Garden Renovation Costs

How Much Does It Cost to Renovate a Garden?

The average garden renovation or refurbishment cost is hard to pin down, as prices can fluctuate significantly depending on the scope of the project.

Garden makeover and renovation costs will rise or fall depending on the following:

• Your garden size and current condition
• The scope of your garden makeover project
• Location and ease of access

So, what's a general garden makeover cost?

Broadly speaking, you can expect a garden renovation to cost in the region of £4,000.

Design specifics can make those garden makeover costs jump up:

• Hard landscaping, such as installing patios, decking, or walls.
• Adding lighting, water features, or using high-end materials.
• Significant groundwork, such as levelling, correcting/adding drainage solutions.
• If you require mature trees to be felled and tree stump removal.

Now we have a broad understanding of garden renovation prices, let's take a closer look at some project-specifics.

Garden Renovation Prices

Garden Renovation Costs (Supply Only)

If the cost of redesigning your garden is a deterrent, you can do some of the work yourself.

Doing this will cut down your labour costs, leaving you with supply costs only. There aren't many expensive supply costs, but you will need quite a few tools to complete a garden renovation project.

Here are some garden renovation tools you might need:

• Lawnmower - £40 to £300
• Chainsaw - £90
• Rake - £10 to £40
• Trowel - £5 to £20

Then, depending on the scope of your garden makeover project, you'll need to account for your material costs:

• Real turf - £3.50 to £7 per m²
• Artificial grass - £12.50 per m²
• Patio slabs - £20 to £35 per m²

Simple Garden Makeover Jobs and Costs

Not every garden renovation needs to be a major project. A garden refurbishment can be as straightforward as clearing out what's dead, tidying what's overgrown, and refreshing what's tired. These smaller jobs can make a big difference to how your outdoor space looks and feels, and they're often far more affordable than a full redesign.

Here are some of the most common garden makeover jobs, along with typical costs.

Garden Waste Removal

Before any renovation work can begin, you'll likely need to clear the space. Garden waste removal costs anywhere from £15 to £400, depending on the volume of waste and the removal method you choose. Hiring a van and collection company is the quickest option, while skip hire gives you more flexibility if the clearance is spread over several days.

Lawn Repair and Treatment

A tired or patchy lawn can often be brought back to life without the need for full returfing. The average cost of alawn treatment is around £45. For lawns that are beyond saving, laying new turf costs around £15 per m² on average, including labour and topsoil.

Pruning and Hedge Trimming

Overgrown shrubs, hedges, and small trees can be cut back to improve the overall look of your garden and encourage healthier growth. Pruning typically costs between £450 and £850, though smaller, more straightforward jobs will sit at the lower end of that range. Confirm when getting a quote whether waste removal is included, as this can affect the final price.

General Garden Tidy-Up

A one-off garden tidy-up covering tasks such as weeding, mowing, edging, and general tidying is often charged at a day rate. Gardeners typically charge between £110 and £180 per day, making a seasonal tidy-up one of the most accessible ways to refresh your outdoor space. You can find a local garden maintenance specialist through MyJobQuote to get a free, no-obligation quote.

Additional Garden Renovation Costs

To make the most of your landscapers, it's wise to schedule other outdoor jobs at the same time. Here's what you might want to book in simultaneously:

Garden Decking

Garden decking costs £1,750.

This cost will vary based on the materials you select, the size of the decking, your location, and the length of the job.

You'll also need to factor in labour costs, which range between £120 and £200 per day.

Garden Shed

Installing a wooden garden shed costs £1,020.

Building a Wall

Several factors influence the cost of building a brick wall in your garden. The two significant factors are the size of the wall and the type of bricks used.

On average, the cost of building a small garden wall is around £1,000.

Garden Fence

Garden fence installation costs are determined by two primary factors: the amount of fence that needs to be replaced, and the type of fencing chosen.

A full fence replacement will cost around £1,500.

Laying Turf

New turf costs are relatively low - you can expect to pay between £3.50 to £7 per m².

Garden Renovation Labour Costs and Timescales

Gardeners usually charge between £30 and £60 per hour.

This equates to around £110 and £180 per day.

Gardeners' hourly rates will vary according to their location in the UK, and their level of experience.

What about garden renovation timescales?

It can usually take 6 months to a year or more from the first meeting with a garden designer to a fully built and planted plot. There are various times of the year when garden renovations are complex because the weather affects the day's work, making the process longer.

