The paver walkway cost for Long Island homes depends on the materials you choose, how complex the layout is, and how much prep work the site needs. Walkways built with pavers hold up well in our climate, look more finished than gravel, and stay sturdier than poured concrete. This guide breaks down what you’ll spend on materials, labor, and installation extras, plus what affects the price the most.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Paver Walkway on Long Island?
Most paver walkway projects on Long Island fall between $3,000 and $4,500, with an average cost of $30 to $45 per square foot depending on the layout, materials, and labor.
You’ll stay closer to the low end with basic concrete pavers in a straight design. If you’re using premium materials like stone or designing a curved walkway, your price may land on the higher end of the range. Long Island labor costs and site access can also push pricing up.
| Walkway Size | Total Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| 50 sq ft | $1,500 – $2,250 |
| 100 sq ft | $3,000 – $4,500 |
| 150 sq ft | $4,500 – $6,000 |
| 200 sq ft | $6,000 – $9,000 |
Based on a national average of $8 to $25 per square foot for professional installation.
Cost of Paver Walkway Materials
Material choice plays a big role in pricing. If you want something budget-friendly and clean-looking, concrete pavers usually cost $2 to $5 per square foot. For a more classic or traditional appearance, brick pavers tend to run $4 to $8 per square foot. If you’re aiming for a more upscale look, natural stone pavers start around $10 and can go up to $20 or more per square foot.
| Material | Cost per Sq Ft (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Concrete Pavers | $2 – $5 |
| Brick Pavers | $4 – $8 |
| Natural Stone Pavers | $10 – $20+ |
When it comes to Long Island Masonry projects, Unified Home Remodeling installs Cambridge pavers, which come in a variety of finishes and color blends that work well with New York homes. Other popular brands homeowners often ask about include Nicolock and Techo-Bloc, though they are not part of our standard offerings.
Want to keep your costs down? Sticking with concrete usually gives you the most value without compromising the look. Brick adds character, and stone brings a luxury feel, but each bump in material quality comes with a price jump.
Labor Costs to Install a Paver Walkway
Labor costs to install a paver walkway on Long Island typically fall between $5 and $12 per square foot. Factors like curved layouts, tight access, and special designs (like herringbone or basketweave) can increase labor time.
Most installers charge based on square footage, but some may charge a flat rate for small walkways. The more complex the job, the more time and precision it takes, which means a higher labor bill.
Hiring a crew that knows how to handle local soil and weather conditions helps ensure your walkway stays level, drains properly, and looks sharp for years.
Cost to Build the Base for a Paver Walkway
Before the first paver gets placed, your contractor has to build a solid base. This part of the project often gets overlooked, but it plays a major role in how long your walkway lasts. Base prep usually costs $8 to $12 per square foot.
The crew will dig out the walkway path, grade the soil, and lay down a few inches of compacted gravel followed by a layer of sand. This creates a level, stable surface that keeps your pavers from shifting or settling over time.
If your soil holds a lot of moisture or the ground is uneven, the prep work may take longer. That can raise the base cost. Cutting corners during this step leads to problems later, so it’s worth doing right the first time.
Additional Features That Affect Paver Walkway Costs
Your walkway doesn’t have to stop at the basics. Add-ons like edging, lighting, or a curved path can enhance the look and boost the overall value. These extras can raise the total cost, but they also give your project a more polished finish.
Additional Features That Affect the Cost
Here’s what some common upgrades might add to your budget:
- Edging or decorative borders: $5–$15 per linear foot
Border pavers help frame the walkway, keep everything in place, and add a clean finish. - Landscape lighting: $50–$300 per fixture installed
Low-voltage lights boost safety and visibility. Hardwired lighting costs more than solar fixtures. - Curved layout: 10% – 20% increase in labor cost
Curves take more time to cut and lay, and they often increase material waste. - Drainage improvements: $300–$1,500+ depending on site
Includes grading adjustments, trench drains, or adding gravel channels to direct water away from the walkway. - Tight or tricky access: varies based on labor conditions.
