Hardscape Pricing

What can you realistically build within your hardscape budget?

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Lisa Cave
November 23, 2025

We needed a company to clear out my mother's overgrown backyard, remove dilapidated structures, clean up debris and tidy up the front yard in a quick timeframe. I Googled companies and found Square Leaf Landscaping. The description of one of their services fit my needs, so my husband emailed them. That was Friday night. By Saturday afternoon Sean, the owner, was onsite. He sent us a video detailing the scope of work and then provided us with a written quote the next day. Because the price fit our budget and his team was able to start work immediately, we signed the contract. Unfortunately, it snowed in the meantime, so the crew wasn't able to come out until the following week after everything had melted and it was safe to work; but, when they did, they were very efficient. They removed all the vegetation and debris from the entire (50' x 130') property in a couple of days. The transformation is remarkable. You would never know that a jungle once existed. We would definitely hire Sean and his team again.

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Katelynn S
November 2, 2025

Sean and his team did a fantastic job on our patio. Our project included some specific requirements from our condo board and we appreciated Sean's problem solving. We are very pleased with the quality of their work and would absolutely recommend them.

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Kelly
October 31, 2025

I called Sean hoping he would be able to help me with a driveway drain. We have a coloured stamped pattern concrete driveway where the concrete had sunken around the drain over the years. It was not draining excess water, was a trip hazard and not good if the snowblower hit it. He came out to look at the issue and said he would be able to fix it. I was thrilled as I had called a few places and they all said no. I'm so grateful that I found Sean on Google. Sean and Colin came out today October 31st and had the problem fixed under 3 hours. Sean was very professional and reasonable priced. If anyone needs any landscaping or hard scaping, Please call Sean. You'll be very happy you did. Thank you very much Sean and Colin for solving and fixing our driveway drain.

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Jenn Lewis
October 28, 2025

I don't normally write reviews, however, reading thru some of the reviews for Square Leaf were ultimately the little push I needed to consider them over all the others. And I'm very glad they did - so, if you're at all overwhelmed or nervous looking into companies for your project, let this be your little push. Sean was incredibly responsive and easy to work with. Took my ideas, checked out the space, offered ideas of his own (which made things better!) and the plan was in place. Price was what I expected after shopping around other places and researching into costs. All information - including the contract - was extremely up front and straightforward. I never felt dumb asking questions. The entire project was done in two days (!) - communication was great. Sean and his team work hard and get things done right. They respected all neighbours and kept clean areas. Back patio/yard is exactly as I hoped. They will be who I call (and refer friends to) for any future projects. (attached some before/after pics, including one where started to place furniture back out 🙂 )

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Kaitlyn Castro
October 16, 2025

Would 100% recommend! Sean and his team are wonderful people to work with, pays attention to detail and ensures customer satisfaction from beginning to end. Sean even worked within my budget! They left the place clean at the end of each day and of course cleaned up once the work was complete. Sean was very approachable and transparent in communication throughout the project and voiced out any challenges. My son even enjoyed a little ride on his bobcat and would scream in excitement if he saw Sean was outside working. Work consisted of removal of several trees, interlocking, removal/clean up of concrete & deweeding, laying of new sod, moving of shed & gazebo, installing a new garden bed perimeter. Thank you again Sean! You have made my backyard come back to life and finally gave my house some curb appeal!

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Tracy Boyd
October 6, 2025

I first reached out to Square Leaf Landscaping because of their wonderful reviews. My experience with Sean and his team was a pleasure from start to finish. My new replaced front lawn and the artificial turf in the backyard look great. I couldn’t be happier with the work they completed and the clean up afterwards. I would highly recommend this company in the future for any outside project needs you may have. Thanks again Sean. October 2025

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Gail Haddleton
October 3, 2025

Sean and his crew did an excellent job putting up a fence and constructing a dog run with turf and river rock. Would definitely use them again.

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Monica Rothdeutsch
September 26, 2025

Sean and his crew did a fantastic job on our overgrown front lawn. They showed up when they said they would. They did exactly what was discussed and completed the job in one day. They were methodical and well organized. Polite and made sure they cleaned up after the job. So thankful. Sometimes you just get the right people. Three cheers to Square Leaf.

