10x12 Paver Patio: Complete Shopping List
A 10 × 12 ft (120 sq ft) patio is a classic weekend-and-a-half DIY project. Below is everything to buy, calculated with the same formulas as our paver calculator, assuming 4×8 in pavers, a 4 in compacted base, 1 in sand and 7% waste.
Materials
| Item | Quantity | Notes | Typical cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4×8 in concrete pavers | 578 | 120 sq ft × 4.5/sq ft + 7% | $300–$700 |
| Paver base / crusher run | 2.56 tons (1.7 yd³) | 4 in compacted, +15%. Bulk is cheapest; roughly 90+ bags if bagged | $60–$150 bulk |
| Coarse bedding sand | 20 × 0.5 cu ft bags | 1 in screeded layer (10 cu ft) | $100–$140 |
| Polymeric sand | 3 × 50 lb bags | Joint fill; check bag coverage | $70–$120 |
| Paver edge restraint | 44 ft (less any side against the house) | Plastic or aluminum | $60–$120 |
| 10 in edging spikes | 44 | About 1 per foot | $20–$40 |
| Geotextile fabric | 132 sq ft | Under the base on clay soil | $20–$40 |
*Cost ranges are rough 2026 U.S. big-box ballparks for planning, not quotes. Your prices will differ.
Tools and rentals
| Tool | Buy or rent | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Plate compactor | Rent (half day) | Compact the base in 2 in lifts and settle the pavers |
| Wet saw or cut-off saw with diamond blade | Rent | Edge cuts |
| Two 1 in screed pipes + straight 2x4 | Buy | Flat sand bed |
| Flat shovel, rake, wheelbarrow | Buy/own | Digging and moving base |
| String line, stakes, 4 ft level | Buy | Sets the slope: ⅛–¼ in per foot away from the house |
| Rubber mallet, push broom, leaf blower | Own | Setting pavers and sweeping in joint sand |
Excavation
Dig about 7 in deep (4 in base + 1 in sand + 2⅜ in paver, finishing slightly above grade). That's about 2.6 yd³ of soil to haul away or re-use, roughly 1.3× that once it's loosened.
Order of work
- Call 811, mark the outline and set string lines with the slope.
- Excavate, compact the subgrade and lay fabric.
- Place base in 2 in lifts, compacting each one.
- Screed 1 in of sand, then lay pavers from a corner without walking on the sand.
- Cut the edges, install the edge restraint, and compact the pavers.
- Sweep in polymeric sand, compact again, blow off the surface and mist as directed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 10x12 paver patio cost DIY?
Materials typically run about $650–$1,300 depending on paver choice, plus $150–$250 in tool rentals. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
How many pavers for a 10x12 patio?
About 578 standard 4×8 in pavers including 7% waste.
How much base for a 10x12 patio?
About 1.7 yd³ (2.6 tons) of compactable base for a 4 in compacted layer.
Last reviewed October 2026 by Jim Frith. These are planning estimates; confirm quantities with your supplier and follow local codes.