On This Page

1. Flagstone Prices
2. Labor/Installation Considerations
3. Flagstone Types
4. Different Places to Use Flagstone
5. Maintenance and Repair
6. Conclusion

Flagstone is a generic term for a sedimentary rock commonly used in landscaping.  It is usually a form of sandstone made up of feldspar and quartz. It is most often found most in old riverbeds. A flat, layered stone, sandstone chips easily into shapes perfect for use in walkways, patios, driveways, floors and decorative mosaics. It comes in a variety of types and colors.

While contractors generally provide quotes for sandstone installation by the square foot, the material is usually sold by by the ton. A ton of flagstone can cover 80 to 130 square feet, depending on the type of stone.

• Minimum – A lower priced flagstone, such as Pinola (Pine Log), costs around $295 per ton.
• Average – A mid-range material costs from $350 to $450 per ton. The greatest variety is found in this price range.
• Maximum – A higher priced stone, such as Canyon Gold Quartzite or Las Vegas Rainbow, can run as much as $700 to $900 or more.

Flagstone is most often used as pavers for walkways or driveways, or as tile for patios. As a natural stone, it comes in irregular shapes and a wide variety of colors — even when it comes from the same quarry. For this reason, many contractors will order 25 percent more material than your project calls for to ensure that they have enough material. This overage is also helpful in the event that some pieces break or chip.

Flagstone Prices

The national average cost of flagstone is $15 to $20 per square foot. This price includes the base material, mortar and labor. The average cost for the stone alone runs along $2 to $3 per square foot. Some of the more popular types include:

• Sandstone, most often found in southwestern regions like Arizona, costs about $125 per ton.
• Quartzite is harder than sandstone and comes in a wide array of colors and patterns. It costs about $575 per ton.
• Bluestone is so named because of its deep blue undertone. It costs about $330 per ton.
• Limestone is found almost everywhere on the planet. It is frequently used as flagstone material due to its low cost (from $80 to $100 per ton). The downside to limestone is that it cracks easily and may require a bit of maintenance and repair. As a flagstone, it’s not normally used for heavy-weight applications such as driveways.

Other factors will also affect the cost of your project. These factors include:

• The scarcity of the stone. Some types of stone are more readily available than others. Limestone, for example, can be found almost everywhere. Bluestone can only be found where geological conditions are right for its formation. In the United States, the Appalachians are the main source of bluestone.
• Shipping costs. It is less expensive to have stone delivered from a local quarry or supplier than it is to have it shipped cross-country. In some cases, you have a choice. Limestone, for example, is so common that quality quarries exist almost everywhere. Having Pennsylvania Bluestone shipped from the Appalachians to Los Angeles, on the other hand, can get expensive.
• Volume. Before deciding that your 130-square-foot patio needs 130 square feet of stone, remember that flagstone breaks easily and that the stones themselves vary in color throughout. The variety in one piece of flagstone may not satisfy the size, shape or color you’re looking for. It’s wisest to order a surplus of 25 percent to ensure that you have the options and extras that you need.
• Shapes and joints. Irregularly shaped stones are harder to fit together than cut stones, and they will cost more to install as well. Mortared joints will cost more than stones that are joined with moss and other small ground cover.

Labor/Installation Considerations

Of course, there’s more to installing flagstone than simply laying it down, and labor costs can significantly impact the total amount you will pay. As such it’s hard to nail down an average cost for flagstone patio installation because of the variance in time and materials. Here’s everything involved in the process when done by pros:

• Getting to the site – The remoteness of the job site is often the number one factor affecting the cost of the project. The farther the site, the more it will cost to get there, though travel even to a relatively close site can add to the cost if it’s difficult to access.
• Site prep –  Preparing the site (i.e., removing any existing landscaping and grading the project area) also adds to the time and cost. A base layer must be laid to ensure that the project is level. And any nearby features, such as plants and statues, must be moved or otherwise protected.
• The environment – Installing flagstone when the threat of rain and other inclement weather is looming can add to your costs. The work have to be done faster, and it can’t always be guaranteed. Be willing to reschedule the work. Of course, you won’t be able to reschedule the delivery, so be sure to arrange for the storage of any delivered materials.
• Type of stone – Not all flagstones are created equal. Some are more brittle than others; some are harder to find. Some have an irregular edge and must be fit together like a jigsaw puzzle; others are nice and squared. The more prone to breakage and the harder to fit together a it is, the higher your cost will be.
• Patterns – Some flagstones are laid out to form mosaic-like patterns. This involves a lot of intricate stone work, as well as designing, planning and color selection. Because each design is unique, there’s no such thing as an “average” cost. However, custom work is usually more expensive.

Flagstone Types

“Flagstone” is used as a generic term for sedimentary rock that is split into layers. It comes in many different types, each with its own properties and costs. Here are some of the more popular:

Arizona Flagstone - $550/ton

As the name suggests, this flagstone is found in the Southwestern United States. It resists heat absorption, which makes it popular for poolside patios.

