How Much Do Thin Pavers Cost?

Table of Contents

1. Thin Pavers Cost
2. Thin Pavers Cost Factors
3. How Much Do Other Pavers Cost?
4. What Are Thin Pavers?
5. Where Can You Use Thin Pavers?
6. Thin Pavers Vs. Concrete
7. Thin Pavers Advantages
8. Thin Pavers Disadvantages
9. Maintenance For Thin Pavers
10. Thin Paver Designs
11. DIY Or Hire A Paver Contractor?
12. Thin Paver Installation
13. Find A Paver Contractor

Thin Pavers Cost

The average cost of thin pavers ranges between $6/sf and $12/sf. In total, after analyzing thousands of paver projects, most homeowners spend between $320 and $565 on their thin paver project.

Costs above are for materials only. They do not include professional or DIY installation. Therefore, if you plan on hiring a local paving contractor, your overall thin pavers cost will go up.

Thin Pavers Cost Factors

Like any home material or installation cost, there are a few factors that can increase or decrease your thin paver price. You won’t be able to control all cost factors below, but knowing them beforehand will surely help you stay under your thin paver budget.

1. Project Size: Thin pavers can be used for walkways, patios and more. Of course, the bigger the project, the more pavers you’re going to need. Therefore, larger thin paver projects cost more.
2. Paver Thickness: While they’re thin, certain pavers have a different thickness. Since thicker pavers stand up to the weather as well as wear and tear better, they tend to cost more.
3. Design: Colors, shapes and sizes can all vary with thin pavers. Like anything else in life, more complex designs increase your thin paver cost.
4. Labor: Installing thin pavers is not a difficult project and as such, many homeowners give it a go on their own. On the other hand, if you hire a professional paver, you’ll have to pay them for your time. Expect labor prices of $60 - $100 per hour.
5. Home Location & Land: Your thin pavers cost will vary based on location. For example, installing thin pavers in New York costs more than an Alabama paver installation. Furthermore, if your land is sloped, the project becomes much more difficult. In turn, this means higher thin paver prices.

How Much Do Other Pavers Cost?

Thin pavers make for terrific landscapes all around the country, but luckily, you have a few other paver options to choose from. Whether it be brick, concrete or stone, you should be aware of all paving costs before purchasing thin pavers.

What Are Thin Pavers?

Thin pavers are a manmade paving material that can be installed on top of an existing concrete base. Sometimes called "brick pavers," thin pavers are actually made of concrete and come in the same variety of colors, styles, shapes and sizes as other types of pavers. Thicknesses also vary, but all types are much thinner than their brick, stone and thick concrete counterparts.

Thin pavers are frequently used to update old designs and create new looks without a lot of work. Available in loose and interlocking paving styles, thin pavers are an economical choice for any outdoor remodel.

Where Can You Use Thin Pavers?

Thin pavers can be used anywhere that sees little foot traffic. Therefore, you will typically see thin pavers on decks, patios, walkways and garden paths. Though some may be able to stand up to the weight of a small car, it's best to avoid installing thin pavers on driveways.

Homeowners can create a variety of fresh designs by updating existing patios and decks with thin pavers. Colors, shapes and sizes can be mixed and matched in contemporary or traditional styles. Tight-fitting pavers make for smooth surfaces while openwork designs result in a more subtle, whimsical look. Thin pavers may also be placed in alternating patterns that resemble tiles for an eye-catching finishing touch to any paved outdoor area.

Thin pavers are also a good choice for creating borders around lawns, gardens, flowerbeds and pools. The many different colors and designs means you can choose a look that matches your existing patio and deck areas or opt for contrasting colors for a bold appearance. Traditional neutral colors allow the blooms of flowering plants to stand out. Darker shades provide earthy tones that match the natural look of the yard.

Thin Pavers Vs. Concrete

Concrete and pavers are the two dominant materials of choice for walkways, patios and garden paths. Of course, thin pavers fall into the paving category, but there are plenty of pros and cons to both materials.

Paver Advantages

• More affordable lifetime cost
• Easier installation
• Shorter installation (if ground is level)
• Plenty of design options
• Affordable repairs
• Can handle a lot of weight (regular pavers)
• Easier access below
• Visually appealing
• Better traction

Concrete Advantages

• Inexpensive installation cost
• Little maintenance
• Color options
• Longer lifespans
• Can handle a lot of weight

Thin Pavers Over Concrete

Pavers are quickly becoming the norm outside homes across America. Luckily, even if you have concrete throughout your yard and walkways, you can install thin pavers right above it. It would be quite expensive to remove full slabs of concrete so many homeowners who already have concrete are installing pavers above it.

