How Many Pavers for a 16x16 Patio?

A 16 × 16 ft patio is 256 sq ft. In 6 × 9 in pavers with 10% waste you need about 751 pavers, 5.3 tons of base stone and 1.1 tons of bedding sand. The tables show other paver sizes and base depths.

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Example job shown. Change the numbers to match yours.

Pavers to buy

751 pavers

256 ft² plus your waste allowance. Buy a few extra from one batch for repairs

What to buy

Edging spikes64 spikes

Patio area: 256 ft²

Base and bedding

Crushed stone base3.8 yd³ compacted, with 20% extra: 5.3 tons
Bedding sand (1 in)0.79 yd³ of coarse concrete sand: 1.1 tons

Edging and extras

Edge restraintAll the way round, spiked into the base: 64 ft
Edging spikesAbout one a foot: 64 spikes
Geotextile fabric (optional)Over clay or soft soil, to keep the base from sinking: 289 ft²
Joint sand, 50 lb bagsCoverage depends on the joint width and the paver size: Check the pack

The base does most of the work: most of the money and effort go under the pavers. Rent a plate compactor, plan a slope of about 1/4 inch per foot away from the house, and call 811 before you dig.

Before you buy: round up to whole packs, check the size printed on the label, and add a little spare. Your supplier has the final say.

Paver patio materials for a 16 × 16 ft patio

A 16 × 16 ft patio is a generous square that takes an outdoor kitchen island, a dining table and seating. This patio is 256 sq ft. With 6 × 9 in pavers, a 4 in compacted base, a 1 in sand bed and 10% waste, the shopping list is:

Material	Amount
Pavers (6 × 9 in, 10% waste)	751
Crushed stone base (4 in compacted)	5.3 tons
Bedding sand (1 in)	1.1 tons
Edge restraint	64 ft
Geotextile fabric (optional)	289 sq ft

Pavers needed by paver size

The count depends on the size of the paver. Use 5 to 10% waste for a plain running bond or grid, and 15% for diagonals, herringbone and curves.

Paver size	No waste	10% waste	15% waste
4 × 8 in brick pavers	1,153	1,268	1,325
6 × 6 in pavers	1,024	1,127	1,178
6 × 9 in pavers	683	751	786
12 × 12 in pavers	256	282	295
16 × 16 in pavers	144	159	166
24 × 24 in pavers	64	71	74

Base stone and sand by base depth

Patios usually need 4 to 6 in of compacted crushed stone, and a driveway 8 to 12 in. The sand bed is the same 1 in in each case. Stone includes 20% extra for compaction.

Compacted base	Crushed stone	Bedding sand
4 in	5.3 tons	1.1 tons
6 in	8.0 tons	1.1 tons
8 in	10.6 tons	1.1 tons
12 in	15.9 tons	1.1 tons

Use the paver patio materials calculator for your own size, or read how to build a paver patio base before you dig.

Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Paver Patio Materials Calculator: edit any number and the results update instantly.

Tools & materials for this project

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Paver edge restraint Polymeric sand Hand tamper Rubber mallet Screed rails

Frequently asked questions

How many pavers do I need for a 16x16 patio?

751 pavers of the common 6 × 9 in size, which covers the 256 sq ft plus 10% for cuts. Without any waste allowance it is 683. Brick-size 4 × 8 in pavers need 1,268.

How much base stone does a 16x16 patio need?

About 5.3 tons of crushed stone for a 4 in compacted base, including 20% extra for compaction. In frost areas or soft soil use 6 in, which is 8.0 tons.

How much edging does a 16x16 patio need?

64 linear feet of edge restraint, all the way round the patio, with about 64 spikes (one a foot).

Related sizes and guides

Related sizes

Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.

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