Quartzite - $575/ton

Commonly found in Idaho, Oklahoma and Northern Utah, quartzite comes in a wide range of colors such as silver, gold, light tan, blue, grey and green. Its hardiness makes it suitable for high-traffic areas.

Bluestone - $330/ton

Bluestone comes primarily from New York and Pennsylvania. It is particularly suited to freezing temperatures, but it needs sealing in areas in which saltwater may affect it.

Limestone - $595/ton

Limestone is mostly found in Indiana. It is available in yellow, beige, grey and black. This stone can be polished to an elegant finish and is often used for indoor flooring. The downside, however, is that it is susceptible to acid damage. Limestone is weather resistant and stands up well in humid regions.

Slate - $575/ton

Slate has a nice antique look to it. It is most frequently found in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Vermont, and may range from silvery greys to green and copper in color. Slate is easy to chisel into shape, making it suitable for use as a wall covering.

Using Flagstone In Your Designs

Flagstone adds an elegant look to any landscaping project. It is most commonly used for walkways, driveways and patios. Some people use it indoors as well.

Walkways

Flagstone walkways make an excellent first impression. A hard, more compact material is preferable for this purpose as it will hold up to foot traffic. For easy maintenance, you will also want to choose a stone that will survive your particular environment.

A typical 230-square-foot walkway costs about $1,800 to $2,200 (This doesn’t include the demolition of an existing walkway). The existing slope of the surface and the amount of curves or angles within it may add to the cost of the project.

Patios

Flagstone patios are popular, and they can even help lower utility bills to a degree. The heat absorbent properties of Arizona flagstone prevent the reflection of heat against your house, thereby taking the pressure off of your air conditioner, for example. Of course, the various colors and styles can set the mood for an enjoyable outdoor living space in any climate.

The cost for a basic 120-square-foot patio with no unusual angles or other features is around $1,700 to $2,400.

Driveways

A well-maintained flagstone driveway is beautiful. Because cars are heavy, harder varieties are ideal for this purpose. When kept sealed, swept and free of mosses and other plant life, flagstone driveways can last for decades.

Because it is expensive to install flagstone driveways, most are custom-made. Usually, driveways call for a thicker cut, and installing them is both labor- and preparation-intensive. Many homeowners include curves, curbs and other extra features in their driveways. In general, a 230-square-foot driveway can cost from $4,000 to $6,000.

Flagstone can be used indoors as well, particularly in bathrooms. Slate is a popular choice for showers and tiles, for example. And it can cost from $6 to $20 per square foot for installation.

Other home uses for flagstone include:

• Kitchen floors
• Accent walls
• Foyers
• Fireplace hearths
• Countertops

Some types may be more appropriate for a certain uses than others. A highly heat-resistant flagstone, for example, would be well suited for a fireplace hearth. A highly humidity-resistant variety would be more appropriate for a bathroom or shower.

Flagstone Maintenance and Repair

Flagstone is not maintenance-free. Cleaning and sealing should be part of a regular maintenance routine. Cleaning is the easy part. Regular sweeping and keeping an eye out for mosses and other stray plant life is something that can be done in just a few minutes.

Sealing with a matte finish keeps the stone protected from staining while maintaining the natural beauty of the stone. Indoor/outdoor stone sealer costs about $20 per gallon with coverage of about 160 square feet.

Stains

Removing stains from flagstone is a must. While there are many hard varieties, there are also many that are porous. Any spills should be cleaned up immediately to avoid permanent staining, especially on a flagstone driveway.

If allowed to set, an oil stain may become permanent. Many products, most of which are found in auto parts stores, specialize in cleaning up oily spills. Start with oil absorber. A 3-pound bag of oil absorber large enough for a significant spill will cost about $7. After the absorber, you will need to treat the area with a cleaner. Oil cleaner costs about $12 per gallon. If you’re using stone that is susceptible to acid, think twice before using a citrus-based solution.

Cracks and Chips

Flagstone can crack and chip under a number of conditions; tree roots and shifting soils are among the most common. Poor workmanship, too-thin stones and a poor base material may also lead to breakage.

When a piece breaks cleanly, clean its edges and simply reattach it with a patch made of the same material as the other joints. If you are seeing multiple cracks and chips, there may be something else going on. In this instance, it’s best to call a professional to find out why so many cracks are happening.

Loose Stones

Replacing loose stones is fairly straightforward. Simply remove the stone, clean the bed, apply your mortar and reattach it. It’s also a good idea to inspect the surrounding stones. If there are others that are loose or are going to become loose, a professional may recommend removing and re-laying the stones in the area. If your contractor notices that the base material is faulty, he may also recommend completely re-laying the project.

Your contractor may ask some questions about the initial work. He will want to know when the stones were laid and when the damage first started appearing. Try to answer these questions to the best of your ability. It will help the contractor determine the source of the problem.

In Conclusion

Flagstone comes in a variety of colors, shapes and properties. If you’re considering it for a home project, you’re sure to find something to fit your tastes as well as your budget. And, it’s sure to make a nice addition to your home.