Updated August 10, 2022
Written by HomeAdvisor.
The average cost of a flagstone patio falls between $15 and $21 per square foot for material and labor. For a 50- to 400-square-foot patio, that cost can range from as little as $750 to as high as $8,400, with the average U.S. homeowner spending $3,600 for a 200-square-foot patio.
These flagstone patio prices reflect the typical cost of flagstone ($4 to $6 per square foot) and the cost of labor ($11 to $15 per square foot).
The total cost to install a flagstone patio will vary depending on the amount of flagstone needed, the installation method, and local labor rates. Explore our flagstone patio cost guide for additional cost factors as you price out your project.
On This Page:
- Average Flagstone Patio Cost
- Flagstone Patio Cost per Square Foot
- Flagstone Patio Costs by Installation Method
- Dry-Laid
- Mortar-Set
- Concrete-Set
- DIY Flagstone Patio Cost
- Labor Cost to Install Flagstone Patio
- Other Flagstone Patio Cost Factors
- Flagstone Patio Cost vs. Stamped Concrete
- DIY vs. Hire a Flagstone Patio Pro
- FAQs
Average Flagstone Patio Cost
| Average Cost | $3,600 |
| High Cost | $8,400 |
| Low Cost | $750 |
Note: Wet flagstone patio installation costs can reach $30 per square foot, in which case total project costs may be higher than what’s shown here. The average cost above reflects a 200-square-foot patio at $5 per square foot in materials and $13 per square foot in labor.
The average cost to install a flagstone patio is $15 to $21 per square foot. The table below explores flagstone patio cost ranges depending on the square footage of the project.
| Patio Dimensions | Total Square Footage | Average Cost Range to Install |
|---|---|---|
| 7x7 | 49 square feet | $735 – $1,029 |
| 10x8 | 80 square feet | $1,200 – $1,680 |
| 12x12 | 144 square feet | $2,160 – $3,024 |
| 16x18 | 288 square feet | $4,320 – $6,048 |
| 20x20 | 400 square feet | $6,000 – $8,400 |
Note: Some contractors may order additional flagstone because installation can result in waste; the table above doesn’t include additional materials. When you hire a paver or contractor for the installation, ask them how they’ll calculate the amount of flagstone needed.
Find Flagstone Patio Pros Near You
Flagstone Patio Costs by Installation Method
Like with the cost of any stone patio, flagstone patio prices can vary dramatically based on the installation method. Dry-laid patios are the easiest to install, so labor costs are lower. Expect to pay slightly more for mortar-set installation and significantly more for concrete-set (or wet-laid) flagstone patio installation.
As we examine the flagstone patio cost for each installation method, we will assume a 50-square-foot patio for the low end of the range and a 400-square-foot patio for the high end.
Dry-Laid
Dry-laid flagstone is the most affordable option at $15 to $17 per square foot, or $750to $6,800 for a 50- to 400-square-foot patio. Labor costs average $11 per square foot and the flagstone itself ranges between $4 and $6 per square foot.
The install starts with excavating and leveling the area before laying down sand and gravel as a base. Once that’s done, installers cut and fit the stone blocks to create your ideal patio shape. Then, they put grout between the stones to secure them in place and create a beautiful finish.
Mortar-Set
A mortar-set flagstone patio cost ranges from $800 to $7,200 for a 50- to 400-square-foot patio. Most contractors will charge about $12 per square foot in labor, and the stone itself varies from $4 to $6 per square foot; the total project cost goes from $16 to $18 per square foot, making it slightly more expensive than dry-laid flagstone installation. In fact, this method is similar to dry-laid, except the installer will use mortar instead of gravel or sand. This adds more stability and durability to the patio.
Concrete-Set
Concrete-set flagstone patio, also referred to as wet-laid flagstone patio, costs $950 to $8,400 for installation (50- to 400-square-foot). With labor reaching as much as $15 per square foot and stone materials priced at roughly $4 to $6 per square foot, this is the most expensive and involved flagstone patio installation method—roughly $19 to $21 per square foot in total.
The wet install starts with excavation and leveling of the patio area. Then, the contractor cuts the flagstones to size and does a test fit. After that, the installer mixes and pours 4 inches of concrete to create the base. They must work fast to evenly place the stones in the concrete before it sets up. Grout goes in between the flagstones at the end to complete your desired look.
