How Much Does It Cost To Install A Stone Wall?

Cost of stone walls

The cost of a stone wall depends on many factors. When you hire a professional mason, they’ll be able to give you an estimate upfront. Here’s what will factor into the total cost of a stone wall:

Labor

Masonry is truly an art, so stonemasons usually cost more by the hour than other contractors. It’s often worth it, as the finished product will turn out beautifully. It’s recommended that you ask the mason to see examples of their previous work so you’ll have an idea of what the finished product will look like. 

The cost for a masonry contractor can range from $30 to $110 an hour, depending on their certification and experience.

Local laws

Stone- and brick-laying require specific skills, training, and equipment. Depending on your location and the length and height of the wall you want, it may be necessary to hire a mason with specific certification to do your project. You may need a permit to build a stacked stone wall, which can cost between $100 and $500. 

Type of project

Some people wish to simply build a small stone accent wall around their garden or along their driveway. This is a simple, straightforward job that you could either do yourself or hire a general contractor to complete. 

If you want your new stone wall to line your entire property, you’ll likely need to get the land surveyed. It costs anywhere from $300 to $750 for a land survey, and you’ll need to hire a professional mason to do this advanced project.

Conditions of the land

If your stone wall will be built in an area that’s difficult to access or if your property is on steep or rough terrain, it’ll cost more for the contractor to do the job. When you collect your estimates, expect the price to go up a few dollars per square foot. 

Sometimes a stone or brick wall will present a drainage issue. In that case, you’ll need a drainage solutions expert to assess the area and see if the ground will be able to accommodate the new wall. Implementing a drainage system, if required, costs between $1,000 and $5,000.

Cost of stone for walls

The total cost of your stone for walls will depend on the desired outcome. You’ll have to decide if you want a stone or brick wall, which type of stone or brick you’d like, and what the purpose of the wall will be. Many people choose to get a new wall for privacy, to protect a garden or other lawn space, as a pillar or another stone monument, as a property marker, or as a retaining wall. This decision will determine the cost of the project. 

Here’s a breakdown of the different kinds of stone walls you can build and their costs: 

Stone accent wall

A standard, natural stone wall costs $25 to $50 per square foot and up to $80 for top-quality stones. For a stone accent wall in your garden, the total cost ranges between $4,000 and $8,000.

Stacked stone wall

Installing a stacked stone wall or fieldstone fence to line your property will typically come out to be $20 to $60 per square foot, considering the size and type of stone you choose.

Veneer stone wall

A stone veneer is far cheaper than real stone at $10 to $25 per square foot. Using veneer is recommended if you’re building an indoor wall, as real stone may be too heavy for your home's foundation.

Brick wall

It costs from $25 to $40 per square foot to build a brick wall. The price will vary based on your desired design, the size of the wall, and your location.

Brick veneer wall 

Brick veneer is about $10 to $30 per square foot. Brick veneer is one brick thick and has a steel or wood frame rather than pure brick.

Privacy wall

Many homeowners build a wall for a specific function, such as keeping their property private. A privacy wall usually costs $35 to $45 per square foot and is a modest structure adding to the overall look of your family’s home.

Retaining wall

A retaining wall is needed in the case that the ground needs to be supported. This can happen if there’s loose soil, uneven terrain, or drainage features that need to be added. It usually takes an engineer to build a retaining wall, as they’re larger, more complex structures. A retaining wall is generally taller than four feet and costs anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000.

DIY vs hire a pro

Now that your home is ready for a new stone wall, the next question is who will do the work: should you take it on as a DIY project, or would it be best to hire a professional? 

Moving stones is extremely hard work — usually, you need special equipment and training to transport and install rocks and stones. If you have access to this equipment and the experience, it may be possible to DIY. Keep in mind that it’s a physically demanding job and can also be very risky as the stones are heavy. 

If the job is small, such as building a garden bed, installing a stacked stone wall around a lawn fountain, or building a small set of stone steps, it’s definitely something you can do DIY. This way, you can make your own design and get creative. Otherwise, hiring a professional mason or even a general contractor is best. Call around in your neighborhood to get the best cost of a stone wall in your area. For basic jobs that are labor-intensive, consider hiring a general contractor. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking to get a big job done or have complex ideas about designs, it’s recommended to go with a professional mason. You’re more likely to be satisfied with the finished product.