At Driveway & Paver Solutions, we often hear the question, “How much does it cost to install pavers?” Paver installation costs can vary depending on your location, the type of pavers used, and the installation company you choose. Typically, professional paver installation ranges from $10 to $25 per square foot.
To provide you with a comprehensive understanding of paver installation costs, we’ve created this detailed price guide. It covers various factors, including materials, fees, labor, and company expenses that contribute to your paver project’s overall cost.
Our guide is based on a scenario where we replace a 400 square foot patio (20 feet by 20 feet) of cracked concrete with beautiful interlocking pavers.
Please note that the figures in this guide are based on South Florida pricing and should be adjusted according to your geographical location..
Materials
Operation Fees
Labor
Company Overhead
Company Profit
Materials
| Total pavers (including waste) | 400 sq ft + 10% waste | 440 sq ft of pavers |
|---|---|---|
| Pavers cost (before taxes) | 440 sq ft x $3.23/sq ft | $1,421.2 |
| Pavers cost after taxes (South Florida) | $1,421.20 subtotal + 7% tax | $1,520.68 |
| Pavers cost per square foot | $1,534.90 : 400 sq ft | $3.80/sq ft |
| Class II road base (taxes included) | 440 sq ft x $0.73/sq ft | $292 |
|---|
| Geotextile fabric (taxes included) | 440 sq ft x $0.43/sq ft | $172 |
|---|
| Bedding sand (taxes included) | 440 sq ft x $0.36/sq ft | $144 |
|---|
| Concrete material | 80 feet x $1.33/ft | $107 |
|---|
| Joint sand (taxes included) | 400 sq ft x $0.12/sq ft | $48 |
|---|
| Materials Total | |
|---|---|
| Pavers cost after taxes (South Florida) | $1,520.68 |
| Class II road base (taxes included) | $292.00 |
| Geotextile fabric (taxes included) | $172.00 |
| Bedding sand (taxes included) | $144.00 |
| Concrete material | $107.60 |
| Joint sand (taxes included) | $48.00 |
| MATERIALS TOTAL | $2,284.28 |
Operation Fees
| Dirt loads | $160 per load x 0.5 truckload | $80 |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete loads | $121 per load x 1.5 truckloads | $181.50 |
| Dump costs | $370 + $417 | $261.50 |
| Fueling | Estimated $500 | $500 |
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| Delivery | Estimated $550 | $550 |
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| Pallet Fees | 400 sq ft x $0.09/sq ft | $36 |
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| Clean Up | Estimated $255 | $255 |
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| Excavation | Estimated $400 | $400 |
|---|
| Operation Fees Total | |
|---|---|
| Dump costs | $261.50 |
| Fueling | $500.00 |
| Delivery | $550.00 |
| Pallet fees | $36.00 |
| Clean up | $255.00 |
| Excavation | $400.00 |
| Operation Fees TOTAL | $2,002.50 |
Labor
| Labor cost (outstanding crew with 25+ years of experience) | 400 sq ft x $3/sq ft | $1200 |
|---|---|---|
| Labor cost (outstanding crew) | 400 sq ft x $2/sq ft | $800 |
| Labor cost (good crew) | 400 sq ft x $1/sq ft | $400 |
For the construction of a 400-square-foot patio, we project employing a top-notch team at a labor rate of $4.25 per square foot. A proficient crew, typically comprising four to five members, is expected to complete the project within approximately five days.
Investing in skilled labor is critical and should not be an area of compromise. Opting for lower-cost installation services may seem beneficial in the short term, but the accessibility and reliability of such companies can be questionable in the future, particularly if issues arise with the integrity of the installation. It’s wise to budget with foresight, prioritizing the employment of the most capable installers to ensure a durable and well-constructed patio.
