Cost of Landscaping in Adelaide — Full Breakdown for 2026

Most Adelaide landscaping companies hide their pricing behind a “request a quote” form. We don’t think that’s helpful. If you’re trying to budget a project, you need real numbers — even ranges — to plan what you can afford and what you can’t.

Here’s an honest 2026 breakdown of what landscaping actually costs in Adelaide, by service. These are real-market ranges, not promises. The variables that move you within the range are access, ground conditions, materials, and finish — your quote will reflect those for your specific site.

The big-picture number

For a full residential landscape design and build in Adelaide — design fee, hardscape (paving + retaining wall), planting, irrigation, and a basic outdoor structure — expect:

• Small backyard (under 100sqm): $15,000–$30,000
• Medium backyard (100–250sqm): $25,000–$60,000
• Large backyard (250sqm+): $50,000–$150,000+

If you’re adding a substantial pergola, alfresco area, or pool surround, add the relevant section below.

Hardscaping costs

Paving (per square metre, supplied and laid)

• Concrete pavers: $70–$95
• Brick pavers: $80–$110
• Bluestone pavers: $130–$180
• Travertine pavers: $140–$220
• Sandstone or natural stone: $150–$250
• Exposed aggregate concrete: $90–$160

The quality of the base layer (crushed rock subbase, screeded sand) matters more than most homeowners realise. A cheap install on a properly compacted base outlasts a premium paver on a sloppy base.

Retaining walls (per linear metre, walls under 1m)

• Concrete sleeper: $250–$450
• Timber (H4 treated): $180–$320
• Block / besser: $350–$600
• Limestone or natural stone: $450–$900
• Modular systems (allan block, etc.): $300–$500

Walls over 1m typically need engineering certification — add $1,500–$4,000 for engineering plus deeper post embedment costs.

Concrete driveways

• Plain concrete: $70–$110 per square metre
• Exposed aggregate: $90–$160
• Stamped concrete: $110–$190
• Coloured concrete: add $15–$30 per square metre

Outdoor structures

Pergolas

• Attached timber pergola, 4×4m, mid-spec: $6,000–$12,000
• Attached steel pergola, similar size: $8,000–$16,000
• Aluminium kit pergola: $7,000–$15,000
• Freestanding pergola, 5×5m, with louvred roof: $20,000–$40,000
• Insulated alfresco roof, 30sqm: $12,000–$25,000

Decking (per square metre, supplied and installed)

• Treated pine: $180–$240
• Merbau or other hardwood: $230–$320
• Composite (Trex, Modwood, Brio): $300–$500
• Pool decks (with appropriate fixings): add 15–25%

Soft landscaping and garden design

• Concept design (small site): $1,500–$3,500
• Full master plan + planting plan: $3,500–$8,000
• Garden makeover (design + planting + install, no major hardscape): $8,000–$25,000
• Lawn installation (instant turf, per square metre): $18–$32
• Artificial turf (per square metre): $55–$110
• Drip irrigation, residential: $1,200–$4,500
• Lawn irrigation (sprinkler grid): $1,800–$5,500

What pushes you up the range

• Tight access. Wheelbarrow-only access doubles labour costs on big jobs.
• Sloping or terraced sites. Levels, retaining, and drainage all cost more.
• Council approval requirements. Pergolas attached to the house, retaining walls over 1m, structures in heritage zones.
• Premium materials. Natural stone over concrete pavers, hardwood over composite.
• Custom or curved geometry. Straight runs are cheap; curves cost more.

What you can do to keep costs down

• Be flexible on materials. A great-looking concrete paver costs half what natural stone costs.
• Phase the project. Hardscape now, planting in 12 months, pergola the year after.
• Get three quotes. Adelaide pricing varies 15-30% between trades for the same scope.
• Don’t skip the design. A $2,500 design fee in front of a $50,000 build is the cheapest insurance you’ll buy.

Get a real quote for your site

Pricing ranges are useful for planning. They’re not a substitute for an itemised quote against your specific site. Request a free landscaping quote and we’ll forward your brief to two or three Adelaide trades — itemised quotes back within 24 business hours.