Landscaping Costs UK: Budget and Quote Guide

Garden size is only one part of the calculation. The existing condition of the ground, access, excavation, drainage, waste removal and the number of constructed features can all make a major difference.

Material choice matters too. Natural stone, porcelain paving, timber or composite decking, premium turf and mature planting can all change the final project budget.

Hard landscaping includes patios, paths, retaining walls, edging, fencing, decking and other built features. These elements often represent a large part of the budget because they require materials, groundwork and skilled installation.

New turf can quickly transform a garden, but the final result depends heavily on preparation. Existing vegetation may need removing and the soil may need levelling or improving before turf is laid.

Excavation, levelling and drainage are easy costs to underestimate because much of the work is hidden once the garden is complete. Poor access can make soil removal and delivery of materials slower.

If the garden suffers from standing water or significant level changes, drainage or retaining structures can become important parts of the design.

Soft landscaping includes lawns, beds, shrubs, trees and planting. Costs vary greatly depending on the maturity and quantity of plants used.

A well-planned planting scheme can be phased over time if the full garden budget is limited, while hard landscaping and drainage are often better completed before planting.

For a larger makeover, having a clear plan can reduce changes during construction. Decide how you want to use the garden, where seating and storage will go and how much maintenance you want after completion.

Ask the landscaper whether design work is included, supplied separately or needs to be arranged with a garden designer.

Use the same design and material specification when asking several landscapers to quote. Otherwise, two prices can look very different simply because they cover different work.

Check excavation, sub-base materials, waste removal, drainage, paving or decking specifications, planting, access and final finishing before choosing a quotation.

One plan refreshes planting; another changes levels and adds paving and drainage.

Compare measured areas and groundwork. Separate design, materials, disposal and establishment responsibilities.

Use the same scope for each quotation. Enter tax-inclusive figures consistently, and include separately priced work only once.

The calculator below uses the figures you enter from a quotation. It does not estimate market prices. Confirm what the quoted amount includes, whether VAT applies and which costs remain provisional.