The months of April and May are perfect for garden landscaping and tree planting, shrubs, and perennials. Your plants would have the chance to grow and adapt during the spring months before the summer and autumn.

A tiny back garden should take four months from the first meeting to the completed garden. Four weeks for layout, two weeks for construction company tendering, six to eight weeks for patience, and four weeks for construction.

Courtyard and Small Garden Renovation Costs

Courtyard and small garden renovations are increasingly popular, particularly for terraced houses, flats with outdoor space, and urban properties where square footage is limited. While the area may be smaller, the cost per square metre can actually be higher than a larger garden, as the same fixed costs (labour, waste removal, and design) apply regardless of size.

A small courtyard garden renovation covering clearance, new paving, raised planters, and basic planting will typically cost between £2,000 and £6,000. A more complex courtyard makeover with features such as lighting, bespoke joinery, or a water feature could cost £8,000 or more.

Typical Courtyard Renovation Job Costs

The most popular approach for a small courtyard garden renovation is to focus on hard landscaping first. Replacing broken or stained concrete with attractive paving typically costs between £60 and £120 per m² for supply and installation, and can transform the look and feel of the space immediately.

Layering in planting using raised garden beds avoids the need for significant groundwork and keeps costs manageable, with timber and metal options starting from as little as £30. Adding patio lighting is another effective way to make a compact space feel more usable in the evenings, with fully installed patio lighting costing between £150 and £450.

If you're working with a very compact space, a garden designer may also be worth considering. Garden design typically costs around £1,150 for a full project and can help you make the most of every square metre.

Back Garden Renovation Costs

Back garden renovations are the most common type of garden makeover project in the UK. Unlike front gardens, back gardens are typically larger and more private, giving homeowners more scope to create a functional and attractive outdoor space.

The cost of a back garden renovation will vary significantly based on size and what you're looking to achieve. A basic back garden refurbishment covering clearing the space, repairing the lawn, and tidying up borders could cost as little as £500 to £1,500. A full back garden renovation with new paving, fencing, planting, and decking will typically cost between £5,000 and £15,000 or more for a larger plot.

Popular Back Garden Renovation Ideas and Costs

• New patio or seating area — One of the most popular additions, providing a durable, low-maintenance space for outdoor dining. Laying a new patio typically costs between £900 and £2,500 for a standard 20m² area.
• Lawn renovation or returfing — Reseeding and treating a patchy lawn costs around £45 on average. For lawns beyond saving, laying new turf costs around £15 per m² on average, including labour and topsoil.
• New fencing — Replacing a full rear boundary fence typically costs around £1,500, depending on the length and panel type chosen.
• Decking — A popular alternative to paving, decking costs between £1,100 and £3,250 depending on the size and materials used.

For larger back gardens, phasing the renovation over time is a practical way to spread the cost. Many homeowners tackle hard landscaping first, then move on to planting and decorative features in later stages.

Cost Factors of Renovating a Garden

Number of Tradespeople

Small jobs will only need one gardener, while larger jobs may require the use of two or three workers.

In these cases, your hourly labour cost would increase or triple depending on the number of contractors hired.

Location

Labourers charge higher rates in the southeast and London.

In contrast, contractors in Scotland, the north of England, and Northern Ireland typically offer lower rates.

Garden Size

The single biggest driver of cost is how much space you're working with. Most tradespeople price soft landscaping jobs — such as turfing, planting, and paving — by the square metre, so a larger garden will cost proportionally more. A compact 20m² back garden will cost far less than a sprawling 100m² plot, even for the same type of work.

Scope of Work

A basic garden refurbishment such as clearing dead growth, reseeding a patchy lawn, and replanting borders, can cost as little as a few hundred pounds. A full garden renovation involving hard landscaping, new fencing, decking, and planting will cost considerably more. Being clear about which elements are essential versus nice-to-have will help you manage your budget effectively.

Hard Landscaping vs. Soft Landscaping

Hard landscaping (patios, walls, decking, and driveways) tends to be the most expensive part of any garden makeover. Materials such as porcelain paving can cost £120 to £300 per m², while natural turf costs as little as £3.50 to £7 per m². If budget is a concern, prioritising soft landscaping first can transform the look of a space at a lower cost.

