A common challenge in East Midlands gardens is a tired lawn that no longer serves its original purpose. Often uneven and patchy, these lawns can be transformed into a more functional outdoor space suited for relaxing, entertaining, or gardening. Recently, we undertook such a project near Loughborough, turning an underused grassy area into a well-planned patio with planting zones.
The first step involved assessing the existing lawn’s levels and condition. Uneven ground and areas prone to waterlogging required careful consideration to ensure a lasting finish and proper drainage. A 3D garden design tool was particularly useful here, allowing the client to visualise changes in layout, levels, and materials before any work began. This design stage, priced between GBP 150 and GBP 450 depending on size and revisions, helps avoid surprises and secures client approval upfront.
The layout balanced paved and planted sections to provide both hard landscaping and green interest. The patio was designed with gentle slopes away from the house for drainage, while raised beds made from railway sleepers helped define planting areas and added vertical interest. Railway sleeper beds typically cost between GBP 85 and GBP 140 per linear metre depending on sleeper grade and installation complexity.
For the patio surface, Indian sandstone was selected for its natural look and durability. Installed pricing runs from GBP 90 to GBP 120 per square metre in straightforward conditions. The choice considered factors like access to the site, existing ground conditions, and the need for preparation. Alternatives like porcelain slabs tend to be more expensive (GBP 110 to GBP 150 per square metre) but can offer a more contemporary finish if desired.
Existing turf was removed carefully, and levels were adjusted with additional aggregate to create a firm, level base. Where turfing was retained or added elsewhere, prices typically range from GBP 18 to GBP 35 per square metre, assuming ground preparation is already complete. Any additional levelling, clearance, or topsoil would be quoted separately.
The installation stage also included addressing drainage to avoid future water pooling or damage to the paved surfaces. Edging materials and sub-base preparations were tailored to site specifics. Block paving can be an alternative for driveways or patios, priced roughly GBP 80 to GBP 115 per square metre, but the client preferred the warmer tones of sandstone for this garden.
Overall, the project delivered a new, practical patio combined with planting spaces that enhanced the garden’s usability and aesthetic appeal. Projects like this demonstrate how a tired lawn in the Loughborough and wider East Midlands area can be reimagined using practical landscaping solutions tailored to the site and client preferences.
Any landscaping project should ideally start with a site visit to evaluate access, ground conditions, drainage needs, and material options. This ensures the final quote reflects all relevant factors. If you’d like to explore how your lawn can be transformed into a useful patio and planting area, feel free to get in touch for a site visit or quick quote. WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.