How much does a paver patio cost?

Installed (professional): concrete pavers: $10-$20/sq ft. Brick: $12-$25/sq ft. Natural stone: $20-$40/sq ft. By size (concrete pavers, installed): 100 sq ft: $1,500-$3,000. 200 sq ft: $2,500-$5,000. 400 sq ft: $4,500-$9,000. 600 sq ft: $7,000-$15,000. DIY materials only: $5-$12/sq ft (save 40-60%). The base preparation is the most labor-intensive part. If you are comfortable with physical labor and renting a plate compactor, DIY is very achievable.

Can I install a paver patio myself?

Yes, a paver patio is one of the best DIY hardscape projects. Tools needed: shovel, wheelbarrow, plate compactor (rent: $80-$150/day), level, rubber mallet, wet saw or splitter (rent: $50-$100/day), string lines, stakes. Skills needed: ability to dig and move heavy materials. Patience for leveling. Basic math for layout and materials calculation. Time: 2-4 days for a 200 sq ft patio (with a helper). The critical skill: getting the base right. Excavate to the correct depth. Compact the gravel in lifts. Screed the sand perfectly level. If the base is right, the pavers go down easily. If the base is wrong, the patio will settle and become uneven. Tip: rent a plate compactor. It is essential and makes the job much easier.

What is the best paver for a patio?

For most homeowners: concrete pavers. They are: affordable ($3-$8/sq ft). Available in dozens of colors, shapes, and textures. Durable (25-50 years). Easy to install and replace individual pavers if needed. Low maintenance. For a premium look: natural stone (flagstone or bluestone). Stunning, unique appearance. More expensive ($8-$30/sq ft). Irregular shapes require more skill to install. For a classic look: brick pavers. Timeless red-brown tones. Color goes all the way through (won't fade). Slightly more expensive than concrete ($5-$15/sq ft). For durability: porcelain pavers. Extremely stain and scratch resistant. Won't fade. More expensive ($8-$15/sq ft). For eco-friendly: permeable pavers. Allow rainwater to drain through. May be required by local stormwater codes. $10-$20/sq ft installed.

How long does a paver patio last?

Concrete pavers: 25-50 years. Brick pavers: 25+ years. Natural stone: 50-100+ years (nearly permanent). The base is what determines longevity. A properly prepared base (4-6 inches of compacted gravel + 1 inch of leveling sand): prevents settling. Prevents frost heave. Allows drainage under the pavers. Without a proper base: pavers settle unevenly within 2-5 years. Water pools. Pavers shift and gaps open. Maintenance that extends life: reapply polymeric sand every 3-5 years ($50-$100 DIY). Seal pavers every 3-5 years (optional, $100-$300 DIY). Pull any weeds that break through immediately. Power wash annually.

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Outdoor Living

Paver Patio Guide: Cost, Materials & Installation

Lumberama Editorial Team, Patio Design & Hardscape Specialists Oct 25, 2026 11 min read

Types of Pavers

Concrete pavers: The most popular choice. Available in endless colors, shapes, and textures. Can mimic natural stone, brick, or slate. Cost: $3-$8/sq ft (materials). Lifespan: 25-50 years. Pros: affordable, durable, huge variety. Cons: can fade over time (especially dark colors).

Brick pavers (clay): Classic, timeless look. Rich red-brown tones that do not fade. Cost: $5-$15/sq ft (materials). Lifespan: 25+ years. Pros: color does not fade (color is throughout). Classic aesthetic. Cons: fewer shapes and colors than concrete. Can crack in freeze-thaw cycles.

Natural stone: Flagstone, bluestone, travertine, slate, granite. Each piece is unique. Cost: $8-$30/sq ft (materials). Lifespan: decades (natural stone is nearly permanent). Pros: stunning appearance, unique character. Cons: more expensive, irregular shapes are harder to install, some stones require sealing.

Porcelain pavers: Modern, high-end option. Extremely durable and stain-resistant. Cost: $8-$15/sq ft (materials). Very low maintenance.

Permeable pavers: Allow water to drain through (reduces runoff). Required in some areas for stormwater management. Cost: $10-$20/sq ft installed. Good for the environment and may be required by local code.

Installation

Base preparation (the most important step): Excavate: remove 7-9 inches of soil (4-6 inches gravel base + 1 inch sand + paver thickness). Compact the subsoil with a plate compactor. Add gravel base: 4-6 inches of crushed stone (3/4-inch minus). Compact in 2-inch lifts (add 2 inches, compact, repeat). This base prevents settling and cracking. Add sand setting bed: 1 inch of coarse concrete sand. Screed (level) the sand to a smooth, even surface.

Laying pavers: Start from a straight edge or corner. Place pavers on the sand bed (do not slide them). Leave 1/8-inch gaps between pavers. Use string lines to keep rows straight. Cut edge pavers with a wet saw or paver splitter.

Finishing: Compact pavers with a plate compactor (with a rubber pad to prevent scratching). Sweep polymeric sand into joints. Activate polymeric sand with water (mist gently). The sand hardens and locks pavers together, prevents weeds, and resists ant intrusion.

Edge restraint: Install paver edge restraint around the perimeter. This prevents pavers from shifting outward over time. Secured with 10-inch spikes into the gravel base.

Costs

Materials only: Concrete pavers: $3-$8/sq ft. Brick pavers: $5-$15/sq ft. Natural stone: $8-$30/sq ft. Gravel base: $0.50-$1.50/sq ft. Sand: $0.25-$0.50/sq ft. Polymeric sand: $0.50-$1.00/sq ft. Edge restraint: $0.50-$1.00/linear ft. Total materials (concrete pavers): $5-$12/sq ft.

Installed (professional): Concrete pavers: $10-$20/sq ft. Brick pavers: $12-$25/sq ft. Natural stone: $20-$40/sq ft.

By patio size (concrete pavers, installed): Small (100 sq ft): $1,500-$3,000. Medium (200 sq ft): $2,500-$5,000. Large (400 sq ft): $4,500-$9,000. Extra large (600+ sq ft): $7,000-$15,000.

DIY savings: Materials only for a 200 sq ft patio: $1,000-$2,500. Professional installation: $2,500-$5,000. DIY saves 40-60%.

Add-ons: Fire pit area: $500-$2,000 additional. Built-in seating wall: $1,500-$3,000. Steps: $500-$1,500. Lighting: $500-$2,000.