By Brie Greenhalgh | Updated Apr 6, 2022 5:10 PM

A patio is an easy way to dress up a backyard and increase space for entertaining. Concrete is a classic choice, but for a unique, eye-catching patio, consider pavers. Brick, stone, and slate are just some of the options for a paver patio that can be designed to carry a home’s design into the backyard. For paver patio cost, homeowners can expect to pay an average of $3,400, or between $2,400 to $7,000, to install a 280-square-foot patio. Specialized designs or complex jobs could run closer to $10,000. The final price of a paver patio is primarily dependent on the material choice, the size of the patio, and labor. Here are all the factors you need to know about paver patio costs.

Paver patios are available in several options to suit homeowners’ preferences, from red brick to sandstone to tile. To purchase and install most pavers, expect to pay an average of $8 to $25 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor. If you choose a high-end stone, the cost could rise to $50 per square foot. Preparing the ground to last a long time and installing the pavers is a time-intensive process. Grading and leveling might require extra equipment to add or remove dirt to level the ground. Labor is usually half of the total paver patio cost, but it’s well worth having an expert carefully lay the pavers to prevent uneven surfaces.

Full or half bricks typically cost between $0.50 and $1.50 each, making them a popular choice. If you prefer natural stone, the price ranges from $3 to $20 each—buy in bulk from a brickyard for the best price. Odd shapes, rare colors, or large sizes can all increase the price per brick or stone.

Natural stone pavers cost between $3 and $20 each on average, and the total installation of a stone patio could range from $2,500 to $25,000. Paver stones from a local quarry will keep prices low since they won’t be shipped far. Popular stone options include cobblestone, granite, flagship, travertine, and marble, but do an online search for “pavers near me” to find local options.

For truly unique and environmentally conscious patios, you might prefer one of three alternative materials. Permeable system pavers use an interlocking system to return groundwater to ponds or aquifers. Rubber or composite pavers use recycled material and are often less expensive to install; however, they may not last as long as brick or stone. Grass pavers include an open-cell design to allow grass to grow through a solid, walkable structure. Patio paver costs for these styles are challenging to estimate, so contact a local installer for a quote.

Labor makes up a significant portion of the cost to install paver patios, and the amount varies due to location, experience, and complexity. The average price range is $50 to $80 per hour or $4 to $11 per square foot. Preparing the ground can take almost as much time as laying the pavers in some cases. A 300-square-foot patio would likely take 35 to 40 hours for a pro to complete, but 40 to 50 for a DIY project.

Paving stones that aren’t local to your region or readily available typically cost more due to shipping costs. Additionally, labor rates vary widely and are usually higher in urban areas where contractors may have higher overheads and the cost-of-living index is greater.

One challenge while installing a paver patio is ensuring that the ground is properly graded and leveled with adequate drainage systems. Pooled water can damage a patio over time, so you’ll want to consult a pro to check for any underlying conditions. The expected foot traffic, paver permeability, slope, and drainage requirements all affect how much ground will need to be leveled or built up to create a smooth foundation.

Generally, permits are not required for paver patios. If significant excavation is needed to properly prepare the soil and ensure adequate drainage, a permit is likely needed. When speaking with a paver company, be sure to ask about local requirements as they will vary by location.

While materials, labor, and patio size make up the bulk of paver patio costs, there are a few other items to consider when planning your patio budget. Not every item applies to each project, but it’s helpful to know available options and upgrades that might not have crossed your mind. If your budget allows, it’s certainly easier to get it all done at once! These additional costs can range from landscaping to coverings to plumbing or electrical add-ons. Every patio will need to have a base that provides adequate drainage on the property, and soil conditions can vary even within the same city.

Existing landscaping might need to be removed during the grading process. If heavy equipment is necessary, landscaping may be damaged and need to be replaced when the project is finished. Additional landscaping could be added when the patio is complete to further enhance the backyard ambiance. A landscaper can help plan and build a beautiful design that suits your style for an average price of $1,000 to $6,700.

Patio upgrades can include any number of the following elements: low walls, intricate paver designs, brick ovens, outdoor kitchens, awning or roof framework, paver walkways, heaters, cooling misters, lights, and more. Any outdoor living additions could cost an extra $300 to $25,000. An outdoor kitchen would be the most expensive since plumbing and electrical would have to be installed as well, but a patio heater may only cost $100 to $500.

Adding any kind of utility work to a paver patio project is not automatically built into paver patio costs. Most homeowners rely on exterior outlets on their houses to provide electricity. Still, if your patio is large or extends deep into the backyard, it’s worth considering adding electrical outlets on the far side ($500 to $2,000). Water lines for a kitchen or small shower ($400 to $1,900) and gas lines for a barbecue ($15 to $25 per linear foot) would need to be installed before grading and leveling the base.

Paver patios need a base under them that allows for proper drainage for the soil’s condition. In most cases, using proper base materials should be sufficient, but occasionally drainage pipes may be needed. Common base materials include geotextile fabric, class II road base, and bedding sand. These cost an average of $0.10 to $0.80 per square foot.

