Lakesidelandscapes.com Reviews

The site showcases a wide array of products, from fencing materials and aggregates to paving and decorative stones, aiming to provide solutions for various outdoor projects.

The initial impression is that it’s a straightforward e-commerce platform for consumers and trade professionals seeking landscaping essentials.

We’ll dive into the specifics of their inventory, the site’s functionality, and what potential customers can expect when engaging with this business, whether online or at their physical location.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Lakesidelandscapes.com Review & First Look

Website Layout and User Experience

The site employs a standard e-commerce layout with a clear navigation bar at the top, featuring categories like “Home,” “Fencing,” “Paving,” “Landscaping,” and more.

This structure makes it straightforward to find specific product types.

The homepage itself acts as a showcase, featuring top sellers and new arrivals, which is helpful for discovering popular items.

• Ease of Navigation: The main menu is logically organized, allowing users to quickly jump to the product category they’re interested in.
• Product Presentation: Products are displayed with clear images, titles, and prices. The inclusion of “+VAT” is transparent, indicating that the displayed price is ex-VAT, which is crucial for both retail and trade customers.
• Mobile Responsiveness: The website appears responsive across different devices, ensuring a consistent user experience whether accessed via desktop, tablet, or smartphone.

Initial Impressions of Product Range

They stock a wide variety of materials, catering to both small garden improvements and larger-scale landscaping projects. Hostworld.uk Reviews

• Fencing: Offers everything from pine fence slats from £0.75 and backing rails to various concrete posts e.g., 6ft Concrete End Post at £25.00. They even have full fence packages, which can simplify the purchasing process for customers.
• Aggregates: A notable selection of decorative aggregates like 6mm Pea Gravel Bulk Bag £55.00 +VAT, Black Ice 20mm £162.50 +VAT, Blue Slate 20mm and 40mm at £108.33 +VAT, and even Pink Ice 20mm £180.00 +VAT. This variety allows for diverse aesthetic choices in garden design.
• Paving: Features various block paving options in different colors and finishes, such as Brindle, Buff, Burnt Ochre, Charcoal, Grey, and Marigold block paving, all priced at £17.00 +VAT per square metre. They also offer unique items like Clocha Tumbled – Burnt Ochre in various sizes.

Lakesidelandscapes.com Features

It incorporates several features that enhance the customer journey, from product discovery to professional consultation.

These features are designed to make the process of selecting and acquiring landscaping materials as smooth as possible for both DIY enthusiasts and trade professionals.

Comprehensive Product Catalog

The sheer breadth of products available is a significant feature.

• Detailed Product Descriptions: Each product listing provides a brief, informative description. For example, “Black Ice 20mm” is described as “black and grey decorative stone or gravel chips… used to enhance the aesthetics of outdoor and indoor spaces.” This helps customers understand the material’s properties and potential uses.
• Multiple Variants and Pricing: Many products, like fence packages or aggregates, offer different sizes or quantities, with corresponding pricing clearly displayed. This allows customers to select exactly what they need for their project scale.
• VAT Transparency: Prices are consistently listed with a “+VAT” indicator, ensuring customers are aware of the final cost, which is particularly important for businesses.

Design Consultation Services

• Integrated Project Support: The website states, “We can help you with your project from design, product supply and installation, through our group, we have all elements to offer you a fuller landscaping service than most.” This suggests a holistic approach, supporting customers from the conceptual stage to the completion of their project.
• Expert Guidance: This service implies access to professional advice, helping customers make informed decisions about materials, layout, and overall garden aesthetics. It’s a valuable resource for those undertaking larger or more complex landscaping endeavors.

Localized Delivery and In-Store Experience

Their focus on local delivery and the presence of a physical garden center significantly enhance their service offering.

• Free Local Delivery: The promise of “Free Delivery in Kilmarnock Orders over £20” is a major draw for local customers, reducing the overall cost and logistical hassle of acquiring bulky landscaping materials.
• Physical Garden Centre: The website actively encourages visits to their garden center in Kilmarnock, highlighting a broader range of products available in-store, including “PAVING | PLANTS | TREES | SHRUBS | FENCING | TIMBER and much more.” This provides a tangible experience, allowing customers to see and feel the products before purchase.
• Customer Testimonials: The website prominently features customer testimonials, praising aspects like “great service,” “fast delivery,” “friendly, helpful and extremely knowledgeable staff,” and “great prices.” This builds trust and provides social proof of their service quality. For instance, Jeremy Richards, a Retail Customer, states, “We went in with the spec sizes of our garden, just looking for some fencing material initially, after a chat, they helped us with nearly everything we needed for our whole project.”

Online Ordering Convenience

The website is set up for straightforward online purchasing, mirroring the experience of many modern e-commerce platforms.

• Shopping Cart Functionality: A visible “Your Cart” display with subtotal and quick links to “View Cart” and “Checkout” ensures a smooth buying process.
• Secure Payment Options: While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, a reputable e-commerce platform like this would typically offer secure payment gateways, giving customers peace of mind during transactions.
• Product Categories and Filters: Although not highly advanced, the clear categorization helps users narrow down their search effectively.

Lakesidelandscapes.com Pros & Cons

This provides a balanced perspective for anyone considering their services for landscaping projects.