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ellen quintal
September 17, 2025

We had a great experience with Sean at Square Leaf landscaping. We needed a backyard patio built, Sean listened to what we wanted and quickly and efficiently, made it happen. Thank you, we would recommend your company to anyone looking for a landscaper! E.Q.

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Alexandra Kronby
September 12, 2025

Absolutely fabulous! Sean communicates beautifully and consistently. He is extremely fair and honest. Further, Sean and his crew are friendly, professional, punctual, reliable, tidy, tenacious, respectful and extremely hard working. They took down my old deck, built a beautiful new one, planted a massive row of cedars and put in some large flower beds. I would absolutely hire them again and strongly recommend this company to anyone. They are trustworthy and diligent; it is clear they really care. They went above and beyond! A+++++ Oh yeah - they loved my dog, too! 🙂

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Stephanie Laughlin
September 10, 2025

Sean and his team couldn't have been better! Great communication from start to finish. Timely, efficient and did an excellent job with our soak away. We will definitely be using them for future projects and 100% recommend them to everyone! Thank you!

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Tyler Harrison
September 4, 2025

We had an ancient set of stairs and a disaster of a back yard that was completely transformed by Sean and team! The work was done quickly (only two days!) and came in on budget. You can tell that the Square Leaf team puts a lot of pride into their work and it shines through with the results. Now we have the perfect patio to relax and entertain on. Thanks Sean!

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Christine Knight
August 31, 2025

Sean and his team did an amazing job replacing our backyard patio. He was very responsive, on time and he and his team left no mess behind. We are thrilled with his work and will definitely be using them again in the future. Highly recommend!

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Morgan Jones
August 27, 2025

My backyard was a disaster! Sean and his team took care of that. It was a big job, and Sean was efficient and honest. In addition to being knowledgeable, Sean was also creative with his solutions, and he had a good eye for aesthetics and the final finished product. I would highly recommend Square Leaf.

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Shayne Bremner
August 22, 2025

Sean and his team just finished our backyard project. What an amazing job! The new fence and sod look fantastic. The team was clean, polite, professional and easy to communicate with. I highly recommend Squareleaf Landscaping & Design!

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Taylor Dilliott
August 21, 2025

Sean and his team were amazing, would hire them again without a doubt. The work was done quickly and to a very high level of quality, transforming our back yard from a sad dust bowl into an area we actually want to spend time in. They were extremely organized and kept the work areas neat. Sean was easy to communicate with and kept us in the loop on what was happening at all times. 10/10

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Colin V
August 20, 2025

Sean and his team completed my backyard hardscaping and fence addition to add more to our backyard space. He was able to fit us in ahead of schedule which allowed for more time to enjoy our refreshed backyard. The team was professional, punctual and even great with my kids who desperately wanted to watch them move gravel on their equipment. Sean spoke to my neighbours for me to explain that there would be some gravel in the street for a day or so but they would move as quick as possible to get it into the backyard. Which they did. Been a few months now of enjoying the new scenery and couldn't be happier. Thanks to Sean and the team at Square Leaf!

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Jacek R
July 25, 2025

Our neighbours had Square Leaf Landscaping Company come today to completely redo their frontage. The workers arrived promptly at 7:30 a.m. this morning and began the proceedings. Heat and air quality warnings were issued for the city by Environment Canada, mainly due to summer climate change and the wildfires burning in Northern Ontario. The men from this company set to work immediately and have worked there all day in these extremely difficult conditions. As I type, they are still there, finishing today’s business. They never once took a sustained break that we noticed. They worked diligently and very hard all of this stifling summer day. They used machines, but the noise was subdued and not bothersome; they made, of course, some dust and debris, but cleaned up as they worked. They demonstrated extreme professionalism and obvious dedication to the job at hand. We asked if they would remove a garden rock from our place that we wished to dispose of, as they had other rocks to deal with in the course of their landscaping. Sean, the owner, kindly agreed to do this. We consider this company the epitome of professionalism, dedication, courtesy and kindness. Wewould most definitely recommend them based on what we saw transpire today.

