Landscaping and hardscaping quotes are among the most variable in any trade — not just in price but in what’s actually included. Two quotes for “an interlock patio” can differ by $15,000 and still be describing completely different base depths, different materials, different drainage provisions, and different quality of edging and finishing. Without asking the right questions, comparing them is meaningless.
“The single most important thing in a hardscape quote is the base specification. Everything else — the stone choice, the pattern, the color — is visible after installation. The base is invisible. And the base is what determines whether the patio still looks good in five years or needs to be completely rebuilt. If the base depth and material aren’t specified in writing, you don’t actually know what you’re buying.”
— Marcus Obi, certified hardscape installer and a recognized landscaping trade association member with 15 years of experience in residential hardscaping across the Greater Toronto Area
Table of Contents
Before You Compare Quotes
Are you getting at least three quotes?
For any landscaping project above $3,000 — and most significant hardscaping projects run $10,000–$50,000 or more — three quotes is the right minimum. The variation in both price and scope is significant enough that fewer quotes give you insufficient information.
Are all quotes based on the same scope and specifications?
Before comparing prices, confirm each contractor is quoting the same materials (same stone product or paver brand and style), the same base depth and material, the same drainage provisions, and the same inclusions (removal of existing material, disposal, sealing, edging, etc.). Without this, you’re comparing very different projects.
Questions About Hardscape Quotes
What base depth and material is specified?
This is the most important question in any hardscape quote. A properly prepared base for interlock pavers typically requires:
Driveways: 8–12″ of compacted granular base (HL3 or equivalent crushed limestone) plus a 1″ bedding layer of screenings
Pedestrian patios and walkways: 4–6″ of compacted granular base plus 1″ bedding
Steps: Varies by height and material — ask specifically
Ask for the specific depth in inches and the specific material. If a contractor proposes significantly less depth than these ranges, ask why.
For more: Questions to Ask a Hardscaping Contractor About Base Preparation and Drainage
What paver or stone product is specified?
Ask for the specific brand, product line, size, thickness, and color. For interlock pavers, reputable brands in many regions include Unilock, Techo-Bloc, Permacon, and EP Henry. Paver thickness matters — 60mm (residential pedestrian) vs 80mm (residential vehicular/driveway) are different products with different load ratings. Ask whether the specified paver thickness is appropriate for the intended use.
Is edging included, and what type?
Interlock installations require edge restraints to prevent pavers from spreading laterally over time. Ask whether edge restraints are included and what type — plastic landscape edging (less durable) vs. concrete edge restraints or soldier course pavers (more durable).
Is sealing included?
Sealing interlock pavers after installation (and periodically thereafter) protects joint sand, enhances color, and extends lifespan. Ask whether sealing is included in the quote or offered as an additional service.
How is drainage addressed?
Ask specifically: what slope is being built into the surface to direct water away from structures? Where does surface water go at the edge of the hardscape? Is any additional drainage infrastructure (catch basins, French drains, swales) included or required?
What is the timeline from contract to completion?
Hardscaping projects have real lead times — material ordering, equipment scheduling, and weather dependencies. Ask for a realistic timeline and what weather conditions would delay the project.
Questions About Soft Landscaping Quotes
What specific plants are being specified?
Any planting plan should name specific plants — genus, species, and cultivar (e.g., Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’, not just “hydrangea”). This allows you to verify the plants are appropriate for your zone, your soil, and your light conditions, and to compare quotes meaningfully.
What is the plant size at installation?
Plant sizes vary significantly — a 2-gallon shrub and a 7-gallon shrub of the same species look very different at installation and at maturity. Ask specifically what size (container size or caliper for trees) is being quoted.
What soil preparation is included?
Quality planting includes soil amendment — compost, fertilizer, and in some cases complete soil replacement — to give plants the best start. Ask whether soil preparation is included and what it involves.
Is mulch included, and how much?
A 2–3″ layer of mulch over planting beds conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and moderates soil temperature. Ask whether mulch is included and what depth.
Questions About Payment
What is the payment schedule?
A reasonable payment schedule: a deposit of 10–30% at signing (to cover initial material ordering — stone and paver material is often ordered and delivered before installation begins), a milestone payment when materials are delivered and base work is complete, and the balance at satisfactory completion.
Avoid contractors who ask for more than 50% upfront before any work has begun.
Do you accept cheque or e-transfer?
Always pay by cheque or e-transfer. Cash-only landscaping operators leave you no paper trail.
Related Questions
- Questions to Ask a Landscaper or Hardscaping Contractor Before You Hire One
- Questions to Ask a Hardscaping Contractor About Base Preparation and Drainage
- How Much Does Landscaping and Hardscaping Cost ?
- Red Flags When Hiring a Landscaper or Hardscaping Contractor
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