Garden landscaping in Lancashire typically costs between £70 and £220 per square metre in 2026, depending on the scope of work, materials and site conditions. A medium-sized garden makeover with a new patio, lawn and planting costs most homeowners between £5,000 and £15,000.
Labour and material costs in East Lancashire are 10 to 20 percent lower than national averages, making professional landscaping more accessible for homeowners in the Burnley, Colne, Nelson and Pendle areas than in much of the country.
This guide breaks down costs by project type so you can plan your budget before speaking to a landscaper.
Landscaping costs at a glance
Here’s what homeowners in Lancashire can expect to pay in 2026 for the most common landscaping projects.
- Small garden tidy-up: £500 to £1,500
- Medium garden makeover (new patio, lawn, planting): £5,000 to £12,000
- Full garden transformation: £12,000 to £25,000+
- New patio (20m², Indian sandstone): £2,000 to £3,500
- New patio (20m², porcelain): £2,800 to £4,500
- Driveway (block paving, 40m²): £3,500 to £7,000
- Fencing (10m run, standard panels): £500 to £800
- Artificial grass (30m²): £1,500 to £3,000
- Decking (15m², composite): £2,500 to £4,500
All figures include labour and materials. VAT may be additional depending on the contractor.
What affects landscaping costs?
Garden size. More area means more materials, more labour and more waste removal. A 50m² garden costs significantly less to landscape than a 150m² plot, even on a per-metre basis, because larger gardens require more groundwork and drainage.
Material choice. This is where budgets diverge most. Budget concrete slabs cost £50 to £80 per square metre supplied and laid. Indian sandstone sits at £80 to £130. Porcelain paving, which is increasingly popular for its low maintenance, costs £100 to £180 per square metre. The material you choose for your patio alone can swing the total project cost by several thousand pounds.
Access. Many terraced properties across Burnley, Nelson and Colne have limited rear access. If materials have to be carried through the house or over walls, labour costs increase. Properties with good side access are cheaper to landscape.
Ground conditions. Sloped gardens, poor drainage or heavy clay soil all require additional groundwork before any visible landscaping can begin. In parts of Pendle and Rossendale, sloped sites are common and can add £1,000 to £3,000 in preparation costs.
Existing clearance. Removing old paving, fencing, sheds or overgrown vegetation adds cost before any new work starts. Skip hire runs £200 to £400 per skip, and most garden transformations need at least one.
Patio costs
Patios are typically the largest single expense in a landscaping project. The cost depends on the material, size and complexity of the layout.
- Concrete slabs (supply and lay): £50 to £80 per m²
- Indian sandstone: £80 to £130 per m²
- Porcelain paving: £100 to £180 per m²
- Premium granite setts: £120 to £200+ per m²
A typical 20m² patio in Indian sandstone costs £2,000 to £3,500 fully installed in Lancashire, including excavation, sub-base, laying and jointing. Porcelain patios cost more upfront but require almost no maintenance over their lifespan.
Most patios take a professional team three to five days to complete, weather permitting.
Driveway costs
A new driveway transforms the front of a property and adds kerb appeal. Block paving is the most popular choice in East Lancashire.
- Gravel driveway (40m²): £1,500 to £3,000
- Block paving (40m²): £3,500 to £7,000
- Resin bound (40m²): £4,000 to £7,500
- Tarmac (40m²): £2,000 to £4,000
Front garden paving over 5 square metres with impermeable materials requires planning permission unless you use permeable materials or drain to a permeable area. Most block paving can be laid with permeable jointing sand to meet this requirement.
Fencing and boundary costs
- Standard lap panel fencing (per metre run): £50 to £80
- Closeboard fencing (per metre run): £70 to £110
- Slatted or contemporary fencing: £100 to £160 per metre
- Garden wall (brick, per metre run): £150 to £300
A typical 10-metre fence replacement in standard panels costs £500 to £800 including posts, concrete and labour. Most fence replacements are completed in one to two days.
Lawn and turf costs
- Turf (supply and lay): £8 to £15 per m²
- Artificial grass (supply and lay): £50 to £90 per m²
- Grass seed: £3 to £5 per m²
Artificial grass has become popular across Lancashire for low-maintenance gardens. A 30m² artificial lawn costs £1,500 to £3,000 installed, including ground preparation, membrane and infill. The upfront cost is higher but eliminates mowing, feeding and watering.
Decking costs
- Softwood timber decking: £80 to £140 per m²
- Composite decking: £120 to £220 per m²
- Hardwood decking: £150 to £280 per m²
Composite decking costs more initially but lasts longer and requires minimal maintenance compared to timber, which needs annual treatment. A 15m² composite deck costs £2,500 to £4,500 installed.
How long does landscaping take?
Timelines depend on the scope of work. A patio installation takes three to five days. A full garden transformation including patio, lawn, fencing and planting typically takes two to four weeks. Larger projects with retaining walls, drainage or multiple zones can take four to eight weeks.
Weather is a factor in Lancashire. Rain delays are common, particularly in autumn and winter. Spring and early summer are the busiest periods for landscapers, so booking in advance is advisable.
How we can help
We deliver landscaping and outdoor projects across East Lancashire, from patio installations and garden transformations to complete outdoor redesigns. Every project includes clear pricing, a defined scope of work and regular communication throughout.
If you’re planning an outdoor project and want to understand costs for your specific garden, get in touch for a free consultation.