DIY Flagstone Patio Cost
Labor makes up the largest cost of a flagstone patio installation. If attempting to DIY, your only costs will be the flagstone itself (about $4 to $6 per square foot) and other materials, like grout, concrete, mortar, and/or sand and gravel, as well as installation tools.
For a 200-square-foot patio, expect to pay $1,075 to $1,625, as long as you have the basic tools on hand.
The total includes:
Flagstone: $800–$1,200
Sand, grout, and other supplies: $100–$125
Rental equipment: $75–$100 per day
Sealer: $100–$200 for 1 gallon
Labor Cost to Install Flagstone Patio
Typical labor rates for flagstone patio installation range between $11 and $15 per square foot. The complexity of the install, as well as local labor rates, will ultimately dictate your contractor’s price. A 50-square-foot patio might cost $550 to $750 in labor alone while a 400-square-foot patio would go as high as $4,400 to $6,000 for labor alone.
Flagstone patio installation is not easy work. While you might save some money handling the install yourself, you will spend a lot of time attempting to DIY the patio. Novice installers may also need more flagstone materials per square foot, as they might encounter errors in cutting or laying the stone.
Other Flagstone Patio Cost Factors
Additional flagstone patio cost factors to consider when pricing out your project include the specific type of stone, the complexity of the design, permits, and the season.
Type of stone: The color and type of flagstone you choose can impact the overall price. Your contractor can discuss the benefits and costs of various flagstones, including:
Bluestone
Limestone
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Slate
Quartzite
Complexity of the design: If you use flagstone with factory-cut edges for a simple design, prices will be on the lower end. But if installers cut stones to fit complex design patterns on site, expect higher labor costs. You may also need to budget for additional flagstone (up to 25% more) because there may be more wasted pieces.
Permits: Depending on where you live, you may need to obtain a construction permit to add a patio onto your house. A construction permit costs as little as $150 for a patio, but you can work with your contractor to determine what permits you need and how much they’ll cost.
Season: If you live somewhere with cold winters, contractors may charge more during their off season. If you can, wait until spring to have your patio installed to ensure lower rates.
Flagstone Patio Cost vs. Stamped Concrete
On average, flagstone patios are $3,000 to $4,200 for 200 square feet, while stamped concrete patios cost an average of $1,600 to $5,600 for the same size. Like flagstone builds, pros often price stamped concrete patios by the square foot. A basic, single-color layout costs about $8 per square foot, while a complex design is as much as $28 per square foot. The decision between pavers versus concrete really comes down to looks since the prices are so close to the same.
DIY vs. Hire a Flagstone Patio Pro
DIY significantly reduces your overall flagstone patio cost, but it can add a lot of your own personal time for installation, and it opens the project up to expensive errors. It’s difficult for most homeowners to get the area level and flagstone cut and set just right. Hiring an experienced patio builder near you is the best way to get the perfect look and the biggest return on your investment.
FAQs
Why should I build a flagstone patio?
A flagstone patio offers many benefits over materials like concrete, wood, and pavers, like:
Durability: Natural stone is sturdy, resists weathering, and won’t crack and chip over time.
Unique look: No two flagstones are the same, so you’ll never find a flagstone patio that matches your own.
Increased value: Flagstone patios increase the value of your home and boost curb appeal.
Added space: It’s ideal for chilling, grilling, and entertaining without the cost of an addition.
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If you want a new patio but flagstone doesn’t feel like the right choice, there are plenty of other good options. Review our patio installation cost guide to generate ideas and estimates.
What types of flagstone are used for patios?
Flagstone is flat stone used for hardscaping. Homeowners can pick from several types of flagstone for patios, including:
Bluestone: Flat, fine-grain sandstone in blue-gray to purple hues
(Video) 2022 Trends in Search MarketingLimestone: Smooth calcite with small to medium grains in multiple colors
Quartzite: Smooth, glossy stone that comes in green, silver, blue, and gray
Sandstone: Contemporary, earthy stone usually boasting deep red hues
Slate: Soft silver, gray, or green stone with a weathered look
To find the best flagstone for your patio, appearance is an important consideration, but you should also weigh the pros and cons of each flagstone type:
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Bluestone | Dense, non-slip and holds up to harsh weather | Its color fades when left unsealed, especially by pools |
| Limestone | Durable and resistant to weathering | Easily damaged by acid and harsh chemicals |
| Quartzite | Resistant to stains, weathering and wear and tear | Hard to shape during the install and needs lots of maintenance |
| Sandstone | Cool surface temp, dense and weather-resistant | Absorbs water and could end up damaged in freezing temps |
| Slate | Easy to mold into complex shapes | Breaks apart easily and needs regular sealing |
How expensive is flagstone?