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Kevin Davies
July 20, 2025

Sean and his team did a fantastic job of transforming our backyard into a nice place we can now relax while the kids run around. They removed our old pink interlocking pavers from the 70s and put in modern large pavers and new stairs. They also built a little area in the corner for the kids to play with a privacy fence, a barn door gate to keep the kids away from the air conditioner and tools, put down new sod, straightened out our garden pavers, and built a new backyard entrance gate. From the first day he came to give us a quote all the way to the end of the project, Sean and his team were great. We would absolutely contact him for future landscaping work.

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Mary Barac
July 20, 2025

Completed a backyard cleanup and new sod. Clean and thorough job!

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Chelsea Maxwell
July 18, 2025

Sean and his team did an amazing job on our recent landscaping project. Sean is professional, easy to communicate with, and reliable. We had to adjust the start date slightly and he was extremely accommodating and understanding. Once the project started, Sean and his team arrived on time and worked quickly and efficiently, without compromising quality. I am still shocked that they completed the job so quickly and I think this is just a testament to their hard work and dedication. One thing that I really appreciated was that Sean was part of the process from start to finish and was on site for the entire project. It’s evident that he takes pride in his work. I couldn’t be happier with our experience and will confidently be recommending Sean and his team to friends and family members looking for landscaping services.

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Chris Brown
July 4, 2025

Sean was professional, technical, courteous, organized, and clean as he and his team constructed the solid-based, high quality 8ft high retaining wall stretching 40ft along the side of my property, built to hold back the tall steep hill behind it. I fully endorse Square Leaf and their excellent work!

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Diane Robinson
June 29, 2025

Sean and his team installed a buried drain in my front yard. The work was completed in one day. They replaced the sod and cleaned up the property, so you can barely see that work was done. Highly recommend!

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Ellen Brocklebank
June 29, 2025

Sean and his team were fantastic. Sean listened to what we needed completed and gave us a fair quote. They stuck to their timeline and completed the work with care. They cleaned up the area and left the site tidy each day. We would not hesitate to use this service again.

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Sean Crawford
June 24, 2025

I had a driveway in need of a channel drain and tie in to existing catch basin. Shawn and Colin finished the job on time and on budget. Shawn was a complete professional tgrough every step of the process, from quote to final inspection. They even went the extra mile to give the catch basin a facelift. My wife and i are beyond thrilled with the result. Would recommend Shawn and team to anyone and theyll be our first call for our landscaping needs in the future.

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Fernanda Warnock
June 15, 2025

Sean and his team did an excellent job. They were professional, efficient, and had wonderful suggestions and solutions. My backyard looks great, and I’m thrilled with the results. Highly recommend!

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David Worlin
June 9, 2025

We had an amazing experience with Square Leaf Landscaping and Design! Sean and his team completely transformed both our front and back yards. They removed the old lawn, regraded the area, and installed fresh new sod in the front, along with a new sprinkler system in collaboration with 8 Days Irrigation. They also redid all of our brick borders, which now look fantastic. In the backyard, they removed the old turf, regraded the space, and installed high-quality artificial turf along with a custom putting green — it looks incredible! Sean was great to work with — super organized, tidy, friendly, and communicated with us every step of the way. We’re thrilled with the results and highly recommend Square Leaf for any landscaping needs!

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Melissa Kelly
June 7, 2025

Sean was the right choice. He came in at budget, and finished two days earlier than quoted. He and the team were at our house every day until the project was done. The project consisted of a new fence, and two layered deck to an above ground pool. He and the team were a welcomed sight every day. We have two dogs, and once the fence was done, Sean supported them with providing extra materials so they could walk across the deck boards prior to the deck being built. I would recommend them again and again, and want the best for them.

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Jessica DeMarinis
June 7, 2025

Highly recommend Square Leaf. They worked efficiently (and through bad weather!). Our project was completed on time and on budget. We appreciated their thoughtful approach to design. We could not be happier with our new backyard.

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Mike Evans
May 23, 2025

Highly recommend! On time and on budget. Locally owned and superior results.

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Patti Rexworthy
April 25, 2025

We had some work done in our backyard by Square Leaf Landscaping this Spring. The timing and quality of the work was completed exactly as discussed. Sean was very professional as well as easy to talk with. When the job was done he did a follow-up to make sure we were happy. We highly recommend the Square Leaf team for your next project.

