How Much Does a Flagstone Patio Cost to Install?

Average Flagstone Patio Cost

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.

Flagstone Patio Cost per Square Foot

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.

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.

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

  • Sandstone

  • 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.

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

• Limestone: 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:

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:

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.