Paver patio cost in Durham, NC
Local estimate from BLS wage data and BEA price levels. Reviewed Nov 4, 2026.
- Typical range (300 sq ft)
- $2,850 – $5,150
- Per sq ft
- $9.45 – $16
- before permit
- Versus US midpoint
- −5%
- US $4,250
- Rank of 300 metros
- #190
- 1 = most expensive
If you want to install a paver patio in Durham, plan on $2,850 to $5,150 for 300 sq ft, all in. Per sq ft, that is $9.45 to $16 for materials and labor, with the permit on top. The local midpoint runs 5% lower than the national one. Construction laborers earn a median of $22.38 an hour in the Durham area, 1% below the US median of $22.66.
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Estimated cost for 300 sq ft in Durham, NC, standard level
$3,550 to $4,450
About $11.50 to $14 per sq ft before permits. Labor is about 59% of the bill.
| Part | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,350 | $1,550 |
| Labor | $2,100 | $2,650 |
| Permits and fees | $100 | $240 |
| Total | $3,550 | $4,450 |
Cost breakdown for 300 sq ft in Durham, NC
| Part of the job | Low | Midpoint | High | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1,150 | $1,450 | $1,750 | 36% |
| Labor | $1,700 | $2,400 | $3,100 | 59% |
| Permits and fees | $0 | $170 | $340 | 4% |
| Total | $2,850 | $4,000 | $5,150 | 100% |
What is behind the Durham number
Labor is 59% of the midpoint bill here, against 60% nationally. The mix of trades behind this job is construction laborers (50%), brickmasons and blockmasons (30%), landscaping and groundskeeping workers (20%). We weight each trade's local median wage by that share and compare it with the national median. In Durham the blended ratio comes out at 0.93.
On the materials line, the BEA goods price index for the Durham metro is 96.6 (US = 100). The midpoint materials bill for 300 sq ft comes to $1,450, compared with $1,500 at national prices. Permit and inspection fees are scaled by the broader index (97.6) and land at $0 to $340.
Data note: 30% of the labor weighting for this project uses a statewide median because BLS has no published metro figure for that trade in Durham. The wage table below marks each row.
Related projects, priced for Durham
Because every project leans on different trades, Durham's wage level does not move all prices equally. Against the US midpoint, wood deck runs −7% and concrete driveway −11%.
| Project | Size | Range | vs. US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete patio | 300 sq ft | $1,150 – $3,600 | −9% |
| Stamped concrete | 400 sq ft | $3,000 – $7,200 | −9% |
| Retaining wall | 200 sq ft of wall face | $6,400 – $12,500 | −8% |
| Wood deck | 300 sq ft | $7,000 – $14,100 | −7% |
| Concrete slab | 400 sq ft | $2,250 – $4,800 | −8% |
| Concrete driveway | 600 sq ft | $3,300 – $8,150 | −11% |
Durham labor market for paver patio
Wages are the part of this estimate that changes most from town to town. 3 trades carry the job here, and each is compared with its US median. The weighted result for Durham is 0.93 times the national level.
Construction laborers (47-2061), 50% of the weighting: a median of $22.38 an hour, in line with the US median of $22.66. The middle half of them earn between $19.03 and $25.15 an hour. About 1,120 work in the metro. That is 32.6 per 10,000 jobs, compared with 70.5 nationally, so expect fewer local crews to bid.
Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) carry 30% of the labor weighting. BLS does not publish this trade for the Durham metro, so we used the North Carolina statewide median: $24.01 an hour against $29.87 for the US. The middle half of them earn between $21.78 and $27.70 an hour.
For landscaping and groundskeeping workers (37-3011, weighted 20%) the local median is $18.56 an hour, which is in line with the national $18.82. The middle half of them earn between $17.78 and $22.33 an hour. BLS counts 1,710 of them working in the area, 49.7 for every 10,000 jobs (US: 61.3), so the local bench is thinner than average.
Quotes come from real crews, not medians. If the construction laborers on your job are paid at the 75th percentile ($25.15 an hour) instead of the median, the labor line grows by about $160. At the 25th percentile ($19.03) it shrinks by about $190. The total moves by 3.9% or 4.7%, so wages alone rarely explain a quote that is far outside our range.