To do so, masonry professionals place thin pavers on the outside border of the concrete with mortar or thin-set. Then, the pro will disperse sand inside the perimeter and install the thin pavers over the sand base.

Thin Pavers Advantages

Thin pavers bring a host of advantages, many of which we’ve already discussed. However, beyond seeing how much thin pavers cost, homeowners should weigh all benefits and drawbacks of thin pavers versus thick pavers.

Naturally, we start with the advantages:

• It’s easier to install thin pavers, as no excavation is required.
• Thin pavers can be installed faster and with fewer materials.
• Thin paver installation is an easier DIY project.
• Easier installation and fewer required materials means a lower paver cost overall.
• Thin pavers resist cracking in changing weather conditions and are easy to replace if need be.
• Thin paver repairs are more affordable.
• Thin pavers provide easier access below ground, if necessary.

Thin Pavers Disadvantages

Homeowners must also consider the potential drawbacks of choosing a thinner paving material before beginning an outdoor remodeling job:

• Thin pavers are not as durable at thicker pavers or other loose fill paving options.
• All thin pavers are formed of manmade concrete.
• Thin pavers are not as strong as natural materials like stone.
• Thin pavers require maintenance.
• You should not use thin pavers for your driveway.
• You should not install a hot tub over thin pavers.
• Excessive temperatures or overuse may cause thin pavers to crack or break at the corners.

Maintenance For Thin Pavers

Just like concrete, thin pavers do require occasional maintenance. If you want to keep your lifetime paver costs down, do not ignore the following tasks:

Maintenance required for thin brick pavers is similar to that of thick pavers as both are subject to the same types of dirt, debris and temperature fluctuations. A regular broom makes short work of simple messes such as leaves and pine needles, while rinsing with a garden hose removes sand and mud. Dried dirt may require gentle scrubbing with a mixture of dish soap and water.

Since thin pavers don't require sealing, you don't have to worry about re-applying sealant or other coatings. The most complicated part of thin paver maintenance may be fixing cracks in mortar or replacing a paver should one become damaged. Fortunately, both of these steps are easy to complete and repairs should last for a long time.

Thin Paver Designs

As we said earlier, thin pavers come in many designs and colors. From a standard straight pattern to circular, diagonal and herringbone patterns, you can create a custom thin paver patio or walkway perfect for your home and budget.

Naturally, it’s always easier to visualize such a pattern. See a few common thin paver patio designs below:

DIY Or Hire A Paver Contractor?

Installing thin pavers is a relatively easy project. There’s virtually no safety risk and if your concrete is level, you can complete the entire project in one day. However, while it may be easy, it is labor intensive. You have to lay the thin pavers one by one. If you want an exquisite design, you can’t rush it. So, if you’re installing a 200sf patio, it will take time and some elbow grease.

Of course, local paving professionals are ready to take on any thin paver project you throw at them. If you do, remember, you have to add labor costs on top of the average thin paver material costs above.

Thin Paver Installation

Now that you’re ready to get your hands dirty, we can start our DIY thin paver installation.

First, map out the thin paver patio or walkway. Then, choose your design. Go purchase the pavers and always buy a few extra.

Next, analyze your concrete base. The complexity of any thin paver installation depends on whether or not a solid, level surface is already in place. Very little prep work is required for areas with concrete decks and other outdoor features. If no concrete surface is available, one will need to be laid before thin pavers can be installed.

To prepare an existing concrete area for thin pavers, pressure wash your concrete. We need it as clean as possible. Then, you’ll need a level, which can be purchased for as little as $3. A basic, low-cost level will work well to check if the concrete is even. If not, it may be evened out with concrete leveler or a local mason can level your concrete. Additionally, cracks should be filled in with caulking to ensure a smooth installation surface.

Once the concrete is level, pavers can be mortared in place in the desired pattern. You can use mortar or paver sand over the existing concrete. Luckily, thin pavers are relatively easy to cut, so any necessary shaping should go quickly. A wet sponge easily wipes up excess mortar before it sets and grout seals any cracks between joints in the pavers.

Using interlocking thin pavers eliminates the need for mortar as each piece fits snugly into the ones next to it. Finishing an interlocking paver project is as simple as sweeping paver sand over the surface to fill in any cracks and level out the area.

Find A Paver Contractor

As you can see via the price and designs above, thin pavers are an affordable solution to an otherwise dull deck, patio, walkway or garden path. While you can DIY, many homeowners like the peace of mind that comes with hiring a pro.

Fortunately, ImproveNet helps you connect with reliable paving contractors in your town, for free!

Last updated on Dec 20, 2017