Paver Patio cost can be calculated by a square footage flat rate. Most contractors are going to use a method similar to this. York County Pa has an average Sqft rate of $20 for a standard low complexity paver patio installation. The online calculators are rough order of magnitude and the actual quote from a contractor could be +25% to - 10% of the online calculation but this will at least get you prepared to set a budget before you call a contractor.
I use a Project Unit method of estimating a project by milestone. Typical Millstones in a paver patio are
Excavation: Preparing the site for a stone base. This step may be the most critical in achieving a flat surface with the right grade to manage water runoff
Packing a stone base: Using #2A Limestone also called "crusher run"
Setting the pavers: One inch of concrete sand on top of the stone base gives the paver a pliable media on top of the packed stone allowing adjusts in the final step
The Finish: Applying polymeric sand in the seems and lightly compacting the paver surface ensures a tight and uniform fit that will last years
The project Unit approach ensures transparency in cost allocation and gives you the insight into project delivery scheduling.
