Paver patio materials for a 20 × 20 ft patio
A 20 × 20 ft patio is a very large entertaining area, and a serious job: plan on renting a plate compactor and hauling base stone in several loads. This patio is 400 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) | 1,174 |
| Crushed stone base (4 in compacted) | 8.3 tons |
| Bedding sand (1 in) | 1.7 tons |
| Edge restraint | 80 ft |
| Geotextile fabric (optional) | 441 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 | 1,801 | 1,981 | 2,071 |
| 6 × 6 in pavers | 1,600 | 1,760 | 1,840 |
| 6 × 9 in pavers | 1,067 | 1,174 | 1,227 |
| 12 × 12 in pavers | 400 | 440 | 460 |
| 16 × 16 in pavers | 225 | 248 | 259 |
| 24 × 24 in pavers | 100 | 110 | 115 |
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 | 8.3 tons | 1.7 tons |
| 6 in | 12.4 tons | 1.7 tons |
| 8 in | 16.6 tons | 1.7 tons |
| 12 in | 24.9 tons | 1.7 tons |
Use the paver patio materials calculator for your own size, or read how to build a paver patio base before you dig.
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Tools & materials for this project
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Frequently asked questions
How many pavers do I need for a 20x20 patio?
1,174 pavers of the common 6 × 9 in size, which covers the 400 sq ft plus 10% for cuts. Without any waste allowance it is 1,067. Brick-size 4 × 8 in pavers need 1,981.
How much base stone does a 20x20 patio need?
About 8.3 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 12.4 tons.
How much edging does a 20x20 patio need?
80 linear feet of edge restraint, all the way round the patio, with about 80 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.