The average cost of a flagstone patio in the U.S. is $3,600, with a typical price anywhere from $750 to $8,265, or $15 to $27 per square foot for small and large flagstone patio projects. This price covers the cost of materials and installation and varies depending on the size, type of stone, patio area, installation method, and project complexity.
Outdoor spaces that need to look more natural can benefit significantly from a flagstone patio. The variety of colors, textures, and shades each natural stone brings adds depth and uniqueness to your patio and home. Read on as we explore price factors in detail, so you know what to budget for.
This cost guide covers:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Cost by installation method
- Other factors that affect cost
- Cost of flagstone patio vs. concrete patio
- Cost of flagstone patio vs. paver patio
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average flagstone patio installation costs in 2025
| National average cost | $3,600 |
| Typical price range | $750 – $8,265 |
Installing a flagstone patio typically costs about $3,600 nationwide, at $15 to $27 per square foot. A simple flagstone patio will cost closer to $750, while a more elaborate patio can cost up to $8,265 (or even more)—depending on the patio’s square footage, design, pattern, and patio accessories.
If you want to build an affordable patio from natural stone, you can save money by following these steps.
- Combine flagstone with concrete or brick pavers
- Adjust your patio design to fit your budget
- Buy natural stone directly from a quarry to get a better deal
Flagstone patio cost estimator by size
The larger and more complex your patio, the higher the cost. Installing a standard flagstone patio costs between $15 and $27 per square foot, including materials and labor. However, if you don’t need professional installation, expect to pay between $3.95 and $5.95 per square foot for materials alone.
| Patio Size | Installation Cost Range |
| 7×7 (49 square feet) | $750 – $1,325 |
| 10×8 (80 square feet) | $1,200 – $2,160 |
| 12×12 (144 square feet) | $2,160 – $3,890 |
| 16×18 (288 square feet) | $4,320 – $7,775 |
| 20×20 (400 square feet) | $6,000 – $10,800 |
Flagstone patio cost by installation method
The installation method is another factor that affects the cost of a flagstone patio. Each method varies greatly with the labor required to build the patio. The three most popular methods are:
Dry-laid
Dry-laid is the most common, easiest, and least expensive method. The stones are first laid in sand or gravel before being compacted in the desired location. Grout is then added between each stone to hold them together and create a beautiful finish. Installing a patio with flagstone using the dry-laid method costs between $1,515 and $5,200.
Mortar-set
This installation method is similar to dry-laid, except the stones are laid in mortar instead of sand and gravel, which makes them last longer. A patio laid with mortar will cost you between $800 and $7,200.
Concrete-set
Concrete-set, also known as wet-laid, is the most expensive installation method because it’s labor-intensive. In this method, a base of poured concrete is first made, and after the concrete has cured, it’s grouted to create a beautiful surface. A wet-laid flagstone patio costs about $1,535 to $7,935.
Other factors that affect cost
Several other factors affect the cost of a flagstone patio. Taking these into account will give you a detailed breakdown of your project cost.
Labor costs
Flagstone patio installation cost varies with the complexity of the install, the size, the installer’s experience, local labor costs, and the installation method. On average, you can expect the cost of labor to range from $11 to $15 per square foot. This labor cost will add to the cost of materials if you hire a professional.
Type of flagstone
The total cost of your project may also depend on the type of flagstone you choose. Flagstone variants, such as bluestone, limestone, sandstone, slate, and quartzite, vary in appearance, features, and cost. Expect the cost of each stone to change depending on availability in your area.
Design complexity
Expect installation costs to increase as patio designs and patterns become more complicated. Installers charge more to cut stones for custom designs and alternate colors for intricate patterns.
Time of year
If you hire a patio contractor during the winter months, it’ll be more expensive because this is the off-season for most of them. Early spring is the best time to get lower labor prices.
Cost of flagstone patio vs. concrete patio
A poured concrete patio is a versatile option that you can customize to fit the size and shape of any yard. Its price is by far more affordable when compared to the cost of a flagstone patio. The cost ranges from $4 to $26 per square foot.
Cost of flagstone patio vs. paver patio
The next least expensive option to concrete is a paver patio, followed by flagstone—the most costly of the options. Paver patios cost between $8 and $24 per square foot.
Variety is also a big advantage of paver patios. Because there are so many sizes, colors, and shapes, you can create dozens of patterns using pavers instead of concrete. Repairs are also straightforward with a paver patio.
Homeowners who want to increase the usability of their outdoor space or create exquisite landscaping can add the following services to their new patio project.
Fire pit
Installing a fire pit on your patio makes a cozy place to relax in your backyard and enjoy the warmth of the fire on a winter night. Fire pit installation costs $200 for a basic fire pit and up to $5,000 or more for a custom fire pit.
Landscape lighting
Lighting improves the aesthetics of your home and makes your patio and outdoor living space more functional after the sun goes down. Fortunately, there are numerous landscape lighting ideas you can choose from, depending on your budget and preference. The cost of landscape lighting ranges from $2,100 to $4,900, with the average cost being $3,500.
Flower beds
A flower bed is another popular landscape element you can surround your patio with to add a splash of color to your outdoor living space. A flower bed can cost anywhere from $850 to $6,000.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
A professionally installed flagstone patio costs between $15 and $27 per square foot, but you can also install it yourself to save on labor costs. Note that installing a flagstone patio requires a lot of work, from planning to excavating and leveling to cutting and laying the stones.
| Materials | Cost |
| Flagstone | $1,440 ($10 per sq. ft. x 144 sq. ft.) |
| Line level | $4 |
| Gravel base | $5 per bag |
| Sledgehammer | $30 |
| Safety glasses | $13 |
| Work gloves | $14 |
| Broom | $26 |
| Mason line | $15 |
| Tape measure | $18 |
| Polymeric sand | $22 per bag |
| Shovel | $24 |
| Ear protection | $25 |
| Hose | $37 |
| 4-foot level | $57 |
| Tamper | $68 |
| Wheelbarrow | $90 |
| Sealer | $150 per gallon |
| Grout | $50 |
| Plate compactor | $83 daily or $333 per week |
| Total DIY cost for a 144-square-foot flagstone patio | $2,171 – $2,421 |
As you can see from the table above, installing a flagstone patio yourself can cost about the same as it would cost to hire a contractor if you don’t own all the necessary tools and have to purchase them for this project.
Cost of flagstone patio installation by location
The cost of a flagstone patio also depends on where you live, the cost of living in your city, and how close the source of the natural stone is to your region.
If contractors can’t source the stones near you, the material cost will increase due to additional transportation costs. And in places like New England or California, with a high cost of living, the cost of both labor and materials for a flagstone patio is higher than the national average.
FAQ
Flagstone is known for its durability and can last up to 10 years with proper installation and maintenance.
It is recommended to reseal a patio every 18 to 36 months, which will cost you an average of $115 to $245. The average cost of sealant is about $150 per gallon.
Flagstone patios are generally more durable the thicker and wider they are. Typically, flagstone should be 1.5 to 2 inches thick for patios and at least 2 inches thick for walkways.
Final thoughts
The average cost to install a flagstone patio is $3,600, with a range of $750 to $8,265. Keep in mind that this is a ballpark figure; your total cost may vary depending on the factors mentioned in this cost guide.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: Decorative Concrete King / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
