When you have a lawn that’s seen better days, it can be tempting to simply replace the turf and hope for the best. However, tired lawns often struggle to recover, especially in shaded or uneven gardens common in the East Midlands. An effective alternative is to transform that space into a practical patio and planting area, making your garden usable year-round.
At Worthington Landscape & Design, we recently worked on a project just outside Loughborough where an ageing lawn was converted into a multi-level patio with adjoining planting beds. The existing lawn was uneven with poor drainage, making it difficult to maintain and limiting its use.
The first step was to assess the layout and levels. We planned a gently sloping patio area constructed using Indian sandstone, which provides a natural, durable finish that suits the local surroundings. The patio level was set slightly above the planting beds to aid drainage and create clear separation between the hard and soft landscaping areas.
Indian sandstone patio installation for this project was priced within the typical guide range of GBP 90 to GBP 120 per square metre, although final costs depend on access, ground conditions, and the exact stone selection. For more modern finishes, porcelain tiles can also be used, usually priced from GBP 110 to GBP 150 per square metre, depending on slab choice and preparation.
To complement the patio, we installed raised planting beds using railway sleepers. These add structure and interest, as well as making gardening easier by defining borders and improving soil conditions. Sleeper beds typically cost between GBP 85 and GBP 140 per linear metre, depending on the sleeper grade and ground preparation.
The design also considered practical elements such as drainage and site access, which are important for long-lasting landscaping. Clearance of the old lawn and minor levelling were included to create a solid base for the patio slabs and sleepers. These preparation steps affect the overall quote, so a site visit is essential for accurate pricing.
Where appropriate, we offer a 3D garden design service (priced GBP 150 to GBP 450 per project), which helps homeowners visualise the new layout and finish before work begins. This can be especially useful when dealing with levels and complex garden shapes.
For those looking to keep some lawn area, fresh turfing is available at a guide rate of GBP 18 to GBP 35 per square metre, assuming the ground is prepared and levelled separately. This option works well when combined with patio and planting improvements to retain some green space.
Transforming a tired lawn into a usable patio and planting space not only improves garden usability but can also boost property appeal. For a practical, no-hype discussion about how this might work in your East Midlands garden, contact Aaron at Worthington Landscape & Design via WhatsApp on 07454 978031 to arrange a site visit or get a quick quote.
WhatsApp Aaron on 07454 978031 to talk through a garden project.