Ordering pavers is a matter of area: divide the patio area by the area of one paver, then add an allowance for cuts and breakage. This guide walks through the steps with a real example.
What to measure
- The patio length and width, in feet.
- The size of one paver, in inches, from the product label.
The formula
Pavers needed = patio area ÷ area of one paver. Convert the paver size to square feet by multiplying its length by its width in inches and dividing by 144.
Worked example
A 12 ft by 10 ft patio has an area of 120 sq ft. A 6 in by 9 in paver covers 54 sq in, which is 0.375 sq ft. 120 ÷ 0.375 = 320 pavers.
Adding an allowance for cuts and breakage
Edges, curves and broken units call for extra pavers. A common allowance is 5 to 10 percent for straight layouts and more for curved or patterned ones. At 10 percent, 320 pavers becomes 352.
Common mistakes
- Using the nominal paver size instead of the size on the label.
- Ignoring joint spacing, which slightly changes coverage.
- Forgetting to buy extras for future repairs.
- Leaving out the base material, which is ordered separately.
Use the calculators
Try the paver calculator, or browse all construction and home improvement calculators. Results are estimates; see the disclaimer.
Leave a Reply