Paver patio cost in Washington, DC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $3,100 – $5,600
- Per sq ft
- $10.50 – $17.50
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- +3%
- US $4,250
- Rank of 300 metros
- #112
- 1 = most expensive
A paver patio in Washington, DC usually costs $3,100 to $5,600 for 300 sq ft. That works out to about $10.50 to $17.50 per sq ft before permits. That is within a few percent of the national midpoint, so there is little local premium or discount. Building materials run about 5% above the US average here (BEA goods price index 104.8).
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Washington, DC, standard level
$3,850 to $4,850
About $12.50 to $15.50 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 59% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,450 | $1,700 |
| Labor | $2,300 | $2,900 |
| Permits and fees | $110 | $270 |
| Total | $3,850 | $4,850 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Washington, DC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,250 | $1,550 | $1,900 | 36% |
| Labor | $1,850 | $2,600 | $3,350 | 59% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $190 | $380 | 4% |
| Total | $3,100 | $4,350 | $5,600 | 100% |
What is behind the Washington number
We price the labor side from BLS wage data for 3 trades: construction laborers at 50%, brickmasons and blockmasons at 30%, landscaping and groundskeeping workers at 20%. Weighted together, Washington wages are 1.01 times the national level. Labor makes up about 59% of the midpoint estimate (60% at national prices).
Materials are scaled with BEA's regional price parity for goods. Washington is at 104.8 against 100 for the US, so a materials line of $1,500 nationally becomes $1,550 here (midpoint, 300 sq ft). Permits follow the all-items index of 108.9: $0 to $380.
What local crews earn in Washington
The labor line is built from BLS wage data, one trade at a time. This job draws on 3 trades. We compare each trade's local median with the US median, weight the ratios by how much of the job each trade does, and apply the blend to the national labor cost. For Washington the blend is 1.01.
For construction laborers (47-2061, weighted 50%) the local median is $22.80 an hour, which is in line with the national $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $20.07 and $27.05 an hour. BLS counts 17,710 of them working in the area, 56.5 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 70.5), so the local bench is thinner than average.
For brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021, weighted 30%) the local median is $29.17 an hour, which is in line with the national $29.87. The middle half of them earn between $23.92 and $30.98 an hour. BLS counts 1,910 of them working in the area, 6.1 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 3.4), so the local bench is deeper than average.
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers (37-3011), 20% of the weighting: a median of $20.53 an hour, 9% above the US median of $18.82. The middle half of them earn between $18.49 and $22.25 an hour. About 17,140 work in the metro. That is 54.7 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 61.3 nationally, so the supply of crews looks typical.
A quick sensitivity check: moving the lead trade (construction laborers) from the median to the 75th percentile wage adds about $240 to the midpoint estimate; the 25th percentile takes off about $150. That is a swing of roughly 3.5% to 5.5% of the total, which is useful for judging whether a bid reflects wages or something else, such as scope or margin.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has 3,136,190 jobs in total (BLS, May 2025), ranking 6th by size among the 300 metros on this site.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 50% | $20.07 | $22.80 | $27.05 | $22.66 | 1.01 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 30% | $23.92 | $29.17 | $30.98 | $29.87 | 0.98 | metro |
| Landscaping and groundskeeping workers (37-3011) | 20% | $18.49 | $20.53 | $22.25 | $18.82 | 1.09 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 1.01 | |||||
Extras that change the Washington total
Add-ons start from national price ranges and are scaled by 1.03 for Washington, which is the average of the area's wage index (1.01) and goods price index (1.05). The estimator above can add them to your total.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Excavation and haul-away | $310 – $1,550 |
Is Washington cheap or dear? The local comparison
Contractors rarely work more than an hour or two from home, so the neighboring metros set a rough ceiling and floor for your quotes. Midpoints for 300 sq ft range from $3,900 to $4,350 across Washington and its five closest metros.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DCthis page | $3,100 – $5,600 | $4,350 | |
| Hagerstown, MD55 miles | $2,800 – $5,100 | $3,950 | −9% |
| Baltimore, MD60 miles | $3,000 – $5,450 | $4,200 | −3% |
| Winchester, VA60 miles | $2,750 – $5,050 | $3,900 | −10% |
| Lexington Park, MD65 miles | $3,000 – $5,450 | $4,200 | −3% |
| Chambersburg, PA75 miles | $3,050 – $5,550 | $4,300 | −1% |
| District of Columbia (statewide) | $3,250 – $5,900 | $4,550 | +5% |
| United States | $3,000 – $5,450 | $4,250 | −3% |
Out of the 300 metros we cover, Washington ranks #112 for the cost of this job (#1 is the most expensive). Statewide, Washington is 5% below the District of Columbia figure.
Washington is the only District of Columbia metro we cover, so the statewide page is the only in-state comparison. It uses statewide wages, which include rural areas.
Metros of a similar size
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Washington against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houston, TX | 3,289,720 jobs | $2,800 – $5,100 | $3,950 | −9% |
| Philadelphia, PA | 2,897,830 jobs | $3,250 – $5,950 | $4,600 | +6% |
| Dallas, TX | 4,049,800 jobs | $2,950 – $5,350 | $4,150 | −5% |
| Atlanta, GA | 2,889,670 jobs | $2,850 – $5,200 | $4,000 | −8% |
Related projects, priced for Washington
Jobs that often go together with paver patio are priced below at their usual sizes, using the same Washington wage and price inputs. Compared with national midpoints, concrete slab comes out highest (+4%) and retaining wall lowest (+3%); the gap comes from the trades each job uses.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,300 – $4,150 | +4% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,350 – $8,250 | +4% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $7,150 – $13,800 | +3% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,750 – $15,600 | +3% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,550 – $5,400 | +4% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,750 – $9,450 | +3% |
Specs and site conditions that change a Washington bid
Paver material
Pavers alone average $2-$4 per sq ft but the full range is $1-$15 depending on concrete, brick, or natural stone (HomeGuide).