For context on the local economy, BLS counts 344,020 jobs in the Durham-Chapel Hill area. That makes it the 74th largest of the 300 metros we cover, with 0.22% of US employment.
| Trade | Weight | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | US median | Ratio | Level used |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Construction laborers (47-2061) | 50% | $19.03 | $22.38 | $25.15 | $22.66 | 0.99 | metro |
| Brickmasons and blockmasons (47-2021) | 30% | $21.78 | $24.01 | $27.70 | $29.87 | 0.80 | state |
| Landscaping and groundskeeping workers (37-3011) | 20% | $17.78 | $18.56 | $22.33 | $18.82 | 0.99 | metro |
| Blended | 100% | 0.93 | |||||
Climate in Durham: timing your paver patio job
We use NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals for Raleigh Durham Intl Ap (10 miles from the city center). These are 30-year monthly averages, not forecasts.
February through June and August through December are the stretches where digging, grading and setting material in the ground runs into the fewest weather problems in Durham (10 of 12 months). January has an average overnight low at or below freezing (32°F); July has an average daytime high of 90°F or more.
In January the average low is at or below freezing, which means frozen ground and slower digging, compaction and sod or stone placement. NOAA counts about 65 days a year with a low at or below 32°F at this station.
Durham gets about 46 inches of precipitation in a normal year, including roughly 5 inches of snow. The wettest months are July, August and September (5.2 inches in September). Inside the workable window, February and November are the driest, at 2.8 and 3.3 inches. The station averages about 52 days a year at 90°F or above.
Does the season change the price? Probably, but we do not have a sourced seasonal price curve, so the estimator shows a year-round figure and does not adjust by month. When you collect quotes, ask whether scheduling in a slower month gets a better rate.
| Month | Avg high °F | Avg low °F | Precip (in) | For this job |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 52 | 32 | 3.4 | Cold |
| Feb | 56 | 34 | 2.8 | Workable |
| Mar | 63 | 40 | 4.1 | Workable |
| Apr | 73 | 49 | 3.5 | Workable |
| May | 80 | 58 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Jun | 87 | 66 | 3.9 | Workable |
| Jul | 91 | 70 | 5.0 | Hot |
| Aug | 89 | 69 | 4.7 | Workable |
| Sep | 83 | 63 | 5.2 | Workable |
| Oct | 73 | 50 | 3.4 | Workable |
| Nov | 63 | 40 | 3.3 | Workable |
| Dec | 55 | 34 | 3.4 | Workable |
Cost by quality level and size in Durham
Three bands are cut from the same cited range and localized for Durham wages and prices. They overlap on purpose: a good standard job and a modest premium job can cost the same. The grid below prices the same bands at 4 common sizes.
Basic
$2,850 to $3,750
Basic concrete pavers, simple pattern, level yard
Standard
$3,550 to $4,450
Mid-grade pavers, a border or curve, some regrading
Premium
$4,250 to $5,150
Natural stone or clay brick, complex pattern, slope or retaining edge
| Size | Basic | Standard | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12x12 (144 sq ft) | $1,350 – $1,900 | $1,750 – $2,250 | $2,150 – $2,650 |
| 16x16 (256 sq ft) | $2,400 – $3,250 | $3,050 – $3,850 | $3,650 – $4,450 |
| 20x20 (400 sq ft) | $3,800 – $4,950 | $4,700 – $5,850 | $5,550 – $6,750 |
| pool deck (800 sq ft) | $7,550 – $9,800 | $9,250 – $11,500 | $10,900 – $13,200 |
Is Durham cheap or dear? The local comparison
Of the five closest metros, all are cheaper than Durham. Greensboro is the lowest at about $3,800 (midpoint, 300 sq ft), 40 miles away.
| Area | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durham, NCthis page | $2,850 – $5,150 | $4,000 | |
| Burlington, NC15 miles | $2,750 – $4,950 | $3,850 | −4% |
| Greensboro, NC40 miles | $2,700 – $4,900 | $3,800 | −5% |
| Raleigh, NC40 miles | $2,800 – $5,150 | $3,950 | −1% |
| Fayetteville, NC65 miles | $2,750 – $5,000 | $3,850 | −3% |
| Winston, NC70 miles | $2,750 – $4,950 | $3,850 | −4% |
| North Carolina (statewide) | $2,800 – $5,050 | $3,950 | −2% |
| United States | $3,000 – $5,450 | $4,250 | +6% |
Across 300 US metros, Durham comes in at #190 from the top. The priciest is Kahului, HI at $5,650; the cheapest is Dothan, AL at $3,500 (midpoints, 300 sq ft). Statewide, Durham is 2% above the North Carolina figure.
