How Much Does A 20×20 Paver Patio Cost?

A 20×20 paver patio can instantly change the look and feel of your backyard. Not only just aesthetics, but it also adds functionality to the area. Many homeowners wonder about the costs before committing. A typical pricing for a 20×20 paver patio can largely be due to factors like material selection, labor, site conditions, and optional upgrades. Selecting the right pavers, estimating labor, and preparing for extra expenses results in a visually appealing and long-lasting. NT Pavers provides a broad range of high-quality pavers suitable for patios that endure time and trends.

20×20 Paver Patio Cost per Square Foot

The simplest way to estimate a 20×20 patio is by square footage. A patio of this size equals 400 square feet. On average:

• Concrete pavers: $8–$15 per sq ft
• Brick pavers: $10–$20 per sq ft
• Natural stone pavers (like travertine, quartz, or limestone): $15–$25 per sq ft

These costs typically include material and installation, though extra features or site preparation can raise the total. Many customers also check how much is a pallet of pavers costs overall to plan their project budget properly.

Material Type	Average Cost per Sq. Ft. (Installed)	Notes
Concrete Pavers	$8 – $15	Affordable, wide variety of shapes and colors, low maintenance.
Brick Pavers	$10 – $20	Classic appeal, highly durable, may require sealing.
Travertine	$15 – $25	Natural stone, heat-resistant, soft light tones.
Sandstone	$12 – $22	Textured surface, earthy colors, slightly porous.
Quartzite (Honed or Polished)	$20 – $35	Extremely hard, scratch-resistant, elegant finish.

A 20×20 patio equals 400 square feet, so multiply the square footage by the pavers cost per square foot to get a rough estimate. If you plan to buy large quantities, you may also look into a pallet of pavers or compare  to see if bulk pricing reduces the total cost.

• Concrete Paving Slabs: $3,200 – $6,000
• Brick paver patio: $4,000 – $8,000
• Travertine: $6,000 – $10,000
• Sandstone: $4,800 – $8,800
• Quartzite: $8,000 – $14,000+

Different types of pavers, premium designs, intricate patterns, or difficult site conditions can increase the cost to install the patio.

20×20 Paver Patio Cost by Labor

The professional paver patio installation can increase the installation cost up to 50-60%. Labor expenses can range around $6 to $12 per square foot.  However, the 20×20 paver patio cost may vary depending on the experience and local market rates.  

Category	Cost Range	Estimated Total Cost
Labor Cost per Sq Ft	$6 – $12 per sq ft	—
Labor Cost for 400 sq ft	—	$2,400 – $4,800
Labor Portion of Total Project	50% – 60% of the total cost	—
Cost Drivers (Labor)	Site prep, excavation, base installation, paver laying & cutting, finishing	Additional cost depending on complexity
Situations That Increase Labor Costs	Complex designs, sloped terrain, drainage adjustments, and hard-to-access sites	—

 

Design And Elements Cost For 20×20 Paver Patio Cost

One can build a patio with different types of designs. The more delicate and complex the details in design are, the cost will be. Straightforward patterns like herringbone and running bond are more budget-friendly than complex designs. With multiple paver types or intricate cuts. Design elements like:

• Curved edges
• Inlaid patterns
• Mixing different paver sizes or colors
• Adding borders or accents

It can significantly add to the overall pricing. Adding features like outdoor kitchens, firepits, or built-in seating can also increase the cost by around $1,000 to $5,000 or more to the basic 20×20 patio price.

Site Preparation, Base, Edging & Extra Materials

These factors are often underestimated, but site preparation and supporting materials can add quite a bit to the cost. 

• Gravel or sand base leveling is essential, particularly on uneven or unusable soil. For a 20×20 patio, this often adds several hundred to a few thousand dollars. The cost may reach up to $300 to $500 for a paver base in common scenarios. source
• Edging or edge restraints to keep pavers from shifting. The prices vary depending on the material, like simple concrete edging is cheaper, and stone/metal is costlier.
• Joint sand, polymeric sand, and sealants are usually recommended for longevity, weed resistance, and a clean finish. You can expect to add $0.50 to $2 per square foot, depending on material quality and coatings for your patio installation.
• Drainage solutions are crucial for sloped yards or heavy rainfalls. Poor drainage results in shifting or water damage, so proper drainage increases cost, but saves headaches later. Many cost guides treat drainage as a separate variable cost.

 

Factors That Affect a 20×20 Paver Patio Cost

When estimating your 20×20 patio cost, consider several factors that can significantly increase the overall cost. Here are the factors to consider.