Base prep
The base (road base, fabric, edging, bedding and joint sand) is $1.40-$2.20 per sq ft of the materials number.
Excavation and grading
Digging out is $1-$5 per sq ft; regrading a sloped yard is $0.40-$2.00 per sq ft.
Washington weather and the paver patio calendar
Climate numbers on this page come from NOAA's 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals at the nearest suitable station, Washington Reagan Ap (5 miles from the city center). They are 30-year averages, so any one year can run hotter, colder or wetter.
For digging, grading and setting material in the ground, the comfortable months in Washington are March through June and August through December: 9 of 12. Outside them, January and February have an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F), and July has an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
In January and February the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 60 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Washington gets about 42 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 14 inches of snow. The wettest months are May, June and July (4.3 inches in July). Inside the workable window, April and November are the driest, at 3.2 and 2.9 inches. The station averages about 40 days a year at 90°F or above.
We do not adjust the estimate by month, because we have no reliable published data on seasonal pricing. It is still worth asking contractors whether an off-peak start date changes their bid.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 45 | 30 | 2.9 | Cold |
| Feb | 48 | 32 | 2.6 | Cold |
| Mar | 57 | 39 | 3.5 | Workable |
| Apr | 68 | 48 | 3.2 | Workable |
| May | 77 | 58 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jun | 85 | 68 | 4.2 | Workable |
| Jul | 90 | 72 | 4.3 | Hot |
| Aug | 88 | 71 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Sep | 81 | 64 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Oct | 69 | 52 | 3.7 | Workable |
| Nov | 58 | 42 | 2.9 | Workable |
| Dec | 49 | 35 | 3.4 | Workable |
Cost by quality level and size in Washington
The cited range is split into basic, standard and premium bands, then scaled to Washington. Bands overlap, because plenty of standard jobs cost as much as a light premium one. Sizes run from 12x12 (144 sq ft) to pool deck (800 sq ft).
Basic
$3,100 to $4,100
Basic concrete pavers, simple pattern, level yard
Standard
$3,850 to $4,850
Mid-grade pavers, a border or curve, some regrading
Premium
$4,600 to $5,600
Natural stone or clay brick, complex pattern, slope or retaining edge
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $1,500 – $2,050 | $1,900 – $2,450 | $2,350 – $2,900 |
| 16x16 (256 sq ft) | $2,650 – $3,500 | $3,300 – $4,200 | $3,950 – $4,850 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $4,100 – $5,400 | $5,100 – $6,400 | $6,050 – $7,350 |
| pool deck (800 sq ft) | $8,200 – $10,700 | $10,100 – $12,500 | $11,900 – $14,300 |
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Detailed paver patio report for Washington, DC, $9
The report lays out the paver patio numbers for Washington, DC line by line, with the local wage and price inputs, permit and timing notes, a quote comparison sheet and the full method. Save your estimate above, preview page 1 free, and unlock the full report for $9 one-time, or get every report with CostLocal Pro.
Paver patio in Washington: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a paver patio in Washington?
For 300 sq ft, expect $3,100 to $5,600 in the Washington area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,850 to $4,850. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for paver patio in Washington?
About $10.50 to $17.50 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $0 to $380 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $10 to $17.
+Is paver patio cheaper in Washington or Hagerstown?
Hagerstown is 55 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $3,950, which is 9% less than Washington ($4,350). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Washington?
About 59% at the midpoint, or $2,600 out of $4,350. Materials are 36% and permits 4%. Nationally, labor is 60%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Washington?
$4,100 to $7,350. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does paver patio need a permit in Washington?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $380 for fees in the Washington area (our national range of $0 to $350 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Washington expensive for paver patio compared with the rest of District of Columbia?
Washington is 5% below the District of Columbia statewide estimate ($4,550 at the midpoint).
+What do construction laborers earn in Washington?
The BLS median is $22.80 an hour in the Washington area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $20.07 to $27.05.
+What do basic and premium paver patio work cost in Washington?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $3,100 to $4,100 and premium work $4,600 to $5,600. Basic means: basic concrete pavers, simple pattern, level yard. Premium means: natural stone or clay brick, complex pattern, slope or retaining edge.
+When is the best time to install a paver patio in Washington?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are March through June and August through December. April and November are typically the driest of those months. Local contractors' schedules matter as much as the weather, so book early for the busy months.
+What does "excavation and haul-away" add in Washington?
$310 to $1,550 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Paver patio near Washington
Where these numbers come from
Base prices are national ranges from the sources below. We scale labor by local BLS wages, materials by BEA goods prices and permits by the BEA all-items price level. Full method on the methodology page.
- HomeGuide: 2026 Paver Patio Cost | Paver Installation Costs (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: How Much Does Stamped Concrete Cost? (2026) (accessed November 4, 2026)
- HomeGuide: 2026 Building Permit Costs | Fees & Cost Calculator (accessed November 4, 2026)
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals, 1991-2020