Paver Patio Cost in San Diego (2025): $20–$35 per Sq Ft, Specs, Timeline & FAQs
Updated August 2025 — San Diego County
Written by:
Luke W., Founder & Owner of INSTALL-IT-DIRECT
Luxury Landscape Design & Build Expert • 16+ Years in San Diego
Reviewed by:
Chris MacMillan, General Manager
ICPI Certified • CA CSLB License #947643
Last reviewed: August 2025 • About our process
6,000+ 5-star reviews since 2009 • Fully licensed & insured in California
Planning a paver patio in San Diego? Most professional installs land between $20–$35 per sq ft, driven by access, demo/haul, base depth, drainage/permeable options, materials (concrete vs. porcelain), pattern, and crew quality. This page shows exact line items—materials, operations, labor, overhead, and profit—plus real-world scenarios so you can budget with confidence and avoid surprises.
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Note: All figures reflect San Diego pricing; adjust for your location.
TL;DR — 2025 San Diego
- Installed: typically $20–$35/sq ft.
- Common sizes: 400–1,000 sq ft (courtyards to larger entertaining spaces).
- Timeline: ~2–3 days for 400–800 sq ft with a 4–6 person crew.
Contractor baseline: Reputable San Diego paver installation contractors usually start around $21–$22/sq ft. Prices far below that often mean shortcuts on base/drainage or labor quality.
Cost by Size (San Diego County)
Use this to sanity-check quotes across the range ($20–$35/sq ft):
| Size | At $20/sq ft | At $28/sq ft | At $35/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 400 sq ft | $8,000 | $11,200 | $14,000 |
| 600 sq ft | $12,000 | $16,800 | $21,000 |
| 800 sq ft | $16,000 | $22,400 | $28,000 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $20,000 | $28,000 | $35,000 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $24,000 | $33,600 | $42,000 |
Real-World Scenarios (San Diego Examples)
- Courtyard Makeover — 400 sq ft, concrete pavers: Normal access, standard base, simple borders. Typical: $8.6k–$11.4k.
- Backyard Entertaining — 600 sq ft, drains + steps: Demo old slab, add channel drains & 2 steps, “better” spec. Typical: $16k–$22k.
- Modern Upgrade — 800 sq ft porcelain, lighting: Premium cuts, edge lighting, upgraded base. Typical: $27k–$34k.
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Materials (What You’re Paying For)
- Top choices: Concrete pavers (flexible, economical) and Porcelain pavers (high-end, low-maintenance). See porcelain comparisons & tips.
- Ranges: Concrete ~$3–$17/sq ft; Porcelain ~$15–$20/sq ft (style dependent) — plus base, sand, etc.
- Example (400 sq ft concrete): Materials subtotal ~$2,522.89–$2,834.89.
Budget for about 10% waste (cuts/patterning). Below is the 400-sq-ft example math we use across our cost pages so numbers align site-wide:
| Pavers (incl. 10% waste) | 440 sq ft at $3.23 | $1,421.20 (+ ~8% tax ≈ $1,534.89) |
| Class II road base | 400 × $0.75–$1.00 | $300–$400 |
| Geotextile fabric | 400 × $0.50–$0.75 | $200–$300 |
| Bedding sand (~1″) | 400 × $0.45–$0.55 | $180–$220 |
| Concrete (bond beam edges) | ~80 lf × $3.25–$3.75 | $260–$300 |
| Joint sand | 400 × $0.12–$0.20 | $48–$80 |
| Materials Total | $2,522.89–$2,834.89 | |
|---|---|---|
Operation Fees (Dump, Delivery & More)
TL;DR: For 400 sq ft, ops typically add ~$1,800–$2,600 (dumping, delivery, fuel, porta-potty, pallets, cleanup, possible excavation).
| Dump costs (mix of dirt/concrete) | $350.00–$500.00 |
| Fuel | $250.00–$500.00 |
| Delivery | $350.00–$500.00 |
| Porta-potty | $175.00–$200.00 |
| Pallet fees | $36.00 |
| Cleanup | $250.00–$500.00 |
| Excavation (if needed) | $250.00–$500.00 |
| Operation Fees Total | $1,811.00–$2,636.00 |
|---|
Labor (Where Quality Shows)
- Don’t cut corners on labor—it determines longevity and looks.
- Skilled CA crews typically run $7–$10/sq ft for labor.
- For 400 sq ft, a quality crew often lands around $3,200.
| Outstanding crew (25+ yrs) | 400 × $10.00 | $4,000.00 |
| Great crew | 400 × $8.00 | $3,200.00 |
| Good crew | 400 × $7.00 | $2,800.00 |
Company Overhead (~10%)
Covers workers’ comp, general liability, CSLB licensing/bond, payroll/taxes, admin/marketing, vehicles, certifications, and office ops.
| Overhead allowance | (Cost so far) × 10% | $713.19–$947.09 |
Company Profit (Modeled)
- Funds project management, customer service, and a warranty repair contingency.
