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/paverDefault: $0.75/paver
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/paverDefault: $0.85/paver
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/paverDefault: $2.50/paver
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/paverDefault: $1.20/paver
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/tonDefault: $48.00/ton
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/CYDefault: $50.00/CY
Learn more with these helpful guides and tips
Paver patios and walkways combine exceptional durability with design flexibility that concrete and asphalt cannot match. However, calculating pavers confuses homeowners because you must account for the individual paver size, pattern waste, and extensive base materials. This comprehensive guide explains how to accurately calculate paver quantities, understand base preparation requirements, evaluate installation techniques, and make informed material selections for your outdoor living spaces.
Whether you're building a new patio, installing a walkway, or comparing pavers to poured concrete, understanding the calculations ensures you order sufficient materials while staying within budget. The calculator above handles complex area calculations for rectangular and circular designs, but knowing paver sizes, pattern options, and installation requirements helps you plan the complete project effectively.
| Paver Size | Area per Paver | Pavers per Sq Ft | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×8 Brick | 0.22 sq ft | 4.5 | Traditional patios, walkways, driveways |
| 6×6 Square | 0.25 sq ft | 4.0 | Modern patios, pool decks |
| 6×9 Cobble | 0.375 sq ft | 2.67 | Rustic patios, large courtyards |
| 12×12 Slab | 1.0 sq ft | 1.0 | Contemporary patios, easy installation |
The 4×8 brick paver remains most popular for residential projects due to its traditional appearance and versatility in pattern layouts. Smaller pavers create visual interest and allow tighter radius curves but require more installation time. Larger 12×12 slabs install faster and suit modern aesthetics but offer limited pattern flexibility. Always order 10-15% extra pavers beyond calculated needs to account for cutting waste, pattern adjustments, and future repairs.
| Pattern | Difficulty | Waste Factor | Best Paver Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running Bond | Easy | 5-8% | 4×8, 6×9 (rectangles) |
| Herringbone | Moderate | 10-12% | 4×8 brick pavers |
| Basket Weave | Easy | 5-7% | 6×6 squares |
| Random/Ashlar | Moderate | 12-15% | Multi-size paver kits |
| Circular Pattern | Difficult | 15-20% | Specialized circular kits |
Running bond offers the simplest installation with minimal waste, making it ideal for DIY beginners. Herringbone provides superior interlock that resists shifting and makes it excellent for driveways, but requires more cutting at edges. Circular and random patterns create stunning visual impact but demand higher skill levels and generate significant waste. Consider your skill level, available time, and desired aesthetic when selecting patterns.
Proper base preparation determines paver longevity more than any other factor. Follow this proven sequence for installations that last 25-30 years without settling or shifting.
Excavate to 7-9 inches below finished paver height: 4 inches for gravel base, 1 inch for sand, 2.5 inches for pavers, and slope at 1-2% for drainage. Remove all organic material, roots, and soft soil. Compact the subgrade with a plate compactor before adding base materials. Poor subgrade preparation causes 90% of paver failures, so invest time here.
Install 3/4-inch crushed stone (not round river gravel) in two 2-inch lifts, compacting each lift with a plate compactor until no further compaction occurs. The base should be so firm you can walk on it without leaving footprints. This engineered base distributes loads and prevents settling. Skipping proper compaction invites failure within 2-5 years regardless of paver quality.
Spread 1 inch of coarse concrete sand (not fine play sand or masonry sand) and screed perfectly flat using rigid screed pipes. Do not compact the sand before laying pavers—it serves as a bedding layer that adjusts during paver placement. Work in small sections you can complete in one day; rain on unprotected sand ruins the precise grade you established.
Install plastic or aluminum edge restraint around the perimeter before laying pavers. Edge restraint prevents the pavers from shifting outward over time and is absolutely essential for longevity. Concrete curbing, soldier course pavers, or commercial restraint systems all work. The restraint must be staked securely into the base, not just placed on top.
