Written by

Tara Farmer

June 16, 2023

Edited by

Sarah Noel

Fact-checked by

Tom Grupa

Average stone walkway cost

A 5'x20' stone walkway costs $1,600 to $3,500 on average or $16 to $35 per square foot installed. The cost of stone-walkway pavers is $7 to $18 per square foot for materials. The cost to install a stone-paver walkway depends on the stone type, path size, and installation method.

Stone paver walkway cost calculator

A stone paver walkway costs $9 to $17 per square foot for installation labor alone. The amount of site preparation necessary and the type of stone used determine total costs.

Cost factors include:

• Material type – Rare stone types in large sizes that are more than 2" thick cost much more than thinner and plain common stone pavers.

• Walkway size – Fees increase with the size. Most walkways are 18" to 24" wide minimum or up to 4' wide for wheelchairs and couples walking together.

• Installation method – The most common and cheapest method is dry-laid installation on gravel and sand. Mortar-set and concrete-set stones cost more but provide more stability.

• Stone base – Gravel prices are $10 to $50 per ton. A compacted 4" to 10" base forms a solid foundation under the pavers, according to local ground conditions.

• Ground fill materials – Sand costs $15 to $50 per cubic yard delivered, or $50 to $150 per ton. Contractors spread sand above the gravel for dry-laid stones because sand drains well and keeps the stones level.

• DIY vs. pro install – DIY installation saves on labor costs but takes more time.

• Edging – Landscape curbing costs $5 to $18 per linear foot. Most projects require an edge to keep the stones from shifting.

• Sealant – Applying a masonry sealant costs $2 to $10 per square foot. Sealants come in many types and prevent both stones and mortar from staining, cracking, and color fading.

• Permit – A permit costs $200 to $300 for most small to medium-size paver projects.

• Demolition – Removing old pavers costs $1 to $5 per square foot. Concrete removal costs $3 to $8 per square foot to tear out an old slab.

• Total job size – Prices per square foot are cheapest for big projects and more expensive for smaller jobs according to the minimum fees of the company.

• Weed barrier – Landscape fabric material costs $0.05 to $0.25 per square foot depending on the quality. This barrier under the gravel bed stops gravel from mixing with the ground soil and destabilizing the base.

Cost of stone walkway pavers

The cost of stone walkway pavers alone is $7 to $18 per square foot on average, depending on the quality and material. Most pavers are 1" to 4" thick with typical sizes of 1 to 2 square feet per stone. Flagstone pavers like slate and sandstone come in naturally irregular shapes too.

The most durable pavers for a walkway are granite, marble, and slate due to their extra-hard surface and lower water absorption than other stones.

Labor cost to install a stone walkway

Stone walkway labor costs include:

• Landscaping costs $50 to $100 per hour.

• Handyman rates are $50 to $80 per hour.

• The cost to level or regrade a yard is $0.04 to $2.00 per square foot for most residential excavation.

• A landscape designer costs $50 to $150 per hour for making plans for a new patio and backyard surrounds.

Stone walkway additions and upgrades

Common features and upgrades include:

• Outdoor lighting installation costs $80 to $300 per fixture.

• Stone steps cost $300 to $900 per step.

• Pea gravel costs $0.85 to $2.80 per square foot installed in between stone pavers on the walkway for a decorative finish.

• A regular stone wall costs $15 to $75 per square foot of wall surface.

• A stone retaining wall costs $10 to $85 per square foot of wall surface.

• An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $35,000.

• A flower bed costs $900 to $2,700 for planting 60 square feet of flowers along the walkway.

• A stone patio costs $16 to $35 per square foot, and fees are lower for installing a stone patio and walkway at the same time.

• Installing an outdoor firepit costs $325 to $2,000.

Stone walkway cost vs. other walkway types

A natural stone walkway is the most expensive type but also one of the most durable types with very little maintenance necessary.

• A concrete sidewalk costs $7 to $17 per square foot installed.

• Installing stamped concrete walkway costs $10 to $21 per square foot.

• A paver walkway costs $10 to $20 per square foot to install.

• Gravel costs $1 to $3 per square foot installed.

• Asphalt paving costs $3 to $7 per square foot for labor and materials.

Stone walkway FAQs

How long do stone walkways last?

A natural stone walkway lasts 20 to 100 years depending on the stone type and local conditions. Maintain the walkway by regular cleaning and resealing the stones every 1 to 2 years.

Can you lay stone pavers over existing concrete?

You can lay stone pavers over existing concrete if it's reinforced and has the right slope for drainage. Installers apply wet mortar to the existing slab before placing the stone pavers and then filling joints with sand, mortar, or grout.

Do I need to edge my stone walkway?

You need to edge your stone walkway to stop the pavers from spreading apart over time, which also leads to more weeds growing between them. Edging options include plastic borders secured with spikes in the ground or longer-lasting concrete borders.

Does rock salt ruin a stone walkway?

Rock salt does ruin a stone walkway because it weakens mortared joints, causes the stone surface to flake off, and discolors stones.

To de-ice a stone walkway safely in winter, use magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or potassium chloride instead.

Getting estimates from stone walkway builders

Before hiring a landscape designer, patio contractor, or landscape paver near you, be sure to:

• Collect at least 3 bids from several hardscape contractors.

• Select licensed, insured, and bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.

• Ask if they have certifications as an ICPI Residential Paver Technician or from a masonry association.

• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Ask for a written estimate, contract, and warranty before work starts.

• Avoid the lowest bids as they often indicate low-quality results.

• Never give the last payment before the job is complete.

Questions to ask

• How many natural stone walkways have you installed?

• Can I see a portfolio of your past installations and references?

• How do I reach the project manager, and how many subcontractors are coming?

• Will you pull all permits?

• What are my stone options?

• Can you cut the stones to create a custom design?

• Do you check for underground utility lines before digging?

• What will you use for a base under the stone pavers?

• Will you compact and level the base before installing the pavers?

• How often should I reseal these stones?

• Is it better to lay the stones in concrete or to dry-lay the stones in sand?

• What are the edging options?

• Do you know all the building codes for walkways in this area?

• Are all materials, delivery fees, labor, prep work, and cleanup in this bid?

• How long will this stone walkway construction take?

• What's in your warranty policy?

• How much space will the crew and equipment need?

• What's the payment schedule for this project?