Highlights
Flagstone costs anywhere from $200 to $550 per ton.
Quartzite flagstone costs $400 to $450 per ton.
A ton of flagstone typically covers up to 140 square feet.
For the stone itself, you’ll pay $2 to $6 per square foot.
Flagstone is naturally beautiful, with colors ranging from sand or gray to red or purple. It has a rustic charm, particularly if rough cut, and is incredibly durable. It's more affordable than many other types of stone, ranging from $2 to $6 per square foot for the stone itself. Though, there are some types of flagstone that cost between $10 and $15 per square foot. You'll also need to account for labor at $13 to $16 per square foot.
Flagstone Cost by Size
Flagstone pricing is usually given in one of three measurements:
Per ton
Per pallet
Per square foot
Make sure you clarify the size or unit of measurement when talking to your local paving installers so you know exactly how much paving you're getting for your money.
Flagstone Cost per Ton
Flagstone costs between $200 and $550 per ton, just for the stone. For a mid-range type of flagstone, expect to pay around $350 per ton.
A ton of flagstone typically covers up to 140 square feet, but coverage depends on your flagstone’s type, fit (the space between stones), and thickness. A ton of thicker, denser flagstone could cover as little as 70 square feet. This is an important pricing factor, so make sure you discuss coverage with your contractor.
Flagstone Cost per Pallet
For a full pallet of flagstone, expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $2,200 for the stone alone. Pallet weights vary but generally fall between three and four tons, which equates to a cost of $0.20 to $0.55 per pound. An average pallet covers between 210 to 560 square feet, but, just as with the coverage of flagstone priced by the ton, how much square footage you get depends on thickness and density.
Flagstone Cost per Square Foot
Per square foot, flagstone costs $2 to $6 for the stone itself. With labor, you'll pay between $15 and $22 per square foot. For thicker stone and rarer flagstone colors, expect the price to fall at the higher end of this range.
Flagstone Cost by Type
Flagstone prices range from $200 to $550 per ton, without labor, based on the type of stone, its quality, and rarity.
Colorado Red Flagstone Prices
Colorado red flagstone is a popular choice for climates with extreme heat or cold, as it is impervious to harsh weather. As its name suggests, colors can be red to purple and the cost ranges from $200 to $400.
Arizona Flagstone Prices
Arizona flagstone is one of the most common varieties and local to the Southwestern United States. Because it's readily available, prices start at $200 per ton for common sand, beige, and gray hues. However, you can pay up to $450 per ton for the same stone with interesting natural patterns or rarer colors like red, orange, and chocolate.
Sandstone Flagstone Prices
Sandstone is another widely available option and prized for its ability to stay cool even in extreme heat. Sandstone has a distinctive, rustic, rough-textured look—and, if you're lucky, sometimes contains plant and animal fossils. It's available in a range of colors from pale sand to dark red. Because it's easy to find, it's more affordable than many other stone types, at $250 to $350 per ton.
Bluestone Flagstone Prices
Bluestone flagstone comes from the New York and Pennsylvania areas and is popular for its resistance to freezing temperatures. However, in coastal locations, this particular flagstone needs sealing to protect it from saltwater damage.
The interesting blue to gray colors and naturally non-slip finish make bluestone popular for poolsides. Because it's reasonably sought after in all but coastal areas, bluestone costs between $375 and $450 per ton.
Quartzite Flagstone Prices
Quartzite is an incredibly durable mix of sandstone and quartz that's well-suited to high-traffic areas. It's available in a range of attractive colors from silver and gold to green and blue. For this aesthetically pleasing flagstone, expect to pay $400 to $450 per ton.
Flagstone Rock Prices
Flagstone rock is a great choice for outdoor steps and building natural walls or garden beds in the yard. Usually available in sheets 1 to 2 inches thick, flagstone rock costs $400 to $500 per ton. You can find flagstone rock in large but uneven sheets or smaller, rough-cut chunks and slab.
