Labour, materials, groundwork, and access all shape the quote. Here is where the money goes.
Words by Marco Delacroix · Oct 2, 2026 · 6 minutes
Landscaping quotes often surprise homeowners. A patio that looks simple can cost far more than expected once excavation, sub-base, drainage, and labour are added.
Understanding the components of a quote makes it easier to compare contractors and decide where to save.
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Labour is often the biggest cost
Landscaping is physical, skilled work, and labour commonly makes up a large share of the total. Difficult access — such as a back garden reachable only through the house — increases labour costs significantly because materials must be carried by hand.
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What lies beneath
The invisible parts of a project — excavation, waste removal, compacted sub-base, and drainage — are essential to how long it lasts. A patio laid without a proper base may look fine for a year and then sink or crack. Be wary of quotes that skip these details.
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Material choices
Natural stone, porcelain, concrete pavers, and gravel vary widely in cost per square metre. Hardwood decking costs more than softwood or composite in some markets and less in others. Plants are usually a smaller share of the budget than hard landscaping, but mature specimens are expensive.
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Ways to save
✿Phase the project over several years, starting with structure and drainage
✿Buy smaller plants and let them grow
✿Do the planting, mulching, and painting yourself
✿Reuse existing paving or stone where it is sound
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Get comparable quotes
Ask at least three contractors to quote on the same specification, including materials, sub-base depth, drainage, waste removal, and guarantees. A detailed written quote protects both you and the contractor.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.
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