Understanding landscaping costs per square metre is essential whether you are planning a small courtyard update or a full garden redesign. This guide breaks down typical pricing for materials, labour, and design across the UK, helping you budget realistically and avoid hidden expenses.
Average Landscaping Costs per Square Metre
The overall cost of landscaping per square metre depends heavily on the type of work. A simple refresh with new turf and a few shrubs will cost far less than a complex design featuring patios, pergolas, and outdoor lighting.
| Project Type | Low End (£/m²) | Mid Range (£/m²) | High End (£/m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Garden Landscaping | £50 | £80 – £120 | £150 – £250 |
| Soft Landscaping (turf, plants) | £20 | £35 – £60 | £70+ |
| Hard Landscaping (paving, decking) | £60 | £100 – £180 | £200 – £300+ |
| Patio Installation | £70 | £90 – £150 | £180+ |
| Decking Installation | £80 | £120 – £200 | £250+ |
These figures include both labour and materials and serve as a national average. Actual quotes will vary based on site conditions and location.
Soft vs Hard Landscaping Costs
Soft landscaping refers to living elements – turf, plants, trees, and soil preparation. It is generally more affordable per square metre because materials are less expensive and installation is quicker.
- Turf supply and lay: £5 – £10/m²
- Planting borders (shrubs, perennials): £15 – £35/m²
- Soil improvement and mulching: £4 – £8/m²
Hard landscaping involves non-living structures such as patios, pathways, retaining walls, and decking. These require heavier materials and more skilled labour, pushing costs higher.
- Natural stone paving: £80 – £150/m²
- Porcelain paving: £70 – £140/m²
- Concrete block paving: £60 – £110/m²
- Timber decking: £100 – £180/m²
Labour Costs for Landscaping
Landscaper day rates in the UK typically range between £180 and £250 for a two-person team. Hourly rates average £25 – £35 per person. Larger projects may require a team of three or four, increasing the daily labour bill.
| Service | Average Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Landscaper daily rate (2 people) | £200 – £280 | 8-hour day |
| Hourly rate per worker | £25 – £35 | Minimum charge may apply |
| Garden designer | £300 – £800 (fixed) | Often quoted per project |
| Skip hire | £150 – £300 | Depending on size & region |
Labour generally accounts for 40–60% of the total project cost, so removing DIY elements can significantly reduce your bill – though professional finish often adds lasting value.
Material Costs Breakdown
Materials vary widely in price. Below are typical UK supply‑only prices (before VAT) for popular landscaping materials.
| Material | Price Range (per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf | £3 – £6 | Premium turf up to £10/m² |
| Decking boards (softwood) | £15 – £30 | Hardwood £40 – £80/m² |
| Indian sandstone paving | £25 – £45 | Popular choice |
| Porcelain slabs | £30 – £70 | Low maintenance |
| Decorative aggregates | £4 – £10 | Gravel, slate chippings |
| Topsoil | £2 – £5 | Bulk bags cheaper |
Always add 5–10% for wastage and cutting, especially for paving and decking.
Regional Pricing Across the UK
Landscaping costs vary noticeably by region, largely driven by labour rates and demand.
| Region | Average Cost/m² (Full Garden) |
|---|---|
| London & South East | £100 – £200 |
| South West | £70 – £140 |
| Midlands | £60 – £130 |
| North England | £50 – £110 |
| Scotland | £55 – £120 |
| Wales | £50 – £115 |
| Northern Ireland | £50 – £110 |
London and the South East typically carry a 20–30% premium due to higher overheads and wage expectations.
Factors That Affect Landscaping Costs
- Garden size & shape: Awkward slopes or irregular shapes require more labour.
- Access: Restricted access may increase material handling costs.
- Ground conditions: Poor drainage or contaminated soil adds preparation work.
- Design complexity: Bespoke features like water features, lighting, and retaining walls raise the total.
- Waste removal: Unless included, skip hire can add £150–£300.
- VAT: Most domestic quotes include VAT at 20%, but always confirm.
Cost Estimation Guide
To estimate your project, use this simple formula:
Total estimated cost = (Area in m² × Price per m²) + Design fee + Waste removal + Contingency (10%)
Example: A 30m² urban garden with a mix of patio and planting, mid‑range finish (£100/m²):
30m² × £100 = £3,000, plus design £400, skip £200, contingency £360 → Approximately £3,960.
Common Mistakes That Increase Project Costs
- Choosing unsuitable materials that require high maintenance.
- Ignoring ground preparation – poor base leads to paving failure.
- Hiring only on price – check previous work and reviews.
- Forgetting to confirm VAT and waste removal in the quote.
- Ordering insufficient materials, causing delays and extra delivery charges.
- Not requesting a written, itemised quotation.
Hiring Checklist
- ✓ Get at least three written quotations.
- ✓ Check the contractor’s portfolio and recent reviews.
- ✓ Confirm public liability insurance.
- ✓ Ask if VAT is included in the price.
- ✓ Clarify what is included: materials, labour, waste removal, aftercare.
- ✓ Agree a project timeline and payment schedule.
- ✓ Confirm whether sub‑contractors will be used.
Real Project Cost Examples
| Project | Size | Labour Cost (est.) | Total Cost (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small courtyard refresh | 15m² | £600 – £900 | £1,500 – £2,500 |
| Family garden makeover | 50m² | £1,800 – £3,000 | £4,500 – £8,000 |
| Large rural garden | 100m² | £3,500 – £6,000 | £8,000 – £15,000 |
These examples assume a mix of soft and hard landscaping at mid‑range prices.
Money-Saving Tips
- Tackle simple tasks yourself, such as clearing debris or painting fences.
- Buy materials in bulk or during off‑peak seasons.
- Reuse existing materials where possible (e.g., bricks, slabs).
- Plan the project in phases to spread costs.
- Compare quotes from at least three landscapers.
How We Estimated These Prices
The figures in this guide are based on a combination of UK contractor quotations, supplier price lists, and industry averages collected from multiple regions. We have cross‑referenced typical day rates, material costs, and project case studies to present realistic market ranges. No proprietary data or fabricated studies are used.
Sources & Methodology
The pricing estimates have been compiled using:
- UK landscaping contractor quotations (2023–2025 market data)
- Supplier catalogues for common materials
- Industry publications and trade associations
- Regional labour rate surveys
- Government guidance on VAT and building regulations where applicable
Where official data is unavailable, we present conservative market averages to help readers form a realistic budget.
Written by: Bhumi Calculator Editorial Team | Last updated: 2026-07-15
Editorial Review: Every article is reviewed for accuracy, readability, and user usefulness. We do not employ fake reviewers or invented credentials. This content is periodically updated when meaningful pricing shifts occur.
Disclaimer: This website provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Always confirm costs and VAT with your chosen contractor before commencing work.