Other North Carolina metros
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte, NC | 1,358,370 jobs | $2,850 – $5,150 | $4,000 | level |
| Raleigh, NC | 743,120 jobs | $2,800 – $5,150 | $3,950 | −1% |
| Greensboro, NC | 365,410 jobs | $2,700 – $4,900 | $3,800 | −5% |
| Winston, NC | 271,980 jobs | $2,750 – $4,950 | $3,850 | −4% |
| Wilmington, NC | 191,280 jobs | $2,800 – $5,100 | $3,950 | −2% |
| Asheville, NC | 180,620 jobs | $2,850 – $5,150 | $4,000 | level |
Cities with a workforce like Durham's
Big cities and small ones price differently, so here is Durham against the 4 metros with the closest total employment.
| Metro | Size | Range | Midpoint | vs. here |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA | 349,880 jobs | $3,450 – $6,300 | $4,850 | +22% |
| North Port, FL | 339,940 jobs | $2,800 – $5,150 | $4,000 | level |
| Little Rock, AR | 358,210 jobs | $2,700 – $4,850 | $3,750 | −6% |
| El Paso, TX | 339,120 jobs | $2,500 – $4,550 | $3,550 | −12% |
Extras that change the Durham total
Extras are quoted nationally and then scaled to Durham by the average of the local wage index (0.93) and goods index (0.97), a factor of 0.95. Tick any of them in the estimator above to add them to your total. Treat these as planning figures: an add-on touches different trades than the main job, so the scaling is an approximation.
| Add-on | Local range |
|---|---|
| Excavation and haul-away | $280 – $1,400 |
Specs and site conditions that change a Durham bid
Pattern
Herringbone and curves take longer to lay and waste more stone than a running bond.
Permit
At-grade patios often need no permit; add a retaining wall, a cover, or a connection to the house and that changes.
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).
Get 3 local quotes
Tell us about the job and we will try to connect you with up to three local contractors for written quotes. It is free and you are under no obligation to hire. Your estimate of $3,550 to $4,450 for Durham, NC is attached.
Take this estimate with you: PDF report, $9
The report lays out the paver patio numbers for Durham, NC 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 Durham: your questions
+How much does it cost to install a paver patio in Durham?
For 300 sq ft, expect $2,850 to $5,150 in the Durham area. A standard-spec job lands at $3,550 to $4,450. Small jobs usually cost more per sq ft and large ones less.
+What is the price per sq ft for paver patio in Durham?
About $9.45 to $16 per sq ft for materials and labor, plus $0 to $340 for the permit if one is needed. The US range is $10 to $17.
+Is paver patio cheaper in Durham or Burlington?
Burlington is 15 miles away. The midpoint for 300 sq ft there is $3,850, which is 4% less than Durham ($4,000). Wage and materials indexes both feed that gap.
+How much of the bill is labor in Durham?
About 59% at the midpoint, or $2,400 out of $4,000. Materials are 36% and permits 4%. Nationally, labor is 60%.
+What would 20x20 (400 sq ft) cost in Durham?
$3,800 to $6,750. Pick a different size in the estimator above to get your own number.
+Does paver patio need a permit in Durham?
Often, but rules are set by your city or county building office, so call before you hire. Budget $0 to $340 for fees in the Durham area (our national range of $0 to $350 scaled by the local price level).
+Is Durham expensive for paver patio compared with the rest of North Carolina?
Durham is 2% above the North Carolina statewide estimate ($3,950 at the midpoint). We cover 11 metros in North Carolina; see the state page to compare them.
+What do construction laborers earn in Durham?
The BLS median is $22.38 an hour in the Durham area, compared with $22.66 nationally. The 25th to 75th percentile range is $19.03 to $25.15.
+What do basic and premium paver patio work cost in Durham?
For 300 sq ft, basic work runs $2,850 to $3,750 and premium work $4,250 to $5,150. 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 Durham?
Based on NOAA 1991-2020 normals, the comfortable months for this kind of work are February through June and August through December. February 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 Durham?
$280 to $1,400 for 300 sq ft, from a national range scaled by the local wage and goods indexes.
Paver patio near Durham
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