider the cost of a permit before installing a walkway if your local laws require it or if the walkway connects to a public road. Obtaining a permit to construct walkways typically costs $50 to $200. Ask about this requirement when receiving quotes from contractors.
Other types of walkways
Concrete walkways are less expensive than mid-range or premium pavers, costing an average of $1,620. Concrete can be used to cover a sizable area quickly and affordably. Pavers cost more, including installation charges, but they offer a wider range of aesthetic options.
A pea gravel is the cheapest material for a walkway, at an average of $1.80 and $3.50 per square foot. It’s also the easiest to install, but it may not be allowed by HOAs or building officials in some neighborhoods that require more permanent materials.
FAQ
Pavers can last for decades, between 50 and 100 years, with minimal routine maintenance. This longevity can be further enhanced because damaged pavers can be easily replaced after decades.
Pavers are permeable, allowing water to drain into the ground instead of collecting on top of them like concrete and other materials.
Determine the dimensions of the project and the pavers you want to use. Calculate how many square feet each paver will cover and divide that number by the total square footage of the planned walkway. The result is the total number of pavers needed.
Hire a pro for the job
If you are building, renovating, or simply looking to enhance your home’s landscape, a paver walkway is just what you need. Pavers significantly improve the curb appeal, overall aesthetic, and coziness of your outdoor living space.
If you want your outdoor space to look just as polished as your new walkway, LawnLove connects you with trusted pros for yard cleanup, mowing, leaf removal, and more, so you yard matches the fresh, upgraded look.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Read More:
– How Much Does a Walkway Cost?
– How Much Does a Paver Patio Cost?
Main Image: A close-up view of a walkway constructed with rectangular pavers set in a herringbone pattern. Photo Credit: Victor / Adobe Stock
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