Flagstone costs between $4 and $6 per square foot. Expect to pay $200 to $550 for the cost of flagstone by the ton. The table below explores average price ranges for flagstone by the ton:
| Type | Price per Ton |
|---|---|
| Arizona | $200 – $450 |
| Bluestone | $375 – $450 |
| Quartzite | $400 – $450 |
| Sandstone | $250 – $350 |
| Colorado Red | $200 – $400 |
| Natural | $200 – $550 |
| Rock | $400 – $500 |
| Crab Orchard | $350 – $450 |
How much does it cost to maintain a flagstone patio?
A 200-square-foot patio costs $110 to $240 to clean and reseal as recommended every 18 to 36 months. Sealer is $100 to $200 a gallon, while cleaner is $10 to $40 a quart. Expect to use 1 full gallon to reseal your 10-foot-by-20-foot flagstone patio.
How do you clean a flagstone patio?
Cleaning a flagstone patio is difficult work. Start by hosing down the patio and then using a mixture of dish soap and water to scrub each stone with a bristle brush or large sponge. You might need to use white vinegar to remove mold. If the patio is too dirty, it might be worth the cost of hiring a professional cleaning service.
If you need more than routine maintenance, budget between $700 and $2,250 for the cost of patio repair.
What colors can you use for a flagstone patio?
You can choose from a number of colors for your flagstone patio. Color will vary by the type of flagstone, but in general, you can find flagstone in blue, gray, purple, green, silver, red, and related earth tones.
Have More Questions About Your Flagstone Patio?
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to lay a patio? ›
Concrete is one of the cheapest and most popular materials that can be used to build a hard-surface patio. The aggregates of concrete can be stone, gravel, sand, or shells, which are mixed with water to form a paste that dries into a hard surface when left to settle.
How much does it cost to dig a patio? ›The recommended depth you'll want to dig to is about 150mm or 6 inches from the finished patio level. You can use a tape measure to check your depth is correct and once you're happy you can compact the soil using a Vibrating Plate compactor, also known as a Wacker Plate.
How much does it cost to lay a patio per m2 UK? ›As a very rough estimate, you can expect your patio cost to be around £55-£150 per m², with the average patio laying cost starting at around £900. If we take an average sized, square patio of 25m² (5m x 5m), and an average cost per m² of £103.5, then you can expect to pay £2560 for the laying of a patio.
What is the easiest patio to install? ›PAVERS are the best option
For a do-it-yourself patio, a simple square design with one size of pavers is a lot easier to install than one with various sizes and curves because you will not have to cut the pavers, which takes time and skill. Pavers are strong, inexpensive, and easy to install.
A 20x20 brick paver patio costs $3,800 to $6,800. The average cost of pavers and base materials is $4 to $6 per square foot, while labor runs $6 to $11 per square foot. Get free estimates from masonry contractors near you or view our cost guide below. How much will your paver patio cost?
What is the best base for a patio? ›Sand-set base
A sand-set paver base is the traditional way to install pavers. This method uses a layer of sand as a bed between the base and pavers. After installing sand, the pavers are laid on top and pressed into place.
Expert Guide To Laying Patio Slabs | Garden Ideas & Tips - YouTube
How long does it take to lay a patio? ›On average, a small patio of around 10m2 takes about 2 to 2.5 days to complete. A 20m2 patio takes around 3 to 3.5 days. While, in comparison, a 40m2 patio might take 4 to 5 days. Building a patio doesn't only need the top surface.
How long before I can walk on new patio slabs? ›Whether you've chosen marble, sandstone or concrete paving, carefully to lower your first slab into the concrete. Keep adding the slabs and ensure there's a gap of about 8 to 10mm between each stone. Don't walk on the slabs once they're laid – you need to wait for the concrete to set, which should take around 24 hours.
Can you lay paving slabs on soil? ›While it is possible to lay paving slabs on soil, it is not generally advised. The durability of any paving with a soil base can depend on many factors, including: Type of soil: Heavy clay soil will be far more durable and less likely to be compromised by British weather conditions.
Is a deck cheaper than a patio? ›
In short, patios are usually cheaper than decks.