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Had four quotes for an all day job removing all the front lawn (1,000 sq feet) and though Square Leaf wasn’t the cheapest, Sean instilled a sense of trust and competence. Though the job ended up being a bit more difficult, the quote did not change. I was very happy with the result and will definitely reach out to Square Leaf for future work - many thanks Sean!

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jweisber
April 5, 2025

Sean did a great job re-grading our gravel drive to keep rainwater away from the basement. Good communication, and a fair price too.

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Billy Gregory
March 8, 2025

We have nothing but good things to say about Sean and his team. The quality of the work was top notch and everything was finished on time and on budget. Sean is about as friendly and reliable as they come, and has an amazing eye for design. He helped update and transform our backyard into the oasis we always knew it could be. We will definitely be using Square Leaf again in the immediate future.

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Nick Smith
March 5, 2025

Sean and his crew transformed our backyard last year ( 2024 ). Their attention to detail and professionalism is second to none. We were thoroughly impressed with the outcome and will be hiring him this season to transform our front yard. I would strongly suggest Square Leaf Landscaping to anyone.

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Kyle Bray
February 28, 2025

I had a fantastic experience working with Sean. From start to finish, he was kind, professional, and incredibly easy to talk to. He took the time to listen to my concerns, explain the process, and ensure I was comfortable with decisions along the way. It’s not easy to find a contractor who is both skilled and personable, but he exceeded my expectations in every way. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a stress-free and positive experience!

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Jim
February 25, 2025

Last summer our Condo Corp. was faced with a major water issue. On a recommendation, we contacted Square Leaf. They came, discussed the issue (a French Drain was required), and gave a start date. The work and workmanship was outstanding. Sean is a very knowledgeable individual and very hands on with the actual project. The work was completed beyond our expectations. One comment from his workers left a major impression on me. They said they "work WITH Sean, not FOR Sean". To me, that indicates a good leader who has created an excellent work environment. Each night, the job site was left neat and secure. When the job was totally completed, you would never know that heavy equipment, rocks, gravel etc. had been here. I guarantee that in the future, should we have any water issues that need to be addressed that we will use Square Leaf. Sean has my phone number and if you need any more information about their work, he has my permission to pass it on. Jim Craig President HCC 188

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Tony Andrews
November 12, 2024

Sean is a master craftsman. I saw him and his crew working on a nearby house and liked what I saw. He rebuilt my front steps and levelled and re-sanded my driveway. He did a great job! I would recommend him to anyone.

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Deborah Lindeman
November 11, 2024

Sean and his assistant, Colin, did an amazing job installing a flagstone walkway with stone flowerbed edging in our front yard. Sean listened carefully as we explained what we were looking for. He then recommended design options that met our needs. When we agreed on a path forward, he proceeded to get the job done in a very reasonable timeframe. Sean was respectful in answering any questions we had as the work progressed. When finished, everything was cleaned up nicely. With the added sod and grass seeding, the new features will blend in well with the existing front yard next spring. Thanks, Sean, for a job well done!

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Mika Wang
October 31, 2024

Impeccable work done in restoring our garden! Great team! Very hardworking and professional! Will definitely call Sean & team for future landscaping work!

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Sean Maharaj
October 28, 2024

Square Leaf Landscaping completed a patio in my backyard and they did an incredible job. They even took care of my grass because it looked a little unkept. The patio came out great and the grass looks the best it has ever looked before. Thanks Sean. I love my patio!

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Casey Watson
October 28, 2024

I have had Square Leaf do landscaping on a few properties now, and they do an exceptional job. Attention to detail and very good advice on how to maintain your property. I also may add they were the most cost effective option compared to other market quotes.

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Dane Marijan
October 27, 2024

Sean was very professional and courteous, and kept a very neat workplace. He started and completed our job in the agreed upon timeframe. His keen attention to detail resulted in a job well done…all of our expectations for redirecting our drainage were met. We would highly recommend Square Leaf Landscaping and Design for any drainage solutions.

