How Much Does a Garden Designer Cost?

Quick Cost Breakdown

• The average cost of garden design in the UK is typically £500 - £2,500+.
• For a small garden with a simple layout plan, expect to pay around £300 - £800.
• Larger gardens or detailed designs can cost more.
• Soil, materials, planting, and full build vs design-only affect the final price.

Your Garden Design Cost Guide

In this cost guide, we’ll cover:

1. Average cost of garden design
2. Daily rate of a professional garden designer
3. Garden sizes and design costs per m2
4. Different garden design features and costs
5. Tips to save money on garden design costs
6. Find garden design services near you on MyBuilder
7. FAQs: Common questions about garden design costs

Average Cost of Garden Design

Want a garden you'll love spending time in? The final cost hinges on your plot's size, how detailed the design gets, and the features you pick, like patios, borders, or lighting.

Here's a quick look at average costs in the UK:

Scenario	Typical cost
Small garden, simple layout	£300-£800
Medium garden, moderate design	£500-£2,500
Large garden with detailed features	£2,500-£5,000
Complex project (lighting/water)	£5,000-£10,000+

These figures give you a solid starting point, but every garden is unique, and costs can vary based on your UK location, so always get multiple quotes before beginning the project.

Connect with local garden maintenance services for tailored pricing that perfectly suits your budget and garden.

Daily Rate of a Professional Garden Designer

It’s good to know that most garden design services charge by the project or by the day rather than strictly by the hour.

For a typical garden design job, you'll usually need one designer on site, possibly with a landscape assistant. Combined, that puts your daily labour cost at around £250 - £500 per day.

What's usually included in a garden design service quote?

Site assessment, measurements, and soil analysis

Concept sketches, detailed layout plans, and 2D/3D visuals

Planting schedules, material lists, and lighting proposals

Basic project management or contractor recommendations if specified

If you're thinking about redesigning your garden, find a garden design service near you on MyBuilder to compare options and get started.

For more details, or if you need the full build done, from design to planting, check out our garden landscaping cost guide too.

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Garden Sizes and Design Costs per m2

The right garden design approach depends on your plot's size, layout, and your goals, a simple refresh for a compact courtyard is very different from a full redesign of a sprawling backyard.

Small Garden Costs (25m² Courtyards or Terraces)

Perfect for urban patios or townhouse plots. Focuses on space-saving layouts, container planting, and simple paving or decking ideas.

It's the most straightforward option at £300 - £800, and you can often implement the basics yourself with mood boards.

Medium Garden Costs (25-100m² Suburban Plots)

The go-to for family gardens with room for lawns, borders, and patios. This includes balanced planting schemes, paths, and focal points like seating areas. The average costs are at £500 - £2,500.

Large Garden Costs (e.g., 100m² Rural Plots)

For bigger spaces with play areas, seating zones, or screening.

This is the most detailed option at £2,500-£10,000+, but unlocks your garden's full potential for years.

Different Garden Design Features and Costs

Want to enhance your garden's appeal and practicality with standout features? Each addition brings its own cost, tailored to materials and scale.

Here's a detailed look at popular garden design elements and their UK costs, covering design fees and installation.

Feature	Typical Cost Range
Patio or Decking	£1,500 - £5,000
Lawn & Turfing	£500 - £2,000
Planting Borders	£300 - £1,500
Garden Lighting	£400 - £2,000
Water Feature	£800 - £4,000
Fencing/Screening	£600 - £3,000
Pergola or Arbour	£1,000 - £4,500

These costs can vary based on your location and specific requirements. For more on planting expenses, see our affordableplanting cost guide.

Or, for tips on choosing the right style, read our guide to easy garden ideas to explore different styles and more feature options.

Tips to Save Money on Garden Design Costs

There are a few easy ways to keep costs down without cutting corners on the quality of the work.

Most of these come down to reducing the amount of time a garden designer needs to spend on site, because at £250 - £500 a day, every hour saved counts.

• Do the prep yourself: clear away clutter, weeds, or garden furniture before they arrive to minimise setup time and lower the labour bill.

• Reuse existing features: Keep usable paving, plants, or structures instead of paying for full replacements, many designers will discount if you handle reuse.

• Keep access clear: Try to create easy vehicle and foot access to the garden; tight spots mean more manual work or equipment, which adds hours and cost.

Book in autumn or winter: Garden designers are busiest in spring/summer, so off-season scheduling often unlocks better rates or availability.

• Bundle services: If you have multiple areas to design or other garden work planned, ask for a package price. Many professionals will offer a lower rate when jobs like planting or lighting are booked together.

• Get multiple quotes: always compare at least three quotes from different services on MyBuilder, asking for a full breakdown of design fees, materials, and extras so you know exactly what you're paying for.

By taking these simple steps, you can make a real difference to your overall garden design costs. A bit of preparation and planning before the work begins can save both time and money, without sacrificing the quality of the results.

Find Garden Design Services Near You on MyBuilder

The best way to get an accurate price for your garden design is to speak to garden designers near you who can assess the space in person.

On MyBuilder, you can post your garden design job for free and receive interest from local professionals in your area. Each tradesperson has a profile with customer reviews and photos of past work, so you can compare options and choose someone who feels right for your project.

FAQ: Common Questions About Garden Design Costs

How Long Does Garden Design Take?

It depends on the garden's size and complexity. A small garden with a simple layout can take 1 - 2 weeks from site visit to final plans, while a medium garden needs 2 - 4 weeks. Large or detailed projects with 3D visuals and planting schedules can take 4 - 8 weeks or more.

Can I Design My Own Garden?

For basic layouts like a new patio or flower beds, yes. With online tools, mood boards, or garden apps, it's a manageable DIY project. But for complex things involving levels, drainage, lighting, or structural features, hire a professional to ensure it's functional, safe, and suited to your soil and climate.

Do I Need Planning Permission for Garden Design?

Usually not for basic changes like patios, turfing, or planting. But if it involves major earthworks, structures over 2.5m (e.g. pergolas), ponds near watercourses, or changes to listed properties, you may need permission. Always check with your local council to avoid fines.

What's the Best Time of Year to Start Garden Design?

Autumn or winter is ideal to plan ahead. Designers have more availability off-season, you avoid peak pricing, and work can align with spring planting. It gives time to refine ideas while observing your garden's winter light and use patterns for a smarter result.

Can I Get Garden Design and Landscaping Done in One Service?

Yes, many professionals offer a full-service package that combines design and build. This approach can save time and often comes at a discounted rate compared to hiring separately (typically 10-20% less overall). Look for garden designers or landscapers on MyBuilder who list "design and build" in their profiles.