To protect a patio from weathering or heavy foot traffic, seal it before using it. The choice of sealant depends on the material choice and how porous it is. Brick tends to be more porous than stone, so the sealant will need to account for that. The total area being sealed will also affect the price. Expect to pay between $0.80 and $2.50 per square foot to seal a paver patio.

It might surprise you to learn how many materials are available for paving a patio. Each type has its own unique character, and there’s an option that will blend well with almost any home’s exterior. The costs range widely between types of pavers, not only for base costs but also for installation costs. Here are a dozen of the most common paving stones and their associated costs.

Due to their low cost and high availability, brick pavers are the most common material for paver patios. A traditional red brick patio is an iconic look in some regions, but other colors like tan or gray can also be used. They range from $0.25 to $4 per brick or $4 to $8 per square foot. This is only the brick price and doesn’t include the base materials or labor. A dry brick patio costs $4 to $8 per square foot, but a wet brick patio with cement to hold the bricks together costs $6 to $12 per square foot.

Concrete can be pre-cast in the shape of traditional bricks. These cost between $0.50 and $10 each. If you prefer concrete without the brick look and without the smooth concrete appearance, you could use patterned molds to make the concrete appear like stone (molds can cost between $15 and $100) or have the concrete stamped to look like faux wood or other intricate designs. You might like the flexibility of colors, shapes, and sizes available with stamped concrete.

Marble, cobblestone, and tumbled granite are popular choices for natural stone pavers, but it helps your budget if you stick with locally available stone choices to avoid paying transportation costs. Natural stone has beautiful variations that are rarely reproduced well, so they are appealing to many homeowners. Marble usually costs $15 to $35 per square foot to purchase, and tumbled granite is $18 to $50 per square foot.

Slate is a natural stone that comes in a larger size than many other stones and naturally splits along the clefts. It’s often used around pools due to its nonslip quality, yet it’s not considered a long-lasting patio stone. You can purchase it for an average of $15 to $50 per square foot, or choose a slate concrete look-alike that’s much more durable, comes with more color options, and costs $11 to $30 per square foot.

For a durable option, interlocking pavers are a top option. They come presealed and have a design that locks them in place with each surrounding piece for a firm, stable foundation. Since they are prefabricated to connect like puzzle pieces, installation is also faster than most materials. Interlocking pavers typically cost $3 to $6 per square foot.

Gravel is a less expensive option for a patio, yet it’s a high-maintenance choice. The ground will still need to be prepped to drain water and stabilize the gravel layer. Gravel is often used as a base material before some pavers are set, but it can work as the top layer if preferred. Be aware that gravel tends to migrate as it’s walked on, so you’ll need to rake it occasionally to keep it level. A gravel patio costs between $5 and $10 per square foot to install.

Patio tile is a little different than kitchen tile. These tiles have to be rated for outdoor use, which means they are usually man-made and much thicker than indoor tile. Outdoor tile could be made of porcelain, quarry pavers, brick, or stone. The average cost of patio tile is $15 to $20 per square foot, including installation.

Another popular natural stone rock is flagstone. It’s a sedimentary rock that’s often a form of sandstone or another combination of minerals. Flagstones have irregular shapes and sizes, so laying them on the patio is like working a jigsaw puzzle. Flagstone comes in a variety of colors, which adds some flair to the patio. You can expect an average of $10 to $30 per square foot to install flagstone pavers.

Bluestone is a kind of flagstone that’s popular for its ashy blue hues. Bluestone is thick and heavy and comes in slightly imperfect rectangular or square shapes. Usually, the stones are a much larger size than most common stone pavers, which gives them a smoother, less busy appearance. Due to their size and uniqueness, bluestone typically ranges between $18 and $24 per square foot, including installation. Pavestone is a tumbled concrete paver that can mimic the appearance of bluestone and costs only $0.50 to $3 each.

For hardy winter climates, porcelain pavers are a durable choice when installing patio pavers. This material is impermeable, so they are frost-proof and strong enough to avoid corrosion from de-icing chemicals. Foot traffic doesn’t affect porcelain, as it’s a tough and nonslip material. If you prefer this kind of durability but like the look of wood, ask a local supplier about long, plank-wood porcelain imitations. You can expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot on average for porcelain pavers and between $12 and $20 per square foot installed.

Using a rubber or composite paver is an unconventional yet less expensive option that comes in at $2 to $6 per square foot. Rubber pavers are usually made of recycled materials. In general, you won’t have to have a perfectly flat surface under rubber pavers, so ground preparation may go more quickly. Being rubber, these pavers will be slip-resistant and durable, but they will fade over time.

Not to be left out, even plastic is an option for patio pavers. These pavers are designed more for aesthetics than durability, so if you plan to have plenty of foot traffic on your patio, consider a different option. Plastic pavers are hollow inside and available in various colors with an average price of $2 to $8 per square foot. They can also be installed as grids filled with grass or gravel, depending on your preference, which would cost between $0.50 to $2 per square foot.

