When planning your dream home, it’s easy to focus on the interior finishes, kitchen upgrades, and smart home features—but what about your outdoor spaces?
A luxury landscape isn’t just an afterthought—it’s an extension of your home, designed to complement your lifestyle and add significant value to your property. Whether you’re planning a high-end outdoor kitchen, resort-style pool, or lush desert retreat, setting a realistic budget is key to getting the results you want.
So, how much should you budget for a complete custom landscape?
Industry Standards: What Percentage of Your Budget Should Go to Landscaping?
A good rule of thumb is to allocate 15% to 35% of your total home construction budget to landscape development.
- 15% – A well-designed but simple landscape with hardscaping, irrigation, and a thoughtful mix of plantings.
- 20% – A balanced, high-end landscape with added features like lighting, seating areas, and an outdoor kitchen.
- 35% – A resort-style outdoor environment with custom hardscaping, an outdoor living area, a full outdoor kitchen, a pool/spa, mature plantings, and high-end finishes.
For luxury homes in Scottsdale, 20% of the total home construction budget is a solid working number for most projects. I think this number works really well to set expectations for homes in the $3M-$6M range. Above that, the site expenses are no longer in the same proportion to the overall budget.
Cost Breakdown: What Does a Luxury Landscape Actually Cost?
Here’s a breakdown of expected costs for some of the most common custom landscape elements. These numbers reflect current market rates in 2024, including labor, materials, and installation costs.
Pools & Water Features
- Custom Pool: $65,000 – $130,000+
- Spa/Hot Tub Addition: $15,000 – $30,000
- Waterfalls or Custom Features: $10,000 – $25,000
- Baja Shelf or Swim-Up Bar: $8,000 – $15,000
Why It Matters: A high-end pool is often the centerpiece of luxury landscapes, but costs depend on materials, size, complexity, and added features like fire bowls or infinity edges.
Hardscaping (Patios, Walkways, Driveways, & Walls)
- Paver or Natural Stone Patio: $15,000 – $40,000
- Driveway (Paver or Custom Concrete): $25,000 – $50,000
- Retaining or Decorative Walls: $8,000 – $30,000+
- Custom Fire Pit or Fireplace: $10,000 – $25,000
Why It Matters: Hardscaping sets the stage for outdoor living—these areas need to be durable, well-designed, and seamlessly integrated with the overall aesthetic.
Outdoor Kitchens & Dining Areas
- Basic Outdoor Kitchen (Grill, Counter, Storage): $15,000 – $30,000
- Fully Equipped Outdoor Kitchen: $30,000 – $60,000+
- Built-In Pizza Oven: $8,000 – $15,000
- Custom Bar Area: $10,000 – $25,000
Why It Matters: Outdoor kitchens transform your yard into an entertainment hub, and premium materials and appliances make all the difference.
Shade Structures & Outdoor Living Spaces
- Pergola (Wood or Aluminum): $10,000 – $25,000
- Ramada (Full Covered Patio with Roof): $25,000 – $50,000+
- Ceiling Fans, Lighting & Heaters: $5,000 – $15,000
- Outdoor Living Room (Seating, TV, Fireplace): $20,000 – $50,000
Why It Matters: Scottsdale summers demand shaded areas, and investing in a well-designed outdoor structure extends your enjoyment year-round.
Landscaping & Softscaping (Plants, Trees, Turf & Irrigation)
- Custom Landscape Design & Installation: $15,000 – $50,000+
- Mature Trees (Palo Verde, Mesquite, Citrus, etc.): $1,500 – $5,000 each
- Desert Plantings & Flower Beds: $8,000 – $20,000
- Artificial Turf Installation: $8,000 – $25,000
- Irrigation System (Drip, Smart Controller, Drainage): $3,000 – $10,000
Why It Matters: High-end landscapes incorporate mature trees, lush desert-friendly plantings, and efficient irrigation to keep everything thriving with minimal maintenance.
Boulders, Decorative Rock & Other Features
- Decorative Boulders (Hand-Selected & Installed): $500 – $5,000+
- Custom Lighting System: $5,000 – $15,000
- Corten Steel Planters & Custom Metalwork: $5,000 – $20,000
- Retaining Walls & Custom Rock Features: $10,000 – $40,000
Why It Matters: Boulders, rock, and metal accents add structure, texture, and drama to any outdoor space.
What Drives the Cost of a Custom Landscape?
Your landscape budget is influenced by several factors:
- Size & Scope – A larger lot or more extensive design means higher costs.
- Material Choices – Premium finishes like hand-cut stone, custom tile, or rare plants increase expenses.
- Labor & Complexity – The more intricate the design (custom masonry, detailed hardscaping), the higher the labor costs.
- Site Conditions – Grading, drainage corrections, or challenging terrain can add costs.
How to Plan Your Budget & Get the Best Value
- Set Priorities First – Decide what features matter most and where you can scale back.
- Plan in Phases – If budget is tight, install core elements first, then add features over time.
- Work With Experts – Professional landscape designers prevent costly mistakes and ensure seamless integration.
- Invest in Quality – Cheaper materials and shortcuts end up costing more in the long run.
Final Thoughts: A Smart Investment in Your Home’s Future
A well-designed landscape isn’t just about curb appeal—it enhances livability, adds significant property value, and creates an outdoor space you’ll love for years.
If you’re ready to create a custom luxury landscape, let’s discuss your vision, budget, and design goals.
Contact me today to start planning your dream outdoor space!
