Figuring out how many pavers you need for a project can be tricky. The number of pavers needed depends on the size of the pavers and the total area you need to cover. In this article, we’ll walk through the steps to determine how many 12×12 inch pavers are needed to cover 100 square feet.
Quick Answer
For a 100 square foot area using 12×12 inch pavers, you will need 69 pavers.
Calculating the Number of Pavers Needed
Here are the steps to calculate the number of pavers needed:
- Determine the dimensions of the area – For this example, the area is 100 square feet.
- Determine the dimensions of the pavers – We are using 12×12 inch pavers.
- Calculate the area of each paver in square feet – Each 12×12 inch paver is 1 square foot (12 inches x 12 inches = 144 square inches ÷ 144 = 1 square foot)
- Divide the total area by the area of each paver – For this project, 100 square feet total area ÷ 1 square foot per paver = 100 pavers needed.
So for a 100 square foot area using 12×12 inch pavers, you will need 100 pavers.
Adding in Spacing Between Pavers
The above calculation determines the number of pavers needed if they are laid flush against each other without any spacing between them. However, most paver projects require spaces between the pavers for these reasons:
- Allow sand/gravel to spread between pavers and lock them in place
- Prevent cracking due to pavers rubbing against each other
- Provide drainage between pavers
- Account for irregularities in the paver sizes and installation
The typical spacing used between 12×12 inch pavers is 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Let’s factor a 1/4 inch space into our calculation:
- The dimensions of each paver are still 12×12 inches
- With a 1/4 inch space between pavers, the functional dimensions of each paver unit becomes 12-1/4 x 12-1/4 inches
- So each paver unit now takes up 1.265 square feet (12.25 inches x 12.25 inches = 150.0625 square inches ÷ 144 = 1.265 square feet)
- For the 100 square foot area, divide by the new area per paver unit: 100 square feet ÷ 1.265 square feet per paver = 69 pavers
By accounting for a 1/4 inch spacing between the pavers, the number of 12×12 inch pavers needed for 100 square feet is 69.
Paver Layout Options
When installing pavers, you can lay them out in different patterns. The most common options are:
Single Basketweave
The pavers are laid in a basketweave pattern, with each paver running perpendicular to the pavers next to it. This pattern results in strong interlocking between the pavers.
Double Basketweave
Every other row of pavers runs in the same direction, creating a pattern that looks like two overlapping basketweaves.
Running Bond
Each paver row is offset by half a paver length from the row below it. This creates a stacked effect rather than an interlocking basketweave.
Herringbone
The pavers are laid at 45 degree angles to create a herringbone pattern. Herringbone provides a distinct look and is very strong interlocked pattern.
The number of pavers calculated is based on covering the total area and spacing needed. The exact layout pattern you choose does not change the number of pavers needed, but may affect cutting and waste. Some layout patterns are more efficient than others. Talk to your contractor about the best layout for your project.
Allowing for Cutting and Waste
When laying pavers, you’ll inevitably have to cut some pavers to fit edges and corners. And it’s always smart to have a few extra pavers on hand in case a few get damaged during installation. For a 12×12 paver project, you should add about 10% extra to account for cutting and waste.
Here is how to account for waste:
- Number of 12×12 inch pavers needed for 100 square feet = 69 (from calculation above)
- Add 10% for waste: 69 pavers x 1.10 = 76 pavers
So for this project, you would want to purchase 76 pavers, which allows for cutting pavers to fit and having a few extras.
Purchasing Pavers
When purchasing pavers, they are often sold by the square foot. Common sizes are:
- 10 pavers per square foot for 6×6 inch pavers
- 4 pavers per square foot for 12×12 inch pavers
- 2 2/3 pavers per square foot for 18×18 inch pavers
Since we need 76 12×12 inch pavers, that comes out to 19 square feet (76 pavers / 4 pavers per square foot = 19 square feet).
So for this 100 square foot project using 12×12 inch pavers with 1/4 inch spacing, you would want to purchase:
- 76 individual pavers
- Or 19 square feet of 12×12 inch pavers
This allows for the 1/4 inch spacing, cutting, and waste.
Cost Estimate
Pavers range in price from about $2 – $25 per square foot depending on the material – concrete, clay, stone, etc. For a budget friendly option, concrete pavers cost $2 to $4 per square foot. Using $3 per square foot for this example:
- 100 square foot area
- 12×12 inch concrete pavers
- Need to purchase 19 square feet of pavers
- At $3 per square foot, materials cost = 19 square feet x $3 per square foot = $57
So the estimated material cost for 100 square feet of 12×12 inch concrete pavers is about $50 to $60.
Other costs for the installation would include:
- Base preparation
- Paver sand for leveling and spacing
- Labor if hiring a contractor
So the total installed cost will be higher than just the paver purchase price. Talk to a professional installer to get an accurate estimate for your specific project.
Conclusion
Figuring out the number of pavers needed for a project requires a few steps:
- Calculate total area in square feet
- Determine paver size
- Allow for spacing between pavers
- Add extra for cutting and waste
For a 100 square foot area using 12×12 inch pavers with 1/4 inch spacing, you would need approximately 76 pavers or 19 square feet of coverage. This provides a buffer for cutting and waste. Choose a layout pattern and purchase budget friendly concrete pavers for a cost of around $50 to $60 just for materials.
Be sure to account for base preparation, paver sand, and professional installation which will increase the total project cost. But installing your own paver patio, walkway, or driveway can be an easy do-it-yourself weekend project if you calculate materials correctly.
