How Much Does Flowerbed Installation Cost? [2025 Data]
Flowerbed installation costs $2,000 on average, with most homeowners spending an average range of $1,000 to $3,000. Your final price depends on bed size, materials, and design complexity.
Flowerbed installation costs depend on bed size, materials, and design choices.
Expect to spend $10 to $20 per square foot for professional flower bed installation.
Professional installation costs $30 to $100 per hour and ensures proper soil prep and plant selection.
Adding features like edging or irrigation increases total cost.
Well-designed flowerbeds can boost home value and offer an ROI of 50% to 80%.
This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by an Angi Editor in accordance with our AI policy.
On average, flowerbed installation costs $2,000, with most homeowners paying between $1,000 and $3,000 for a new bed. Prices range from $10 to $20 per square foot, depending on materials, labor, and design. The final cost reflects the size of your flowerbed, plant selection, and any custom features you choose.
A well-planned flowerbed adds beauty and function to your landscape. This guide will walk you through what to expect for flowerbed installation costs, including what drives prices and how to get the most value from your project.
Flowerbed Size
The size of your flowerbed is one of the strongest factors affecting installation cost. Larger beds require more plants, soil, edging, and labor, which increases the total price. Most residential flowerbeds fall into small (under 50 square feet), medium (50 to 150 square feet), or large (over 150 square feet) categories. While bigger beds sometimes benefit from bulk pricing on materials, the added labor and complexity often outweigh the savings.
| Flowerbed Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $750 | $500–$1,000 |
| 100 | $1,500 | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 150 | $2,250 | $1,500–$3,000 |
Flowerbed Type
Choosing the right type of flowerbed impacts both cost and long-term maintenance. Common options include in-ground, raised, container, and specialty beds. Each has its own material and labor requirements.
In-ground beds: Use existing soil and are cost-effective, but may require extra soil amendment.
Raised beds: Offer improved drainage and accessibility but cost more due to lumber or stone.
Container beds: Versatile and mobile but limited in size and can be pricier per square foot.
Specialty beds: Pollinator, shade, or xeriscape beds often require specific plants or features, raising both material and design costs.
Customization, such as curved shapes, multi-level beds, or built-in irrigation, will also increase the price.
| Flowerbed Type | Description | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-ground | Directly in soil, minimal structure | $1,000–$3,000. | Affordable, natural look | Soil prep may be extensive |
| Raised bed | Built above ground with wood/stone | $200–$1,500 | Good drainage, easier access | Higher material/labor costs |
| Container bed | Planters or pots, portable | $100–$500 per container | Flexible placement, easy to move | Limited size, dries out quickly |
| Specialty (e.g., pollinator, xeriscape) | Custom plants/features | $750–$3,750 | Supports wildlife, unique design | Custom planning and plants are costly |
Cost by Location
Your geographic location and specific site conditions affect flowerbed installation cost. Labor rates, material prices, and plant availability vary by region. Urban areas often have higher labor costs than rural locations.
Site-specific factors such as installing a bed in the front yard (easy access) versus a backyard (limited access), or on sloped terrain, can affect both labor and material expenses. Local regulations or HOA rules may also require permits or specific materials, adding to the cost.
Flowerbed Installation Cost Factors
Several factors directly impact your final flowerbed installation cost. Here’s a closer look at what impacts your total.
Labor
Professional landscapers, gardeners, and design consultants are often involved. Labor rates can range from $30 to $100 per hour or $5 to $15 per square foot, depending on experience and region. Some companies charge a minimum service fee, especially for smaller projects.
Complex designs, extensive soil work, or installing irrigation will raise labor costs. Labor rates also rise during busy seasons.
Permits
Permits are usually only needed for major excavation, retaining walls, or permanent irrigation systems. Fees range from $50 to $400, depending on your municipality. Always check with your local building department or HOA to confirm what’s required.
Features
Adding features will increase your flowerbed installation cost:
Edging materials (stone, metal, plastic): $1 to $25 per linear foot
Mulch: $30 to $70 per cubic yard
Weed barriers: $0.50 to $2 per square foot
Irrigation systems: $500 to $1,500 extra per bed
Lighting: $100 to $500 per bed
Decorative accents (boulders, statues): varies by choice
Premium materials or custom shapes also add to the price.
