How this calculator works
Materials cost = paver area cost + base tons cost + bedding sand volume cost + edge restraint cost. Total cost = materials cost + labor cost.
Paver patio prices vary by region, paver style, site access, drainage, demolition, and labor market. Use this as an early planning estimate rather than a contractor bid.
The calculator separates pavers, base, sand, edging, and labor so you can update one assumption at a time.
Paver patio cost examples
These examples use 4 in base, 1 in bedding sand, 10% waste, $4.50/sq ft pavers, $45/ton base, $65/cu yd sand, $28 polymeric sand bags, $2.75/linear ft edging, and $8/sq ft labor.
| Patio size | Pavers | Base tons | Materials range | Installed estimate range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10x10 ft | 495 | 2.17 tons | $703-$976 | $1,423-$1,976 |
| 12x12 ft | 713 | 3.13 tons | $966-$1,342 | $2,003-$2,782 |
| 16x20 ft | 1584 | 6.95 tons | $2,075-$2,882 | $4,379-$6,082 |
| 20x20 ft | 1980 | 8.69 tons | $2,563-$3,559 | $5,443-$7,559 |
Local labor, demolition, drainage, access, and paver style can move real quotes significantly.
Methodology and assumptions
- The default waste allowance is 10% to account for cuts, compaction, uneven excavation, and ordering buffer.
- Default base density is 1.6 tons per cubic yard; default driveway gravel density is 1.4 tons per cubic yard. Use your supplier's exact product density when available.
- Bag counts round up because partial bags are not orderable.
- Depth presets are planning defaults. Belgard describes a compacted aggregate base commonly between 4 and 6 inches for pavers, and CMHA describes bedding sand as a nominal 1 inch layer.
Example calculation
For the first row in the table, the calculator multiplies length by width, converts depth to a volume, adds the waste allowance, then converts that volume to bags, tons, or cost using the selected product assumptions.
This is a planning calculator, not an engineering specification. Confirm local code, soil conditions, drainage, and supplier product data before ordering.