Lay pavers in your chosen pattern, working from one corner and moving outward. Use string lines for alignment. Leave 1/16 to 1/8-inch joints (automatic with spacer nibs on most pavers). Once all pavers are laid, sweep polymeric sand into joints, then compact the entire surface with a plate compactor using a rubber pad to prevent chipping. Activate polymeric sand with light water mist per manufacturer's instructions.
| Factor | Concrete Patio | Paver Patio |
|---|---|---|
| Install Cost (300 sq ft) | $1,800-3,600 ($6-12/sq ft) | $3,000-5,400 ($10-18/sq ft) |
| DIY Feasibility | Difficult; requires speed, skill | Moderate; forgiving timeline |
| Lifespan | 25-40 years | 25-50 years |
| Maintenance | Seal every 3-5 years ($150-300) | Re-sand joints every 3-5 years ($100-200) |
| Repair Ease | Difficult; patches obvious | Easy; replace individual pavers |
| Design Options | Stamped, stained, exposed aggregate | Unlimited colors, patterns, textures |
| Cracking Risk | High; expect hairline cracks | None; joints accommodate movement |
| Install Time | 1-2 days; cure for 7 days | 3-5 days; immediate use |
Pavers cost 50-70% more upfront but offer superior long-term value through easier repairs, design flexibility, and elimination of crack-related issues. DIYers find pavers more forgiving because work proceeds at your own pace without racing against curing times. Concrete makes sense for budget-focused projects where appearance is secondary. Pavers suit homeowners prioritizing aesthetics, longevity, and future flexibility. Both require proper base preparation for success.
Many DIYers install only 2-3 inches of base instead of the required 4-6 inches, thinking it saves time and materials. Thin bases settle unevenly, especially in freeze-thaw climates, causing waves and depressions within 1-3 years. The cost difference between 3 and 5 inch base is minimal—about $200 for a typical patio—but longevity improves dramatically. Invest in proper base depth from the start rather than facing expensive removal and rebuild later.
Edge restraint seems optional but is absolutely critical. Without secure edge restraint, pavers gradually creep outward under traffic and freeze-thaw cycles. Within 2-5 years, edge pavers separate from the field, joints open up, and structural integrity fails. Professional-grade plastic edge restraint costs only $100-200 for typical patios and installs in 1-2 hours. This small investment prevents thousands in repair costs down the line.
Using fine play sand for bedding or regular joint sand instead of polymeric sand creates multiple problems. Fine sand washes out quickly. Non-polymeric joint sand allows weed growth and ant hills. Bedding sand must be coarse concrete sand for stability. Joint filling requires polymeric sand that hardens when wetted, locking pavers together and preventing weed growth. Quality sand products cost slightly more but perform dramatically better. Don't compromise on materials that determine long-term success.
Installing pavers without proper slope or drainage outlet causes water pooling that accelerates deterioration. Pavers need 1-2% slope away from structures, plus positive drainage at the low point. Standing water infiltrates the base, causing settling and frost heave in cold climates. Plan drainage before excavation, including where water will flow and how it will exit the paved area. Add subsurface drainage if soil drains poorly or groundwater is present.
Attempting to compact base layers by hand or with undersized equipment guarantees future settling. Rent a proper plate compactor (minimum 5,000 pounds force) and make multiple passes on each 2-inch base lift. The base should support your weight without any give before adding the next lift or sand layer. Many hardware stores rent compactors for $50-80 per day. This essential tool investment saves thousands in preventing comebacks and repairs.
Understanding complete project costs helps with budgeting and comparing DIY versus hiring contractors. Here's detailed pricing for a typical project: 12×16 foot patio (192 sq ft) with proper base and herringbone pattern using 4×8 brick pavers.
