How Many Pavers Do I Need?
Are you planning to redecorate your patio or build a firepit? Now, you're wondering: how many pavers do I need? We're teaching you how to calculate the number of pavers according to your project area, so you can improve your home without going over the budget.
How Many Pavers Do I Need?
To determine how many pavers you'll need, you first have to multiply the length by the width of the project area. Then, calculate the size of your paver materials. Multiply the total project area by the pavers per square foot to get the total number of pavers necessary.
You can also add an extra 5% to 10% of the pavers as an overage should there be odd spaces or wrong cuts. Since projects may vary in dimensions, styles, and designs, let's go over some examples of how to calculate the number of pavers.
4 Steps for Calculating How Many Pavers You Need
Homeowners who spend more time at home try to make changes to their living spaces. Since the pandemic started, about 27% of homeowners have spruced up their homes by redecorating their outdoor spaces.
As ICPI certified paver installers, we adhere to industry standards on estimating, planning, and executing residential paver projects. Here at Aviara Pavers, we follow these simple steps on computing the number of pavers you need to ensure you don't run out or waste pavers.
1. Calculate the Project Area
Measuring the project area is the first step to determining how many pavers you'll need. This process involves multiplying the surface's length by width, whether for a square driveway or a rectangular entryway.
square footage formula:
length x width = patio square feet
10 feet x 10 feet patio = 100 square feet
2. Identify the Paver Size
Suppose you're using 12" x 12" brick pavers. Multiply the width by the length to identify the number of pavers per square foot. Then, divide the surface area by 144 to get the square feet.
formula:
paver square feet = length x width
4 x 8 inch paver = 32 inches
144 / 32 = 4 1/2
3. Calculate the Total Number of Pavers
To determine the total number of necessary pavers, you must multiply the total project area by the pavers per square foot.
formula:
total project area x pavers per square foot
100 x 4.5 = 450 pavers
4. Add Overage
When installing pavers, it's best to buy at least 5% more than your estimation. You can even increase it to 10% if this is your first time and you have an extra budget.
For instance, if you need a total of 450 pavers, a 5% to 10% overage means adding 23 to 45 pavers to your overall computation.
There may be instances when you have to cut bricks to fit a small space. By considering an overage, you won't have to leave your patio or pool deck unfinished then drive to the store to get more materials.
How to Calculate the Number of Pavers If the Area Has Varying Dimensions
If the paver has varying widths, like in pool decks and patios, break the area into smaller sections where the size differs. Measure each section, then multiply the width and length. Combine the square footage of all parts to compute the total square feet.
1. Measure the Total Area
For example, you want a patio that resembles a four-armed star. In this case, you can divide the surface into five 15' x 15' squares.
patio area = number of subareas x subarea width x subarea length
Patio area = 5 x 15 feet x 15 feet = 1,125 square feet
2. Calculate the Area You Need to Cover
Next, you need to calculate the surface a paver needs to cover and the number of pavers per square foot.
6" x 6" square paver = 36 square feet
To determine how many patios would fit in a square foot, you need to divide 144 by the single brick's area.
pavers per square foot = 144 / 36 = 4
3. Calculate the Total Number of Required Pavers
For the last step, all you have to do is multiply the total project area by the pavers per square foot. You can round up the numbers if you don't get a whole number.
the total number of pavers = total project area x pavers per square foot
1,125 x 9 = 4,500 pavers
You can also include a 5 to 10% overage, which equals 225 to 450 extra bricks. From here, you can easily calculate the cost of pavers and installation services.
Reminders When Calculating the Number of Pavers
On average, American households spend $8,300 on home improvement and $3,100 on maintenance such as cleaning pavers. Particularly when you're working on a tight budget, it's vital that you stick to your calculations so you can finish the paver project according to your design.
Keep in mind that there are 144 square inches in one square foot.
If measuring for a fire pit, consider the number of layers to build the pit. For example, if you need 12 pavers for each ring, you need a total of 48 pavers for 4 layers.
If you work on patterns, calculate the pattern's square footage and then determine how many repeating designs you need. You can also assemble a repeating part of the pattern and calculate its area. After that, multiply it by the number of times the design shows.
If the paver material has patterns laid out at an angle, make sure to have at least 10% overage as you may need allowance for cutting pavers.
For circular designs, calculate the half-circle's area, then measure the flat part of the half-circle. Divide the half-circle's area by the surface area of the individual paver to determine the number of pavers.
Related Questions
What Is the Common Size for Brick Pavers?
4" x 8" is the most typical size for brick pavers. However, some service providers offer varying styles and sizes, so make sure to check it with the designer.
How Far Apart Should You Lay Pavers?
We recommend putting pavers between 2 to 3 millimeters or 1/16 to 1/8 inch. However, this should still depend on the type of pavers and surface area.
Conclusion
Paver patios and entryways add functionality and beauty to homes. After knowing how many pavers you'll need for a project, it's time for site preparation, digging, paver installation, and sealing. With Aviara Pavers, you can work with a professional paver construction company to ensure precision and get the best deals.