Design and build of a new garden is an exciting project that will add value to your home. However, before you break ground, it’s important to understand the costs involved, especially when it comes to hard landscaping. In this blog, Creating Your Dream Garden: Hard Landscaping Costs in Bradford and Halifax, we’ll take a look at the various hard landscaping features that will transform your outdoor space into a stunning place to relax and entertain. We’ll look at factors that might influence the cost of different areas of your garden and give you insight into budget considerations so that you can confidently plan your dream garden!
Preparation is key!
The preparation stage of any hard landscaping is possibly the most important part of a successful garden but it’s often overlooked by clients. We get it! It’s not the most glamorous part! However, before installing any hard landscaping products, the groundwork must be done correctly to ensure a stable and long-lasting foundation. Nobody wants to see sunken paving or weary fencing a few months after it’s been installed, do they?
First, the ground needs to be cleared to create a blank canvas. Excavation will likely be necessary to adjust the levels of the land and create the initial garden layout. If there are land drainage issues, these need to be addressed to prevent future water logging problems. The relevant sub-base will then need to be laid and compacted in layers, providing stability for the garden that’s being introduced.
What are the different paving options?
Paving is likely to be the element of your landscaping that influences the whole look of your garden. When considering paving options in the Bradford and Halifax area, you’ll find a variety to choose from. Indian sandstone, porcelain and traditional Yorkshire stone paving are all popular choices.
- Sandstone paving: a natural stone for timeless beauty. The earthy colours are different in every piece and the textured surface provides a rustic yet elegant look for any garden. Sandstone is known for its durability and is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it the perfect choice for our Yorkshire climate! Sandstone currently ranges from £30 to £60 per square metre.
- Porcelain paving: a man-made material composed of clay and minerals, porcelain is highly resistant to stains, scratches and fading. It has become very popular in recent years due to its modern and sleek appearance. Porcelain comes in various colours, textures and patterns which allow you to create a stylish garden design. Its low porosity also makes it easy to clean and maintain. And, with an R11 slip rating, it’s a great addition to any garden. Porcelain costs are currently between £40 and £80 per square metre.
- Yorkshire stone paving: a classic choice for our region. Quarried right here in Yorkshire, it’s a natural stone known for its durability and warm, earthy tones. Yorkshire stone paving adds a rustic look that blends well with traditional and contemporary gardens alike. Its ability to withstand the unpredictable local weather is like no other, it’s made here after all! An excellent choice for a long-lasting and low-maintenance outdoor surface.
Keep in mind that the prices are estimates and can differ due to factors such as supplier rates, site access, installation costs, and additional features such as patterns and edgings.
Choosing the Right Garden Fencing
Fencing and screening can provide a great deal of privacy and keep your home secure from intruders. When estimating the cost of your new fence, take into consideration the length, height and material you’d like to use.
- Timber fencing is a popular and cost-effective option. With many styles now available, it can suit a modern or traditional outdoor space with a natural look.
- Composite fencing provides a low-maintenance alternative but comes with a higher price tag. If maintenance isn’t your thing, then it may be well worth the extra money.
Hopefully, once you’ve finished reading ‘Creating Your Dream Garden: Hard Landscaping Costs in Bradford and Halifax, you’ll have a better idea of which products will fit in to your budget.
Which Decking is the Best?
Decking can transform any garden into a usable and attractive space for outdoor living. As with fencing, decking can be installed in timber or composite.
- Timber decking, such as pressure-treated or cedar, tends to be more budget-friendly. It offers a natural look but will require more regular maintenance.
- Composite decking is made from a combination of recycled wood fibres and plastic. It’s a low-maintenance option and should last longer than a timber deck when installed correctly. Although a composite deck may have higher upfront costs, it provides excellent durability and resistance to weathering and the elements.
Drainage Solutions
Proper drainage is a crucial part of any garden, especially with the heavy rainfall we have in Bradford and Halifax! Drainage solutions, such as French drains and Aco channel drains, can prevent waterlogging and potential damage to your home and garden. The options available will depend on each individual garden and its needs. Your landscaper will give the best advice as to the correct solution for you.
Natural Turf vs Artificial Grass
Whether you decide on a natural lawn or an artificial one, each comes with its own pros and cons. It will depend on your lifestyle, preferences and how much maintenance you want to do.
- Natural Turf: commonly known as grass, brings freshness and natural beauty to your garden. The installation cost of natural turf is lower than artificial turf, however, it will require regular maintenance, mowing, watering, feeding etc. Additionally, in shaded areas, it may struggle to grow healthily. The cost is usually around £40 to £60 per square metre and varies depending on each garden.
- Artificial Grass: made from synthetic materials, it offers a low-maintenance alternative to natural turf. No watering or mowing, and it looks great all year round! While the upfront cost of £70 to £80 per square metre is a little higher, the long-term savings can make it a cost-effective choice if installed correctly.
Want to Add a Water Feature?
Water features such as ponds, fountains and waterfalls can be a lovely addition to a garden adding a peaceful and calming atmosphere. The design and materials used will obviously affect the cost. You’ll also need to take into consideration connecting your water feature to a power source as this may require the services of an electrician.
Adding a Finishing Touch: Garden lighting
Outdoor lighting won’t just enhance the beauty of your garden, it will allow you to keep on using it into the evenings when the natural light is fading. When considering the cost of outdoor lighting, there are several options to explore.
- Solar-powered lights are a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice. They require minimum installation but do need to be in quite a sunny spot for maximum charging capability.
- Low-voltage LED lighting is energy efficient and comes in many different forms, allowing you to illuminate specific features or pathways in your garden.
If you prefer a more involved lighting scheme, such as uplighting trees or installing string lights, the cost may increase. There are many options and these days, you can even have lights controlled on Wi-Fi via your smartphone. Opt for high-quality fixtures which may cost more but it will be worth it in the long run. Buy cheap, buy twice as the saying goes.
How can Kettlewell Groundworks help with your hard landscaping in Bradford and Halifax?
Creating Your Dream Garden: Hard Landscaping Costs in Bradford and Halifax was written to help you with careful planning and consideration of your garden project. A full garden transformation is likely to cost around 10% of your home’s value depending on the size and materials used so it’s a good idea to do some research first and make sure you’re choosing the right people for the job. At Kettlewell Groundworks, we have over 25 years of experience and have built great relationships with local suppliers whose products we trust.
We provide all of our clients with the same excellent service which continues even when the work is complete. Check out our reviews to see what some of them had to say!
If you’d like a quote for your garden project, you can book online here. If you have any questions, please give us a call on 01274 981995 or if you’d prefer, you can send us an email to enquiries@kettlewellgroundworks.co.uk. We’d be happy to chat through the options with you.