Factor	Description	Impact on Cost
Material Type	Choice between concrete, porcelain, brick, or natural stone pavers.	Higher-end materials (natural stone, porcelain) increase material cost significantly.
Labor Rates	Contractor experience, local labor pricing, and project complexity.	Labor often makes up 50%–60% of total cost; higher rates increase the overall budget.
Site Preparation	Clearing, leveling, grading, and resolving drainage issues.	More prep work raises labor and equipment costs.
Excavation Depth	Standard 6–8 inches; deeper excavation needed for unstable soil.	Deeper excavation increases labor and hauling costs.
Base Material Requirements	Amount of gravel, sand, or crushed stone needed.	More base material increases material cost.
Design Complexity	Patterns, curves, borders, and intricate layouts.	Complex designs require more labor time and skill.
Accessibility of the Site	How easily workers and equipment can reach the patio area.	Hard-to-access areas raise labor costs.
Paver Thickness	Standard 1–2 inches; thicker pavers are used for drivable surfaces.	Thicker pavers cost more and require more labor to install.
Drainage Considerations	Slope adjustments, French drains, or grading.	Adds cost due to extra materials and labor.
Permits (if required)	Some municipalities require approval for hardscape projects.	Permit fees vary by region.
Sealing & Finishing	Optional sealing for long-term protection.	Adds $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft.

How to Make an Informed Decision About a 20×20 Paver Patio?

When deciding on the 20×20 Paver Patio for your home, your goal should be to focus on the best value and avoid surprises:

Clarify your goal

What is your goal behind the patio building? Do you need a functional patio or a long-lasting, stylish outdoor living space? Do you prefer 20×20 natural stone pavers, even if the cost is higher, or high-quality concrete pavers?

Get multiple quotes, itemized.

Request a quote from several contractors and make sure the quote includes materials, labor, base prep, edging, joint sand/sealant, and extras.

Inspect the base & site prep plan.

A good patio starts with a stable surface. Poor base means shifting stones, weeds, or drainage issues later. You will need to make sure that proper gravel/sand base, compaction, and drainage provisions.

Consider long-term savings

Cheaper concrete pavers may look fine now, but paver material like high-end natural stones or porcelain pavers performs better in patio design. They resist water and shifting, which is better for long-term value and aesthetics.

Think about design and use case.

If you like curves for patio, seating walls, fire pit, and planters, then build them in the design early. Integrating them later will cost you extra.

Plan for waste and extra material.l

Order a bit more pavers than square footage (like +5–10%) to accommodate cutting, breakage, and pattern margins.

Choose materials wisely

If you like natural stone, consider honed or polished quartzite. It offers timeless appeal, durability, and low maintenance compared to some other stones or concrete pavers.

20×20 Paver Patio Cost FAQs

Let’s answer your questions about the 20×20 Paver Patio.

What is the typical cost per square foot for a 20×20 paver patio?

$10–$25 per sq ft. Lower-cost concrete pavers sit around $10–15 per sq ft, while premium natural stone or intricate designs run $20–35+ per sq ft.

Why does natural stone cost more than concrete or brick pavers?

Natural stone costs more because of its raw material cost, the care required during installation (cutting, leveling), and the added labor for a precise fit and finishing. Natural stone also offers greater durability and a timeless aesthetic.

Do soil conditions or yard slope affect the patio cost?

Yes. Uneven ground, slopes, drainage issues, or poor soil that requires more excavation. The base material (gravel, sand) and careful leveling increase the labor and material costs.

Should I worry about maintenance or sealing for my patio?

Yes. Regular sealing and using good joint sand or polymeric sand significantly extends the life of a patio. It prevents weed growth and maintains its appearance. These maintenance actions can prevent costly resetting or repairs later.

How can I lower the total cost without compromising quality too much?

Use high-quality concrete or brick pavers (rather than premium stone), and keep the design simple without intricate patterns or curves. Focus on a fairly level surface to minimize prep work, avoid expensive edging or custom features. Get quotes from multiple contractors to compare.

Bottom Line

Building a 20×20 paver patio is more than just building a backyard space. It is more about investing in a space where you are going to spend time for a functional outdoors. The overall pricing depends on various factors, from material, labor cost, to design preference, and installers. Just make sure to consider every detail regarding the 20×20 Paver Patio Cost for maximum experience. For more pallet of pavers information, consider contacting NT Pavers. We offer a wide range of patio pavers with finishes from honed, polished, to textured, whatever suits your design. Contact us when you need.