This calculator tells you the paver material cost for any patio. Add base, sand, and polymeric sand separately — see the FAQ below for typical add-on costs.
How paver patio cost is calculated
total cost = paver count × cost per paver
The default paver cost ($1.50) is a 2026 home-center average for standard 6×9 concrete pavers. Premium pavers (tumbled, colored, textured) run $2.50-$5.00 each. Natural stone pavers go $5-$15 each.
Complete paver patio budget breakdown
For a typical 120 sq ft patio (12×10 ft):
| Material | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pavers (6×9 standard @ $1.50) | 337 pavers | $505 |
| Gravel base (4" depth, $40/cu yd) | 1.5 cu yd | $60 |
| Bedding sand (1" depth, $50/cu yd) | 0.4 cu yd | $20 |
| Polymeric sand (joints) | 2 × 50 lb bags | $40 |
| Edge restraint (plastic edging) | 50 ft | $40 |
| Landscape fabric (under base) | 130 sq ft | $25 |
| TOTAL DIY MATERIAL | — | ~$690 |
That’s $5.75/sq ft material-only for DIY. Add labor if hiring out:
| Service | Cost per sq ft |
|---|---|
| DIY (you supply labor) | $0 |
| Local landscaper (basic install) | $8-$12/sq ft |
| Premium contractor (cut paver pattern) | $12-$20/sq ft |
| Specialty installer (curves, multiple colors) | $15-$30/sq ft |
For the same 120 sq ft patio, installed prices range $1,400-$3,600 depending on contractor and pattern complexity.
Paver pricing by type (per paver)
| Paver type | Price range (each) | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Standard 6×9 concrete | $1.00-$2.50 | $2.70-$6.70 |
| Tumbled / antique-finish | $2.00-$4.00 | $5.40-$10.70 |
| Textured / bevel-edge | $2.50-$5.00 | $6.70-$13.40 |
| Permeable concrete | $3.00-$6.00 | $8.00-$16.00 |
| Bluestone (natural) | $5.00-$15.00 | $13-$40 |
| Travertine | $4.00-$12.00 | $11-$32 |
| Brick (clay) | $0.75-$1.50 | $5.10-$10.30 (smaller area each) |
The calculator default ($1.50) hits the middle of standard concrete pavers. For other types, update the price field.
Cost-saving moves
Skip the bagged base: Bagged paver base costs 3-4× per cu yd vs bulk delivery. Above ~50 sq ft, get bulk delivered.
Stick with running bond: The simplest pattern (5% waste). Herringbone looks better but uses 10% more pavers and adds days of labor.
When pavers beat concrete
Both have advantages:
| Pavers | Concrete slab | |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost | Higher | Lower |
| Labor cost (DIY) | Higher (more time) | Lower |
| Repair-ability | Pull individual pavers | Patch (visible) |
| Drainage | Permeable (joints) | Sealed (need pitch) |
| Frost/heave damage | Self-leveling | Cracks |
| Aesthetic options | Patterns, colors, textures | Stamped or plain |
| Lifespan | 25-50 years | 20-40 years |
For DIY-friendly projects, pavers cost more in materials but are more forgiving — a bad cut doesn’t ruin the entire patio. For one-and-done budget projects, concrete is cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a paver patio cost?
DIY material only: $5-$10 per sq ft (pavers + base + sand + polymeric sand). Hired out (installed): $15-$30 per sq ft. For a 120 sq ft patio: $600-$1,200 DIY material, $1,800-$3,600 installed.
What's the cost per paver?
Standard 6×9 concrete pavers: $1.00-$2.50 each at home centers. Premium tumbled or textured pavers: $2.50-$5.00 each. Natural stone pavers (bluestone, travertine): $5-$15 each. The default $1.50 in the calculator is the home-center average for standard 6×9.
Does this include base materials?
No — pavers only. For a complete budget, add gravel base ($30-$50/cu yd) and bedding sand ($30-$60/cu yd). For a typical 120 sq ft patio at 4" base + 1" sand, that's about $90 in additional material. Use our Paver Base Calculator and Paver Sand Calculator for exact volumes.
What about polymeric sand for the joints?
Add $25-$50 in polymeric sand for a typical patio. One 50 lb bag covers 75-100 sq ft for standard 6×9 pavers with 1/8" joints. For 120 sq ft, plan on 2 bags = $30-$50.
Why use 5% waste vs 10%?
Pavers laid in simple running bond (the most common pattern) only need cuts at edges and corners — 5% waste is standard. For herringbone or basket-weave: bump to 10%. For circular patterns: 15-20%.