Limestone has long been a staple in outdoor design thanks to its durability, aesthetic versatility, and natural appeal. It’s no surprise that it remains a popular choice among homeowners looking to enhance their landscapes with something timeless and functional. But when it comes to budgeting for a hardscape project, one of the most common questions we hear is: Is limestone expensive?
At Freedom Pondscapes, we work with clients across Kansas City, MO and Northwest Arkansas to create outdoor spaces that last. We also source our stone materials directly through our sister company, Freedom Stone, ensuring access to premium limestone and other natural materials at competitive prices. In this article, we’ll break down what affects the cost of limestone and why it continues to be a smart investment for projects of all sizes.
What Is Limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of calcium carbonate, formed from compacted marine organisms like shells and coral over millions of years. It comes in a range of tones, from cream and tan to rich gray and buff, making it easy to match with a variety of home styles and landscapes.
What makes limestone so valuable in landscape and hardscape design is its combination of strength and workability. It can be easily cut into slabs or blocks for use in retaining walls, patios and walkways, garden edging, or decorative accents. It’s also highly weather-resistant, holding up well in the fluctuating climates of Missouri and Arkansas. On top of that, it’s abundant and relatively sustainable to extract and process compared to synthetic alternatives.
What Affects the Cost of Limestone?
While limestone is often more affordable than other natural stones, the price can vary depending on several key factors. Understanding these can help you plan your project more effectively and get the most value for your investment.
Quarry Location and Quality
Limestone is quarried from natural deposits, and the location of the quarry can significantly impact price. Deeper or harder-to-access deposits cost more to extract, especially in regions with strict environmental regulations. The purity, color, and strength of the stone also influence its classification and price point.
Transportation and Logistics
Limestone is a dense material, which makes it more expensive to transport over long distances. The closer you are to the source, the lower your cost will likely be. Because we supply directly through Freedom Stone, we’re able to reduce this burden for clients in our service area by offering locally sourced materials whenever possible.
Labor and Processing
Shaping and finishing limestone requires skilled labor. Costs can rise if your project demands precision cutting, decorative finishes, or custom sizing. This is especially relevant for projects like fire pits or outdoor kitchens where the stone needs to be dimensioned to exact specifications.
Market Demand
Like most construction materials, limestone pricing is also affected by supply and demand. During peak construction seasons or in regions with rapid development, prices can temporarily rise. Conversely, during slower months, material costs may decrease slightly.
How Does Limestone Compare to Other Materials?
When choosing between limestone and other hardscape materials, it helps to consider both cost and function.
Limestone vs. Concrete
Concrete is usually less expensive than limestone per square foot. However, concrete lacks the natural variation, texture, and visual warmth of stone. For high-traffic areas like patios and pathways, concrete may suffice functionally, but limestone provides a distinct visual upgrade and often better long-term performance.
Limestone vs. Brick
Brick and limestone are often comparable in price, but limestone is generally more versatile. While bricks are largely used for structural elements and edging, limestone can be used across a wide variety of applications including retaining walls, steppers, water features, and pool surrounds.
Limestone vs. Granite, Marble, or Slate
Limestone is usually more affordable than high-end stones like marble or granite. While those stones offer an upscale appearance, they come with a much higher cost—both for materials and labor. Limestone provides a similar level of natural beauty without the premium price tag, and it’s easier to work with in both landscaping and hardscaping projects.
What Projects Use Limestone—and How Much Do They Cost?
Limestone can be found in everything from ancient monuments to modern backyards. It’s a highly adaptable material that works equally well for grand, structural builds and subtle decorative touches.
Here are a few examples of how homeowners in Missouri and Arkansas use limestone in their yards:
- Limestone Retaining Walls – $15 to $40 per square foot depending on block size, finish, and installation complexity. Ideal for erosion control and elevation transitions.
- Limestone Pavers for Patios or Walkways – $10 to $30 per square foot. These are used to create durable, low-maintenance outdoor flooring.
- Garden Edging – Typically $5 to $15 per linear foot. Simple borders add structure to planting beds.
- Fire Pits or Outdoor Kitchens – Custom-cut limestone provides an elegant and natural finish that blends into the surrounding landscape. Pricing varies based on design, but stone sourcing through Freedom Stone keeps costs efficient.
Limestone also works well around water features like pondless waterfalls and swim ponds, thanks to its durability and resistance to moisture-related wear.
Is Limestone Worth the Investment?
Limestone may not be the cheapest material on the market, but it offers tremendous value in terms of appearance, longevity, and versatility. For homeowners who want a landscape that looks great and performs well for decades—not just seasons—limestone is a wise investment.
Its resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, minimal maintenance needs, and ability to blend with both natural and architectural surroundings make it ideal for our regional climates. Whether you’re starting a new project or upgrading an existing one, limestone brings a level of quality and permanence that’s hard to beat.
Get the Right Stone for Your Project
At Freedom Pondscapes, we not only build outdoor features—we supply the materials that bring them to life. Our partnership with Freedom Stone gives you direct access to top-tier limestone in a range of sizes, colors, and finishes.
If you’re planning a hardscape project in Kansas City or Northwest Arkansas, we’d be happy to guide you through the process, from stone selection to installation. Contact us today to learn more or request a quote for your next project.