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Ron Worlin
October 27, 2024

Sean and his crew did a remarkable job in installing artificial grass in less than 2 days to replace our grub infected front lawn. I found Sean to be a very professional, honest and up front guy who answered all the questions and concerns we had and the merits of installing artificial grass. He even suggested redesigning the border curbing that separated the natural grass from the shrubs and crushed red stone that were in place to reduce the square footage of artificial grass needed thereby reducing the overall cost of the installation. Sean and his crew were very neat and tidy cleaning up after every step of the installation. Sean went beyond what I had expected. I wouldn't hesitate to refer Sean to anyone requiring landscaping services.

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monica n
October 27, 2024

Sean was very attentive to the things we wanted to do with our property, and delivered quality results. We love our new front and back yards now.

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Jennifer Causey
October 26, 2024

We had gotten several quotes. Though Sean’s quote wasn’t the cheapest, however, it addressed what we wanted in terms of drainage and function. Our back patio is simply gorgeous now and the quality of the work is evident. The work completed by Sean and his team exceeded our expectations. Communication was fantastic. I would not hesitate to recommend Square Leaf!

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Milly Yerbury
October 24, 2024

I Cannot say enough good things about Square Leaf landscaping. They did such a great job on our french drain I asked them to come back and fix the significant slope in my backyard. They were patient with me, explained the process, showed materials at different price points and worked creatively to stay within my budget while addressing the slope. The final outcome looks great. I highly recommend contacting them for any and all of your landscaping needs!

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Simon Coulson
October 24, 2024

Sean and his team did a fantastic job grading your property. He was quick to respond to any questions and left the property very clean when the work was complete.

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Lina
October 24, 2024

Square Leaf Landscaping and Design provided excellent service from start to finish. Their communication was clear and timely, and the team was professional and friendly. The quality of their work was excellent, and we’re thrilled with the results. Highly recommend!

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Jenn Patrick
October 7, 2024

My yard had a few pockets that didn't drain well with a lot of rain, half of it was covered in rubber mulch from when my kids had a trampoline, and the remaining sodded areas were patchy and never grew well. I had been looking into artificial turf for a couple of years - and never pulled the trigger until I had Sean from Square Leaf come and look at my yard. The consultation process was quick and easy and it felt like the pieces fell together perfectly to finally move forward with the project. Sean and team were friendly and professional and over 2 days, transformed my backyard into a usable and beautiful space that we are already spending a lot more time in. They worked hard, were efficient and cleaned up at the end of each day. My neighbour's were very complimentary of their work ethic and the finished product. We are very happy and would absolutely work with Square Leaf again.

Hardscape Pricing Guide for Custom Outdoor Spaces

What to expect when budgeting for patios, walkways, and retaining walls

Planning a hardscaping project often starts with questions about budget, and at Square Leaf Landscaping, we spend a lot of time helping homeowners understand what different investments can realistically achieve. Whether you’re looking at an interlocking paver patio, a small retaining wall, a fire pit area, or a more complete backyard upgrade, having cost expectations upfront makes the process smoother.

Hardscaping prices can vary widely depending on project size, material choices, site access, grading, drainage, and overall design complexity. To help you plan with confidence, we’ve outlined typical budget ranges and the types of hardscape features that are commonly built within each.

Square Leaf Landscaping is a locally owned landscaping and hardscaping contractor serving homeowners across the greater Hamilton and Halton region, including Hamilton, Burlington, Stoney Creek, Ancaster, Oakville, and Grimsby, Ontario.

entry level hardscaping services

Entry-Level Hardscaping ($5,000 - $10,000)

This price range works well for homeowners who want to make targeted improvements that clean up the landscape and add definition without taking on a large construction project.

With this level of investment, projects often include items such as:

    • Paver or concrete curbing to clearly separate garden beds, lawns, and walkways.
    • Low garden walls used for raised planting areas or subtle elevation changes, typically under four feet in height.
    • Tree rings built with pavers or natural stone to give trees a finished look while reducing trimming and maintenance.
    • Short paver or stone walkways connecting driveways, sidewalks, or garden areas to the front entrance.
    • Basic front entry upgrades like a small set of steps or a compact landing to improve access and appearance.

This budget is a good fit if your goal is to enhance curb appeal or improve functionality in specific areas, without moving into a full-scale hardscape or backyard renovation.

