Many gardens in Loughborough and the wider East Midlands suffer from tired lawns that see little use and struggle to look their best throughout the year. Recently, we took on a project to transform such a space into a more practical and attractive garden area featuring a new patio alongside planting beds made from railway sleepers. This write-up focuses on the layout, levels, finishes, and practical considerations.
The garden’s existing level lawn was showing signs of wear with uneven patches and poor drainage. Our visit confirmed the space could be repurposed by reducing lawn area and introducing hard landscaping elements to better suit the homeowner’s needs for outdoor seating and planting opportunities.
We began with a 3D garden design to offer the client a clear visualisation of the proposal before starting works. This service, priced between GBP 150 and GBP 450 depending on garden size and revisions, helped plan the flow between the patio and raised beds, ensuring the layout maximised usability without overcrowding the space.
Levels were a key consideration to allow for natural drainage and comfortable access. The patio was designed slightly lower than the house threshold with gentle falls to avoid water pooling. This involved some ground preparation including clearing, minor excavation, and levelling before installation.
For the patio finish, Indian sandstone was chosen as a natural, slip-resistant option that suits the East Midlands climate and character. Pricing for a straightforward installation usually runs GBP 90 to GBP 120 per square metre, but the final figure depends on ground conditions and access. In this case, careful cutting was required to follow the curved design.
Adjacent to the patio, we installed raised planting beds constructed from quality railway sleepers. These added height and structure to the garden, creating defined areas for shrubs and seasonal plants. Railway sleeper beds typically cost between GBP 85 and GBP 140 per linear metre, reflecting factors like sleeper grade and fixing method.
The remaining lawn area was re-turfed with fresh turf laid over well-prepared ground at a guide cost of GBP 18 to GBP 35 per square metre. This rejuvenated the green space while keeping a soft element in balance with the hard landscaping features.
Hard landscaping projects like this require careful planning around drainage, levels, and clearance to avoid future issues. Material choice also impacts overall cost and maintenance, so we always recommend a site visit to provide an accurate quote tailored to the client’s needs.
If you are considering turning a tired lawn into a useful patio and planting space in the Loughborough or East Midlands area, get in touch for a site visit or a quick quotation. WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 for experienced, practical advice and pricing guidance.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.