| Item | Quantity | Unit Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excavation | 2.5 CY | $50/CY | $125 |
| Gravel base (4") | 2.4 tons | $35/ton | $84 |
| Bedding sand (1") | 0.6 CY | $50/CY | $30 |
| 4×8 brick pavers | 950 pavers | $0.75 each | $713 |
| Edge restraint | 56 LF | $3/LF | $168 |
| Polymeric sand | 3 bags | $35/bag | $105 |
| Tool rental (compactor, saw) | 3 days | $75/day | $225 |
| Total DIY Cost | - | - | $1,450 |
| DIY cost per sq ft | - | - | $7.55/sq ft |
| Professional Install | - | $14-18/sq ft | $2,688-3,456 |
DIY installation saves 45-60% versus hiring professionals, making it attractive for capable homeowners with available time. However, mistakes in base preparation or compaction create expensive failures. If unsure of your skills, consider hiring for excavation and base preparation (the critical 80%), then DIYing the paver layout (the visible 20%). This hybrid approach balances cost savings with quality assurance on the structural components.
Use our free Paver Calculator above to instantly calculate pavers, base materials, and costs for your patio or walkway project. Get accurate quantities for any paver size and pattern in seconds.
Paver installation costs $10-18 per square foot professionally installed in 2025, with most residential patios averaging $12-15 per square foot. This includes excavation, 4-6 inch gravel base, sand bedding, pavers, edge restraint, and polymeric sand. Factors affecting cost include paver selection (concrete vs. natural stone), pattern complexity, site access, base preparation requirements, and regional labor rates. DIY installation reduces costs to $6-10 per square foot by eliminating labor but requires tool rental and physical work. Concrete pavers cost $10-15/sq ft installed while natural stone pavers run $18-28/sq ft.
No, pavers require proper base preparation to prevent settling and remain level. Installing directly on dirt guarantees failure within 1-3 years as soil compresses unevenly under traffic and weather cycles. Proper installation requires excavating 7-9 inches, installing 4-6 inches of compacted crushed stone base, adding 1 inch of sand bedding, then placing pavers. The engineered base distributes loads and accommodates soil movement without affecting surface pavers. Shortcuts on base preparation cause 90% of paver failures, making this the worst place to save time or money.
Sealing pavers is optional but recommended for enhanced appearance and easier maintenance. Sealed pavers resist stains from spills, inhibit weed growth, and maintain color vibrancy longer. However, sealing adds $1.50-3.00 per square foot every 3-5 years and can create slippery surfaces when wet. Most homeowners seal high-traffic or dining areas but leave walkways and pool decks unsealed for better traction. Quality pavers perform well for 25+ years without sealing, but sealed pavers look better and clean easier. Consider your priorities: low maintenance favors not sealing, premium appearance favors sealing.
Pavers deliver superior long-term value despite 50-70% higher upfront costs. Concrete costs $6-12/sq ft versus pavers at $10-18/sq ft, but pavers offer easier repairs (replace individual units versus visible patches), superior design flexibility, and no cracking issues. Concrete slabs will crack—it's a matter of when, not if—while pavers accommodate movement through joints. DIYers find pavers more forgiving because work proceeds at your own pace. Concrete suits budget-focused projects with simple rectangular shapes. Pavers suit homeowners prioritizing appearance, longevity, and future flexibility. Both require proper 4-6 inch gravel base for success.
Properly installed pavers last 25-50 years depending on material quality and maintenance. Concrete pavers in moderate climates easily achieve 30-40 years. Natural stone pavers last 50+ years with minimal maintenance. The base preparation determines longevity more than paver selection—quality pavers on poor base fail within 5-10 years while budget pavers on excellent base perform for 25+ years. Key factors for longevity include 4-6 inch compacted gravel base, proper drainage, secure edge restraint, and maintaining polymeric sand joints. Re-sanding joints every 3-5 years costs $100-200 but prevents problems that shorten lifespan.
Yes, DIY paver installation is highly feasible for capable homeowners willing to invest time and physical effort. Pavers are forgiving compared to concrete because you work at your own pace without racing curing times. A typical 200 sq ft patio requires 3-5 days for someone with moderate construction experience. Key success factors include renting a plate compactor for proper base compaction, following methodical base preparation steps, and using quality materials (polymeric sand, edge restraint, correct sand type). Many DIYers hire excavation work then handle base and paver installation themselves, saving 40-50% versus full professional install while ensuring quality on visible components.