- Industry margins often range ~10–40%; we model 10% here.
| 10% | $7,548.00 + 10% | $8,302.80 |
| 20% | $7,548.00 + 20% | $9,057.60 |
| 30% | $7,548.00 + 30% | $9,812.40 |
| 40% | $7,548.00 + 40% | $10,567.20 |
| Profit Total (modeled) | $740.95–$1,041.80 | |
|---|---|---|
Recap (400 sq ft example)
| Materials | $2,522.89–$2,834.89 |
| Operation Fees | $1,811.00–$2,636.00 |
| Labor | $2,800.00–$4,000.00 |
| Company Overhead (10%) | $713.19–$947.09 |
| Company Profit (10%) | $740.95–$1,041.80 |
| Grand Total | $8,588.03–$11,459.78 |
|---|
Design & Performance Tips (Built to Last)
- Pattern strength: Running bond is efficient; add borders (soldier/sailor) for a refined finish. Herringbone boosts interlock in traffic paths.
- Slope & drainage: Aim ~1–2% away from structures; don’t send water toward doors/garage. Add channel drains/catch basins where needed.
- Porcelain specifics (2cm): Maintain ~3/16″ joints; avoid plate compactor directly on tile surface; follow approved joint/grout (see porcelain tips).
- Future-proofing: Install sleeves under patios for future utilities (gas, low-voltage, irrigation).
- Sealer: Optional; matte finish keeps a natural look and improves stain resistance.
Timeline
Most 400–800 sq ft patios complete in ~2–3 days with a 4–6 person crew. Add time for heavy demo, drainage, porcelain/stone cutting, steps, and lighting. Pavers are ready for immediate use at completion.
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Permits, HOA & Right-of-Way (ROW) Basics
- At-grade patios: Often exempt from building permits; overlays/constraints (Coastal, ESL/steep slopes, fire zones) may change requirements.
- ROW work: Any curb/gutter/apron tie-in or discharge typically requires a ROW permit.
- Retaining walls: Walls ≥3′ or with surcharge need permits/engineering (cost & permits guides).
- HOA/ARC: Most associations require plan/material approval before work.
Need details on permits?
Dive deeper with our local guides:
Pergola & Patio Cover Permits (2025) and
Retaining Wall Permits & Engineering (2025).
Dive deeper with our local guides:
Pergola & Patio Cover Permits (2025) and
Retaining Wall Permits & Engineering (2025).
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Shallow base or poor compaction → settlement and movement.
- Back-pitched patio → water toward doors/foundation.
- Unpermitted ROW connections → stop-work orders.
- Porcelain installed without joints → chipping/cracking.
- No utility sleeves → unnecessary demo for future upgrades.
Quote Comparison Checklist
- Base depth (inches) & compaction standard/method.
- Drainage plan & lawful outlet; permeable vs. standard assembly.
- Material/type (concrete vs. porcelain), pattern, and border details.
- Edge restraint detail (bond beam/curb).
- Demo/haul, delivery, cleanup, pallet fees included.
- Permit/HOA items called out (if applicable).
- Warranty terms (materials + labor) and timeline.
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Plan, Price, and Permit Your Project
Start with the calculator, then explore the most requested San Diego guides:
Paver Cost Calculator
Backyard Remodel Cost
Outdoor Kitchen Cost
Louvered Pergola Cost
Pergola & Patio Cover Permits
Retaining Wall Permits & Engineering
Retaining Wall Cost
Pool Deck Pavers Cost
Permeable Pavers Cost
Paver Driveway Cost
Concrete vs. Pavers
Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers
Porcelain vs. Travertine (Pool Decks)
Backyard Remodel Cost
Outdoor Kitchen Cost
Louvered Pergola Cost
Pergola & Patio Cover Permits
Retaining Wall Permits & Engineering
Retaining Wall Cost
Pool Deck Pavers Cost
Permeable Pavers Cost
Paver Driveway Cost
Concrete vs. Pavers
Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers
Porcelain vs. Travertine (Pool Decks)
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When you’re ready, talk to our San Diego paver installation contractors.
Serving San Diego County: Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Poway, Fairbanks Ranch, Oceanside, San Marcos, and more.
FAQs
How much does a paver patio cost in San Diego?
Most projects fall between $20–$35 per sq ft installed, depending on access, base depth, drainage, materials, and add-ons.
What’s the most cost-effective way to build without sacrificing quality?
Choose a popular concrete paver in a simple pattern, keep edges clean, and prioritize base/drainage. Don’t skimp on labor.
Are porcelain pavers worth it for patios?
Yes if you want a modern, low-maintenance look. Material and cutting labor are higher, but durability and aesthetics are excellent.
Do I need polymeric sand?
Optional but helpful for joint stability and weed/ant resistance. Standard joint sand also performs well with good compaction.
How long does a 400 sq ft patio take?
Often ~2–3 days with a 4–6 person crew, assuming normal access and prep.
Can you install over existing concrete?
We usually recommend demo to correct slope/drainage and install the proper base. Overlays are case-by-case and may raise finished height at doors.
Will my patio need sealing?
Sealer is optional. Many owners seal for stain resistance and color pop; a matte finish keeps it refined.