Where’s the job?

Scope of Works

• Survey and mark out bed position and confirm dimensions with you

• Remove turf and level base and report unexpected buried services or contamination

• Cut and assemble chosen materials (timber sleepers, cedar, galvanised steel or stone) to agreed size

• Install liner and basic drainage where specified and treat/finish exposed timber as requested

• Supply and spread topsoil or compost if included in quote and level finished surfaces

• Remove and responsibly dispose of arisings and existing sleepers and leave site tidy

Typical Cost

Time on Site

Small single timber bed: 2–6 hours; medium multi-section bed: 1–2 days. Factors that extend time include poor vehicle or garden access, large volumes of soil to move, buried services or contamination, concrete footings, bad weather or bespoke joinery

Questions to Ask Your Tradie

• Can you provide a written quote that lists materials, labour and disposal costs and payment terms?

• Are the timbers pressure treated or rot‑resistant and do they carry a warranty?

• Do you include topsoil/compost and how do you measure quality and volume?

• Will you remove existing sleepers/soil and what are the likely disposal costs?

• Do you check for underground services and do you need me to obtain utility plans before work starts?

• What insurance, guarantees and aftercare do you offer for the build?

How to Avoid Surprises

• Clear the immediate area of garden furniture, pots and fragile plants

• Ensure vehicle access and a place to leave materials close to the work area

• Confirm parking or arrange permits for large deliveries

• Point out underground taps, cables or old sleeper locations to the tradie before work starts

• Let the tradie know about pets, gate access codes and any neighbouring boundaries or restrictions