Flagstone Installation Cost
Flagstone costs $15 to $22 per square foot for materials and installation. The labor cost is $13 to $16 per square foot and the materials are $2 to $6 per square foot. The labor cost is high compared to the cost of the flagstone because the stone is heavy. Per square foot, each piece of stone weighs 12 to 20 pounds, so installation is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Here are the average costs to complete common flagstone installations:
300–500 sq. ft. flagstone walkway costs $4,500-$11,000
125–250 sq. ft. flagstone pathway costs $1,900-$5,500
600–900 sq. ft. pool deck costs $9,000-$19,800
300–600 sq. ft. flagstone driveway paving costs $4,500-$13,200
50–400 sq. ft. flagstone patio installation costs $750-$8,400
What Factors Influence Flagstone Cost?
There are many variables that impact the cost of flagstone, from the thickness of the stone to its rarity. Delivery, complexity, and accessibility also play a part in the cost of any flagstone installation project.
Weight of Flagstone
The weight of the flagstone has a direct impact on cost, particularly if it's priced by the ton. Remember, flagstone comes in different thicknesses, with some pavers or flagstone rocks being 2 inches thick or more. Plus, different types of sandstone have different densities, so for heavier stones, you get less square footage per ton.
Type of Flagstone
The type of flagstone you choose influences how much you'll pay for the stone itself, and some types, such as those that need sealing, require extra labor. Common flagstone such as sandstone is comparatively inexpensive, costing as little as $200 per ton, whereas scarcer types like bluestone or quartzite with unique patterns and colors can cost up to $550 per ton.
Delivery Distance
Flagstone is heavy, so the further it travels, the more you'll pay. Stone quarried locally doesn't have far to travel, so you'll get a better price (and have fewer problems with the stone's reaction to your climate). But if you simply must have the rare pink-purple quartzite flecked with gold that has to travel from the other side of the country, you'll rack up extra fees in transport costs quickly.
Site Accessibility
Your contractor will assess how accessible the job site is and figure that into their quote. If the contractors have to move the stone a long distance manually because they can't get the right vehicle or equipment into your yard to do the lifting for them, labor costs will increase.
Job Complexity
Simple jobs (like laying a pathway) that require minimal extra work outside of leveling the area and laying the flagstones incur less labor costs than more complex projects. For example, if the contractors have to remove an existing patio or do substantial work to dig out and level a terrace on a steep incline, it'll take significantly more labor, so remember to factor that into your budget.
The method of application is a big factor as well—a flagstone patio with a crushed rock base will be more expensive than placing flagstone stepping stones onto an existing turf.
Variability
Since flagstone is a natural stone, you will want to compensate for variability. For example, contractors often order 25% more stone than they anticipate needing for a project because the stone can vary so much in color, texture, and shape, even when it comes from the same quarry.
Also, thin veneer flagstone is fragile and may crack when placed over a concrete slab. This is why it’s smart to have more flagstone on hand than estimated to ensure your project will be finished on time.
FAQs About Flagstone
Where's the best place to buy flagstone?
You can’t go wrong with locally sourced flagstone. If you're working with a landscaper near you, they'll likely be able to source local stone for you and offer insight as to how your stone will age over time. Plus, you may even get a better price from them than going directly to the dealer.
Is flagstone more expensive than pavers?
Yes, flagstone is more expensive than pavers, but natural stone lasts longer and has a unique aesthetic appeal that pavers just can't match.
Is there a more affordable alternative to flagstone?
Yes, there are more affordable alternatives to flagstone. In fact, there are many alternatives to natural stone for pathways and patios. Stamped concrete is popular because it's affordable and has a distinctive look. You can also choose stone veneer or brick or concrete pavers.
Does flagstone need to be sealed?
Sealing is important to keep your flagstone looking like new for as long as possible. If you don’t seal flagstone, the surface can wear and stain. It also helps protect the stone’s natural texture. Just make sure you choose a matte sealant to avoid making your stone slippery like a glossy sealant can.