These include: Materials used (concrete, vinyl, wood) Location of the addition (on the ground without supports, above ground, on the house with a door already leading out or in an area in which a door addition must be made)
When it comes to building a patio, it should always slope away from the house. The reason why you don't want it to slope inward is that it can collect an excessive amount of water and direct it towards your property.
Is it best to lay slabs on sand or cement? ›We'd always, always recommend bedding slabs down. Whilst you may get away with it in some instances, the vast majority of slabs won't stay put when laid straight onto sand. We'd recommend bedding the slabs down with a simple mortar mix each and every time.
Do I need to leave a gap between paving slabs? ›This is when paving slabs begin to erode because of close contact with adjacent stones. To avoid this, it's recommended that you leave a gap of at least a few millimeters, depending on the stones and layout you want to accomplish.
What is the cheapest stone to use for a patio? ›Pea gravel ($)
At $6–$10 per square foot, pea gravel is a low cost option. Since the stones remain loose and don't need to harden or set, this gravel can be used to easily create a patio in any shape. It's also as easy to install, so it's a relatively simple DIY project even for a novice hardscaper.
Indian Limestone. As one of the cheapest paving options on the market, Limestone is a great choice if you are looking to create a bold finish to your patio without breaking the bank!
How much does it cost to install 1000 sq ft of pavers? ›Labor. Installing a paver patio costs most homeowners $8.69 to $22.18 per square foot for labor and materials. Labor alone typically costs $5.13 to $10.95 per square foot. The more challenging the patio project, the more you can expect to pay for labor.
How much does it cost to build a 12x12 patio? ›| Patio Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 7x7 ft | $250 – $2,500 |
| 10x10 ft | $500 – $5,000 |
| 12x12 ft | $750 – $7,200 |
| 16x18 ft | $1,450 – $14,500 |
Polymeric sand can help prevent weeds with pavers.
Do you need a sub-base for a patio? ›What's crucial to patio laying success is a sub-base to provide the support paving slabs require. You'll need a sub-base, which is the main load-bearing layer of your patio. The best sub-base for a patio is hardcore laid to the correct depth, along with a binding layer of sand.
What is the best material to use under pavers? ›
Crushed Stone
Stone aggregate comes in a variety of sizes, but most experts recommend 3/4-inch gravel for paver bases. Crushed stone makes a solid paver base because it allows water drainage and is easy to work with.
Lay the paving slabs on a full mortar bed, which should support the whole slab, not just the corners. Use a mortar mix of 6 parts sharp sand to 1 part cement. Mix together with just enough water to make it damp and workable, but not overly wet and runny.
Do you need to edge a patio? ›While not the most obvious or exciting feature in your outdoor space, landscape edging is still important. Whatever type of patio or path you build—concrete, brick, pavers, or loose materials—some type of edging is necessary.
What do you put under patio stones? ›The pavers lie on a 5 1/2 -inch bed of sand and gravel. The bottom 4 inches is gravel to provide drainage. The top 1 1/2 inches is bedding sand that helps hold the pavers in place once they're compacted into it. Finer sand, sprinkled between the pavers, keeps them from shifting.
How many patio slabs can I lay in a day? ›On average, a professional can lay 20-25 square meters of patio with one labourer per day (8 hours) so, for example, an 80 square meter patio can be laid down in 3-4 days. But this is just to prepare the base and lay, there're so many factors that could take further days.
Can you lay a patio in winter? ›Yes if precautions to inclement weather are followed, for example only lay when the temp is 2 to 3 degrees and rising, and if a frost is due cover with heavy carpet/hessian or similar material. If rain is due cover with a tarp.
Does patio need drainage? ›Whether you're making changes to your roof, building a new driveway, or having a patio installed, drainage should always be in the forefront of your mind. Poor drainage can lead to interior damp and mould, it can cause sitting water on exterior surfaces, and it can cause damage to exterior structures.
What happens if you dont water concrete? ›Concrete that is not moist-cured at all dries too rapidly, and reaches less than half its potential design strength. It will also have a greater number of shrinkage cracks.
Why are my new paving slabs moving? ›Paving slabs are not immune to movement, and a lack of preparation can lead to them becoming loose. When paving contractors install new patio slabs without a sub-base, the stones will move over time because they haven't been compacted enough.
