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Most garden makeovers don't start with grand plans for water features and designer planting schemes. They start with a feeling that your garden just isn't working for you anymore.

Perhaps:

• You've moved into a new-build home with little more than a rectangle of turf and fencing

• You've bought a property where the garden was never much of a priority

• Your family has outgrown the space, and the trampoline or play area is making way for somewhere to relax, entertain friends or enjoy a quiet morning coffee

• You know your garden could be so much more, you just need to understand what it's likely to cost before deciding how far to go

The good news is that garden makeovers can be scaled to suit almost any budget. Whether you're refreshing a few key areas or completely transforming your outdoor space, understanding the likely costs can help you plan with confidence.

This guide explains typical garden makeover costs, what affects the price and where your budget is likely to go.

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How much does a garden makeover cost?

The cost of a garden makeover can vary enormously depending on the size of your garden and the changes you're planning to make.

A complete transformation of a large rear garden of around 100m² will typically cost between £5,000–£10,000.

However, smaller projects focused on planting, lawns or a few key improvements can cost considerably less.

In many cases, you'll need the services of a garden designer or landscaper to help plan and deliver the work.

Garden designer rates

Budget reality check

A simple refresh focused on planting, turf and tidying up can cost far less than a complete redesign. Once you start introducing paving, decking, lighting, drainage work or water features, costs can rise quickly.

Get a quote for a garden makeover

Getting a few quotes from checked landscapers is the best way to understand what your project is likely to cost.

Whether you're planning a simple refresh or a full garden renovation, comparing quotes can help you find the right professional and understand what's achievable with your budget.

Typical garden landscaping costs

Garden makeover costs by project type

Lawn and planting makeover

If your garden feels tired or uninspiring, refreshing the lawn and planting can be one of the most cost-effective ways to transform the space.

Whether you're replacing a patchy lawn, softening a new-build garden with borders or simply introducing more colour and texture, relatively small changes can make your garden feel much more welcoming. A new lawn can instantly make a garden look tidier, while carefully chosen planting adds colour, structure and interest throughout the year.

• On average, a lawn costs around £14 per m²

• While turf supply and installation costs between £15–£25 per m²

• Planting typically costs around £40–£70 per m², depending on the types of plants selected

Hard landscaping makeover

If your goal is to change how you use your garden rather than simply how it looks, hard landscaping is often where most of the budget goes.

Replacing an old patio, adding a larger seating area or creating space for outdoor dining can completely change the feel and function of your garden. Features such as patios, paving, pathways, decking and retaining walls are among the most labour-intensive parts of a garden makeover, which is reflected in the cost.

• Paving typically costs £120–£300 per m²

• While decking generally ranges from £80 to £160 per m²

Water features and focal points

Once the practical elements are in place, many people choose to add a focal point that gives the garden a bit more personality.

Whether it's a small pond, a water feature or another decorative element, such as a pergola or gazebo, these finishing touches can help the space feel more complete. A small pond and water feature installation costs around £900 and can create a relaxing feature that attracts wildlife while adding visual interest to the garden.

What affects the cost of a garden makeover?

Every garden makeover is a balancing act between what you'd love to include and what your budget allows. From the size of your garden to the materials you choose, several factors will influence the final price.

• Garden size: Garden makeover costs are normally influenced by square metreage. Larger gardens generally require more materials and labour

• Materials chosen: Natural stone paving typically costs more than concrete alternatives, while composite decking usually costs more than softwood

• Existing condition of the garden: If your garden is overgrown or contains old landscaping that needs removing, preparation work can add significantly to the overall cost

• Features included: A simple lawn and planting scheme will usually cost less than a project that includes lighting, water features, decking, retaining walls or outdoor structures, such as a fire pit area

• Access: Restricted access can make landscaping work more time-consuming, particularly if materials need to be moved manually through a property

• Location: Labour rates vary across the UK, with costs often higher in London and the South East

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Additional costs to budget for

When planning a garden makeover, it's easy to focus on the main features and overlook some of the smaller costs that can quickly add up.

