The Cost of Building a Garden in the UK in 2024

Building a garden goes beyond beautifying your outdoor space – it’s an investment in your home and lifestyle. For UK homeowners, understanding the financial aspects of garden creation is essential. This post demystifies the costs, offering detailed insight into what to expect when building your garden this year.

Understanding the Average Cost

In 2024, the average cost of constructing a garden in the UK ranges from £10,850 to £17,750. This estimate accounts for a variety of factors, including the size of the garden, the complexity of the design, the materials used, and the type of plants selected. It’s important to remember that these figures can fluctuate based on your specific requirements and the unique characteristics of your outdoor space.
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What’s Involved in Garden Building

Garden building involves a range of activities and considerations aimed at creating a functional and visually appealing outdoor space. Whether you’re planning to add a simple garden shed or an elaborate garden room, several key elements are involved in the process of garden building. Here are the most important ones:

Design and Planning: The first step in garden building is careful planning. Define your objectives, assess the available space, and get a design that suits your needs and complements your garden’s overall aesthetic. If in doubt, House Designer could be the answer. We provide professional  garden design services that’s virtual and affordable.

Material Selection: Choose appropriate materials for your garden structure. Common options include wood, metal, and durable plastics. The choice of materials should align with your design, budget, and maintenance preferences.

Utilities and Amenities: Depending on your garden building’s purpose, you may need to consider utilities such as electricity, plumbing, or heating. This is especially relevant for garden rooms or outdoor kitchens.

Interior and Exterior Finishes: Finish the interior and exterior of the structure to your desired specifications. This includes painting, staining, or sealing surfaces, as well as adding any decorative elements.

Landscaping and Integration: Integrate the garden building seamlessly into your outdoor space. Consider landscaping around the structure, adding pathways, and planting greenery to enhance its visual appeal.

Garden Furniture and Decor: Furnish your garden with suitable furniture and decor that align with the intended use of the space. Make it comfortable, inviting, and functional.

Maintenance and Care: Regularly maintain your garden building to ensure its longevity. This includes checking for structural issues, repainting or refinishing as needed, and addressing any wear and tear.

Average Cost of Labour and Materials Required to Build a Garden

Building a garden in the UK requires human labour and various materials. Labour cost depends on your chosen contractor while materials costs can vary widely depending on factors like type, quality, and quantity. Below are common things involved in garden construction, along with approximate average costs. Please note that prices may vary depending on exact location and brand selection.

Labour Cost: Depending on your location and how skillful your landscaper is, It could cost £180 – £250 per day.

Paving and Decking:
– Natural stone paving: £30 – £150 per square metre.
– Concrete paving slabs: £10 – £50 per square metre.
– Decking (wood or composite): £30 – £120 per square metre.

Fencing:
– Wooden panel fencing: £20 – £50 per linear metre.
– Metal fencing: £40 – £100 per linear metre.

Outdoor Buildings:
–  Shed (basic): £200 – £1,000.
– Garden room (insulated): £5,000 – £20,000+.

Plants:
– Shrubs and perennials: £5 – £20 per plant.
– Trees: £50 – £200+ per tree.
– Lawn turf: £3 – £8 per square metre.

Soil and Mulch:
– Topsoil: £30 – £60 per cubic metre.
– Mulch or bark chippings: £3 – £10 per bag (50 litres).

Garden Lighting:
– Solar garden lights: £2 – £30 per fixture.
– Low-voltage LED lighting: £15 – £50 per fixture.

Edging and Borders:
– Wooden or metal garden edging: £2 – £10 per metre.
– Decorative stones or bricks for borders: £5 – £20 per bag (approximately 20kg).

Garden Furniture:
– Wooden or metal garden furniture sets: £200 – £1,000+.

Garden Tools and Accessories:
– Gardening tools (e.g., spade, rake, pruners): £10 – £50 each.
– Garden pots and planters: £5 – £50+ each.

Gravel and Aggregates:
– Gravel for pathways: £20 – £50 per ton.
– Decorative aggregates (e.g., slate, granite): £50 – £150 per ton.

Irrigation Systems:
– Drip irrigation kit: £20 – £100+ per zone.

