ArcaMax

Investing in a stone patio is not a trivial investment, but it’s an improvement you’ll enjoy for years to come. The durable stone surface has an earthy look that enhances a yard and landscape as well. Stone pavers offer a nice contrast and transition to a manicured lawn and provide comfortable outdoor living. There’s a variety of stone pavers to choose from, and you'll find the best selection of stonework at a landscaping service or lawn and garden center.

To lay stone pavers in a 10-foot-by-12-foot patio, a contractor will charge $1,730, which includes labor and material. If you want to tackle the job yourself, you can buy the materials for $480, which include the pavers, gravel and sand, and do the job yourself, saving 72%. Building any kind of patio is not for the faint of heart because the pavers are heavy to transport, move and position.

The work begins by laying out the shape and size of the patio and then removing any sod or lawn to create a level surface. That’s followed by laying out the design of the pavers and installing guide boards to mark the layout. Then a layer of gravel is laid and leveled and compacted with a plate compactor (you can rent one at a rental center) to provide a firm and level base. Next, a layer of sand is added and compacted and the pavers are set in place following the layout design. When the pavers are aligned and even, spread sand between the joints to act as grout and secure them.

Pro Cost: $1,730 — DIY Cost: $480 — Pro time: 43.2
DIY Time: 40.0 — DIY Savings: $1,250 — Percent Saved: 72%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2024 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.