Pavers · Patios & walkways

Paver Patios and Walkways in Brentwood, CA

Paver patios and walkways offer pattern, color and a repairable surface. Here are the materials, the base questions and the costs to expect, with sources.

Backyard paver patio with a running bond pattern, soldier-course border and a lawn edge
Illustrative image, not a project we completed

How this site works: Brentwood Concrete & Pavers is an independent referral site. We don't pour concrete or install pavers. When you send a request, we pass it to an independent local contractor who measures, quotes and contracts with you directly. Use the checklists here with any contractor, including one we refer.

Patios and walkways

Paver patios and walkways carry foot traffic, furniture and the occasional grill, so they use a lighter base than a driveway. For vehicle areas, read the paver driveways page.

Materials

HomeGuide lists installed patio costs by material: concrete pavers about $8 to $15 per square foot, brick $10 to $17, and stone $8 to $14 (HomeGuide). Travertine and porcelain are also used and cost more per unit (HomeGuide). Concrete pavers are the most common, with brick, natural stone and porcelain chosen for look or feel.

Patterns and borders

Running bond, herringbone and basketweave are common patterns, and a border or soldier course can frame the edge. More complex patterns and more cuts add labor. HomeGuide notes that pattern complexity and cuts increase labor cost (HomeGuide). Ask for the pattern in the quote and for a sample or a manufacturer swatch.

Base, edging and drainage

HomeGuide lists 4 to 6 inches of base for pedestrian areas (HomeGuide). Ask about the base material, how it is compacted, what holds the edges in, and how the surface will slope away from the house. Edge restraints keep the pavers from spreading over time.

Sealing and joint sand

Joint sand locks the pavers together and may need topping up over time. Sealing is optional. HomeGuide lists sealing at about $1.50 to $3.25 per square foot (HomeGuide). Ask the installer what they recommend and what upkeep to expect.

Add-ons

Seat walls, steps and fire features are separate jobs a contractor may quote. We cover pavers and concrete flatwork only, so ask each contractor to price any add-on as its own line.

What it costs

HomeGuide lists $950 to $1,700 for a 10x10, $1,400 to $2,500 for a 12x12 and $3,800 to $6,800 for a 20x20 paver patio (HomeGuide). A Los Angeles-area contractor guide lists $18 to $45 per square foot for California installs (Ridgeline Outdoor Living). Treat those as two different ends of the market and get local quotes. The paver cost guide shows the math.

Before you request quotes

  • Measure the area or give a rough size
  • Decide patio, walkway or both
  • Ask each contractor for base depth, paver brand and thickness, and edging in writing
  • Check licenses at cslb.ca.gov

Sources

Common questions

How much does a 20x20 paver patio cost?

HomeGuide lists $3,800 to $6,800 for a 20x20 paver patio nationally, and $10 to $17 per square foot installed. A California contractor guide for the Los Angeles area lists $18 to $45 per square foot. Quotes vary, so get several. See the paver cost guide.

Is it cheaper to do a paver patio or concrete?

Concrete is usually cheaper up front. HomeGuide lists pavers at $10 to $30 per square foot and concrete at $6 to $15. Pavers can be repaired one unit at a time.

How deep should the base be for a paver patio?

HomeGuide lists 4 to 6 inches for pedestrian areas such as patios and walkways. Ask the contractor to confirm base depth, compaction and edging in writing.

Do paver patios need sealing?

Sealing is optional and adds cost and upkeep. HomeGuide lists about $1.50 to $3.25 per square foot. Ask the installer what they recommend for your paver type and sun exposure.

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