Most paver patios installed run $8 to $35 per square foot, materials and labor together. That's a wide range because a patio isn't one job — it's excavation, base prep, the paver material itself, and the pattern you lay it in. Here's what actually moves the number.
Paver Patio Cost Per Square Foot — The Breakdown
- Excavation and gravel base: the part nobody sees, but it's what keeps the patio from heaving and cracking.
- Paver material: standard concrete pavers sit at the low end; natural stone and porcelain push toward the high end.
- Pattern: a simple running bond lays fast. Herringbone, circular kits, and mixed sizes take longer.
- Edge restraints and drainage: often skipped in a quick estimate, and often why a patio fails in year two.
What Drives the Price Up or Down
- Excavation depth and soil conditions
- Paver material grade
- Pattern complexity
- Site access
- Drainage and edge restraint work
- Region — labor rates vary a lot by market
A Real Example
A 300 sq ft patio in mid-grade concrete pavers with a standard running-bond pattern typically lands in the middle of the range — base prep, material, labor, and a reasonable markup, before tax. The exact number depends on your local material and labor costs.
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If you're a contractor pricing this job for a client, the math above is exactly what has to go into your quote — correctly, every time, with your own markup and tax baked in. Guessing here is how jobs get underpriced.
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See the Complete System →FAQ
How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?
A 400 sq ft patio at $8–$35/sq ft installed lands roughly between $3,200 and $14,000, depending on material and pattern.
Is a paver patio cheaper than concrete?
Concrete is often cheaper up front for a plain slab. Pavers cost more per square foot but repair one section at a time instead of the whole slab.
Do I need a permit for a patio?
Depends on your city and the patio's size and height. Check with your local building department before you quote the job.