Per-square-foot math, sample budgets at every size, and the honest variables — the patio-specific edition of our cost tables.
The question that brings more readers here than any other: what will my bluestone patio actually cost? The master cost guide holds every table; this page runs the patio math specifically, size by size.
| Size | Dry-laid pattern | Irregular | Wet-set |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 sf (12x16 — bistro) | $3,800–$5,800 | $3,200–$5,000 | $5,800–$9,000 |
| 400 sf (20x20 — dining) | $7,000–$11,000 | $6,000–$9,500 | $11,000–$18,000 |
| 600 sf (20x30 — full room) | $10,500–$16,500 | $9,000–$14,000 | $17,000–$27,000 |
| 1,000 sf (estate terrace) | $17,000–$27,000 | $15,000–$23,000 | $28,000–$45,000 |
Ranges assume reasonable access and normal soils; the bottom of each range lives in the friendlier labor markets (Vermont, central Pennsylvania, New Hampshire), the top in the premium metros (Fairfield County, Greater Boston, Westchester and the Hamptons, the DC suburbs).
Upward: demolition of existing hardscape ($2–$6/sf), hand-carry access, ledge or wet soils, thermal over cleft, blue-select color, 1.5″ stock, curves and inlays, seat walls from the wall-stone catalog. Downward: shoulder-season booking, machine access, irregular flagging, simple rectangles, and combining projects (patio + walk in one mobilization always beats two).
The audit rules from the master guide apply doubly at patio scale: base depth in writing (6–8″ compacted), stone spec named, pitch plan stated. A patio bid dramatically under these tables has found its savings somewhere you'll meet again in three winters — the freeze-thaw guide shows exactly where. Real numbers for your yard: the quote form.