Landscapers: What They Do and Realistic Prices
Patios, decking, fencing, lawns and planting — with per-m² rates.
4 min read · Updated 2026
Key takeaways
- ›Hard landscaping (patios, decking) needs a proper sub-base or it sinks.
- ›Patios £80–£150 per m²; decking £120–£200 per m².
- ›Agree who handles waste, skip and groundworks.
What a landscaper does
Landscapers design and build outdoor spaces: paving and patios, decking, fencing, artificial or real lawns, planting, raised beds, and drainage. Good landscapers prepare a sub-base (type 1 MOT, compacted) before any paving, and grade levels to direct surface water away from the house.
Typical prices (UK 2026)
- •Patio (supply + lay): £80–£150 per m².
- •Decking (supply + lay): £120–£200 per m².
- •Fencing (supply + install): £60–£120 per panel.
- •Turf (supply + lay): £30–£50 per m².
- •Artificial lawn: £60–£90 per m².
Questions to ask and common mistakes
Ask about the sub-base depth, fall for drainage, and whether waste removal is included. Common mistakes: paving straight onto soil (sinks and cracks), no fall towards the house (damp), and decking too low to the ground (rot).
- ☐What sub-base will you lay under the paving/decking?
- ☐How will surface water drain — away from the house?
- ☐Is waste removal and skip included?
- ☐Can I see a recently completed garden?
Frequently asked
Patio or decking?
Patios last longer and are lower maintenance; decking is cheaper and faster but needs treating and rots if too close to the ground. Choose by use and budget.
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