Mid-Range Hardscaping ($10,000 - $20,000)

This budget range is a good fit for homeowners who want to make their yard more usable and comfortable, while still keeping the scope of work focused and manageable.

With this level of investment, projects commonly include:

    • Paver or natural stone steps and stairs, often used on sloped properties to move cleanly between front, side, and backyard areas.
    • Small retaining walls under three feet high, built to manage grade changes, support planting areas, and help control soil movement.
    • Medium sized interlocking paver patios, ideal for seating, dining, or a dedicated outdoor gathering space.
    • Corner or accent retaining walls that help define garden beds, patio edges, or transitions between spaces.
    • Fire pit installations, either wood burning or gas, designed as a focal point for evening use and casual entertaining.
    • Low voltage outdoor lighting to improve safety along walkways and add subtle nighttime visibility around patios and landscape features.

This budget works well if you want a clearly defined outdoor area that adds function and visual appeal, without moving into major structural changes or a full backyard rebuild.

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expansive outdoor hardscape services hamilton

Expansive Outdoor Living Spaces ($20,000 - $40,000)

This investment level opens the door to more substantial hardscape work, allowing outdoor spaces to be planned as complete environments rather than individual features.

At this budget range, homeowners often consider projects such as:

    • Interlocking paver driveways, including driveway aprons or extensions, designed to improve curb appeal and handle daily vehicle traffic.
    • Terraced retaining walls, typically built in stepped sections on sloped properties to create usable space and improve grade control.
    • Multi-area interlocking paver patios that separate dining, seating, and gathering zones within the same layout.
    • Seating walls constructed with matching pavers or wall systems to provide built-in, low-maintenance seating around patios or fire features.
    • Expanded paver pool decks, offering a clean, durable, and slip-resistant surface around pools and outdoor recreation areas.
    • Enhanced fire pit features, often paired with seating walls to create a natural focal point for entertaining.

This budget range is ideal for homeowners looking to create a cohesive outdoor living space that feels intentional, balanced, and well integrated with the surrounding landscape.

Luxury Outdoor Living ($40,000 - $80,000)

This investment level is suited for homeowners who want a highly personalized outdoor space, with upgraded materials and thoughtful design details that tie the entire property together.

Within this budget range, projects often include features such as:

    • Large scale interlocking paver patios designed with multiple zones for dining, lounging, and gathering, all planned as part of a single cohesive layout.
    • Custom pergolas or pavilions that provide shade, structure, and visual interest, while extending how long the space can be comfortably used throughout the season.
    • Fireplaces or premium fire pit features that serve as a central focal point and anchor the surrounding seating and patio areas.
    • Integrated seating walls and landscape walls, built with matching materials to define spaces and add permanent, low-maintenance seating.
    • Comprehensive outdoor lighting systems that combine pathway lighting, accent lighting, and feature illumination to improve safety and usability after dark.

This budget range is ideal for homeowners who want a polished, resort style outdoor environment that feels intentional, comfortable, and built around how they actually use their yard.

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Poolscapes & Complete Backyard Makeovers ($50,000 - $150,000+)

This investment level is intended for homeowners who want a complete property transformation, where the outdoor space is planned and built as one unified design.

With this level of investment, a hardscape project may include:

    • Large interlocking paver pool decks designed with generous circulation space, integrated seating areas, and coordinated landscaping.
    • Multi-level retaining wall systems, typically built in stepped sections under four feet in height, used to manage slopes and create usable outdoor zones.
    • Extensive multi-zone interlocking paver patios that support entertaining, relaxing, and everyday use across different areas of the yard.
    • Pavilions and covered outdoor structures that provide shade and shelter while creating a natural gathering space.
    • Statement fire features, paired with seating walls or patios to anchor the design and extend evening use.
    • Professionally planned outdoor lighting systems that improve safety, highlight architectural elements, and enhance the space after dark.

This budget range is best suited for homeowners who want a fully designed outdoor living environment that feels intentional, balanced, and tailored to how they plan to use their property long term.

What Affects the Cost of Hardscaping?

Hardscape pricing is shaped by a combination of design choices and site specific conditions. Knowing what affects the final cost helps you plan more accurately and avoid surprises during construction.

