How much does a landscape cost?
How much do I need to set aside for my new garden?
This is obviously a hard question to answer as everyone's needs are different. You may want to undertake the construction yourself or have someone else project manage from design to installation.
A couple of ways to estimate costs for landscape construction are to look at average costs of elements and also to look at average costs per square meter.
If you want to make a cost estimate based on the size of your space you could use these benchmark rates to give you an idea.
A simple residential garden space with some hardscapes, but majority of softscapes might be around $140pm2 e.g. a front yard that is 10m x 18m might cost around $25,000.
A higher quality residential space with hardscapes and softscapes might be around $310pm2 e.g. a front yard that is 10m x 18m might cost around $55,000.
Very custom spaces then go up from this price level
How much do different landscape items cost per m2
How much does a deck cost?
On average a deck will cost between $280 and $400 per square metre installed. Some of the variables which change the cost are how the deck is going to be fixed down (nails, screws, secret fixing) what type of timber you choose, thickness and width of the boards, special designs and the site? Is access restricted to the site? Do you need a permit? A deck that is that is 4m x 5m might cost around $5,500 - $7,500.
How much does paving cost?
Plain concrete around $90pm2
Exposed aggreagate concrete around $140pm2
Sawn Natural Stone will cost around $300pm2
Gravel, toppings and granitic sand paving around $60pm
How much does fencing cost?
Simple paling around $100plm
Picket fence around $150plm
How much should I spend on lighting?
Outdoor lighting stores will often recommend that you put aside about 10%of the construction budget. This might sound a little high. There is a big price difference between entry level and high end light fittings. A lot of the time you will also already have some functional lighting in your outdoor spaces that are connected to your house. In this situation you will just be looking to use accent lights to highlight trees and features. If you have stairs and other trip hazards you will need to look at functional lighting for these
Irrigation systems
It is common for people to spend around $4,000-$5,000 for an average front and back yard on irrigation or around $20pm2. Some companies cost out per irrigation zone at around $900.
What other costs might I need to think about with my new garden?
Labour is the main thing that is under estimated in landscaping. Things take time. If you have 4 people working on your garden for two weeks you are effectively paying someones wage for 2 months plus enough to cover the expenses of the business.
Before you even start building the garden you usually have to do some demolition, plant removal and excavation and removal of soil. Then there are things that often get forgotten like lighting and irrigation systems.