Materials Chosen

Material choice has a significant impact on overall cost. For example, composite decking costs more upfront than treated softwood but requires far less maintenance over time. Similarly, natural stone paving costs more than concrete slabs but tends to look better and last longer. Always weigh up the upfront cost against the long-term maintenance implications.

Access to the Garden

If your garden is difficult to access, for example, it can only be reached through the house, or there's no side gate, this can add time and cost to the job. Contractors may need to carry materials further or use specialist equipment, both of which push up the overall price.

Time of Year

Demand for garden renovations peaks in spring and early summer, which can affect both availability and pricing. Booking in late autumn or winter may result in lower quotes, though some jobs, such as turfing and planting, are best carried out at specific times of year for the best results.

What's Involved in Garden Renovation?

So you know what to expect, let's walk you through the steps of a garden renovation:

Remove All Waste from The Garden

The first step in garden regeneration is to clear out any old and worn outdoor furniture, structures, stones, and any weeds or damaged grass.

You may find that you generate a lot of waste during this stage, so it's worth renting a skip to control the waste in one place and have it removed from your site by a professional company.

Garden waste removal costs, on average, £200 depending on the volume of the waste.

Prep The Soil

Everything revolves around the quality of your soil.

Good quality soil is critical for providing grass and plants with the necessary nutrients to thrive, so the soil must provide water retention, organisms, minerals, organic material, and stability.

In addition, compost, grass, leaves, and manure can provide the organic matter that the soil requires to regenerate.

Planting seeds and creating flower features, in addition to your lawn, can add a pop of colour and beauty to your green spaces. Obtaining high-quality topsoil is critical to the success of any garden regeneration.

Clean Up Vegetation

Bushes and trees should be pruned.

Not only does this make them look neater now, it also encourages healthier growth in the future.

Be sure to check with your local planning authority if you intend to fell any trees to ensure they do not have attached protection orders.

Once these preparatory steps are complete, you can move on to start your garden renovation with a brand new garden design.

Can I Renovate a Garden Myself?

Having your garden professionally renovated can be an expensive project, making it tempting to DIY.

However, a DIY garden renovation is a great deal of work that will not be completed overnight.

While some smaller jobs, such as removing dead plants and cutting back small shrubs, may be possible as DIY garden makeover projects, the bulk of the heavy work (e.g., hard landscaping, garden levelling, and tree felling) will need to be completed by a professional to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

MyJobQuote can connect you with local gardeners for free, no obligation quotes, making it the easiest way to find reliable traders in your area.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Garden Renovation

Many garden renovations won't need planning permission - but this largely depends on what you're planning to do.

It's critical to be aware of the rules and regulations, as if you proceed with garden design work that requires planning permission without getting it first, you may be forced to reverse or adjust the work.

Sheds

Timber sheds and outbuildings are frequently permitted development rights, so you usually won't have to submit a project proposal.

However, there are some prohibitions on these buildings.

They must be single-storey only, not be used as self-contained housing, and cannot cover more than 50% of the land surrounding the original house.

Driveways

Paved driveways are also subject to restrictions.

For example, if you use a permeable surface that allows water to run through, you won't need planning permission to place a new or replacement driveway.

This means that driveways made of gravel, permeable concrete blocks, or porous asphalt will not require planning permission.

However, if the area is bigger than 5m², or if you plan on using traditional non-porous surfacing, you must obtain planning permission.

Patios

Paving other house areas, such as the back garden, is usually not restricted.

However, if you intend to do extensive landscaping, you should check first. This would apply if you're adding a large patio and changing the height or slope of your garden.

Timber decking usually doesn't require planning permission if it's less than 30cm above the ground.

However, you will need planning permission if decking and other extensions cover more than 50% of the overall garden area.

Landscaping In General

Most of the other landscaping and gardening projects will not require planning permission.

For example, replanting or modifying flowerbeds, adding artificial and natural grass, or erecting a small patio are projects that do not need planning permission.

You should still consider the potential ecological effects of any landscaping or gardening projects, especially if the surrounding area contains protected species. You must also follow any Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) that apply to trees on your property if you're planning on felling any.

Types of Garden Renovations

Garden renovations come in different shapes and sizes - let's take a look at what you can choose to do in your outdoor space:

Adding Decking

Installing decking is a great way to expand your outdoor living space, while increasing your home's curb appeal and value.

The cost of building a deck is determined by the area to be covered and the materials used. Wood is the least expensive material, but it is prone to being damaged by the elements and does not last very long, requiring maintenance.

