Prices are per square foot and do not reflect total cost. 

The cost to install driveway pavers depends on multiple factors, such as the price of materials and labor in a certain geographic region. For example, installation in a major metropolitan area will be more expensive than in a small, rural town. Learn more about what’s involved in cost of driveway pavers installation below.

On This Page:

1. Driveway Pavers Cost
2. Labor Costs
3. Types of Driveway Pavers
4. Driveway Pavers Installation Process
5. Why Use Driveway Pavers?
6. What Are Permeable Driveway Pavers?
7. Advantages of Driveway Pavers
8. Disadvantages of Installing Driveway Pavers

Driveway Pavers Cost

Installing driveway pavers can cost anywhere from $10 per square foot to $50 per square foot depending on a variety of factors including materials, equipment, location, and the contractor hired. The cost of equipment starts at $.30 per square foot and goes up to $25 per square foot and beyond and includes items such as:

• Cutting and grinding tools, which average $50 to $75 in rental fees
• Supplies for mortar and reinforcement, which average $40 to $50
• Specialty equipment like small plate compactor, masonry saw and mortar box, which average $50 to $80 in rental fees

The allowance for specialty equipment can run between approximately $56 and $79 per square foot. Finally, the cost of the actual driveway pavers themselves ranges from about $2 to $10 per square foot if using typical mid-grade driveway pavers. Naturally, when selecting fancier and more intricate brick designs, the price will be higher.

Ready to hire a pro? Get your pavers installed today.

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Labor Costs

The direct labor cost for driveway paver installation is normally about $50 per hour, which includes the costs to prepare the site prior to installation. This will also include the costs that are required for the concrete contractor to protect any materials or structures that are around the driveway area such as flowers, mailboxes, etc. The labor expenses do not include the inspection and permit fees that will likely be required from the local jurisdiction.

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Types of Driveway Pavers

With driveway pavers, you’re not restricted to just one material. Instead, you can typically choose from a handful of materials that all lend a different look and feel and come with a range of price tags.

• Concrete: These pavers have a strength rating of about 9,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) and are available in a variety of shapes and designs. Installing a concrete paver driveway costs between $5 and $20 per square foot.
• Brick: One of the strongest options, these pavers have a strength rating of about 12,000 PSI. They also come in vibrant earth tones, which can give a driveway or walkway a unique look. They’re typically only available in rectangular shapes. Installing a brick paver driveway averages between $10 and $30 per square foot.
• Cobblestones: These pavers are available in a range of styles, colors and textures. They can typically be placed in a variety of patterns with both small and large pieces. One of the most expensive options, installing a cobblestone paver driveway costs between $20 and $70 per square foot.

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Driveway Pavers Installation Process

Once you or your contractor has assembled the necessary equipment and supplies, installing driveway pavers is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps to put the driveway pavers in place, but keep in mind that this can be a somewhat time-consuming installation.

1. Lay the base: Most driveway installers opt for crushed gravel as a base material.
2. Position the edge: Plastic or metal edging creates an outline for the surface and holds the pavers in place.
3. Level the surface: Use a plate compactor or a similar hand-powered device to flatten out the gravel base. Next, add about an inch of sand, making sure that it’s completely level.
4. Place the pavers: The pavers sit directly atop the sand surface.
5. Fill in the spaces: Use mason’s sand to fill in the spaces between the pavers. Use a plate compactor to vibrate the sand into place.
6. Seal the surface: Sealing driveway pavers isn’t always necessary, but it can help prevent mold, weeds and even stains.

Pavers rarely fit a space without at least slight modifications, so don’t hesitate to cut some of the pavers down to work with the design. For the cleanest results, use a wet saw, which will help lend the driveway a professional look. Remember to order about 10 to 15 percent more pavers than you need for the project in order to account for cut pieces.

Does this sound overwhelming? Then have a pro install it for you.

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Why Use Driveway Pavers?

Driveway pavers are used to create a strong and attractive driveway. They are an excellent means of making a yard appear perfectly manicured and to provide contrast for a beautiful lawn or bed of flowers. They are even suitable for use on patios and footpaths, but only the interlocking pavers are applicable for driveways.

Driveway pavers are particularly useful for combating rainwater. When rainwater covers the majority of paved surfaces, there is often erosion. However, the extra-wide joints on interlocking driveway pavers allow rainwater to run straight into the soil. As a bonus, there will be no puddles on the driveway. Driveway pavers are also especially useful for steeper driveways as they are slip-resistant and offer much better traction than poured concrete.

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What Are Permeable Driveway Pavers?

An environmentally friendly solution, permeable driveway pavers are made of concrete, brick or stone. Gaps between the pavers and a porous gravel base underneath allow the driveway to absorb large amounts of rain. Instead of letting the water sit on the surface of the driveway or walkway, permeable pavers facilitate the water’s absorption into the ground underneath the installation.

Keep in mind that permeable driveway pavers require more maintenance than standard pavers. About once a year you’ll need to clean the joints between pavers with a broom or vacuum in order to remove leaves and other natural debris.

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Advantages of Installing Driveway Pavers

• Styles: Pavers are available in multiple patterns, shapes, styles and colors that are visually appealing.
• Durability: They will not crack as long as they are properly installed.
• Cost: The price is quite reasonable, running about the same as stamped concrete.
• Lasting: They do not have to be replaced for a minimum of 25 years and can last up to 50 years.
• Strength: Driveway pavers normally interlock, which strengthens the surface of the finished product.
• Ease of installation: They do not require the curing period needed for asphalt and poured concrete driveways.
• Traction: They provide more traction when they are wet as opposed to poured concrete driveways.
• Little maintenance: Pavers only require occasional sweeping or hose rinsing to keep them clean.

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Disadvantages of Installing Driveway Pavers

There is a possibility of weeds growing between the pavers unless polymer sand is applied. Polymer sand hardens and prevents weeds from growing in it. If polymer sand is not used to bind the pavers, then the joint sand that is applied will need to be topped off every few years.

Other disadvantages include:

• Driveway pavers can shift over time if the existing soil, base material and pavers are not properly installed.
• Driveway pavers absorb stains that require a complete cleaning with a pressure washer or degreaser.
• The dye lots may differ on each pallet of driveway pavers. Therefore, a professional installer must know how to seamlessly blend the pavers together.

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