Plan a durable, drain-friendly patio budget with confidence. Adjust layers, prices, and waste factors. See clear breakdowns for smarter shopping and scheduling now fast.
| Scenario | Inputs | Typical output |
|---|---|---|
| Small rectangle | 12 ft × 10 ft, base 6 in, bedding 1 in, waste 8% | Area ≈ 120 ft², base ≈ 1.16 tons (with waste), total depends on prices |
| Medium circle | Diameter 14 ft, base 8 in, bedding 1.5 in, waste 10% | Area ≈ 154 ft², higher base tonnage, higher edging if included |
| Custom area | Enter area 30 m², optional perimeter 22 m | Direct area pricing, edging added only if perimeter provided |
Examples are illustrative; confirm local specifications and supplier units.
Tip: Some suppliers sell aggregate by cubic yard instead of ton. If needed, adjust density or convert using your local supplier’s ticket weights.
Build permeable patios wisely, saving money and runoff together.
Permeable patio surfaces let rainfall pass through joints and layers, reducing puddles and helping manage runoff. Many homeowners use them to keep pathways usable after storms and to direct water into soil instead of toward drains or foundations.
A common build includes 4–10 inches of open-graded base and 1–2 inches of bedding aggregate. Thicker base supports heavier loads and weaker soils. This calculator converts your selected thickness into volume, then estimates tonnage using adjustable density values.
Material orders often come in tons or cubic yards. The tool first calculates volume from area × thickness, converts cubic feet to cubic yards, then multiplies by density (tons per cubic yard). If your supplier’s stone is heavier or lighter, update density to match local tickets.
Total cost is usually dominated by pavers, labor, and base aggregate. The form separates unit prices (per ft²/m², per ton, per linear unit) from fixed costs like delivery or rentals. This keeps estimates comparable when you switch suppliers or installation methods.
Waste typically ranges from 5–12% depending on pattern complexity and cuts around curves. The calculator applies the waste factor to pavers, geotextile, and aggregates so your order aligns with jobsite reality, not just perfect geometry.
Edging stabilizes borders and helps maintain joint spacing. For rectangles and circles, perimeter is computed automatically. For custom areas, you can enter perimeter when edging is required; leaving it blank excludes edging cost, which is useful when borders are existing concrete or walls.
Labor is entered per area to reflect excavation, compaction, and laying pavers. Equipment and delivery are treated as fixed amounts to model one-time charges. With these separated, you can test scenarios such as self-installation versus contractor pricing.
After calculation, download CSV for spreadsheets and PDF for quotes or approvals. Keep notes with your selected unit prices, waste percentage, and thicknesses so you can reproduce the estimate later. Good documentation prevents scope creep during purchasing.
Accurate inputs create reliable budgets for permeable patio projects.
For simple rectangles, 5–8% is common. Curves, borders, and intricate patterns often need 10–12%. If you are matching an existing edge, add a little extra to cover cutting and breakage.
Aggregate is often sold by ton, but your design is measured by volume. Density converts cubic yards into tons. If your supplier provides tons-per-yard information, enter that value for the most realistic ordering estimate.
Paver thickness mainly affects product choice and durability, so it influences your paver unit price. Base thickness directly changes aggregate quantity and is a major driver of base cost, especially on larger patio areas.
Yes. Choose “Custom area” and enter your measured area. If you plan edging, also enter an estimated perimeter. This approach works well for L-shapes, kidney shapes, and patios traced from a site plan.
Many installations include geotextile to separate soil from aggregate and reduce fines migration. Some designs omit it depending on soil and base type. Use the include toggle to model both options and compare totals.
If you pay sales tax on materials or labor, enter a tax rate. Permits vary by location and stormwater rules. Add any known permit or inspection fees as fixed costs to keep your estimate complete.
Use the computed cubic-yard volumes as your baseline. You can also set density to 1.00 and treat “per ton” pricing as “per yard” pricing for quick comparisons, then confirm with supplier tickets before ordering.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.