Backyard landscaping is the design and construction of a residential outdoor living space, typically combining hardscaping (patios, decks, pools), softscaping (planting, lawns), and features like lighting, outdoor kitchens, and pergolas. In Toronto and the GTA, a full backyard landscaping project generally runs from $80,000 to $400,000+ depending on scope, and takes 8 to 16 weeks to build once the design is approved.
Backyard Landscaping Design & Build in Toronto
Your backyard is the most underused square footage on your property, until it’s designed properly. At Land-Con, we’ve spent 25+ years as a luxury backyard landscaping and renovation company, turning ordinary yards across Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, Aurora, Concord, and the wider GTA into private outdoor spaces built around how you actually live: entertaining, swimming, cooking outside, or simply having somewhere quiet to sit. From a full backyard renovation to a targeted yard design refresh, every project is designed and built by our own in-house landscapers, with no subcontracted design work, and backed by a five-year, transferable workmanship warranty.
- ✓25+ Years Designing & Building Backyards Across Toronto & the GTA
- ✓Award-Winning — National & Provincial Landscape Design Honours
- ✓Active Member of Landscape Ontario, BILD, ICPI & NCMA
- ✓5-Year Extended Warranty on All Workmanship
- ✓In-House Design & Build — One Team, Start to Finish
Backyard Landscaping Designs & Ideas We Build
No two backyards get the same plan. A narrow city lot in Etobicoke needs a different approach than a half-acre property in Aurora, and a steep or sloped lot needs different engineering than a flat one. As your landscape contractor, we work through garden design, hardscaping, and structural elements together rather than as separate quotes. Most Land-Con backyard landscaping designs draw from the following, combined based on your lot size, budget, and how you want to use the space:
Have a smaller lot or want more design inspiration? Our backyard landscaping design ideas post covers space-saving layouts alongside broader design styles. Dealing with a grade change or hillside property? Our guide to landscaping ideas for sloped backyards covers stairs, retaining walls, and terracing options.
Swimming Pools & Spas
A pool is usually the anchor of a backyard redesign. Our team handles custom swimming pool design and build in-house, from excavation through coping and decking, so the pool, patio, and planting are designed as one connected space rather than separate contracts. See how our designers think through pool placement for sun, privacy, wind, and sightlines before construction begins.
Patios, Decks & Interlocking
Hardscaping is what makes a backyard usable year-round. We build custom decks and interlocking patios sized to your entertaining needs, with proper base preparation and drainage so surfaces hold up through Ontario’s freeze-thaw winters.
Outdoor Kitchens & Bars
For homeowners who entertain, an outdoor kitchen and bar extends the living space outside. Built-in grills, counters, and seating are positioned to work with the rest of the yard’s layout.
Cabanas, Pergolas & Shade Structures
Cabanas and pergolas add covered space for shade, poolside lounging, or a standalone outdoor room. This is a common addition to larger backyard projects.
Landscape Lighting
Outdoor landscape lighting is what makes a backyard usable after sunset and highlights the hardscaping and planting you’ve invested in. We design lighting plans alongside the rest of the build, not as an afterthought.
Stamped Concrete & Softscaping
Where interlocking isn’t the right fit, we offer stamped concrete hardscaping, paired with garden beds, sod, and planting designed for Southern Ontario’s climate and soil conditions.
Our Backyard Landscaping Process
- Consultation — We visit your property, discuss budget and how you want to use the space, and review municipal setback and permit requirements.
- Design — Our in-house designers produce a full landscape plan with 3D visualization so you can see the finished backyard before construction starts.
- Construction — One in-house crew and project manager execute the build start to finish — pool, hardscaping, lighting, and planting on a single coordinated schedule.
- Handover & Warranty — Final walkthrough, care instructions, and a five-year transferable workmanship warranty.
See our full landscape design and construction process for more detail on timelines and what to expect at each stage.
How Much Does Backyard Landscaping Cost in Toronto?
Backyard landscaping costs in the GTA typically fall into three tiers, depending on scope:
| Project Scope | Typical Budget | What’s Usually Included |
|---|---|---|
| Hardscape Refresh | $80,000 – $150,000 | Interlocking patio or deck, planting, basic lighting |
| Mid-Size Transformation | $150,000 – $250,000 | Pool or spa, patio, outdoor kitchen, full lighting plan |
| Full Estate Backyard | $250,000 – $400,000+ | Custom pool, cabana/pergola, outdoor kitchen, retaining walls, complete softscaping |
Final pricing depends on lot size, grading, material selection, and whether a pool is included. Working with a smaller budget? Our guide on building a budget-friendly landscaping master plan covers how to phase a project without compromising the overall design. Book a free consultation for an accurate quote based on your property.
Backyard Landscaping Across Toronto & the GTA
We provide residential landscaping and backyard renovation services for homeowners throughout Vaughan, Aurora, North York, Etobicoke, Richmond Hill, Markham, Concord, Oakville, Mississauga, and surrounding Southern Ontario communities. Lot sizes, soil conditions, and municipal permit requirements vary by city — our team accounts for this at the design stage so approvals move faster and the finished backyard suits the property.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backyard Landscaping
Whether you’re planning a full remodel of an existing back yard or starting from a blank slate, here’s what homeowners across the GTA most often ask us before starting a backyard remodeling project:
How much does backyard landscaping cost in Toronto?
Most backyard landscaping projects in the GTA range from $80,000 to $400,000+, depending on whether the project includes a pool, the size of the lot, and material selection. A hardscape-only refresh sits at the lower end; a full backyard with a pool, cabana, and outdoor kitchen sits at the higher end.
How long does a backyard landscaping project take?
Design typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, including 3D visualization and permit approval. Construction runs 8 to 16 weeks depending on scope — pool installations and larger hardscape projects take longer than a patio-and-planting refresh.
Do I need a permit for backyard landscaping in Ontario?
Permits are generally required for pools, retaining walls over a certain height, and structures like cabanas or covered pergolas. Requirements vary by municipality. We handle permit applications as part of our design process.
Can you design for a small backyard?
Yes. Small and narrow lots — common in older Toronto neighbourhoods — are designed with vertical elements, multi-purpose hardscaping, and space-efficient planting to make the most of limited square footage without the yard feeling cramped.
What’s included in the 5-year warranty?
Our five-year extended warranty covers workmanship on structural features — pools, retaining walls, patios, decks, and driveways. It’s transferable if you sell your home within the warranty period.
Do you handle both design and construction in-house?
Yes. Our landscape designers, project managers, and construction crews are all in-house — we don’t subcontract the design work, so the same team that plans your backyard is the one that builds it.
Can backyard landscaping include a pool?
Yes — pools are one of the most common anchors of a backyard redesign. We design the pool, patio, and surrounding landscaping together as one plan rather than treating the pool as a separate project.
Related Reading
- Learn All About Backyard Landscaping and Why It’s Crucial
- 5 Low-Maintenance Backyard Landscaping Ideas
- The Rise of Private Sports Courts in Backyard Landscaping
- How Much Does an Outdoor Kitchen Cost in Toronto & the GTA?
Start Your Backyard Landscaping Project
Book a free consultation and we’ll visit your property to discuss design options and budget — call 416.504.5263 or fill out the form below.