Other Cost Factors
Design complexity, such as curved or multi-level beds, increases both material waste and labor time. Accessibility—like beds far from your driveway, steep slopes, or tight spaces—can add to labor and delivery costs.
Site prep, including removing old landscaping or soil testing, will also raise your total. After the work is done, post-construction cleanup and debris removal may be an extra charge.
If you hire a landscape designer, design fees range from $50 to $150 per hour. Some HOAs or cities require inspections, which can add $50 to $200.
Additional Costs to Consider
Keep these extra costs in mind when planning your flowerbed installation project to avoid surprises.
Warranties
Some landscapers offer warranties on plants, materials, or workmanship, often for one to three years. These may cost extra—5% to 10% of the project price—but provide peace of mind. Warranties often cover plant replacement if they fail within the covered period, but read the fine print for exclusions.
Operating Costs
Ongoing costs include watering, fertilizing, seasonal planting, and pest control. Automated irrigation may raise your water bill by $10 to $30 monthly in peak season. Plant selection affects maintenance: native or drought-tolerant species often require less water and care, while annuals or specialty plants need more regular attention.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance involves weeding, mulching, pruning, and replacing annuals. Expect to spend $500 to $1,200 per year if hiring a service for monthly visits, or less if you do it yourself or only have your beds professionally serviced in the spring and summer. Raised or specialty beds may require more frequent care.
Taxes
Sales tax may apply to both materials and labor, depending on your state. Rates and exemptions vary, so check local regulations to avoid surprises on your final bill.
Insurance
Always hire insured professionals to protect yourself from liability during installation. Insurance covers accidents or damage to your property. Large or complex projects may require the contractor to carry extra coverage—ask to see proof before work begins.
DIY Flowerbed Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
If you’re considering a DIY approach, you can save on labor but will still need to budget for materials, tool rental or purchase, and disposal fees. DIY flowerbed installation cost for a standard bed (100 square feet) ranges from $300 to $900, depending on plant and material choices. Hidden costs can arise from mistakes, rework, or improper soil prep.
Basic DIY skills and tools required include:
Shovels, rakes, wheelbarrow, and gloves
Soil amendments, edging, and mulch
Plant selection and placement knowledge
Ability to remove old grass, weeds, or debris
DIY installation often takes a full weekend or longer and involves heavy lifting and repetitive work. Mistakes with drainage or plant choice can lead to costly fixes and may void plant warranties.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison for a 100-square-foot bed:
| Approach | Materials & tools | Labor | Disposal | Design fees | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY | $450–$1,300 | $0 | $20–$50 | $0 | $470–$1,350 |
| Professional | $300–$900 | $500–$1,000 | $50–$100 | $100–$300 | $950–$2,300 |
Flowerbed Replacement vs. Repair
Sometimes, you can repair a flowerbed instead of replacing it. Repairs are best for issues like dead plants, damaged edging, or compacted soil. Full replacement is recommended for severe weed infestations, poor drainage, or an outdated or failing design.
If your repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement cost, it’s best to replace the bed. For example, repairing a medium bed (replacing plants, fixing edging, adding soil) may cost $400 to $800, while a full replacement could be $1,000 to $2,000. Factor in the age of the bed and any plant warranties—older or poorly performing beds are better candidates for replacement.
Does Flowerbed Installation Add Value to Your Home?
Professional flowerbed installation offers a strong return on investment (ROI), often between 50% and 80%. Flowerbeds create curb appeal, making your home more attractive to buyers. Compared to other landscaping projects, flowerbeds are a cost-effective way to boost value and enjoyment.
Additional benefits include improved safety (clear, well-defined walkways), efficiency (low-maintenance or drought-tolerant designs), and enhanced functionality (pollinator or edible beds). Beautiful, accessible beds can be enjoyed by everyone and make outdoor spaces more inviting.
Tips to Reduce Cost While Installing a Flowerbed
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your flower bed project more budget-friendly:
Choose native or drought-tolerant plants to lower material and maintenance costs.
Install flowerbeds during the off-season for potential labor discounts.
Source materials locally to reduce delivery fees.
DIY simple tasks like mulching or edging to cut labor costs.
Get multiple quotes from reputable local landscapers to compare pricing.
Opt for simpler designs or smaller beds if on a tight budget.
Reuse existing soil or compost where possible.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Get our Angi-powered app
