Blog
Expert guides and tips for planning stone patios, fire pits, and hardscape projects. Written by a former stonemason.
Bluestone vs Slate vs Granite for a Patio
For most patios, bluestone is the value pick of the three: bluestone pavers cost about $5–$12 per square foot, against $10–$30 for slate and $10–$35 for granite, based on HomeAdvisor's June 2026 data. Granite is the hardest and most wear-resistant. Slate gives the darkest, richest colors but varies more in quality.
Is Flagstone Expensive? Flagstone Cost per Square Foot
Flagstone costs about $2–$6 per square foot for the stone alone and $15–$30 per square foot installed, based on Angi's and HomeAdvisor's 2026 cost guides. By the ton, it ranges from about $200 for sandstone to $700 for slate. A 16x20 flagstone patio (320 square feet) comes to roughly $4,800–$9,600 installed.
Bluestone Patio Cost: Materials and Installation
Bluestone pavers typically cost $5–$12 per square foot for the stone alone, and a professionally installed bluestone patio typically costs $16–$25 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor's June 2026 cost data. At those rates, a 16x20 patio (320 square feet) lands around $5,120–$8,000 installed.
How to Lay Out a Flagstone Patio Before You Set the Stones
Laying a flagstone patio is different from laying manufactured pavers. Every piece has its own outline, thickness, and best orientation. The frustrating part is rarely understanding that the patio needs a base. It is standing over a pile of heavy stone and deciding which piece belongs in the next awkward gap.
How to Build a Fire Pit on a Stone Patio
A fire pit transforms any stone patio from a nice outdoor space into the gathering spot of your backyard. After 10 years of laying stone patios professionally, I've built dozens of fire pits. I've learned what works, what doesn't, and what can go wrong if you skip the fundamentals.
Flagstone vs Bluestone vs Pavers: Which Should You Choose?
Choose flagstone for a varied natural surface, bluestone for natural stone in a coordinated color or pattern, and concrete pavers for a regular layout that is easier to fit. Pavers often have the lower installed price, but a local quote matters more than the material name.