1. Material Selection

The materials you choose have a major impact on overall cost. Concrete and interlocking pavers are typically more cost effective and offer long term durability, while natural stone and premium finishes increase both the upfront investment and the visual impact of the project.

2. Site Conditions and Preparation

Every property is different. Excavation depth, grading requirements, soil conditions, and drainage all affect labor and materials. Sloped yards or areas that require additional base preparation and drainage work will increase the complexity and cost of the installation.

3. Project Size and Design Complexity

Larger hardscape areas naturally require more materials and labor. A simple paver walkway is far less involved than a multi zone patio with seating walls, steps, and lighting. Custom layouts, elevation changes, and integrated features all add time and detail to the build.

4. Added Features and Enhancements

Elements such as fire pits, seating walls, and outdoor lighting increase the overall investment, but they also improve how the space functions and how often it gets used. These upgrades are often where a project moves from basic to fully livable outdoor space.

Understanding Hardscape Pricing: Why Costs Vary Between Contractors

When comparing hardscape estimates, it’s common to see prices that fall well below or above the ranges outlined here. That naturally raises questions about why similar projects can be quoted so differently.

The reality is that material costs are fairly consistent. Interlocking pavers, wall systems, base materials, and lighting are priced similarly across the industry. What truly separates one quote from another is the quality of labor, the level of experience, how the project is designed and built, and how the company operates overall.

Why Some Contractors Offer Lower Prices

If a quote comes in much lower than expected, it’s worth understanding what may be missing or compromised.

Lower labor costs often mean less experienced crews

Some lower priced contractors rely on untrained or underqualified labor to keep bids low. This can lead to uneven pavers, poor drainage, and walls or patios that shift over time. Hardscaping requires precision and proper installation techniques. Cutting corners during construction often results in repairs or full rebuilds later on.

Little or no design planning

Lower bids often skip proper design work altogether. Without clear planning, layouts can feel generic and may not function well long term. A well thought out design considers grading, traffic flow, drainage, and how the space will actually be used, not just how it looks on day one.

Inadequate base preparation

The foundation is the most critical part of any hardscape project. Cost cutting often shows up in areas such as shallow excavation, insufficient base material, poor compaction, or missing drainage solutions. These shortcuts can cause sinking, shifting, pooling water, and frost related damage over time.

No warranty or limited follow up

Many low cost contractors do not offer a workmanship warranty or meaningful after project support. If problems arise, homeowners are often left on their own to deal with repairs. Without accountability, the initial savings can disappear quickly.

Unstable or short term business operations

Some low priced contractors operate without proper insurance, licensing, or long term business planning. If issues come up down the road, they may be difficult or impossible to reach.

If a quote feels unusually low, it’s important to look closely at what’s included. Saving upfront can lead to higher costs later through repairs, maintenance, or complete replacement.

Why Some Contractors Charge More

On the other end of the spectrum, you may also see estimates that come in higher than expected. In some cases this reflects added value, while in others it may not.

Higher overhead and operating expenses

Larger companies with extensive office space, heavy advertising, or multiple crews often carry higher overhead. These costs are sometimes passed directly to the homeowner, without necessarily improving the quality of the finished work.

Specialty or premium materials

Some contractors focus on rare or imported materials that significantly increase cost. While these materials can be beautiful, they are not always necessary for a durable, long lasting installation.

More complex or highly detailed designs

Intricate layouts, detailed inlays, and multi level builds require more labor and experience, which increases pricing. If a quote is significantly higher, it’s reasonable to ask what design elements or construction details set it apart.

Excessive profit margins

In some cases, higher pricing simply reflects what a company believes the market will bear. A higher price does not automatically mean better workmanship.

Comparing quotes carefully and asking clear questions about design, construction methods, and long term support will help you understand what you are truly paying for and which investment makes the most sense for your property.

If you want to schedule an estimate for your hardscaping project then please give us a call (289) 707-5607 or fill out our online contact form and we'll get back to you right away.

What’s Included with Square Leaf Landscaping Projects

At Square Leaf Landscaping, we price our work fairly and competitively, with a focus on building outdoor spaces that are properly planned, well constructed, and made to last.

