How Much Does Natural Stone Flooring Cost in 2025?
Natural stone flooring costs $1,969 on average
Natural stone flooring installation costs range from $913 and $3,090, with an average of $1,969.
Costs vary depending on stone type, location, installation complexity, and additional materials.
Stone options include granite, marble, slate, travertine, limestone, quartzite, and sandstone.
Hiring a professional ensures precise cuts and proper installation for lasting durability and perfectly even flooring.
Regular maintenance like sealing can extend the flooring's lifespan up to 100 years.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Natural stone flooring costs between $913 and $3,090 for installation, with an average price of $1,969. However, total project costs can be as low as $450 or as high as $6,500, depending on factors like stone type, local market conditions, installation complexity, and additional materials. Hiring a professional ensures precise cuts and proper installation, so your new stone floors look stunning and last a lifetime.
Natural Stone Flooring Cost Factors
Several factors can influence the cost of your natural stone flooring project. The type of stone you choose, the size of the area, installation complexity, sealant type, and any additional work like old floor removal or backer board replacement can add to the overall price.
Stone Type
Natural stone tiles range from $2 to $45 per square foot, offering a variety of options to suit your style and budget. From the classic elegance of marble to the rugged beauty of slate, each type of stone brings unique colors, patterns, and characteristics to your home. Whether you're aiming for a luxurious look or a cozy, rustic feel, there's a natural stone that's perfect for your space.
| Stone Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Granite | $400–$5,000 |
| Marble | $1,900–$5,600 |
| Slate | $8,000–$13,000 |
| Travertine | $600–$3,200 |
| Limestone | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Quartzite | $45–$75 per sq. ft. |
| Sandstone | $6 per sq. ft. |
Granite
Granite flooring costs between $400 and $5,000 or $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on the size of the project and level of detail involved. It's more durable than marble and can give homeowners a unique flooring look.
Granite has three grade levels, each with its own price range. Level 1 granite costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, level 2 granite is between $5 and $15 per square foot, and level 3 granite costs $15 to $40 per square foot.
Marble
Marble flooring costs between $1,900 and $5,600, but prices have increased recently. Marble flooring costs vary based on the type of marble used. Italian marble flooring costs $10 to $30 per square foot. Other options like Carrara marble flooring ranges between $5 and $15 per square foot installed, while Onyx is between $20 and $60 per square foot installed.
Slate
Slate flooring costs between $8,000 and $13,000 for an 800-square-foot space. Slate flooring prices vary based on the thickness, size, color, and substrate. Thicker, bigger pieces of slate cost more because they’re tougher to quarry and have more material. Standard grays and blacks tend to cost less than rarer colors like greens, reds, purples, golds, and blues, which are tougher to find.
Travertine
Travertine flooring costs range from $600 to $3,200 or between $5 and $47 per square foot, installed. The highest quality travertine flooring costs between $20 and $30 per square foot, while basic commercial-grade travertine costs between $2 and $4 per square foot. Mosaic travertine tiles range between $4 and $30 per square foot.
Limestone
Limestone flooring costs range from $6,000 to $10,000, but the prices vary on the type of tile, pattern, and room size. Limestone flooring costs between $3 and $10 per square foot. The space where you intend to install limestone flooring can make a difference because you might want brushed limestone, which has a textured finish, in a high-traffic area to reduce slipperiness.
Quartzite
Quartzite flooring costs an average of $60 per square foot and ranges between $45 and $75 per square foot. Quartzite is a natural stone compared to quartz, which is human-made. Quartzite can have similar veining to marble and usually has white or light gray colors, though it can come with pink, gold, or red-brown hues. Quartzite ranks highest on the Mohs Hardness Scale of flooring materials and has exceptional durability.
Sandstone
Sandstone flooring costs $6 per square foot installed. It can have red, tan, and gold colors that mimic the look of desert sand, which might make it a good choice for Spanish- or Mediterranean-style homes. Sandstone also lands higher on the Mohs Hardness Scale than other flooring choices, just behind granite and ahead of slate.
Location
The cost of your natural stone flooring project can vary based on where you live, the availability of the stone flooring material, and labor costs in the area. Areas with nearby quarries will typically cost less than areas where the material needs shipping.
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX | $800–$2,700 |
| Boston, MA | $900–$2,300 |
| Chicago, IL | $800–$2,100 |
| Denver, CO | $800–$2,400 |
| Miami, FL | $1,200–$4,100 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $1,000–$3,100 |
| New York, NY | $800–$2,500 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $1,300–$3,700 |
| San Francisco, CA | $900–$3,900 |
Labor
The cost to install natural stone tile runs between $5 and $14 per square foot. Labor for installing more affordable stones like slate ranges from $5 to $12 per square foot, while premium stones like marble run from $7 to $14 per square foot.
Keep in mind that labor costs can vary—larger projects might benefit from lower rates, while intricate installations requiring precise cuts and fittings can increase the price. Hiring a skilled pro ensures your stone flooring is installed beautifully and correctly.
