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Paver Contractors: what it costs and what to ask

The questions below are the ones homeowners ask right before they hand over money — and the ones the internet answers worst. Most of what comes back is a lead form or a sales page. These are plain answers with nothing to sell.

What things cost

Real price ranges for the work homeowners ask about most, with every figure traced back to a named source.

  • How much does a paver patio cost?

    HomeGuide publishes $10 to $17 per square foot installed for a paver patio — $1,400 to $2,500 for a 12x12. The by-size table, the labor and materials split, what the base costs, and the paver material prices.

  • How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?

    HomeGuide publishes $3,800 to $6,800 installed for a 20x20 paver patio — 400 square feet at $10 to $17. What the number is made of, how it compares with a 20x20 concrete slab, and what a 30x30 runs.

  • How much does paver sealing cost?

    HomeGuide publishes $1.50 to $3.25 per square foot to clean and seal pavers; Angi reads about $2. The by-job-size table, solvent versus water-based sealer prices, what the job includes, and the DIY figure.

  • How much does a paver patio with a fire pit cost?

    HomeGuide publishes $2,200 to $6,800 for a patio with a fire pit and $325 to $2,000 for the custom pit alone. The patio by size, the pit by width and fuel, and the seating wall that can cost more than both.

Common questions

Straight answers, written for the person paying — not a lead form and not a sales page.

  • What do professionals use to seal pavers?

    Professionals seal pavers with products made for concrete pavers — solvent-based acrylics for gloss, water-based emulsions and silane/siloxane penetrants for a breathable, matte finish — per the CMHA. What each does, what pros avoid, and the one brand a paver maker names.

  • What time of year is best to seal pavers?

    A mild, dry day between about 50 and 90 degrees, with no rain for a day or two either side — Belgard's and Angi's published windows. Why that is spring or fall in most of the country and late winter in Florida, and the waits that matter more than the month.

  • Can I seal my pavers myself?

    Yes — Angi prices a DIY clean-and-reseal at about $220 against $400 for a pro on a 200-square-foot patio. The steps the manufacturers publish, the mistakes the trade association says whiten a patio, and the one job it says to leave to a pro.

  • What is cheaper, concrete or pavers?

    Concrete is cheaper to pour and pavers are cheaper to repair. HomeGuide's published per-square-foot rates for a plain slab, stamped concrete and pavers, the 20x20 totals, and the driveway comparison.

  • Why are pavers so expensive?

    HomeGuide prices the pavers at $2 to $4 per square foot and the patio at $10 to $17. Its published breakdown of where the rest goes — excavation, base, sand, compaction and a crew that lays 100 square feet a day.

  • Does a paver patio increase home value?

    HomeGuide publishes a 69% return on investment for a paver patio or walkway. What that figure means, what it does not, the cost it is measured against, and the maintenance a buyer will ask about.

  • Is there a downside to sealing pavers?

    Yes, and the trade association names them: a white haze when moisture is trapped, reduced traction on glossy sealers, and a recurring bill. What the CMHA, Belgard and Techniseal say sealing does and does not do, and whether pavers need it at all.

Free tools

Work out a number before you call anyone, or check a quote you already have.