Bluestone steps are prized for their durability and attractive hue. The material is especially popular in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Shenandoah Valley where this type of feldspathic sandstone is quarried. Bluestone is featured extensively at Princeton University, Cornell University and the White House Rose Garden. It also forms the iconic team logo at Yankee Stadium's Monument Park museum.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
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What you can expect | |||||
Range per square foot: | $66.82 | $84.05 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $20,046 | $25,214 | |||
Estimate: $22,630 | |||||
Bluestone Steps Cost | 320 square feet | $3,084 | $4,653 | ||
Cost of residential-grade, solid bluestone steps with sawn or thermal edges, 16" depth, and 6" thickness. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect installation and occasional repairs. | |||||
Bluestone Steps Labor, Basic | 274 hours | $16,777 | $20,335 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete installation. Area to be paved will be laid out, marked, and excavated. 4" base gravel, edge border, and 2" of bedding sand will be laid. Stone will be assembled, set, and leveled, and polymer-modified sand added to joints. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup. | |||||
Bluestone Steps Job Supplies | 320 square feet | $131 | $149 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including cutting and grinding materials, mortar, and reinforcement. | |||||
Bluestone Steps Equipment Allowance | 1 job | $54 | $76 | ||
Daily rental of specialty equipment that maximizes the quality and efficiency of the work. These include a 115V wet masonry saw, 5-cubic-foot mortar box, and small plate compactor. Consumable equipment elements not included. | |||||
Optional Services | |||||
Option: Slab Excavation | 6 hours | $385 | $467 | ||
Existing sidewalk, slab, or driveway will be excavated with hand tools to a uniform depth (up to 8") below final surface level. Excavation material will be distributed on site. |
cost to install bluestone steps | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot | $12.54 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 300 square foot | $23,491.33 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 300 square foot | $20,809.18 - $26,173.48 |
Due to its density and hardness, which measures approximately 7.0 on the Mohs scale, bluestone is ideal for high-traffic areas. These properties make it a natural choice for exterior applications, including entryway steps and patio stairs.
The cost of the material depends on the number of steps and dimensions of the treads as well as the grade and thickness of the stone. Labor requirements vary substantially depending on whether the mason is starting from scratch, replacing existing stone slabs or covering preformed concrete steps with a stone veneer. Stairs that are built from fieldstone or bricks and topped with bluestone treads provide a high-end look. However, they cost more than other options.
Homeowners who don't have substantial masonry experience should consider hiring a licensed contractor to construct the stairs and install the bluestone slabs. Professionals have the tools needed to slice through concrete, remove existing mortar and cut the slabs to size without damaging the precious material. Masons will also ensure that the treads and risers are uniformly spaced for aesthetic purposes and safety reasons.