The Unique Blog
Beautiful Landscape Transformations on a Budget
Seeing all the great landscape transformations on social media can be inspiring. It can also be discouraging.
You see, as beautiful as they are, you might have a nagging belief that projects like those are out of reach because you don’t have the time (or skills) to build them or the money to hire a company to help.
But let me tell you a secret: some projects may be within reach!
Even a modest budget can yield great results, provided you start with a thoughtful plan and concentrate your efforts where they’ll make the most impact. In this post, we’ll share some great features you can add to your landscape without breaking the bank.
Patios and decks — your backyard essentials
Patios and decks are an essential part of every landscape design. They help create a functional and versatile outdoor living space, offering a space to dine, relax and entertain.
While patios and decks can be quite elaborate, there are enough options to fit most budgets.
These are a few factors that could influence the price:
The size of the patio or deck, naturally, affects the overall price.
The materials used, with natural stone being more of an investment than concrete or pavers, and composite decks costing slightly more than pressure-treated wood.
Hilly or sloped yards that need excavation or retaining walls to create a level surface, which adds to the investment.
The preparation needed before installation begins, such as solving drainage issues or removing existing structures.
When you're getting a quote for a patio, there's an important factor that may not be immediately visible: the base. For a pedestrian traffic patio, professional landscapers will include a solid base layer that's 6-12 inches thick to prevent shifting and settling. For driveways and areas with heavier traffic, it would need to be even deeper.
The depth of the base is essential for our climate, as a thinner base may lead to settling and shifting within a couple of years, which can be costly to fix. Some independent contractors or DIY enthusiasts may suggest a thinner base, but it's important to consider the long-term implications.
At Unique, we always recommend a solid base as a priority, and if the budget is tight, choose a more budget-friendly paver.
Fencing and privacy screens — create a secluded oasis
Fencing and privacy screens can be included in a budget-friendly landscape design, with the overall cost varying depending on several factors.
The type of materials used for fencing and privacy screens significantly affects the cost. Options range from affordable choices like chain-link or vinyl fencing to more expensive materials like wood, composite, or metal. Similarly, privacy screens can be made from bamboo, fabric, lattice or even evergreen trees.
The height and length of the fencing or privacy screen will impact the overall cost. Opting for a lower height or shorter length can help keep costs down.
Intricate or custom designs with unique patterns, shapes, or embellishments may add to the cost. Simplifying the design or choosing standard configurations can help reduce expenses.
If cost is an issue, privacy screens are often less expensive compared to full fencing options. These standalone structures can be strategically placed to provide privacy in specific areas, whereas fencing typically requires enclosing the entire perimeter of a space.
Shade structures — protection from the elements
Shade structures like pergolas, pavilions and arbours are also affordable features in a home landscape. The cost of these structures can vary depending on several factors, including — you guessed it — materials, size and the complexity of the design.
Retailers offer many cheap options for shade structures, and we’ve even seen quite a few cheap DYI pergolas on Instagram — but consider this: because of our proximity to Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, the Hamilton and Niagara regions are prone to high winds and a lot of precipitation. Cheaper structures could blow away (we hear that a lot!), or simply not last long.
A professionally built outdoor structure with proper posts or foundation will last decades, and increase the value of your home.
The best part? These are smaller projects we can complete in a couple of days and will not cost as much as you may think.
Two backyard transformations under $100K
In a recent project, Backyard Escape, the homeowners wanted to transform their exposed backyard into a more private place for their family to relax and play.
The key design features include:
Two privacy screens made from pressure-treated lumber to shield the patio and upper deck from the neighbours.
A stone patio and retaining wall to define the space and provide a shady spot for relaxation.
New decking off the kitchen extends the outdoor living space and gives them a place to dine and entertain.
Beautiful evergreen cedars to soften the perimeter and provide an added layer of privacy.
River rock added to the garden beds to help with drainage, deter weeds and provide a natural feel.
Working on Garden Oasis was both a delight and a challenge. The homeowner wanted a cozy space to relax and spend time surrounded by nature, escaping the hectic city. The yard is small with limited access, but we fulfiledl her every wish while remaining on budget.
The key design features include:
A modern deck made with composite planks to provide a maintenance-free place to relax and entertain.
Surface lighting for safety and ambiance.
An open and airy pergola made of pressure-treated wood to provide shade from the summer sun.
A new pressure-treated fence to define the yard’s perimeter and provide a backdrop to the new raised garden beds.
Garden walls to separate the garden from the interlocking walkway and soften the hard edges.
See what we can do for you…
At Unique Landscape Services, we’ve worked on many different projects at various price points. Having a smaller budget doesn’t mean you can’t have a beautiful and functional outdoor space — the two projects mentioned above are proof of that.
If budget is a major concern for you, remember your landscape project could be built in phases, spreading out the cost over a couple of years. Our team can help you plan ahead!
If you’re interested in learning more or want to discuss the possibilities for your property, simply book a complimentary consultation to discuss it with us.