On Sand or Gravel: $10-$25 a Square Foot, Installed
Mortared on Concrete: $20-$40 a Square Foot, Installed
A stone walkway can vary from a sidewalk-like pathway using cut rectangular smooth-edged pieces of stone, to a more natural-looking path using rough-edged pieces that are laid out to fit like a jigsaw puzzle, to large stepping-stones with small gaps between them. Flagstone is a generic term for any large, flat, quarried pieces of natural stone used in outdoor landscaping or indoor flooring.
Typical costs:
Just the stone for a flagstone walkway can cost $2.50-$5 or more a square foot, depending on location and the type and quality of stone, or about $300-$1,000 for a typical walkway.
Professional installation of a flagstone walkway can cost $10-$25 or more a square foot for dry-set (on a bed of sand or gravel) and $20-$40 or more a square foot for wet-set one (mortared on a slab of reinforced concrete) , depending on local rates and the complexity of the project, or about $1,000-$2,500 for a dry-laid walkway and $2,000-$6,000 or more for a wet one.
What should be included:
DIY network provides how-to instructions[1] , and estimates that a typical dry-laid walkway takes a weekend for a DIY installation, and costs about $500-$1,000. A This Old House video[2] estimates it takes eight to 10 hours to lay a 10'- to 16'-long walkway, noting that digging dirt and laying stone is tiresome, but not difficult in terms of the skills needed.
Flagstone can be installed on a bed of sand, gravel or similar materials, which is called dry-set, or mortared in place on top of reinforced concrete, which is referred to as a wet installation. Dry-set flagstone produces more of a natural look (small plants may grow in the gaps between the stones), while wet-set is more permanent, and lasts longer in high-traffic or erosion-prone areas.
The three main steps for installing flagstone include preparing the area (digging and leveling); building the base (typically sand or gravel for dry-laid, and about a 4"-thick concrete slab for wet); and laying the stones (making them fit together like a jigsaw puzzle, cutting as needed and using mortar for a wet installation).
Many types of stone can be called flagstone, including slate, sandstone, bluestone, fieldstone or limestone. LandscapingNetwork.com provides a comparison chart[3] for common kinds of stone that can be used as flagstones.
Flagstones are typically up to 3" thick or less; typical widths are 1" minus, 1.5", 2", 2.5" and 3". Generally, 1" minus should only be installed wet, with a concrete sub-base; and 2" to 3" widths are good for a dry-laid stepping stone or patio.
Additional costs:
Some homeowners prefer a natural look for a flagstone walkway, but others choose to have it sealed to help preserve the stone and maintain a more colorful "wet" look. Sealant averages $30 -$60 a quart, or $100 -$200 a gallon; stone cleaners run $10 -$40 a quart. Flagstone might need cleaning and re-sealing every 18-36 months, depending on usage and exposure to the elements.
Shopping for a flagstone walkway:
Collect examples of walkway designs, to decide on a favored style. Landscaping Network[4] and Phoenix Home Services[5] post photo galleries of flagstone walkways.
If possible, get several estimates. Be somewhat wary of a flat per-square-foot price quoted over the telephone; there are so many factors that can affect the cost, a contractor typically needs to see the site before giving a firm quote.
A flagstone walkway can be installed by a handyman, landscaper or landscaper designer or contractor. For larger projects, search for members of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers[6] , Planet (Professional Landcare Network)[7] or the Marble Institue of America[8] (for natural stone distributors and suppliers).
Ask for and check references from satisfied customers; check that the company is properly insured and licensed.
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Dug 3", 4' X 40'. Then, installed PA Blue stone gravel 1" leveled, Then installed 18" X24" X 1 1/2 " thick flagstone - Blueish Grey. 18" wide and 24' length, and 12' apart. Leveled slope 1/4' over 10' length. From house, I have bushes and 5' wide mulch for 40' length straight. I left 6 inches away from Mulch edge. No Border stones. I place weed control mat first above soil, then crushed blue stones, then installed Flagstones. Material + tax=$400 (Includes $115 delivery). Labor: 2 people 6 hrs. for $350. Total cost $ 750. I am retired Military Engineer. I supervised the work. Under $5/sq.ft. includes Material and Labor. I bought 10 new stones and used 10 old stones. Workers are my gardeners.
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