Aside from the permeable pavers that allow groundwater to be collected and the grass pavers with open-cell platforms mentioned above, there are three other types of pavers. Thin bricks are half the thickness of regular bricks but are best for decorative use rather than heavy use. Clay bricks can maintain rich colors and need little maintenance. Modular pavers are molded concrete blocks made to a specific design and repeated throughout the patio.

Updating your patio can be more fun than just laying a concrete pad. Patio pavers are a fun way to bring color, style, and personality to boost the curb appeal of your outdoor living space. Pavers are durable, nonslip, and usually low maintenance, which are just a few of the reasons why they’re a great return on investment. Unlike a deck, they don’t need to be sanded and sealed each year. If a brick or stone is damaged, only that stone needs to be removed and replaced—one and done!

Functional outdoor living space is a coveted feature for prospective home buyers. The better your backyard, the better value your home has. A well-maintained property is always a wise choice that automatically keeps your curb appeal high. And don’t limit a paver patio to the backyard! Updating a front porch with some trendy bricks to add a splash of character could be just what your house needs.

Paver patio costs are higher than the cost of laying a concrete pad. You want to make sure your paver patio will provide a good return on your investment, and the good news is, you can expect a 69 percent return on investment. A unique and attractive paver patio can be a selling point for potential home buyers who don’t want a backyard that looks just like their neighbor’s.

Paving stones are known for their ability to last—up to 50 years is not an unreasonable expectation, depending on stone choice. That’s longer than concrete, which tends to break down, settle, or crack much sooner. Paver patios do not need to be sanded and stained every year like a deck—just spray them with water when they get dirty.

The possibilities are indeed almost endless when it comes to designing your own paver patio. Herringbone, circular, concentric, modern, and jigsaw puzzle are just a few of the pattern options you could choose for your patio floor layout. Design an oval, rectangular, square, or multi-shaped patio with walls, benches, or columns made of the same material.

In the grand scheme of outdoor projects, installing a paver patio is not one of the most complex tasks you could choose to DIY. It is, however, a time- and labor-intensive one, with a fair amount of time spent on your hands and knees or carrying piles of stones or bricks. If you’re wondering how to install pavers, start with a critical look at the area you plan to lay the patio. If there is significant leveling work that needs to happen to fix a slope or a dip, heavy equipment may be required. Leveling the ground and applying the suitable base is critical to ensuring your patio can last longer than a few years. If a 300-square-foot patio takes a pro 35 to 40 hours to install, you can expect to spend at least 40 to 50 hours to complete it on your own.

Larger patio projects, especially ones that need heavy equipment or custom designs, are best left to the pros. They’ll know exactly how to prepare the ground for a smooth foundation and which base material is best for your soil conditions. Proper drainage is key to preventing a patio that sinks or cracks over time from water damage or shifting soil. If you choose to DIY, you may be surprised at how many materials and tools you need to get the job done right. For instance, a 10-foot by 12-foot patio needs 20 bags of sand for the base. Brick contractors already have the needed tools, know how to use them, and understand how to order enough material. If some bricks or pavers need to be cut down to fit properly in a curve, they’ll also have the right kind of concrete cutter to cut them safely. Finally, local patio contractors might get a volume discount on your preferred stone and can help you choose the best stone to suit your budget and backyard.

Even though a paver patio may cost more than a concrete pad or even a deck, there are still ways to keep from breaking the bank. Consult with a pro to understand your property and what works for your budget to get the most bang for your buck. The tips below can help you identify the most common ways to save money on paver patio costs.

Paver patio costs are not complex, but there are a few things you’ll want to ask to make sure the contractor is qualified to install a durable and attractive patio that lasts for years to come. Asking the right questions can minimize concerns and reduce miscommunication. Consider the following questions when you consult with a patio contractor.

Choosing a contractor who can understand your vision for your backyard escape is essential to feel confident in their abilities. Collecting as much information ahead of time will help you feel prepared when you’re ready to install a paver patio or hire someone to do it for you. It doesn’t have to be a daunting process, so here are a few frequently asked questions to help you start.

In most cases, permits are not required for installing a backyard paver patio. If your property has drainage problems or significant grading, a permit may be required to use the heavy equipment to prepare the ground. Always call 811 to check for buried utility lines before digging.

It depends on the kind of pavers you choose to lay. Bricks are a standard block size that can be quickly estimated, but paving stones have a wide range of sizes that can influence the total number of stones. A brickyard will be able to provide estimates based on the total square footage for whichever stone you’re interested in. If you know the size of the pavers you prefer, use a paver calculator to estimate the number of pavers you need based on patio size.

Yes, if your patio uses natural stones or bricks. Think of paver edging like a dam. It’s designed to prevent the patio from shifting over time due to weather and use when installed properly. Patio edging could even be made of a concrete barrier that keeps the bricks and stones in place while giving a new design texture.

Sources: HomeAdvisor, angi, Thumbtack, HomeGuide, Fixr

Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved.