Introduction
If you’ve been researching a patio, retaining wall, outdoor kitchen, or landscaping project recently, you may have noticed that pricing looks different than it did several years ago. Many homeowners understandably ask the same question: Why are outdoor projects more expensive today?
Below are the key forces shaping landscaping and hardscaping projects in 2026.
Construction Material Costs Remain Elevated
Material costs are still higher than they were before 2020, even though supply chains have stabilized.
- Construction input prices have risen about 44.5% since 2020, lifting material costs across the industry.
https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-materials-costs-increase-gordian/810419
- Building material prices increased around 3.5% year over year, reflecting continued cost pressures across residential construction..
Source:
https://www.nahb.org/blog/2026/01/building-material-price-growth
These increases affect materials commonly used in landscaping projects, including:
- Pavers and stone
- Lumber and structural components
- Outdoor lighting
- Drainage systems
- Hardscape hardware
Skilled Labor Shortages Are Increasing Installation Costs
Outdoor construction projects require skilled trades such as masons, technicians, and carpenters. Demand for these workers continues to exceed supply.
- The construction industry needs an estimated 439,000 additional workers in 2025 and 499,000 in 2026 to meet projected demand.
Source:https://www.abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/abc-construction-industry-must-attract-439000-workers-in-2025 - Construction wages now exceed $40 per hour in many states, with faster wage growth in some markets pointing to especially tight labor conditions.
Source:https://eyeonhousing.org/2025/06/states-with-highest-and-fastest-rising-construction-wages-2025
Impacts for homeowners:
- Installation costs are higher than previous years
- Experienced contractors often book months in advance
Supply Chains and Global Markets Influence Pricing
Even local construction projects are affected by global material supply chains.
- Homebuilders imported about $14 billion in construction materials in 2024, including metals and other key inputs used in building projects.
Source:https://nypost.com/2026/03/03/real-estate/democrats-bill-aims-to-slash-home-prices-by-cutting-building-materials-tariffs
Factors that influence pricing include:
- Tariffs on steel and aluminum
- Supply-chain uncertainty
- Cross-border manufacturing exposure
- Production disruptions and limited component availability
These can affect:
- Aluminum and steel products
- Outdoor lighting components
- Custom fabrication products
- Concrete planters and other imported site furnishings
Demand for Outdoor Living Spaces Continues to Grow
Homeowners continue investing heavily in outdoor living environments.
Popular projects include:
- Patios and outdoor kitchens
- Fire features
- Landscape redesigns
- Outdoor lighting and entertainment spaces
At the same time, commercial construction, infrastructure projects, and residential development all compete for the same workforce.
Source:https://www.redhammer.io/blog/u-s-construction-labor-trends—february-2025
Construction demand remains strong in key sectors.
Manufacturing, infrastructure, data center, and other major projects continue competing for the same limited pool of skilled workers. As a result:
- Higher demand for experienced contractors
- Longer scheduling timelines as labor shortages persist
Planning Ahead Can Help Manage Costs
While these industry trends affect everyone, homeowners still have one key advantage: timing.
Planning early allows homeowners to:
- Lock in material pricing
- Secure a contractor’s schedule before peak season
- Avoid spring and summer backlogs
- Spend more time designing the right project
At Borsello Landscaping, the goal is simple: build outdoor spaces that are designed correctly, built beautifully, and built to last.
Starting the planning process early helps homeowners stay ahead of rising costs while ensuring their project is completed on schedule.
