Paver driveways cost an average of $12,000
Most homeowners spend an average of $12,000 on a paver driveway, with costs ranging between $6,000 and $18,000.
The main cost factors for driveway paver installation are driveway size, materials, and labor.
Cobblestone pavers have the highest cost and longest lifespan.
A paver driveway lasts 30 to 50 years, making it a good investment for your home.
Hiring a professional to install your paver driveway ensures a proper finish and long-lasting results.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing driveway pavers costs most homeowners between $6,000 and $18,000, or $10 to $70 per square foot, with an average price of $12,000. Factors like your location, driveway size, materials, site prep, and labor influence the total cost. Planning your budget carefully and hiring a professional ensures your paver driveway looks great, is correctly installed, and lasts for years.
Several factors influence the cost of a paver driveway, including its size, the type of pavers you choose, and local labor rates.
The size of your driveway directly impacts the cost. Depending on the paver type, design complexity, and customizations, expect to pay between $10 and $70 per square foot.
Your choice of paver materials significantly affects the price. Concrete pavers cost between $10 and $25 per square foot, brick pavers range from $10 to $45 per square foot, and stone pavers run between $15 and $60 per square foot. Premium options might cost even more.
Paver Material | Price per Square Foot |
---|---|
Concrete | $10–$25 |
Brick | $10–$45 |
Permeable | $10–$70 |
Paver stone | $15–$60 |
Cobblestone | $18–$50 |
Labor costs for installing driveway pavers average between $5 and $10 per square foot. This includes installation and site preparation, like digging the foundation and adding gravel or sand base layers. Your property's specifics—such as soil type and terrain—can influence labor costs. Complex paving patterns usually cost more due to the additional time and skill required. Labor rates also vary by location; in rural areas, you might pay higher rates or additional travel fees.
Check with your local authorities to see if you need a permit to install a paver driveway. Permit costs vary by location and are usually not included in your contractor's estimate, so budget extra for this expense. However, you may not need to obtain a permit if you’re paving or repairing an existing driveway.
If you’re removing an existing concrete driveway, depending on its size and difficulty, you can expect to pay between $550 and $1,700.
When installing a paver driveway, you may want to include add-ons like special coatings, colors, or patterns. Using multiple materials or adding designs that require more labor increases the total cost.
While hiring a pro is recommended for installing a paver driveway, you can take steps to keep the project within your budget:
Schedule your installation during warmer months. Frozen ground makes the job harder and can increase labor costs.
Clear the driveway area beforehand by removing furniture, vehicles, and plants.
Get quotes from multiple driveway paving companies to compare prices.
Obtain necessary permits ahead of time, and check any HOA requirements.
Paver driveways cost more upfront than concrete or gravel, but with proper care, they can last a long time and boost your home's value and curb appeal. When choosing paver materials, consider repair costs and material lifespan to factor long-term expenses into your budget.
While DIY might save on labor costs, it requires significant effort and expertise. Hiring a pro ensures your driveway is installed correctly and lasts longer with fewer issues.
Installing driveway pavers yourself can save you $5 to $10 per square foot in labor costs. However, it demands significant time, physical effort, and expertise. Mistakes can result in uneven surfaces, poor drainage, or a shorter driveway lifespan. Plus, you'll need to buy or rent specialized tools, which adds to your costs.
Hiring a driveway installation professional guarantees your driveway is installed correctly and efficiently. Pros have the experience and equipment to handle grading, compaction, and drainage challenges. Although it costs more upfront, a professionally installed driveway often means fewer repairs and a longer lifespan, offering better value over time. Plus, pros can recommend the best materials and designs for your specific needs and local conditions.
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Yes, paver driveways are a worthwhile investment. They offer lasting durability and enhance curb appeal. While standard concrete may cost less initially, paver driveways provide superior performance over time with increased resilience and design versatility. Your driveway installation pro can help you choose options that fit within your budget to optimize your project costs.
Most paver driveways last between 30 and 50 years. The lifespan depends on the materials used—permeable pavers last 20 to 25 years, while cobblestone can last up to 75 years with proper care. Ask your driveway installation pro for maintenance tips to help maximize the lifespan of your paver driveway.