Jobs in side yards, hills, or fenced-in areas may take more time and require extra equipment. - Patterned or inlay designs: 10% – 30% more in labor and materials
Complex patterns like herringbone or circular inlays cost more than a standard running bond layout. - Steps or elevation changes: $400–$2,000+ depending on design
Adding steps, risers, or landings increases both time and materials, especially if block, concrete, or custom stone is involved. - Sealing (optional): $1.50–$2.50 per sq ft
Some homeowners choose to seal their pavers for added protection against stains, moss, and fading. Not always necessary, but helpful for long-term maintenance.
Small upgrades like a border or lighting can make the walkway feel more intentional without pushing the project out of budget. Not every walkway needs these extras, but they can make a big difference in appearance and durability.
Other Types of Walkways
Pavers aren’t your only option. If you’re comparing materials or trying to keep costs lower, there are a few other ways to build a walkway. Each one comes with trade-offs in price, durability, and appearance.
- Concrete: $15–$30 per square foot
Poured concrete is affordable and durable, but can crack over time, especially with freeze-thaw cycles. It gives a clean, smooth look but doesn’t offer the same design flexibility as pavers. - Asphalt: $10–$25 per square foot
Asphalt is less common for residential walkways but works well for longer paths or driveways with connected walk areas. It installs quickly and handles cold weather but doesn’t offer much in the way of design. - Gravel: $5–$10 per square foot
Gravel is the most budget-friendly option. It’s quick to install and easy to maintain but can shift underfoot and scatter outside the walkway. - Mulch: $1–$5 per square foot
Great for garden paths or informal areas. It’s soft and natural-looking but breaks down over time and needs to be refreshed regularly. - Stamped Concrete: $20–$45 per square foot
A decorative upgrade from plain concrete that mimics the look of pavers or stone. It still runs the risk of cracking and doesn’t have the same individual-unit flexibility as pavers. - Flagstone: $30–$40+ per square foot
Natural stone delivers a high-end, organic look. It’s labor-intensive to install and comes with a higher cost, but it stands out in the finished landscape.
If you want a mix of durability and style, pavers hit the sweet spot for Long Island homes.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
What You’ll Spend on DIY
If you take on the project yourself, you’ll probably spend between $6 and $15 per square foot. That includes pavers, base materials, and any tools or equipment you need to rent. For a 100-square-foot walkway, that adds up to $600 to $1,500 out of pocket.
You’ll need tools like a plate compactor, a tamper, a shovel, and possibly a sod cutter. Equipment rental alone can run you $100 to $300, depending on where you rent and for how long.
What You’ll Need to Do
DIY paver installation means digging out the site, laying a gravel base, compacting it, adding a sand layer, placing the pavers, and locking everything in with polymeric sand. It’s a multi-day job that requires careful leveling and planning.
Why Most Long Island Homeowners Hire a Pro
Professional masonry installers know how to deal with local soil types, drainage issues, and cold-weather movement. They also have the equipment and crew to get the job done faster. You’ll pay more up front, but you’ll also get a walkway that stays in place and drains properly over time.
If you want peace of mind and long-term performance, it usually makes more sense to bring in a pro.
Wrapping Up
Most Long Island walkways cost between $3,000 and $4,500, depending on the size, material, and site conditions. You can even upgrade your project by adding front steps for a more polished, welcoming entry. When considering installing a paver walkway, choose the material that fits your style and budget.
Get a Quote for Your Paver Walkway Project
We are one of the leading stonework and masonry companies on Long Island. With our help, you’ll figure out what’s best for your budget, your space, and your layout when planning a paver walkway. Get your Free Estimate by calling us at (888) 631-2131, or contact us online. And once it’s installed, we’ve got tips for keeping it looking sharp, too. Check out our paver maintenance guide for more information on how to keep your walkway in good shape for years.