Depending on the scope of your project, you may need to budget for:

• Garden clearance and waste removal

• Skip hire

• Mini digger or machinery hire

• Topsoil and compost

• Additional plants and trees

• Outdoor lighting

• Drainage improvements

• Irrigation systems

• Temporary storage for garden furniture or materials

How much does garden renovation cost on a budget?

If you're planning a garden renovation but want to keep costs under control, focusing on a few key improvements can make a significant difference.

A 50m² lawn costs approximately £700 for supply and installation, while small ornamental trees can often be purchased for under £50 each.

Flower beds are another relatively affordable way to transform a garden. Perennials such as garden phlox, geraniums and Siberian iris provide colour and structure year after year without needing to be replanted annually.

How long does a garden makeover take?

A garden makeover can take anything from a day or two to several weeks depending on the scale of the work.

• Refreshing planting beds, laying turf or repainting fences can often be completed quickly

• More substantial projects involving paving, decking, retaining walls or drainage usually take longer and may need to be completed in stages

If a garden designer is involved, allow additional time for surveys, design work and approvals before construction begins.

Garden makeover cost calculator

Every garden makeover is different, but a simple way to build a rough budget is to total the main elements you're planning to include, such as turfing, planting, paving, decking and any water features.

Once you've considered these aspects, remember to allow extra budget for preparation work, waste removal and any additional features such as lighting or drainage improvements.

Job Estimate Calculator

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This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate figure, ask a selection of local garden landscapers to assess the scope of the work and provide a written, itemised quote.

Getting a few quotes is the best way to understand what your project is likely to cost. It also helps to ensure you pay a fair price for the work.

DIY garden makeover vs hiring a landscaper

Some garden makeover jobs are well within reach for a confident DIYer.

DIY may be suitable for:

• Planting beds

• Laying turf

• Painting fences

• Installing decorative features

• General garden tidying

Consider hiring a landscaper for:

• Paving and patios

• Decking installation

• Retaining walls

• Drainage work

• Large-scale garden redesigns

Garden makeover cost checklist

• Decide how you want to use the space

• Set a realistic budget

• Prioritise your must-have features

• Compare quotes from landscapers

• Agree a timeline for the work

• Consider future maintenance requirements

When should you speak to a garden designer or landscaper?

It's worth speaking to a professional once you have a rough idea of how you'd like your garden to function.

You don't need a fully developed design before asking for advice. In fact, many homeowners find that an early conversation helps them avoid costly mistakes, refine their ideas and make better use of the available space.

A garden designer can help bring structure to your plans, while a landscaper can advise on practical considerations, costs and construction methods.

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Find experienced garden landscapers near you

Whether you're planning a simple refresh or a complete garden transformation, a professional landscaper can help turn your ideas into reality.

Compare quotes from checked landscapers working in your area and get advice tailored to your garden, budget and goals.

Garden makeover FAQs

How much does a garden makeover cost in the UK?

A complete garden makeover typically costs between £5,000–£10,000 for a large rear garden of around 100m². Smaller projects focused on lawns, planting and general improvements can cost considerably less.

Should I hire a landscape designer?

If you're working with a complex space or undertaking a complete redesign, a landscape designer can help you make the most of your budget and avoid costly mistakes. For simpler projects, you may be able to work directly with a landscaper.

What should I expect from a garden designer?

A garden designer will usually begin by discussing your ideas, budget and requirements.

They may then carry out a site survey and create concept plans before producing detailed drawings and specifications.

How much money should you spend on landscaping?

A commonly quoted rule of thumb is around 10% of your property's value. However, the right budget will depend on your priorities, the size of the garden and the improvements you want to make.

How much does garden decking cost?

Garden decking can cost around £260–£340 per day in labour costs.

Material costs range from around £70 per m² for softwood decking up to around £90 per m² for composite decking. This is for a large decked area approx. 30–60m².

How much does a retaining wall cost?

Concrete retaining walls typically cost around £285 per m², although prices vary depending on the wall height, materials used and site access.

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