What a Full Backyard Landscaping Project Really Costs in Simcoe County & York Region
"How much does a backyard cost?" is the question we hear more than any other. It's also the hardest to answer in one line, because a backyard can mean a small patio or a full outdoor living space with a kitchen, lighting and gardens.
So here are honest numbers from the backyards we build in Innisfil, Bradford, Barrie, Newmarket, Orangeville and across York Region, plus what moves a project up or down.
The short answer
If you're considering any backyard project, plan for a budget of at least $25,000 plus tax.
A complete backyard for a traditional detached house averages around $45,000 to $50,000 plus tax.
Those numbers surprise some people. They make more sense once you see where the money goes.
Where the budget goes
Hardscape: the biggest line item
Patios, walkways, steps and retaining walls usually make up the largest share. Hardscape is labour-heavy: excavation, base preparation, compaction, cutting and setting stone. Done properly, it lasts decades. Done cheaply, it shifts within a few winters.
Structures
Decks, pergolas and privacy screens add usable space and shade. Wood and composite are priced differently, and anything raised more than 24 inches off the ground or over 100 square feet needs a building permit.
Softscape
Planting beds, trees, shrubs, sod and mulch. This is often the most flexible part of the budget. You can install key trees now and fill in perennials later.
Lighting, drainage and utilities
Low-voltage lighting, drainage fixes and grading don't always show in photos, but they make a yard usable at night and keep water away from your foundation. If your yard has drainage problems, fix them before anything goes on top.
Design
A design plan typically runs 3 to 5 percent of the overall project. On a $50,000 project, that's about $2,500. It's the cheapest way to avoid expensive changes halfway through a build.
What makes a backyard cost more
Access. We need at least 48 inches of clear access at the narrowest point. Less than that, and materials move by hand.
Grade changes. Sloped yards often need retaining walls or steps.
Material choices. Premium pavers, natural stone and large slabs cost more than standard products.
Removal. Tearing out old decks, concrete pads or overgrown gardens adds labour and disposal fees.
Features. Fire tables, outdoor kitchens, water features and built-in seating each carry their own price.
How to make your budget go further
Phase it. Build the hardscape and structures first, then add planting and lighting the following season.
Get a design plan. It lets you price each phase accurately and keeps every phase working toward the same finished yard.
Book early. Most of our projects are booked at least six months ahead. Booking in winter gives time for design, permits and material selection without rushing.
Choose where to splurge. Spend on the patio you'll use every day. Save on areas you'll only walk past.
How we structure payment
So you know what to expect: we hold your spot with a 10 percent deposit for projects in the same calendar year, or 5 percent if you're booking for the following year. Once work starts we request an additional 50 percent, and the balance is due on completion. Every hardscape and carpentry project comes with a three-year workmanship warranty.
Next step
The best way to get a real number for your yard is a site visit and a design conversation. Browse our portfolio, read about our design plans, or book a consultation.
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