Recently, I worked on a project not far from Loughborough that involved converting a tired, uneven lawn into a much more functional and attractive outdoor space. The owners wanted a patio where they could entertain, along with raised planting beds to add greenery and structure. Projects like this are common in the East Midlands where gardens often have underused or worn grass areas that don’t serve much purpose.
The starting point was assessing the layout. The lawn was fairly level but showed signs of patchiness and some drainage issues in parts. Together with the client, we agreed on a layout that positioned a spacious patio adjacent to the house, with raised beds running along the edges to frame the space and provide planting opportunities without taking up much room.
Levels were important to consider. The garden’s slight slope meant some ground preparation was needed to create a flat, stable base for the patio. We cut back sections of existing turf and topsoil, regraded the ground, and installed a simple sub-base to ensure the patio surface would be even and durable over time.
For the patio finish, Indian sandstone was selected for its natural look and durability. It’s a popular choice in Loughborough landscaping projects and offers a good balance of appearance and cost. Indian sandstone patios typically fall between GBP 90 and GBP 120 per square metre, depending on access and ground conditions. Porcelain slabs were also considered but ruled out due to budget constraints and the client’s preference for a textured finish.
The raised planting beds were constructed with railway sleepers, giving a robust, rustic feel that complements the sandstone. Installation costs for sleepers range from GBP 85 to GBP 140 per linear metre depending on grade and height. The beds were fixed securely and lined to protect timber from moisture, ensuring longevity.
We finished off the garden with new turf planted in the remaining areas outside the patio and beds. Turfing costs are typically GBP 18 to GBP 35 per square metre, assuming the ground is already prepared. Because the initial lawn was uneven and damaged, some extra levelling and soil preparation was factored into the overall job.
Throughout the process, we kept in mind that every garden project depends on factors like site access, existing levels, drainage, clearance requirements, and specific material choices. A thorough site visit is always recommended before confirming prices and drawing up plans.
If you have a tired lawn in Loughborough or the wider East Midlands and want to know how it could be turned into a practical patio and planting area, a 3D garden design can also help you visualise the finished space. These typically range from GBP 150 to GBP 450 depending on garden size and amendments requested.
For a no-obligation site visit or a quick quote on how your lawn could be transformed, feel free to WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031. Having worked on many similar transformations locally, we understand what works practically and stylistically in East Midlands gardens.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.