Another option is plastic decking, durable and low maintenance, but can be less visually appealing.

Pros

• ✔ Garden decking comes in various options, including different materials and colours, giving a range of customisations.
• ✔ Quick to install compared to other garden additions, such as a stone patio, for instance.
• ✔ If installed correctly, garden decking can increase your home's value.

Cons

• ✖ Wood decking is not long-lasting and requires regular staining, sealing, and cleaning.
• ✖ Susceptible to weather damage if not properly maintained.
• ✖ Hardwood decking can be expensive, given the high upkeep required.

Adding Artificial Grass

Artificial grass has become increasingly popular because it has the same visual properties as natural grass, but requires far less maintenance.

However, the price is higher, and more preparation is required before it can be placed.

Pros

• ✔ No maintenance required (no mowing!), unlike real turf.
• ✔ Artificial grass gives off a quintessential "green" garden look.
• ✔ No watering or lawn maintenance is needed, reducing overall costs.

Cons

• ✖ Artificial turf is more expensive than real turf.
• ✖ Fake lawns can look just that - fake - and won't have a natural feel underfoot like real lawns.
• ✖ Artificial lawns can cause drainage issues due to the material.

Laying Natural Turf

A healthy, well-kept lawn is commonly an essential part of a garden renovation.

The cost of laying a new grass lawn is influenced by the turf's quality and the area's size.

Pros

• ✔ Real turf is very affordable.
• ✔ Natural look and feel underfoot.
• ✔ Great for natural wildlife as a habitat.

Cons

• ✖ Real turf can be expensive to maintain, especially if you encounter issues with the lawn itself or if it develops diseases.
• ✖ High water consumption, which can be an issue during droughts.
• ✖ Natural lawns can get damaged over time in harsh weather conditions.

Gardening

Plant-filled garden borders are essential to any garden renovation.

They're a great way to add colour, contour, aroma, and size to your outdoor space, connect sections, and create privacy. The cost of adding plants and trees to your garden varies widely depending on the types you choose and their size.

Pros

• ✔ Increases garden biodiversity, helping pollinators flourish.
• ✔ Potential to grow your own produce, such as fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
• ✔ Your garden will look lovely!

Cons

• ✖ Some gardens can be expensive to maintain, especially if they are larger than average.
• ✖ Requires manual labour to maintain, which might not be possible for everyone.
• ✖ Your garden is at the mercy of the outdoor elements, so you'll need to keep on top of the changing seasons.

Adding a Patio

A patio is just a simple and practical way to boost the use of your garden by providing a durable and multifunctional space for sitting and socialising.

Patios are typically priced by size, with a price per m² that differs depending on the material used.

Pros

• ✔ Patios require far less maintenance than full lawns or decking.
• ✔ If installed correctly, patios can add value to your home.
• ✔ It provides you with a welcome place to relax in your garden.

Cons

• ✖ Patios carry a higher upfront cost than real turf or decking.
• ✖ If installed poorly, patios can cause drainage issues with water pooling on the surface.
• ✖ Slabs can crack over time due to changes in temperature and natural ground movement.

Checklist: Hiring a Garden Renovator Near You

Here are some important things to consider when hiring a garden makeover specialist, before any work begins:

• Are they a member of the APL or BALI? The Association of Professional Landscapers and the British Association of Landscape Industries are the two recognised trade bodies for UK landscapers, and membership indicates high professional standards.
• Are they TrustMark registered? The APL is the only landscaping scheme for TrustMark. Businesses registered with this government-endorsed scheme are vetted for workmanship and customer service.
• Do they have insurance? Public liability insurance protects you if something goes wrong during your garden makeover.
• Will they provide an itemised quote? Ask for a full breakdown of the garden makeover cost, so that you know what is included and whether there are any additional fees.
• Is garden recycling included? A garden makeover can leave you with a lot of trimmings and clippings. Confirm that clearance and disposal are included in your overall garden makeover cost.
• Do they have garden makeover experience? Ensure that they have plenty of landscaping experience in specific areas, with the features you want, such as hard landscaping, water features, or garden design.
• Do they have examples of similar garden makeover work? Ask to see before and after photos or take a loot at their MyJobQuote profile for examples of previous garden makeovers.
• Do they have positive reviews? Take a look at their MyJobQuote profile to read the feedback they have received from previous customers.

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