Paver Patio: calculators, shopping list & budget
A paver patio lasts decades when the base is right. Most of the work and much of the cost sits under the pavers: 4 to 6 inches of compacted gravel and an inch of bedding sand.
Use the calculators below in order: dig volume, base gravel, sand and pavers. Then download the template to price everything before you order.
Paver Patio budget & shopping list template
- • Printable PDF checklist with quantities, estimated prices and an "Actual" column
- • Editable Excel or Google Sheets budget that calculates totals automatically, including contingency and remaining funds
- • Step-by-step plan and notes page
Which calculators do I need for this project?
Step 1
Paver Calculator
Estimate pavers, sand and base for any patio.
Step 2
Gravel Calculator
Estimate gravel by area and depth in tons or cubic yards.
Step 3
Topsoil Calculator
Estimate topsoil in cubic yards and tons for any project.
Step 4
French Drain Calculator
Estimate gravel and pipe for a French drain.
How much does it cost?
Typical prices for a 144 sq ft concrete-paver patio with 4 in base. Estimated total: $1,165, or $1,282 with a 10% contingency.
| Item | Qty | Est. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete pavers | 158 sq ft | $506 |
| Paver base gravel | 2.5 tons | $113 |
| Bedding sand | 0.6 tons | $30 |
| Polymeric joint sand, 50 lb | 3 bags | $96 |
| Plastic paver edging, 8 ft | 6 each | $84 |
| Edging spikes, 10 pk | 3 packs | $27 |
| Landscape fabric, 3x50 ft | 1 roll | $25 |
| Plate compactor rental (day) | 1 day | $95 |
| Wet saw / block splitter rental | 1 day | $70 |
| Soil disposal / dumpster | 1 each | $120 |
Want this as a printable checklist and a self-totaling spreadsheet? Get the template.
What are the steps?
- Mark the area and call 811 before digging.
- Excavate 7-8 in with slope away from the house.
- Lay fabric, then gravel in 2 in lifts; compact each.
- Screed 1 in of bedding sand.
- Lay pavers, cut edges and install edging.
- Sweep in polymeric sand and mist to set.
Material guides for this project
How much does a 12 x 12 paver patio cost DIY?
Expect roughly $1,000 to $1,500 for materials and rentals with standard concrete pavers; natural stone or permeable pavers cost more.
How deep should a paver base be?
Four inches of compacted gravel for foot traffic, six inches or more in clay soils or cold climates.
How much extra paver should I buy?
Add 5% for straight patterns and 10-15% for herringbone or curved edges.
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