How Much Do Stone Steps Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $1,400 - $5,525
The cost of installing stone steps ranges from $1,400 to $5,525, with the average homeowner spending $2,200. The biggest factor impacting your total cost is the type of stone you use.
Adding stone steps is a great way to elevate the look of your home. On average, it costs around $2,200 to install stone steps, but costs vary depending on the size of the project and the type of stone you choose. Some stones, like bluestone, might cost as little as $900 to install, while more luxury stones, like granite, could cost up to $12,000 for installation.
- Average
- $2,200
- Low end
- $900
- high end
- $12,000
Average Cost of Installing Stone Steps
On average, it costs around $2,200 to install stone steps, but costs depend on the size of the project and the type of stone you choose. Bluestone slab prices tend to be on the lower end, costing around $1,400 with installation, while granite is at the higher end and can cost up to $12,000 installed. Expect to pay between $200 and $300 per step, depending on the quality of materials you choose.
Cost of Stone Steps by Type
The cost of your stone steps can vary considerably depending on which type of stone you choose, so it’s always worth doing your research first. If you hire a local landscaper, they can advise you on the best materials for your project and ensure safe delivery and installation.
| Material | Cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Bluestone | $15–$30 |
| Granite | $45–$95 |
| Limestone | $25–$50 |
| Slate | $30–$55 |
| Sandstone | $30–$50 |
| Flagstone | $15–$55 |
| Concrete | $20–$65 |
Bluestone Steps
If you’re hoping to save some cash, bluestone could be the move because it’s more affordable than many other types of stone. Bluestone slab prices are around $15 to $30 per linear foot, with an added labor cost of $500 to $1,200. On average, installing a standard bluestone step staircase will cost you between $900 and $2,000.
Granite Steps
These steps are the most expensive, ranging between $45 and $95 per linear foot. Installation costs $4,000 to $9,000. Granite steps are often more costly because the large tiles can be difficult to work with, so cutting steps to size requires extra labor.
Flagstone Steps
The average cost of a flagstone staircase is between $900 and $5,500. Flagstone prices range between $15 and $55 per linear foot, plus a further $20 to $160 for installation. Flagstones have unique patterns and are available in red, blue, or tan hues, letting you create a custom look that blends well with your property. This type of stone is durable and long-lasting, but it can crack more easily than others if you drop something sharp or heavy on it.
Limestone Steps
Limestone steps cost around $25 to $50 per linear foot or $1,300 to $3,250 for an average-sized staircase with installation. The installation costs are comparatively budget-friendly compared to others, costing between $30 and $80 per linear foot.
Concrete Steps
Concrete steps cost between $1,300 and $6,000, including installation. On average, concrete steps cost $30 to $65 per linear foot, with a further $32 to $160 per linear foot for installation.
Precast concrete steps are created by filling concrete inside a mold of the required size away from the construction site. The steps arrive at your home already made and can be installed and used immediately, as the curing is already complete. They cost around $100 per step.
Poured concrete costs up to $300 per step, though longer and wider ones are more costly. These steps are poured, molded, and cast onsite, so they don’t have to be delivered to your home. However, you have to wait for the steps to dry and cure before you use them, and this material requires more labor overall.
Sandstone Steps
Sandstone steps cost between $30 and $50 per linear foot, plus a further $40 to $120 per linear foot in labor costs. For a standard staircase with installation, you’re looking at around $1,750 to $4,500, making sandstone a popular choice for mid-range budgets.
Slate Slab Steps
Slate is another mid-range stone type, costing between $2,000 and $5,400 for all materials and installation. Slate materials per linear foot range between $30 and $55, plus a further $50 to $150 per linear foot for labor.
What Factors Influence the Cost of Stone Steps?
You can keep costs low if your project is relatively straightforward and you choose a cheaper material. However, depending on your project's specific requirements, costs can also quickly add up. There are several other expenses you need to factor in.
