How to Build a Patio — Complete Materials & Cost Guide

Building a paver patio is one of the most rewarding DIY projects for homeowners. This guide covers every material you need, how much to buy, and the correct order of operations from excavation to finished surface.

Full materials list for a 12×16 ft patio

Material	Quantity	Approx. cost
Gravel base (4 in deep)	2.4 cu yd	$75–$120
Bedding sand (1 in deep)	0.6 cu yd	$25–$40
Pavers (4×8 in)	~880 pieces	$350–$900
Edge restraints	~56 linear ft	$45–$80
Polymeric joint sand	2–3 bags	$60–$90
Landscape fabric (optional)	200 sq ft	$20–$30
Total materials		$575–$1,260

Paver price varies widely by material (concrete vs. brick vs. natural stone).

Step 1 — Plan and measure

Mark your patio outline with stakes and string. Standard residential patios slope away from the house at 1/8 inch per foot (1% grade) for drainage.

Calculate your area: Length × Width = square feet. A 12×16 ft patio = 192 sq ft.

Step 2 — Calculate materials

Gravel base

Formula: Area (sq ft) × Depth (in) ÷ 324 = cubic yards

192 sq ft × 4 in ÷ 324 = 2.37 cu yd → order 2.5 cu yd

Bedding sand (always 1 inch)

192 sq ft × 1 in ÷ 324 = 0.59 cu yd → order 0.65 cu yd

Paver count (4×8 in standard brick paver)

4×8 paver = 0.22 sq ft per paver → 192 sq ft ÷ 0.22 = 873 pavers Add 10% waste: 960 pavers

Use the Paver Calculator for other paver sizes.

Step 3 — Excavate

Dig 6–8 inches below finished grade (4 in gravel + 1 in sand + 2.5 in paver thickness).

Rent a plate compactor ($80–$120/day) and compact the native soil before adding any base material.

Step 4 — Install base layers

Add compactable gravel in 2-inch lifts, compacting each layer
Check grade with a level — maintain the 1% slope toward the yard
Install edge restraints along all open edges
Screed 1 inch of coarse sand level using 1-inch pipes as guides

Step 5 — Lay pavers

Start at a 90° corner. Work outward in a running bond or herringbone pattern. Tap each paver with a rubber mallet. Check level every 4–5 rows.

Cut edge pavers with a masonry saw or chisel. Pieces smaller than 1/3 of a full paver shift too easily — adjust your layout to avoid them.

Step 6 — Finish

Compact the paver surface with a plate compactor (use rubber pad to protect surface)
Spread polymeric sand and sweep into joints
Compact again
Mist lightly with water to activate the polymer binder
Keep foot traffic off for 24 hours

Common size reference

Patio size	Gravel needed	Sand needed	4×8 pavers (+ 10%)
10×10 ft	1.2 cu yd	0.31 cu yd	500
12×16 ft	2.4 cu yd	0.59 cu yd	960
16×20 ft	3.9 cu yd	0.99 cu yd	1,760
20×24 ft	5.9 cu yd	1.48 cu yd	2,640

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to build a patio?

A DIY paver patio costs $3–$8 per sq ft in materials. A 12×16 ft patio (192 sq ft) runs $575–$1,535 in materials: gravel base, sand, pavers, and polymeric joint sand. Professional installation adds $8–$20 per sq ft in labor.

How long does it take to build a 12×16 patio?

A 12×16 ft paver patio is a weekend project for 2 people — 8–10 hours total. Excavation takes 2–3 hours, base compaction 1–2 hours, sand screeding 1 hour, and paver laying 3–4 hours. The next morning: joint sand and sealing.

Do I need a permit to build a patio?

Most ground-level paver patios do not require a permit. Raised decks, patios with roofs, and those over 200 sq ft may require one. Check with your local building department before starting.

What is the best base for a paver patio?

4 inches of compacted crushed stone (road base or #57 stone) topped with 1 inch of coarse bedding sand is the standard base for residential paver patios. Never skip the compacted gravel layer — it prevents settling and frost heave.

Can I build a patio over grass?

No. You must excavate 6–8 inches of soil and replace it with compacted gravel base and sand. Laying pavers over grass leads to settling, uneven surfaces, and weed growth through gaps within 1–2 seasons.

How to Build a Patio — Complete Project Guide