How Much Does a Bluestone Patio Cost?

Average Cost to Build a Bluestone Patio

*For a 288-square-foot patio

Bluestone Patio Installation Cost per Square Footage

The total cost to install a bluestone patio is $16 to $25 per square foot, including the cost of materials and labor. Because the installation is arduous and time-consuming, we recommend looking for a patio contractor near you to handle the job.

Bluestone Patio Cost vs. Other Materials

At $16 to $25 per square foot, bluestone patios can be more expensive than the typical cost of a new patio. Here’s how bluestone compares to other common patio materials:

Bluestone Patio Costs by Type of Stone

While pavers are the most common type of bluestone material, your specific bluestone patio project may require additional cuts of bluestone, like slabs, treads, or even walls. For example, the cost of stone steps is more expensive than a typical stone paver.

The table below explores how bluestone cost can vary by type of stone:

Bluestone Patio Cost Breakdown

The two main components of your total bluestone patio cost are the bluestone material itself and the cost of professional labor.

Materials

Bluestone pavers cost $5 to $12 per square foot. You’ll pay a higher bluestone price per square foot for slabs, treads, and sills; if you hire a paver for professional installation, they will likely order more material needed, as waste is common when installing patios with unique stone sizes.

Installation

Professional installers may give you a quote for the whole project or an hourly rate. In general, you should budget between $11 and $13 per square foot for labor and supplies.

Bluestone Patio Installation Cost Factors

While square footage is the most important factor regarding price, the layout, existing structures, and permits will also play a role.

Yard Layout

Correcting a slope by grading or leveling a lawn costs between $1,000 to $3,000. If your lawn is not level in the spot you’d like to install your patio, you’ll need to budget for this cost; level ground is important for water drainage.

Existing Patio

The cost to remove a basic patio is around $860 for a 288-square foot patio. If the patio base must be removed, it can cost up to $10 per square foot or $2,880.

Permit

The cost of permits varies by location, but you can expect to pay from $150 to $400 when building a patio. While not all towns and cities require permits for on-grade patios, permits and inspections may be required if a patio has special features that require electricity, plumbing, or raised structures. It's important to check local zoning laws before starting a patio project.

Design and Finish

Opting for a unique design or shape can increase the cost to install a bluestone patio, especially as it can require additional labor and more wasted stone.

You can also opt for special bluestone patio finishes, like natural cleft bluestone, thermal bluestone, and honed bluestone. In general, special bluestone finishes add $1 to $2 per square foot. Speak with your local paver installer before starting the project to understand how certain finishes can impact the overall bluestone pavers cost.

Cost to Install a Bluestone Patio Yourself

You can save yourself around $3,175 to $3,750 if you DIY a 288-square-foot patio. That’s roughly $11 to $13 per square foot in savings.

To figure out how much it costs to install a bluestone patio yourself, start by applying the average bluestone paver cost of $5 to $12 per square foot to your patio size to determine your materials cost. Remember to account for waste by calculating for more stone than you’ll actually need for your completed patio.

You’ll need to account for more than just the material prices when determining your DIY bluestone patio cost. The plate compactor rental is the biggest equipment cost for most DIY patio projects is the plate compactor rental. Most retailers charge $75 to $100 per day for them. A professional can install the patio in four to five days; expect to spend double the time (eight to 10 days) when doing the installation yourself, resulting in $600 to $800 in equipment rental costs.

A DIY patio may also need permits totaling $150 to $400. Some professionals factor this into their cost, but if you’re doing the project yourself, you’ll need to budget for this separately (and figure out how to apply on your own).

Finally, factor in the value of your own time. An eight- to 10-day project will either eat up your weekends for several months or require you to take a couple of weeks off work.

DIY vs. Hire a Bluestone Patio Pro

A homeowner with the time and ambition can certainly put down a new bluestone patio, but expect up to a few weeks to complete the project. However, there are some advantages to bringing in a pro. 

First, a local backyard designer can help to point out the best layout. It's also essential to confirm there are no buried lines where you dig; a contractor will know how to handle this issue when laying down foundations. They can also more accurately estimate material prices and handle the permit process.

Efficiency is also a big motivation for hiring a patio contractor. Preparing the area, designing a patio, placing down every brick, and sealing the patio can be a lot to take on for one person. What a pro team can do in a few days might take weeks to DIY.

FAQs

What are the pros and cons of bluestone?

Bluestone patios have several benefits: the material is durable, long-lasting, pleasing to the eye, and not slippery when wet. The only downside to bluestone patios is cost, as bluestone is much more expensive than concrete or other more conventional paving materials. One smaller potential pitfall is that the color can fade over time if bluestone isn’t sealed.

What patio pavers are comparable to bluestone?

Clay or brick pavers offer similar durability to bluestone at a lower price point. Cast concrete pavers can provide the same look and feel of bluestone. However, the color tends to fade over time. For similar durability and quality but in a different set of colors, you can consider flagstone pavers, which come in red, purple, and earthy colors.

How do I maintain bluestone?

Weekly cleaning with a brush and detergent will keep bluestone looking brand-new. You can also regularly sweep it of debris to keep it looking nice. For long-term protection, consider a sealing treatment. In general, you should reseal your bluestone patio every three years. Doing so can protect the unique color of bluestone pavers from fading over time and keep it from cracking.

It’s important to stay on top of affordable patio maintenance to avoid costly repairs. The cost to repair a patio ranges from $700 to $2,250.

Can a new bluestone patio be placed over a concrete patio?

Yes, you can build a bluestone patio over an existing concrete pad as long as the existing pad is in good condition. It's important to have a masonry expert survey the existing space to determine if it should be torn away before installing a new patio. If the pro must remove the concrete pad, your patio installation costs will be higher than you might’ve originally anticipated.

Does bluestone crack easily?

Bluestone is a durable and dense stone material, meaning it’s also a crack-resistant material. However, stone does crack over time. Sealing your bluestone pavers can help keep them from cracking. We recommend sealing your bluestone patio at least once every three years. Doing so also helps protect its natural color from fading.