How Much Do Stone Steps Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Adding stone steps is a great way to enhance the look of your home. On average, installing stone steps costs around $2,200, but prices can range from $900 up to $12,000, depending on the type of stone and where you're installing them. Stones like bluestone might cost as little as $900, while high-end options like granite can reach $12,000.

In this guide, we'll help you understand the average costs and fa

Natural Stone Slab Steps Prices

The type of natural stone you choose has the greatest impact on what you’ll pay to install stone steps. The table below breaks down the average prices of the stone varieties most commonly used for this type of project.

Granite Steps Cost

Granite steps are the most expensive option, ranging from $5,000 to $12,000 on average. If you're planning a high-budget project, granite might be the perfect choice. This price covers a 4- to 10-foot staircase requiring 10 to 25 linear feet of slab at$45 to $95 per foot. 

Granite is extremely durable, and its heavy weight makes it sturdy and reliable—ideal for outdoor use. However,the high installation costs and regular maintenance might deter you if you're looking for a low-maintenance, budget-friendly option.

Limestone

The average cost to install limestone steps is between $1,300 to $3,250, though this price greatly depends on the quality of the limestone. You may be able to pay even less for a lower-quality limestone, though it may not last as long and will likely require additional maintenance. 

In general, expect to pay between $25 and $50 per linear foot for this material. Like granite, limestone is heavy, which makes it difficult to install but sturdy and reliable once it is. The material itself is soft and might not hold up as well to harsh elements.

Slate

The average cost of installing slate steps ranges from $2,000 to $5,400. It’s a common choice because it’s less expensive than alternatives like granite, yet just as durable and aesthetically appealing. In general, each linear foot of this material costs between $30 and $55. Slate is naturally slip resistant, which makes it a good option for wet areas, like next to a swimming pool or fountain. However, prolonged exposure to moisture may eventually cause the material to contract, expand, and even form cracks.

Sandstone

Sandstone is a common medium budget option because it costs between $1,750 and $4,500 to use this material for stone steps. It’s as durable as slate but slightly less expensive, with prices ranging from $30 to $50 per linear foot. Sandstone color options range from white to beige so your options in this category are limited. Like slate, it can absorb water over time, making it less ideal for wet climates.

Flagstone

Flagstone is sold in slabs that range from $295 and $900 per ton on average. Because roughly three to six slabs are required to install most stone steps, that means you can expect to pay between $900 and $5,500 for a full project with this material. That’s also about $15 to $55 for the slab. Some of the options above, like limestone and slate, are actually different types of flagstone. This type of stone step is popular because it’s aesthetically appealing, but it can crack more easily than some other materials.

Concrete or Cement

Concrete steps cost between $1,300 and $6,000, including installation. However, how you choose to install the material will significantly impact what you pay. Custom-poured concrete steps can cost $300 each for a standard 2-foot-deep, 10-inch-wide step. Longer and wider steps are more expensive. Precast cement is hollow in the middle and can be as little as $100 per step, not including the cost of labor. Although custom-poured concrete steps are pricier, they can fit into any space and are more durable than precast cement.

Stone Steps Installation Cost Factors

Along with the material used, there are a couple other factors that determine overall cost, like the size of the stairs, where you want to install them, and the pre-existing condition of the installation area you’ve chosen.

Stair Size

Most outdoor stairs are between 2 and 3 feet wide and 10 to 16 inches deep, with most pre-cut stones available in these sizes. If you need steps that are longer or wider, you'll likely pay more because they'll need to be custom-cut. Stair installation alone can cost between $400 and $8,000. If you're using pre-cut or precast material but need a larger width, you might be able to place two slabs side by side to save on custom-cutting costs.

Location of Steps

Where you install your outdoor stone steps impacts the overall cost, especially if excavation and land preparation are needed.

• Front Steps: If you're adding stone steps at your front entrance, you may need to remove existing steps first, which can add up to $500 to your costs.

• Patio, Porch, or Deck Stairs: Installing new stairs on an existing deck or patio might increase costs because you may need to excavate land to make them fit. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 per cubic yard for land removal.

• Basement Steps: If you don't already have basement steps, you'll need to pay an additional $50 to $100 per cubic yard to excavate the necessary space. Otherwise, you'll pay up to $500 on average to remove existing steps. 

• Landscaping Stairs on a Hill: Building stone steps on a hill is both decorative and functional. Landscaping costs become a significant factor here. You might also need to pay for excavation to prepare the area, and heavier, more expensive stone options work better to stay in place during severe weather.

Granite Tread Installation Cost Factors

If you don’t have the budget for a complete staircase makeover, consider treads instead. Treads cover existing steps to add a better look and protection for the unit. 

Expect to pay between $10 and $60 per stair tread, or $200 to $1,200 for an entire exterior staircase made from one of these two materials. Using this choice also allows you to mix and match materials, such as concrete steps with granite treads.

Materials

Whether your granite is precast or custom-cut affects the overall price. Precast granite treads can cost as little as $30 per step, while custom-cut granite steps can run up to $50 each.

Location

Where you install the treads affects your overall cost. If you're covering an existing staircase, your costs will be limited to materials and installation. However, if you need to build a new staircase, you'll need to account for excavation and additional installation fees.

Labor

Labor costs for installing granite treads average between $500 and $1,000. Hiring a local stone mason ensures your stone steps are installed efficiently and effectively.

DIY vs. Hiring Professional Stone Installers

If you have experience with landscaping and masonry, you might consider installing your stone steps yourself to save on labor costs, which can range from $400 to $8,000. However, installing stone steps is a complex project. You'll need to measure precisely, choose the materials, and have the tools and skills to cut stones or spread mortar correctly.

In most cases, it's best to hire a professional stone masonry contractor. They have the expertise to ensure your stone steps are installed safely and correctly, saving you time and potentially costly mistakes from a DIY attempt.

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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.