Many gardens in Loughborough and the wider East Midlands start with a lawn that has lost its appeal—patchy, uneven, and not really serving the needs of the household. Transforming such a tired lawn into a usable patio and planting space can revitalise your outdoor area, making it more enjoyable and practical for daily use.
In this typical project, the existing lawn was uneven and worn out, so the first step was to establish a clear layout that balances hard landscaping with soft planting beds. By creating defined zones, the garden gains structure and purpose. The patio area becomes the heart of outdoor living, while planting spaces add greenery and texture.
Levels played an important role in this transformation. Where the original surface was uneven, we introduced slight gradients for drainage and accessibility, ensuring water flows away from foundations and the patio remains usable regardless of weather. Steps and low retaining walls made using railway sleepers can help manage any changes in height between different areas.
Material choice for the patio depends on style preferences and budget. Indian sandstone offers a natural, warm finish and costs between GBP 90 to GBP 120 per square metre for straightforward installations. Alternatively, a porcelain patio provides modern durability and a wider range of finishes but comes at a higher price of GBP 110 to GBP 150 per square metre. Final costs will vary based on slab choice, cuts, ground preparation, and falls.
The planting areas adjacent to the patio were framed with railway sleeper raised beds, creating a neat and robust edge. These beds typically cost GBP 85 to GBP 140 per linear metre depending on sleeper grade, height, fixing method, and preparation. They provide a great way to introduce soil depth for healthy plants and define garden sections without complex construction.
Where turf was used to freshen up the garden outside of the hard landscaping zones, the cost ranges from GBP 18 to GBP 35 per square metre, assuming the ground is prepared and free of debris. Final site conditions can affect this, as clearance or levelling work is quoted separately.
A 3D garden design can help visualise these changes before any work starts. This service typically ranges from GBP 150 to GBP 450 depending on garden size and the number of revisions needed. It’s a practical step if you want to be sure about layout, materials, and how the new scheme will look and work.
It’s worth noting that every garden is different. Factors like site access, drainage requirements, ground conditions, and clearance work all influence the final build price. That’s why a site visit is essential to provide an accurate quote and plan the project correctly.
If you’re in Loughborough or the East Midlands and thinking about turning a tired lawn into a useful patio and planting space, 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.