Number of and Size of Steps
The size of your surface area is a huge factor. For example, the cost of three steps is much less than 10. The size of your steps can also play a part since larger and thicker steps are much more expensive than smaller ones.
As a standard, most steps are 2 feet wide. If you need them shorter or longer than this, you can expect to pay more for labor costs, as your contractor will have to cut slabs to size or source custom treads to fit the area.
Shape is also important, especially if your steps turn or are on an angle. This alters the shape of your steps and may make them more difficult to maneuver or cut to size.
Replacing Old or Building New Steps
If you’re not starting from scratch and just replacing worn, cracked old steps, your project will probably be much cheaper. You may already have the foundations laid out, which will cut down labor costs massively.
Sticking with the same material can also keep costs low. For example, the cost of patching concrete steps can be as little as $20. However, you’ll need to factor in removal costs if you’re taking out the entire staircase, which can be between $400 and $700 for concrete steps.
Type of Stone
The type of material you choose alters the cost of your project considerably. Depending on which material you choose, you can pay anywhere between $900 and $12,000 for a standard set of stairs. Granite steps cost the most, not just for the material but also for the tricky installation, which requires more labor time.
Design
Simple designs and configurations will mean lower costs, whereas a more advanced design will increase labor costs. Some examples of more advanced stone step design include mosaic patterns, intricate carvings, spiral steps, or interlocking puzzles. Remember that more advanced designs may also result in higher maintenance or stone restoration costs down the line, given the complexity of cleaning them.
Excavation
Depending on the size of your area, you can dig out a lot of land yourself to make space for your stone steps if you're not afraid of getting your hands dirty. Doing it yourself can help cut back labor costs, but it’s not always possible, especially if you don’t know how to prepare the area properly.
For large areas, especially uphill, you’ll likely have to pay for local excavation workers to dig out and level the area. Excavation costs range between $50 and $200 per cubic yard.
Building Permits
You may need a building permit to install your stone steps. These permits cost an average of $1,330, but they could be between $405 and $2,250. Permit requirements and costs vary by state and sometimes even city, so check before you start your project.
If a building permit is required, you’ll also need to arrange an inspection of your steps once the work is complete. An inspector will approve your project and ensure everything is working well. This additional expense usually costs around $300.
Installing Stone Steps Yourself vs. Hiring a Pro
If you have experience with landscaping and masonry, then you may be able to install your stone steps yourself. However, many projects can be complex, and it’s best to hire a local landscaping contractor with expertise. They’ll advise you on the exact type of stone you should use and ensure the project runs smoothly.
Installing stone steps yourself means you save on labor and installation costs. Choosing and paying for your stone is the easy part.
You have to factor in excavation, measure the dimensions of steps and calculate how many you need, cut steps to size, add risers, mark treads, and level surfaces, even before installing your stone. Plus, it can be tricky if you’re unfamiliar with installing stone steps. Unless you are a master at mortar and landscaping, stone steps are best left to a professional landscaper who can help you get the project right the first time; otherwise, you risk ending up with uneven stairs, a recipe for disaster.
After all, the most expensive part of a stone-step project is the material, so it’s worth saving yourself the extra time and stress by hiring a professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
The material you use depends on how hard-wearing your steps need to be and what you want them to look like. The most common stone for exterior steps is bluestone. It’s hard-wearing and durable, and bluestone steps cost between $15 and $30 per linear foot. Limestone is also a popular option and is mid-range, costing $25 to $50 per linear foot. You should always consider the specific requirements of your project before ordering any materials.
It depends on the material. Sandstone, slate, and granite can be slippery in wet weather. Applying a sealant to the stone can often stop it from absorbing moisture and may reduce the likelihood of slipping. If you're concerned about losing footing, a safer option might be bluestone or concrete.
When building steps on a slope or hill, you must dig into the hill to expose a level surface area. This excavated area could be up to 18 inches deep, requiring much labor time. Leveling a paving stone walkway surface can be tricky, especially if it’s uphill. You may also need an excavator if a significant area needs digging up.