Factors That Affect The Cost of Building a Garden in the UK

Several factors can influence the cost of building a garden in the UK. It’s important to consider these variables when planning your garden project to budget effectively. Here are the key factors that can affect the cost:
Size of the Garden: The larger the garden, the more materials and labour will be required, which can significantly impact the cost.

Type of Garden: Purpose and design of the garden matter. Building a simple, low-maintenance garden will cost less than creating an elaborate landscape with multiple features.

Materials: The choice of materials for hardscaping (e.g., paving, decking, fencing) and planting (e.g., plants, trees, turf) can greatly affect costs. High-end or specialised materials tend to be more expensive.

Location: Exact location of your home in the UK can affect costs due to variations in local market conditions.

Design and Planning: Investing in professional design and planning services can add to the upfront costs but often leads to a more efficient and cost-effective project in the long run.

Site Preparation: If the garden area needs significant preparation, such as clearing, grading, or drainage improvements, it can increase costs.

Garden Features: The inclusion of features like decorative lighting can add to the project’s cost.
Plant Selection: Types and quantity of plants you choose can vary greatly in price. Exotic or mature plants are usually more expensive than native or younger options.

Maintenance Considerations: Factor in the long-term maintenance costs when selecting plants and materials. Low-maintenance gardens may have higher initial costs but lower ongoing expenses.

How To Minimise Your Cost When Building a Garden

Minimising the cost of building a garden in the UK while still achieving your desired outcomes requires careful planning and smart decision-making. Here are some practical tips to minimise the cost of building your garden:

Budgeting: Determine a realistic budget for your garden project and stick to it. Having a clear financial plan will help you make cost-conscious decisions throughout the process.

Careful Planning: Develop a well-thought-out garden design and plan in advance. This can help you avoid costly changes and additions later in the project. A garden design expert can help with this.

DIY vs. Hiring Professionals: Consider which aspects of the project you can do yourself and where you might need professional assistance. For example, House Designer offers Professional Garden Design at affordable prices. While DIY can save money, some tasks are best left to experts to ensure quality and safety.

Cost-Effective Materials:

• Choose affordable but durable materials for hardscaping like concrete paving slabs or composite decking.
• Shop around for discounts, promotions, and bulk purchases. House designer help homeowners get substantial discounts from their network of suppliers.

Consider recycled or reclaimed materials, which can often be more budget-friendly.

Native Plants: Notably, native plants are well-suited to the UK climate and soil, requiring less maintenance and water. Consequently, they can also be more affordable than exotic varieties.

Seed vs. Turf: If you’re creating a lawn, it’s worth considering sowing grass seed instead of laying turf. Although it takes longer to establish, it’s typically less expensive.

Consider Long-Term Costs: While it’s essential to save money upfront, it’s equally important to think about the long-term maintenance costs. Therefore, investing a bit more initially in low-maintenance features can pay off in the future.

Garden Maintenance: Plan for ongoing garden maintenance to avoid costly overhauls in the future. Regular care can prevent issues from becoming major expenses.

Why Choose Professional Garden Design Services?

While it might be tempting to undertake garden building as a DIY project, opting to hire professionals like House Designer can provide you with numerous benefits. Our expertise in design and horticulture ensures that every aspect of your garden is well-planned and executed. Furthermore, professional services can often negotiate better prices for high-quality materials, potentially saving you money in the long run.

House Designer: Your Partner in Garden Building

At House Designer, we specialise in creating bespoke gardens that reflect your personal style and fit your budget. Our team of expert designers can help you navigate the complexities of garden construction, ensuring that your vision comes to life efficiently and beautifully.

Constructing a garden in the UK in 2024 not only enhances your home’s beauty and value but also represents a smart investment. Understanding the factors influencing the cost and the benefits of professional garden design services enables you to make choices that fit your budget and goals. For those planning a garden project this year, consider House Designer for tailored advice and expert services. The cost of building a garden in the UK in 2024 varies, depending on several factors discussed in this post.

For an accurate quote for your garden project, contact the experts at House Designer. We provide affordable garden design packages.

References

HouseHoldQuotes, UK
MarketSplash
British Academy of Interior Design
MarketResearch.com
Statista