Landscaping Job Price Calculator
Landscaping moves huge volumes of heavy materials. Pricing must account for the logistics of getting tonnes of soil, stone, and timber from the roadside to the back garden.
Key pricing factors
Access Difficulties
Moving 3 tonnes of type 1 MOT through a terraced house takes vastly longer than dropping it straight on a driveway.
Waste Volume
Soil expands when dug out. You will always need more skip space than the hole suggests.
Bulk Materials
Paving slabs, sleepers, and turf require delivery charges and often machinery to move safely.
Example: 20sqm Sandstone Patio
- Labour (2 men, 4 days)
- £1600.00
- Sandstone Paving & Subbase
- £950.00
- Cement, Sand & Slurry
- £180.00
- Grab Lorry (Soil Removal)
- £280.00
- Cost
- £3010.00
- Margin (20%)
- £602.00
- Final Quote
- £3612.00
Groundwork and waste removal represent nearly a third of the material costs. Never underestimate the cost of moving dirt.
Practical quoting guidance
- Always conduct a site visit. You cannot quote landscaping accurately from a photo.
- Check for underground services before quoting for deep excavation.
- Include a clause regarding adverse weather delaying the project timeline.
Frequently asked questions
How do I charge for garden clearance?
Estimate the number of skips or grab lorries needed, add the tipping fee, and multiply your daily labour rate by how long it will take to load.
Do I guarantee plants and turf?
You can guarantee the installation, but stipulate that watering and ongoing care are the customer's responsibility once you leave.