| Labor Total | $800.00 |
Company Overhead
The pricing of your paver project by contractors and installation companies encompasses various overhead expenses, which are essential for their operations. For the purposes of estimation, let’s consider an overhead rate of 10% of the total project cost. This overhead includes a range of costs such as:
- Workers’ compensation and general liability insurance
- Licensing fees required by the state of Florida
- The cost of a contractor’s bond
- Corporation-related fees
- Payroll and accounting expenses
- Business taxes and legal consultation fees
- Marketing and advertising outlays
- Salaries for administrative staff
- Vehicle-related costs
- Professional certifications (e.g., BBB, ICPI)
- Office-related expenses, which cover business cards, contract documents, promotional yard signs and car magnets, company-branded attire, communication devices, website and hosting, internet service, computer hardware, photography equipment, payment processing systems, office lease, storage yard costs, utility bills, and general office supplies like tape measures and landscaping paint
| Company overhead cost | $5,086.78 (cost so far) x 10% | $508.67 |
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It’s important to note that Driveway & Paver Solutions benefits from exclusive deals on paver materials, offering rates that are more competitive than those available to other distributors and contractors. This advantage is a direct result of our standing as the premier paver installation company throughout South Florida. Our high volume of installations grants us access to bulk pricing, which significantly reduces our material costs. Consequently, the pricing examples provided here represent the lowest possible figures you’ll find in the market. Should you choose to work with a different installation service, be prepared to adjust your budget upwards to reflect the difference in material costs.
| COMPANY OVERHEAD TOTAL (10%) | $598.67 |
Company Overhead + Materials, Operations, and Labor
| Company overhead + materials, operations, and Labor | $5,685.45 |
|---|---|
| Company overhead + materials, operations, and labor (per square foot) | $14.46 |
Company Profit
The residual funds, which we refer to as the “Company Profit Share,” are allocated for several critical purposes. This includes compensating our field supervisors and the design consultants who contribute to the success of your project. Moreover, it supports the overall company operations, enabling us to sustain growth and ensure the smooth running of the business.
Additionally, this profit share is crucial for covering any repair work that might arise during the warranty period of your installation. It’s essential for paver installation companies to earmark a portion of the project’s profit as a contingency fund for repairs. This approach guarantees that we can address any service requests promptly and efficiently, maintaining our commitment to total customer satisfaction without having to divert resources from new projects to fund repairs.
| 10% Margint | $5,685.45 (cost so far) x 10% | $568.54 |
|---|
| COMPANY PROFIT TOTAL | $568.54 |
Recap
| Materials | $2,284.28 |
| Operation fees | $2,002.50 |
| Labor | $800.00 |
| Company overhead (10%) | $598.67 |
| Company profit (10%) | $568.54 |
| GRAN TOTAL | $6,253.99 |
In this guide to paver costs, we’ve based our calculations on the most cost-effective options available for each aspect of your project. The only exception is our choice of labor; we’ve opted for a more experienced crew, understanding that superior expertise inevitably comes with a higher price tag.
It’s crucial to underscore the importance of not compromising on labor quality to cut costs. Investing in a highly skilled crew is essential and invariably proves to be a wise expenditure.
These estimates give you a solid baseline for what the lower end of your paver project might cost.
Several variables could potentially increase the cost of your project. These include the location of the installation (front yard, backyard, upstairs, downstairs, or even through your house), the type of stone selected, drainage complications, issues with roots, the total area of the project, the decision to apply a sealer, and additional elements like steps, walls, mow-strips, etc. Each installation project is unique and tailored to your specific requirements, affecting the final estimate.
Conclution:
The main purpose of this guide is to illuminate the costs associated with a typical paving stone project. By demystifying the pricing structure, Driveway & Paver Solutions aims to equip you with the necessary insight to confidently select the right contractor for your paving needs.
From our comprehensive cost breakdown, it’s evident that a company offering prices significantly lower than ours is likely making compromises in critical areas:
- Employing a crew with less experience and offering them wages below what we consider the industry standard.
- Operating without adequately covering essential overhead costs, crucial for running a lawful and financially healthy business in South Florida.
- Failing to allocate adequate compensation for themselves, which is essential for sustainable business operations.
A company compromising in these areas is unlikely to maintain a lasting presence in the industry. Prioritizing low prices above all else can lead to detrimental outcomes for everyone involved.
We hope this overview assists you in navigating your paver installation project decisions.
Explore a wealth of ideas for your next project with our interactive gallery of paver patio designs!
Curious about the cost of your specific paver project? Reach out to Driveway & Paver Solutions today for a complimentary Paver Design and Estimate. Click the “Free Estimate” button on our website or give us a call at (305) 561-8432
Don’t forget to try our paver cost calculator to get an estimate of your project’s potential expenses.
Driveway & Paver Solutions is here to address all your questions and collaborate with you to enhance your property!