What sets our hardscape work apart

    • Proper site preparation
      We never rush excavation, base installation, or drainage work. Taking the time to do this correctly is what allows patios, walkways, and walls to stay level and perform long term.
    • High quality materials
      We work with trusted suppliers and proven interlocking paver and wall systems that balance appearance, strength, and durability.
    • Skilled workmanship
      Our installations are completed by trained professionals with hands on experience in hardscape construction and finishing details.
    • Custom design and planning
      Each project is designed around your property, grading, and how you plan to use the space, not a one size fits all layout.
    • Reliable business and warranty support
      We stand behind our work with a workmanship warranty and continued support after the project is complete.

We believe in providing strong value for the investment you make in your property. Our pricing reflects the quality of construction, materials, and attention to detail that go into every project, without unnecessary overhead driving up costs.

If you’re planning an interlocking paver patio, a small retaining wall, a fire feature, a poolside improvement, or a complete backyard transformation, we’d be glad to help you create an outdoor space built to last.

Our Clients Love Us!

Here's What They Say

Jamey Hanton

We called Sean because our backyard was in need of a solution for drainage. He knew exactly what we needed and worked inside our budget. They worked hard and were very professional. We are happy with his work and will hire again. Thanks Sean!

Jamey Hanton June 6, 2024
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Tracy Boyd

I first reached out to Square Leaf Landscaping because of their wonderful reviews. My experience with Sean and his team was a pleasure from start to finish. My new replaced front lawn and the artificial turf in the backyard look great. I couldn’t be happier with the work they completed and the clean up afterwards. I would highly recommend this company in the future for any outside project needs you may have. Thanks again Sean. October 2025

Tracy Boyd October 6, 2025
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Nancy ONeill

I am so pleased with work done at my home by Sean and crew. They were on time and left my home clean and tidy. Sean was a delight from his quote right to the end! I could not give them a higher review. They are the best!!!

Nancy ONeill August 7, 2024
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Sam Funke

Sean was quick to quote the trimming of a large hedge for us. He advised it would be a month or two out, but sqeezed us in earlier. They cleaned up all the debris and completed the job in 1 day. Based on this experience, I would have no problem recommending Square Leaf for this type of work.

Sam Funke April 3, 2024
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Helen N

They did an amazing job making our front and backyard so beautiful. They were also very professional and worked in an organized manner. I would recommend them!

Helen N January 11, 2024
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Melissa Kelly

Sean was the right choice. He came in at budget, and finished two days earlier than quoted. He and the team were at our house every day until the project was done. The project consisted of a new fence, and two layered deck to an above ground pool. He and the team were a welcomed sight every day. We have two dogs, and once the fence was done, Sean supported them with providing extra materials so they could walk across the deck boards prior to the deck being built. I would recommend them again and again, and want the best for them.

Melissa Kelly June 7, 2025
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Teresa Patterson

We had sean and his team out last summer to do a small patio and some artificial turf in our backyard, and we are in love with our new outdoor space. Sean was easy to work with, made sure to take all our requests into consideration when planning out the job, and his team was friendly and tidy. Great experience with square leaf landscaping! If you’re thinking about it , go for it! You won’t regret it!

Teresa Patterson February 28, 2024
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Jacek R

Our neighbours had Square Leaf Landscaping Company come today to completely redo their frontage. The workers arrived promptly at 7:30 a.m. this morning and began the proceedings. Heat and air quality warnings were issued for the city by Environment Canada, mainly due to summer climate change and the wildfires burning in Northern Ontario. The men from this company set to work immediately and have worked there all day in these extremely difficult conditions. As I type, they are still there, finishing today’s business. They never once took a sustained break that we noticed. They worked diligently and very hard all of this stifling summer day. They used machines, but the noise was subdued and not bothersome; they made, of course, some dust and debris, but cleaned up as they worked. They demonstrated extreme professionalism and obvious dedication to the job at hand. We asked if they would remove a garden rock from our place that we wished to dispose of, as they had other rocks to deal with in the course of their landscaping. Sean, the owner, kindly agreed to do this. We consider this company the epitome of professionalism, dedication, courtesy and kindness. Wewould most definitely recommend them based on what we saw transpire today.

Jacek R July 25, 2025
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