Introduction
One of the biggest drivers of project costs is the price of construction materials. While supply conditions have improved in some areas, pricing pressures continue across much of the industry. According to the National Association of Home Builders, building material prices rose approximately 3.5% year over year recently, continuing an upward trend in construction costs.
Source:https://www.nahb.org/blog/2026/01/building-material-price-growth
Producer Price Index data also shows that construction material inputs increased about 3.5% year over year, with some categories rising more than 6% depending on the material.
Source:https://news.constructconnect.com/construction-costs-on-the-rise-unpacking-the-ppi-price-surge
More importantly, the long-term trend tells an even bigger story. Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, construction input prices have increased roughly 44.5% overall, raising project cost expectations across the industry.
Source:https://www.constructiondive.com/news/construction-materials-costs-increase-gordian/810419
Even if material prices are no longer swinging as sharply as they did in earlier years, they are not expected to reset in 2026. Steel and aluminum remain elevated, electrical equipment prices continue to fluctuate, and contractors are still building escalation language into projects because tariff policy and supply-chain costs remain uncertain.
This can affect important parts of a project, including:
- Steel and aluminum products
- Electrical equipment and components
- Materials exposed to tariff-related cost changes
- Products that require stronger pricing contingencies or longer planning windows
Industry forecasts suggest material costs will likely rise another 2% to 4% in 2026, meaning projects may gradually become more expensive over time even without the kind of shock pricing seen in prior years.
Source:https://www.constructiondive.com/news/5-construction-trends-2026/808904
Why Prices Haven’t Dropped Back Down
Some homeowners assume that once supply chains stabilized, construction prices would return to earlier levels. However, prices are not expected to fully reset in 2026. Industry forecasts suggest material costs will increase another 2% to 4% this year, with steel and aluminum still elevated, some electrical equipment prices still swinging, and tariff uncertainty continuing to add volatility to project pricing.
Source:https://www.constructiondive.com/news/5-construction-trends-2026/808904
Why Planning Projects Early Can Help
Because material prices are expected to continue trending upward gradually, timing can play an important role in project planning.
Homeowners who begin planning their outdoor projects earlier often benefit from:
- Locking in material orders before additional price increases occur
- Securing installation schedules before peak seasonal demand
- Allowing time for thoughtful design and engineering decisions
In many cases, contractors can secure or allocate materials once projects are scheduled, which helps protect clients from future pricing shifts that might occur later in the year.
Conclusion
Construction material prices have changed significantly over the past several years, and those changes continue to shape the cost of landscaping and outdoor living projects today. While supply chains have improved and dramatic price spikes have slowed, the industry has entered a new cost baseline driven by global markets, manufacturing costs, and sustained demand for building materials.
For homeowners considering a patio, retaining wall, outdoor kitchen, or landscape renovation, understanding these trends can help explain why project quotes may look different than they did in the past.
More importantly, it highlights the value of planning projects earlier rather than waiting, especially when experienced contractors can secure materials and schedule installations before future price increases occur.
Taking that proactive approach can make the difference between chasing rising costs—or getting ahead of them while bringing your outdoor vision to life.
Labor Shortages Are Driving Installation Costs
Introduction
Another major factor influencing the cost and timeline of outdoor projects today is the availability of skilled labor. These are specialized trades that take time to develop, and across Pennsylvania, workforce shortages have become a major concern. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry estimates the state could face a shortage of more than 300,000 skilled trade workers by 2030, a shortfall that threatens infrastructure and can lead to delayed construction projects
Source:https://www.palegis.us/house/co-sponsorship/memo?memoID=48157
At the same time, major industries across Pennsylvania are competing for the same skilled workforce. As a result, experienced tradespeople have become one of the most limited resources in project delivery, contributing to labor shortages and stalled construction activity.
Labor Shortages Are Driving Installation Costs
Outdoor construction projects depend on skilled labor, and across the United States, the industry continues to face a significant workforce shortage. The Associated Builders and Contractors estimates the construction industry will need to attract approximately 439,000 additional workers in 2025 and nearly 499,000 in 2026 just to meet anticipated demand.
Source:https://www.abc.org/News-Media/News-Releases/abc-construction-industry-must-attract-439000-workers-in-2025
At the same time, demand for skilled trades is rising rapidly. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, demand for carpenters and electricians increased dramatically, rising 360% and 244%, respectively, from January to August 2021.
Source:https://pabuilders.org/news/addressing-a-labor-shortage-in-the-skilled-trades/
Competition for skilled construction workers has intensified in many markets. When experienced tradespeople are in short supply, wages tend to rise in tighter labor markets. Industry data shows that construction wages have increased in recent years, with average construction wages exceeding $40 per hour in many states.
Source:https://eyeonhousing.org/2025/06/states-with-highest-and-fastest-rising-construction-wages-2025
These rising wages are an important part of maintaining a skilled workforce—but they also contribute to higher installation costs for construction projects, including outdoor living spaces.
For homeowners planning landscaping or hardscaping work, this creates two important realities:
- Skilled crews are more expensive than they were in previous years.
- High-quality contractors are often booked months in advance.
These labor dynamics directly affect landscaping timelines and pricing, particularly during peak seasons like spring and early summer, when many homeowners begin outdoor projects at the same time.
Conclusion
For homeowners planning an outdoor living project in Delaware or Eastern Pennsylvania, the construction labor shortage has two important implications.
First, skilled installation crews command higher wages than they did in previous years, which contributes to higher project quotes. Second, reputable contractors with experienced teams are often scheduled well in advance—especially during peak landscaping seasons.
The takeaway isn’t that projects are becoming unattainable—it’s simply that planning ahead has become more important than ever.Starting the conversation earlier allows homeowners to secure a place on a contractor’s schedule before seasonal demand spikes and timelines become tighter. It also gives contractors the ability to plan crews, coordinate materials, and design projects carefully.
By planning ahead and working with experienced design-build teams, homeowners can ensure their outdoor spaces are installed properly, built to last, and completed on a schedule that works for them.
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.
