Universal Hardscapes
How to Calculate Pavers and Pallets for Your Project
To estimate pavers, measure the area, add a project-specific allowance and divide by the confirmed coverage of the product you will order. Use the correct measurements and packing information.
Project planning · Universal Hardscapes
Measure the area you will actually pave
For a rectangle, multiply length by width in feet to get square feet. Divide an irregular layout into smaller shapes and add their areas. Subtract pool openings, planting beds and other spaces you will not pave. Avoid double-counting overlaps. Have your installer check complicated layouts.
Calculate separate border materials independently, subtracting their area from the main paving area. Measure coping and edge pieces in the units required by the product, often linear feet or individual pieces.
Add an allowance for the actual layout
Cuts, pattern layout and an agreed reserve for repairs affect the order quantity. Ask your installer for an allowance appropriate to the project.
Multiply the measured area by one plus the allowance as a decimal. A hypothetical 10 percent allowance means multiplying by 1.10. This is an illustration, not a Universal ordering recommendation.
Confirm coverage for the selected product
Confirm square-foot coverage for the exact product, format, thickness and pack being quoted. Pallets, cubes and crates are packaging units with different coverage. Do not transfer figures between sizes, thicknesses or materials. Ask whether full packs are required or other order quantities are available.
For mixed-size patterns, use confirmed set or pack coverage; calculating from one component can produce the wrong mix of pieces. Check Universal’s material and pattern resources, then confirm current packing with the order team.
Worked example with hypothetical numbers
Assume a 20-by-25-foot patio and a separate 4-by-25-foot walkway, without overlaps or exclusions. The installer chooses a hypothetical 10 percent allowance. For this example only, each full pallet covers 120 square feet and partial pallets cannot be ordered.
Patio: 20 × 25 = 500 square feet
Walkway: 4 × 25 = 100 square feet
Measured area: 500 + 100 = 600 square feet
Area with the example allowance: 600 × 1.10 = 660 square feet
Pallet calculation: 660 ÷ 120 = 5.5, rounded up to 6 full pallets
Ordered coverage: 6 × 120 = 720 square feet
Full-pallet rounding adds 60 square feet beyond the 660-square-foot estimate, separately from the allowance already added. The 120-square-foot coverage is invented for this example and does not describe a Universal product.
Confirm the order before scheduling work
Ask Universal to verify packing, order increments, pricing, availability and fulfillment arrangements. Include the product, format, allowance, separate border and coping quantities, and job location. Have your installer check the takeoff before ordering.
Homeowners: Bring your sketch and measurements. Contractors: Send the checked takeoff or ask about a contractor account for ongoing purchases.
Still choosing a material? Compare travertine and concrete pavers for pool decks or read our Tampa paver supplier guide before preparing your material inquiry.
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