e.g. 20
e.g. 15
Typical: 1/8 to 3/8 inch
For cuts and breakage
Paver Estimate
Base Materials
Paver Cost Estimate
Paver Installation Guide
Quantities, base requirements, pattern options, and cost estimates for paver patios and driveways.
How Many Pavers Do I Need?
To calculate pavers needed, divide your total area by the area of one paver (including joint spacing), then add a waste factor. The formula is: Pavers = (Area in sq ft / Paver Area in sq ft) x (1 + Waste%).
- Paver area: (Width + joint) x (Length + joint) / 144 = sq ft per paver
- Standard 4x8 paver with 1/4" joint: 4.25 x 8.25 / 144 = 0.243 sq ft per paver (4.1 pavers/sq ft)
- Standard 12x12 paver with 1/4" joint: 12.25 x 12.25 / 144 = 1.042 sq ft per paver (0.96 pavers/sq ft)
- Always order at least 5-10% extra for cuts at borders, breakage during installation, and future repairs
The waste factor matters because cut pavers at edges and corners cannot be reused elsewhere. Herringbone patterns at 45 degrees produce significantly more waste than straight running bond layouts.
Key Takeaways
- Pavers needed = area sq ft / paver area sq ft x (1 + waste%)
- Add 5-10% for cuts, breakage, and future repairs
- Herringbone pattern requires 10% more material than running bond
Paver Base and Sand Requirements
A proper base is the foundation of any paver installation. Without adequate base preparation, pavers will shift, settle unevenly, and fail within a few years regardless of paver quality.
- Compacted gravel base: 4 inches for patios and walkways, 6 inches for driveways. Use crushed stone (3/4" minus) compacted in 2-inch lifts
- Leveling sand layer: 1 inch of coarse sand (concrete sand or ASTM C33) screeded level on top of the gravel base
- Polymeric sand (joint filler): Used to fill joints between pavers. Activates with water to form a firm, weed-resistant bond. Plan 1 bag per 25-30 sq ft
- Edge restraints: Plastic or aluminum edging secured with 10-inch spikes every 12 inches. Essential to prevent spreading at perimeter
Polymeric sand vs. regular sand: Polymeric sand costs more ($20-25/bag vs. $5-10/bag) but resists weeds, ants, and washout. For any permanent installation, polymeric sand is worth the added cost. Regular sand requires annual re-sanding as it washes away.
Key Takeaways
- Gravel base: 4" for patios, 6" for driveways, compacted in 2" lifts
- 1" leveling sand layer screeded flat before laying pavers
- Polymeric sand prevents weeds and locks joints permanently
Paver Patterns and Layout Options
The laying pattern affects both the appearance and the structural integrity of your paved surface. Some patterns are better suited for driveways while others work best on patios and walkways.
- Running Bond: Bricks offset by half a paver length, similar to standard brick walls. Easiest to install, 5% waste factor, works well for walkways and rectangular patios
- Herringbone (45 or 90 degree): Pavers laid in a V-shape. The strongest pattern for driveways because the interlocking layout distributes vehicle loads. Requires 10% waste for the 45-degree version due to angled cuts at borders
- Basketweave: Groups of two pavers alternating direction. Classic look for patios and courtyard areas, 5% waste factor, easy for DIY installation
- Stack Bond: All joints aligned in a grid. Cleanest, most modern look. Only 3% waste but requires precise paver sizing and is not recommended for driveways as the aligned joints can crack under load
For driveways, herringbone is the industry-standard recommendation. For patios, running bond and basketweave are the most popular choices. Stack bond suits modern landscape designs with large-format pavers.
Key Takeaways
- Herringbone is the strongest pattern for driveways and high-traffic areas
- Running bond and basketweave are the easiest DIY-friendly patterns
- Stack bond looks clean but is not suitable for vehicle traffic
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your project dimensions
Input the length and width of the area you want to pave in feet. For an L-shaped or irregular area, break it into rectangles and add the results together.
Select paver size and joint width
Choose from common paver sizes or enter custom dimensions in inches. Set the joint width between pavers, typically 1/4 inch for standard installations.
Choose your laying pattern
Select running bond, herringbone, basketweave, or stack bond. Each pattern has a different waste factor built in. Herringbone requires the most extra material at 10%.
Review paver count and base materials
See total pavers needed with and without waste, plus base gravel, leveling sand, polymeric sand, and edge restraint quantities for a complete project estimate.
Paver Calculation Formulas
Pavers Needed = (Area in sq ft / Paver Area in sq ft) x (1 + Waste%)
Paver Area = (Width + Joint) x (Length + Joint) / 144
Base Gravel (tons) = Area x 0.5ft / 27 x 1.4
Sand (tons) = Area x 1in / 27 x 1.3Where:
- Area
- = Total paved area in square feet (length x width)
- Paver Area
- = Area of one paver plus joint, converted from square inches to square feet
- Waste%
- = Pattern waste (3-10%) plus extra waste for cuts and breakage (default 10%)
- 144
- = Conversion factor from square inches to square feet
- 1.4 / 1.3
- = Density conversion factors for gravel and sand (cubic yards to tons)
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many pavers do I need per square foot?
It depends on paver size and joint width. A standard 4x8 inch paver with a 1/4-inch joint covers about 0.243 sq ft, so you need roughly 4.1 pavers per square foot. A 12x12 inch paver with a 1/4-inch joint covers about 1.04 sq ft, so you need just under 1 paver per square foot. Always add 10-15% extra for cuts and breakage.
How deep should the gravel base be under pavers?
For patios and walkways, use a minimum 4-inch compacted gravel base. For driveways that handle vehicle traffic, use 6 inches of compacted crushed stone. Compact the gravel in 2-inch lifts using a plate compactor. A poorly compacted base is the leading cause of paver settling and failure.
What is polymeric sand and why use it?
Polymeric sand is a blend of fine sand and polymer binders that hardens when wet. It fills the joints between pavers and resists weeds, ants, and washout better than regular sand. One bag typically covers 25-30 sq ft. While it costs more than regular sand ($20-25 per bag vs. $5-10), it dramatically reduces maintenance and needs replacement far less often.
What paver pattern is best for a driveway?
Herringbone pattern is the industry standard for driveways. The interlocking V-shape distributes vehicle load across multiple pavers, preventing individual pavers from rocking or shifting under weight. Both the 45-degree and 90-degree versions work well, though the 45-degree herringbone generates more cut waste at the borders. Running bond is acceptable for pedestrian areas but is not recommended for vehicle traffic.
How much does a paver patio cost?
A professionally installed paver patio typically costs $10-$25 per square foot for materials and labor combined. Concrete pavers run $0.50-$2.00 each for material. Natural stone pavers cost $3-$10 per square foot. Labor adds $6-$15 per square foot depending on complexity and pattern. A 200 sq ft patio costs roughly $2,000-$5,000 installed. DIY installation can save 40-50% on labor.
Do I need edge restraints for pavers?
Yes. Edge restraints are essential for any paver installation. Without them, the pavers at the perimeter gradually spread outward, causing the entire surface to lose its shape and develop gaps. Use plastic or aluminum edging spiked every 12 inches with 10-inch landscape spikes. Concrete curbing provides the most permanent edge but costs more. Never skip edge restraints even when pavers border a wall or existing structure on some sides.
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