How thick should sand be under slabs? ›Place Your Patio Slabs
Make sure it sits 1-1.5cm deep in the sand, and leave a gap of roughly 1-1.5cm for the next piece. The patio slabs should fit together snugly.
What type of sand is best for laying paving slabs? ›
When it comes to versatility of use, sandstone and limestone are both great choices – their strength, durability and range of finishes and colours mean they can adapt to almost any style of garden. Sandstone makes fantastic patio and garden path paving for any property type, contemporary or traditional.
How do you prepare ground for laying slabs? ›How to lay a patio with Wickes - YouTube
How much does a 14x20 deck cost? ›| Size | Pressure-treated wood Average cost per sq ft | Composite decking Average cost per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 12x12 | $936 | $2,016 |
| 12x20 | $1,560 | $3,360 |
| 14x20 | $1,820 | $3,920 |
| 16x16 | $1,664 | $3,584 |
A 20 x 20 deck installation costs approximately $14,000 on average. Using more economical materials like bamboo or cedar deck boards can knock the price down. In contrast, high-end decking materials like composite decking will increase the price.
Which is more expensive deck or stone patio? ›Patios generally cost less to build than decks do.
Patios consist of more affordable materials like stamped concrete or stone as opposed to wood or bricks which are common for decks. Patios also require less labor and maintenance, which can help keep the costs down.
Gravel is one of the cheapest and easiest alternatives to paving slabs. Most often used for footpaths and driveways, aggregates used for gravel are available in a wide variety of sizes and colours for a range of different finishes. Whilst cost-effective, gravel is by no means a low maintenance option.
What is the cheapest material to use for a patio UK? ›Paving slabs are typically made from a mixed stone aggregate with concrete and are molded into shape. They're the cheapest option, especially in the case of crazy paving which can still look good if installed properly.
What's cheaper slabs or decking? ›Decking is more affordable, quicker to install but doesn't last very long. Paving slabs can be pricier, take longer to install but require little-to-no maintenance and will last for a long time.
What is the cheapest form of paving? ›Indian Limestone. As one of the cheapest paving options on the market, Limestone is a great choice if you are looking to create a bold finish to your patio without breaking the bank!
What is cheaper than paving? ›Poured concrete is also a good choice instead of paving because it comes at better rates than asphalt, provides a smoother surface than gravel and is much cheaper than paving.
What can I use instead of flagstone? ›
Stamped concrete is an inexpensive alternative to flagstone for a patio. When it comes to choosing a surface material for a patio, homeowners are often drawn to flagstone because of its elegant appearance. Its expensive price tag, however, also deters many people from selecting it, especially for use on larger patios.
What is the cheapest type of patio? ›Poured or stamped concrete ($$)
Concrete is one of the most popular patio materials and the cheapest material you can use to build a hard-surface patio.
Concrete is less expensive than pavers, both in terms of materials and the price of labor. The cost of a driveway varies considerably based on size, gradient, how much excavation is required, whether you're having a new driveway installed or are replacing an existing one, and more.
Is flagstone cheaper than concrete? ›Flagstone will require more labor time and cost to install.
Generally, concrete pavers will cost anywhere from $3-$6 per square foot, while flagstone will run anywhere from $15-$20 per square foot.
On average, a small patio of around 10m2 takes about 2 to 2.5 days to complete. A 20m2 patio takes around 3 to 3.5 days. While, in comparison, a 40m2 patio might take 4 to 5 days. Building a patio doesn't only need the top surface.
Can you lay paving stones on soil? ›While it is possible to lay paving slabs on soil, it is not generally advised. The durability of any paving with a soil base can depend on many factors, including: Type of soil: Heavy clay soil will be far more durable and less likely to be compromised by British weather conditions.
Does decking attract rats and mice? ›However, decking provides an ideal home for rats -brazen super-rats that are bigger and more difficult to kill than their ancestors. The wooden boards keeps out the cold and rain in the winter, fallen leaves can be dragged in, providing bedding, while tasty morsels from the barbecue provide a banquet.
Is a stone patio cheaper than a deck? ›Patios generally cost less to build than decks do.
Patios consist of more affordable materials like stamped concrete or stone as opposed to wood or bricks which are common for decks. Patios also require less labor and maintenance, which can help keep the costs down.
Defining decks and patios
Patios are generally less expensive than decks, but the ROI on a new deck addition runs greater than one on a patio. However, both additions can offer a great experience depending on what you're looking for.