What to charge
These are whole-job prices for a garden of about 50m2, labour and materials.
Basic refresh£4,000–£6,000light refresh of a 50m2 garden
Mid-range makeover£6,000–£12,500patio, planting beds, low retaining wall and turf
Full redesign£11,500–£23,500design, groundworks, drainage, hard landscaping, planting and lighting
Day rates by region
London£220–£350 a day
South East£220–£350 a day
UK average£110–£300 a day
What moves the price
Patio materialnatural stone and porcelain cost far more than concrete slabs.
Levelsa sloping garden means more digging, more wall and more spoil to remove.
Wall heighttaller retaining walls need proper footings and sometimes an engineer.
Accessno side access means barrowing everything through the house.
Plant sizemature trees and shrubs cost many times more than small pots.
LocationLondon and the South East run 15 to 25% higher on labour.
How long it takes
A mid-range makeover usually takes one to two weeks. A small refresh can be done in under a week.
Questions
What should I charge per m2 for the patio?
Guides put a laid patio at £70 to £160 per m2, depending on slab and prep. Porcelain and slate run £200 to £300 per m2 or more.
What should I charge for turfing?
Supply and lay runs about £10 to £20 per m2. With full ground preparation it can reach £30 per m2.
What does a low retaining wall cost?
Guides put retaining walls at £150 to £450 per m2 of wall face. Timber sleepers sit at the lower end and block or brick higher.
What about planting?
Shrubs and perennials cost about £8 to £25 each in 2 to 5 litre pots, planted at 5 to 9 per m2 in a mixed border.
How long does a mid-size garden take?
A mid-range redesign usually takes one to two weeks on site.