Installation Complexity
Most pros charge $50 to $70 an hour to install tile, but labor costs can increase if you install mosaic tile or tile in unique-shaped spaces. Extra cuts mean extra time for installers to complete the project. Installers might need special equipment to complete the job, too.
Sealant
Natural stone tile needs a sealant to preserve the stone and prevent damage. Sealants costs $1 to $3 per square foot, depending on the type of sealant used. It comes in tubes, 1/2-gallon tubs, or gallon buckets.
Removing Old Flooring
Removing your old flooring costs $2 per square foot but can increase based on the job difficulty. Some old floors might have difficult adhesive to remove, or you’ll need to remove a large area of flooring. Some homeowners will try to save money on a flooring project by removing the old flooring on their own.
Backer Board Replacement
Replacing the moisture-resistant cement board underneath your tile costs $5 to $8 per square foot. However, if your backer board remains in good condition, you won’t have to replace it. If you notice damage like denting or punctures, it’s best to replace the backer board to prevent further damage.
Finish
Stone floor finish costs between $0.50 and $2 per square foot. Finishes include honed, sandblasted, brushed, split-face, bush-hammered, and polished. Each one has a distinctive look and a different type of surface feel.
Stone Tile Flooring Considerations
Deciding on stone flooring requires special considerations, unlike other conventional flooring choices. Natural stone tile has an increased weight compared to other materials, can experience wear differently depending on where it’s used, and has different maintenance and upkeep compared to other materials.
Weight
The weight and thickness of natural stone flooring are important factors to consider. Because stone is heavier than other materials, it's crucial to ensure your subfloor and floor joists can support it. A local flooring professional can assess your home's structure to make sure it can handle the extra weight or recommend reinforcements if needed. This step ensures your beautiful new floors are safe and durable.
Usage and Wear
Stones in high-traffic areas will see more wear and tear depending on their durability. Each type of stone used for flooring has a Mohs Hardness Scale number, with the more durable the stone, the higher the number. For example, marble ranks lowest on the scale, while quartzite ranks highest.
Maintenance and Upkeep
To keep your stone floors looking their best, regular maintenance is key. Depending on the stone and its porosity, you'll need to seal your floors once or twice a year. If your floors become stained or show signs of wear, professional restoration and repolishing costs between $400 and $1,200.
Daily sweeping or dry mopping prevents dirt and grit from scratching the surface. For a deeper clean, use a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or mild dishwashing detergent with warm water. Remember to use minimal soap to avoid streaks and keep your floors shining.
Budgeting for Stone Flooring Installation
While stone tile installation is a significant investment, there are ways to save without compromising on quality. With a little planning, you can achieve the look you want at a price that fits your budget.
Consider removing the old flooring yourself to reduce labor costs.
Choosing a more affordable type of stone or shopping for deals at discount or overstock stores can also help you stay within budget.
Timing your project during a contractor's slow season might lead to better pricing, as pros may be more willing to offer concessions to secure work.
DIY vs. Hiring a Natural Stone Tile Pro
While taking on a DIY project can be tempting, installing natural stone tile is a complex task best left to a professional. Installation involves removing old flooring, leveling the substrate, and ensuring your floor joists can support the extra weight of stone. Precise cuts with specialized tools are necessary for a perfect fit. By hiring a local flooring pro, you can rest easy knowing your stone tiles will be installed correctly, looking stunning for years to come.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Natural stone tiles offer lasting durability and a refined aesthetic, but they also present challenges such as higher installation expenses and maintenance requirements. The benefits include exceptional lifespan, diverse color options, and superior resistance to heavy foot traffic, while the drawbacks involve the need for regular sealing to prevent water damage and potential chipping at the edges. Stone flooring can add value and beauty to your home, but it's important to consider both the benefits and the upkeep required.
Natural stone tiles are ideal for a wide range of installation locations, including both indoor and outdoor spaces. You can install them in areas that benefit from their durability and distinctive character. These tiles lend an elegant appearance in living areas, kitchens, and bathrooms, and they also enhance outdoor patios and walkways. Their unique veining and robust quality ensure they perform well regardless of the setting, making them an exceptional choice for creating seamless spaces throughout your home.
Stone flooring is not a cheaper option than hardwood flooring; it commands a higher upfront cost due to the premium materials and specialized installation. The higher initial investment is balanced by its superior durability and resistance to common issues like warping. While hardwood floors require refinishing and are prone to warping, stone floors keep their integrity over many decades if sealed properly. With maintenance such as annual sealing to guard against staining, stone flooring remains a valuable and long-lasting investment for your home.
Stone flooring lasts between 50 and 100 years when it is installed and maintained correctly. Its longevity is the result of its durable nature, provided that proper installation and regular upkeep are carried out. Expert installation prevents undue stress on the floor structure, and repairs—costing between $300 and $800—restore its pristine condition. Regular inspections and timely maintenance, such as resealing, ensure that your stone flooring remains both beautiful and structurally sound over its extended lifespan.
To clean your natural stone tiles, start by sweeping or vacuuming to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, mop the floor using warm water mixed with a mild, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, as they can damage the stone's surface and sealant. Regular gentle cleaning keeps your tiles looking beautiful and helps them last longer.
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