How Much Does Limestone Flooring Cost in 2025?

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

Limestone flooring costs an average of $8,300, with most homeowners paying between $7,200 and $9,700, or $6 to $20 per square foot installed. You’ll see the higher end of that range when you choose premium tiles or live in a high-cost market. Your final price depends on the tile quality, the laying pattern you choose, the room size, and local labor rates. Knowing these numbers now helps you budget with confidence and decide whether limestone is the right fit for your kitchen, bathroom, or entryway.

Limestone Flooring Cost Factors

Limestone flooring installation costs can vary due to factors such as the type of stone, room size, presence of steps, and removal of existing tiles.

Materials

Standard limestone flooring costs $6 to $12 per square foot, while accent and mosaic limestone tiles can cost up to $18 per square foot. Natural stone tile costs vary depending on the type of stone, but limestone stands out as an economical option compared to the cost of marble flooring.

Labor

Most tile installers charge between $50 and $150 per hour, or $5 to $14 per square foot. That means labor for a 350-square-foot room lands between $1,750 and $4,900.

Labor costs cover the following:

• Design planning

• Material acquisition

• Setup

• Base application

• Laying pattern

• Fabrication

• Installation

• Grouting

• Sealing

• Cleanup

Slate flooring installation costs can increase if the project includes intricate design or custom cuts to fit the tile properly.

Stone Type

The type of stone or the limestone finish can impact the installation price. Accent and mosaic tiles run the most expensive, with some ranging up to $18 per square foot or more. Installing mosaic tiles requires more time and can increase labor costs.

Different limestone finishes can also have higher prices. A honed finish costs less than water-worn, brushed, or polished finishes, but can be softer and more porous.

Room Size

Bigger rooms mean more materials and additional labor costs. A standard bathroom ranges from 40 to 100 square feet, while an average kitchen can be between 240 and 360 square feet. Those costs could add up if you opt for a mosaic style.

Steps

Cutting limestone for steps can mean specific cuts or unusual shapes, so it’s best to overestimate the square footage of a project. Overestimating can also account for breakages during installation, plus limestone steps may require additional materials.

Removal of Existing Tile

If you tackle removal yourself, be prepared for a messy, labor-intensive job that can expose subfloors—or even hidden asbestos—if something goes wrong. Chipping away old thin-set often requires solvents that emit heavy fumes, so plan for adequate ventilation, proper safety gear, and sufficient time.

Cost of Limestone Flooring by Type

Limestone flooring costs can range from $4,000 to $10,000 for a 400-square-foot project, depending on which type of limestone you choose. Mosaic limestone floors are the most expensive due to their intricate design, while honed limestone is the least costly—the more work the finish needs, the higher the costs.

Honed Limestone

Honed limestone costs $6 to $12 per square foot and has been sanded to achieve a flat, matte finish. Honed limestone can have sharp edges, a non-reflective finish, and a softer feel.

Honed limestone can also stain and mask etches better than a polished finish, and it isn’t slippery, making it suitable for various applications. It can be used for interior floors, walls, countertops, backsplashes, and shower walls. Keep in mind that the cost of limestone countertops ranges from $1,000 to $5,000.

Brushed Limestone

Brushed limestone can cost between $6 and $12 per square foot. It’s created using a wire brush or steel comb on the stone to add texture and enhance its color. Brushed limestone offers a smoother finish than tumbled and a more rustic feel than honed.

Polished Limestone

Polished limestone costs between $8 and $15 per square foot, has a shiny finish, and can make the floor stand out more than other finishes. Polishing limestone means filling in the cavities of the stone and bringing out its subtle colors. 

Polished limestone also makes it more slippery, which is something to consider when deciding where to use it. Polishing stone floors costs between $5 and $8 per square foot.

Mosaic Limestone

Mosaic is the most expensive limestone flooring, costing between $10 and $18 per square foot. Mosaic limestone refers to the process of cutting limestone into patterns for a more stunning appearance. You can create small intricate pieces or larger chevron or herringbone patterns.

Pros and Cons of Limestone Flooring

Limestone is an appealing flooring option due to its aesthetic appeal, economical cost among stone flooring options, versatility, and value. Limestone can add character to your home, but it requires regular maintenance due to its porous nature. Below are some pros and cons to consider before installation:

Pros:

• Aesthetics: Limestone can feature earthy tones, textures, and veining to create more visually interesting flooring.

• Cost: Limestone runs less expensive than marble or granite flooring.

• Versatility: Limestone suits various rooms and applications within a house.

• Value: Stone flooring, like limestone, can increase your home’s value.

Cons:

• Hardness: Limestone is softer than granite and marble.

• Slippery: Limestone can be slippery, making it challenging in high-traffic areas.

• Cost: Though less expensive than other stone floors, limestone still costs more than vinyl, porcelain, or carpet.

• Maintenance: Limestone requires annual sealing and daily vacuuming to maintain its appearance.

DIY vs. Hiring a Limestone Tile Installation Pro

Hiring a professional for limestone flooring installation ensures correct tile placement, the use of proper adhesives, and effective sealing. DIY installation saves labor costs but demands expert tiling skills and risks uneven tiles, poor adhesion, and water damage. Limestone flooring installation costs $7,200 to $9,700. Professionals provide precise subfloor prep, intricate pattern execution, and warranty compliance for lasting performance.

Schedule your limestone tile installation with a local flooring pro to get started.

Ways to Save on Limestone Flooring

Limestone flooring offers luxury at a substantial investment, but several strategies can help reduce your overall costs:

• Choose standard tiles: Opt for basic honed limestone rather than premium mosaic or polished varieties to save $4 to $10 per square foot.

• Handle prep work yourself: Remove old flooring and prepare the subfloor before professionals arrive to reduce labor costs.

• Shop remnants and overstock: Check stone yards and building supply outlets for discontinued styles or excess inventory, available at 10% to 40% off retail prices.

• Consider limestone-look alternatives: Porcelain tiles with limestone finishes offer a similar aesthetic at half the price, with easier maintenance.

• Limit installation area: Use limestone as an accent in high-visibility areas while choosing less expensive flooring for other spaces.

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.