How much does it cost to install patio pavers?
Cost of pavers installation determined by multiple factors and gross expenses will be estimated as an amount spent for purchasing materials and cost of labor. A contractor will price the work after in-home consultation and calculating the number of man-hours necessary for completing the project. Itemized estimate will reflect all charges and fees associated with new patio or driveway pavers installation.
Calculating the cost to install pavers
Materials prices |
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There is wide range from natural stone and concrete to rubber and fiberglass pavers available on the market and it is impossible to define any typical or average price before finalizing which product has to be installed. 4 in. x 8 in. concrete brick is one of the cheapest options to consider on a low budget. 6” x 6” x 1¼” granite pavers are more expensive. Stylish French pattern travertine pavers have significantly higher price per square foot.
Pavers is a main materials expense, but purchasing additional supplies including landscaping fabric, gravel, sand and edging will result in overall cost increase.
Labor cost to install pavers |
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Difficulty of work will affect the cost of man-power at a first place. Basic excavation work on a flat surface and straight installation of rectangular pavers will be quoted significantly cheaper compare to building custom designed patio on a slope. Actual labor cost will be calculated after analyzing scope of a work to complete and there is no accurate estimate can be issued before site inspection. Preparation work including removal existing concrete, bushes or trees as well as cleaning the area will be priced separately.
Shopping for materials |
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Homeowners can easily purchase any type, shape or color pavers from local or online home improvement retailer. But before start shopping for pavers, always take measurements correctly and add at least 5% for waste. If patio has rounded corners or stylish custom design, waste factor should be increased to 7% - 10%.
In most cases 5” (12.7 cm.) thick level of gravel and 2” (5.1 cm.) sand layer sufficient for building residential patios or walkways. For that matter you have to purchase about 45 ft3 (1.3 m3) of gravel, 18 ft3 (0.51 m3) of sand and 42 liner foot of edging for building simple 9’ x 12’ (108 ft2) patio.
All calculations might be useful for do it yourselfers and if you are planning to hire a contractor for pavers installation, he will typically supply all necessary materials with inclusion of all expenses in the total cost.
Estimating installation time |
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On average a professional crew of four using adequate machinery and equipment able to install approximately 700 of 4” x 8” concrete pavers and finish simple 11’ x 14’ patio in couple days including excavation work and cleaning a job site. Complex custom work might consume more time and building 180 ft2 stone patio on a slope with 36” wide walkways can take up to a week or even longer. While figuring out the time necessary for patio pavers installation, always take into account that inexperienced do it yourselfers normally will spend much more time for performing the work compare to a professional crew.
Work complexity |
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Patio pavers installation is not an extremely difficult task. High chances that handy homeowners who at least once worked with a compactor and handsaw, can easily manage concrete or stone pavers installation. But before start thinking about cutting labor cost, make sure you are physically suitable for the project which required lifting heavy weights continuously.