How Much Do Stone Steps Cost?

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. 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 you up to $12,000 installed.

How Much Do Stone Steps Cost By Type?

Your stone steps cost 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.

Bluestone Steps Cost

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 between $500 to $1,200. On average, it’ll cost you between $900 and $2,000 for a standard bluestone step staircase with installation. 

Bluestone comes in many different cuts and colors, so it’s also a good option for those who want more options available for their exterior landscaping project. Plus, it can withstand extreme hot and cold weather conditions, making it a durable choice in any climate, from sunny towns on the coast to chilly cities in Alaska.

Granite Steps Cost

These steps are the most expensive, with prices varying between $45 and $95 per linear foot. It’s a further $4,000 to $9,000 for installation. Granite steps are often more costly because the large tiles can be difficult to work with, so cutting steps to size requires extra labor.

Granite steps cost $5,000 to $12,000 on average, including installation, so it’s only worth it if you have a large budget. Granite does have many benefits, including the fact it’s scratch-resistant, so it can withstand heavy foot traffic while still looking as lovely as the first day it was installed. You will need to have your steps sealed though, as granite is porous and absorbs moisture, so it stains easily.

Flagstone Steps Cost

The average cost of a flagstone staircase is between $900 and $5,500. Per linear foot, flagstone prices range between $15 and $55, plus a further $20 to $160 per linear foot for installation. Flagstones usually have unique patterns and they're 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.

Ideally, a professional should install flagstone steps because you must prepare the surface area properly first, as it must be level and stable. Trying to sit flagstone on shifting, unstable soil or uneven, rocky ground will not work. Flagstones come in many different sizes and vary in thickness because no two slabs are the same. It can take a fair amount of work to cut steps to size and create a level surface, but if the foundation is uneven, the flagstone will quickly crack.

Limestone Steps Cost

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. 

Like granite, limestone is a particularly dense, heavy stone that's challenging to install and therefore costly. However, it's a solid and long-lasting choice for homes in warmier, sunnier climes. Limestone is porous and comparatively soft though, so it doesn't perform well in persistently wet climates or when exposed to harsh weather, even if you seal it regularly.

Concrete Steps Cost

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 of a mold of the required size away from the construction site. The steps arrive at your home already made, and can then be installed and used right away as the curing is already complete. It usually costs around $100 per step.

Poured concrete is more expensive, costing 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. But you have to wait for the steps to dry and cure before you use them, and this material requires more labor overall.

Sandstone Steps Cost

Sandstone steps cost between $30 and $50 per linear foot, plus a further $40 to $120 per linear foot in labor costs. In total, 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.

Sandstone is a softer material like limestone, so it’s not as durable as concrete or bluestone. It’s also highly porous, so if you’re frequently hit with heavy rain, sandstone may not be the choice for you. However, darker sandstone is denser and absorbs less water, so you could always consider changing the aesthetics of your project.

Slate Slab Steps Cost

Slate is another mid-range stone type, costing between $2,000 and $5,400 for all materials and installation. The cost of slate materials per linear foot ranges between $30 and $55, plus a further $50 to $150 per linear foot for labor.

Slate is highly resistant to weather, cracks, chipping, and heavy foot traffic, but it requires sealing to prevent stains. While prized for its distinctive style, slate is costly to repair. Should any of your steps need fixing, it's likely more cost-effective to replace the damaged treads. Be careful during any rainstorms, because it’s also very slippery in wet weather unless you choose a tumbled or raw style with natural traction.

How Much Does It Cost to Install Stone Steps Yourself?

Installing stone steps yourself means you save on labor and installation costs which can be as much as $9,000, but it's not a simple task. Choosing and paying for your stone is the easy part. You then have to consider where you’re installing your stone steps, especially if it’s in a trick spot like on a hill. More leveling and excavation adds further costs, whether you’re doing it yourself or not.

You have to factor in excavation, measuring dimensions of steps and calculating how many you need, cutting steps to size, adding risers, marking treads, and leveling surfaces, even before installing your stone. Plus if you’re not familiar with installing stone steps it can be tricky. 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, which is 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.

Stone Step Cost Breakdown

With so much going into installing stone steps, it's important to know where your money goes. Breaking it all down lets you identify ways to save on stone step costs and areas where you may need to increase your spending.

Materials

The cost of materials accounts for a significant portion of the project cost, and stone steps prices vary considerably, from $15 to $95 per linear foot.

Excavation

Depending on the size of your area, you may be able to 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, and especially areas 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 be required to get a building permit to install your stone steps. On average, this costs around $1,330, but it could be anywhere between $405 and $2,250. Permit requirements and costs vary by state and sometimes even city, so be sure to 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 that everything is in good working order. Usually, this costs around $300, which is an additional expense.

Labor Costs

If you plan to install the steps yourself, you may not need to factor in labor costs. However, you might decide to hire a company to extract the surface area for you before you install your steps. And you’ll likely have to have your stone delivered to you, which is an extra fee. Total labor costs range between $500 and $9,000, depending on what’s needed, the material you choose, and how long it takes.

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. But costs can also quickly add up, depending on the specific requirements of your project. And there are several other expenses you need to factor in.

Size and Shape

The size of your surface area is a huge factor. The cost of three steps is much less than 10, for example. The size of your steps can also play a part, since larger and thicker steps are way 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 you’re 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 anywhere between $400 and $700 for concrete steps.

Type of Stone Steps

The type of material you choose alters the cost of your project considerably. You can pay anywhere between $900 and $12,000 for a standard set of stairs, depending on which material you choose. Granite steps cost the most, not just for the material but also for the tricky installation, which requires more labor time.

FAQs About Stone Steps

Should I build my stone steps myself or hire a professional?

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 usually best to hire a local landscaping contractor with expertise. They’ll advise you on the exact type of stone you should be using and ensure the project runs smoothly.

What is the best stone for steps and how much does it cost?

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 are priced between $15 and $30 per linear foot. Limestone is also a popular option and it’s mid-range in price, costing $25 to $50 per linear foot. You should always consider the specific requirements of your project first before ordering any materials.

Are stone steps slippery?

It depends on the material. Sandstone, slate, and granite in particular 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. A safer option might be bluestone or concrete if you’re concerned about losing your footing.

How do you build stone steps up a hill?

You will need to dig into the hill to expose a level surface area. This excavated area could be up to 18 inches deep, so it does require quite a lot of labor time. Leveling a paving stone walkway surface can be tricky, and even more so if it’s uphill. You may also need an excavator if a significant amount of the area needs digging up.