Pros

• Local Focus with Free Delivery: For customers in Kilmarnock, the offer of free delivery on orders over £20 is a significant advantage, reducing logistical costs and effort. This caters directly to their local community, fostering customer loyalty.
• Physical Garden Centre Presence: Having a brick-and-mortar location allows customers to physically inspect products like paving, plants, trees, and shrubs before making a purchase. This tactile experience is invaluable for large-scale or visually sensitive projects and builds greater trust.
• Design Consultation Service: The availability of a design consultation suggests a commitment to helping customers achieve their vision, rather than just selling products. This added service, where they “help you with your project from design, product supply and installation,” positions them as a comprehensive solution provider.
• Positive Customer Testimonials: The website prominently features numerous positive reviews from both retail and trade customers, praising staff knowledge, helpfulness, delivery speed, and product quality. For example, Linda Moffat highlights “Amazing customer service. Ordered wood and delivered the next day. Also helped bring it into the garden.” This builds strong social proof and credibility.
• Transparent Pricing VAT: Clearly stating prices with “+VAT” provides transparency, which is crucial for both individual consumers and trade professionals managing budgets.
• User-Friendly Website: The site is well-organized, making it easy to navigate product categories and find specific items. The product pages are clear, with good images and descriptions, enhancing the online shopping experience.

Cons

• Geographical Limitation: While their local focus is a strength for residents of Kilmarnock and Ayrshire, it’s a limitation for those outside this immediate delivery zone. The website doesn’t explicitly mention delivery options or costs for areas beyond Kilmarnock, which could deter wider interest.
• Limited Online Project Tools: While they offer design consultation, the website itself doesn’t appear to offer advanced online tools for project planning, such as quantity calculators for aggregates or paving, or visualizers for different materials in a garden setting. Such tools could further enhance the DIY customer experience.
• Pricing Structure: While transparent with VAT, some larger bulk items, like certain aggregates, are priced quite high, for example, Pink Ice 20mm at £180.00 +VAT. While typical for quality landscaping materials, potential customers might need to compare these against larger, national suppliers for very big projects to ensure competitiveness, though local convenience might outweigh minor price differences for many.
• Payment and Returns Information Not Immediately Visible: Essential customer service information, such as detailed payment methods beyond the general shopping cart and a clear returns policy, isn’t immediately prominent on the homepage. This information is typically found in dedicated “FAQ” or “Terms & Conditions” sections, which aren’t linked directly from the main page.
• No Online Chat Support: The primary contact method appears to be phone 01563523337 or visiting the store. The absence of an online chat feature might mean slower real-time support for quick queries.
• Limited Product Depth in Some Categories: While broad, some categories might lack the depth of choice compared to highly specialized suppliers. For instance, while they offer various block paving, a dedicated paving specialist might have a wider array of textures, sizes, and brands.

Lakesidelandscapes.com Alternatives

These can range from large national retailers to specialized local providers, each with its own advantages.

National Chains and Large Online Retailers

• Travis Perkins / Keyline: These are major national suppliers in the UK for building materials, including landscaping supplies. They offer extensive ranges of aggregates, paving, timber, and fencing.
  • Pros: Wide availability across the UK, large stock levels, often competitive pricing for bulk orders, and trade accounts.
  • Cons: Less personalized service, may require delivery booking well in advance, and their product descriptions might be less detailed than specialists.
• Jewson: Similar to Travis Perkins, Jewson is a well-established builder’s merchant with a strong presence across the UK. They supply a vast array of materials for various construction and landscaping projects.
  • Pros: Extensive branch network, strong for trade professionals, reliable supply chain.
  • Cons: Focus often leans more towards trade than retail, potentially less decorative selection compared to specialists.
• Online Aggregates and Paving Specialists e.g., Decorative Aggregates, Paving Superstore: Websites dedicated solely to aggregates, paving, or other specific landscaping elements.
  • Pros: Highly specialized product ranges, often competitive pricing due to direct sourcing, nationwide delivery, and sophisticated online calculators for quantity estimation. For example, Decorative Aggregates offers a huge variety of gravels, chippings, and slates with detailed specifications.
  • Cons: No physical showroom to view products, delivery costs can be significant for smaller orders, and customer service is entirely online or via phone.

Local Independent Suppliers and Garden Centres

• Local Builder’s Merchants: Many towns and cities have independent builder’s merchants that offer landscaping supplies. These can be excellent alternatives, especially for local delivery and personalized service.
  • Pros: Often great for supporting local businesses, might offer more flexible delivery, and personalized advice from experienced staff.
  • Cons: Product range might be smaller than national chains, and pricing might vary.
• Large Garden Centres e.g., Dobbies Garden Centres, The Wyevale Garden Centre Group: While primarily focused on plants, many larger garden centers also stock a good range of hard landscaping materials, especially decorative aggregates, paving slabs, and smaller fencing components.
  • Cons: Hard landscaping range might be less extensive than dedicated suppliers, and bulk pricing might not be as competitive.

DIY Retailers

• B&Q / Homebase / Wickes: These large DIY stores stock a basic range of landscaping materials, including fencing panels, paving slabs, and bags of aggregates.
  • Pros: Convenient for smaller projects, readily available, often have click-and-collect options.

When choosing an alternative, consider:

• Your Location: How close are you to their physical presence? What are their delivery capabilities and costs?
• Project Size: Are you looking for a few bags of gravel or multiple tonnes for a driveway? Bulk discounts and delivery logistics vary significantly.
• Product Specificity: Do you need a very particular type of stone or a standard fence panel?
• Service Level: Do you require design consultation, or are you comfortable with a transactional purchase?

Lakesidelandscapes.com Pricing

Based on the products highlighted on their homepage, they cater to a range of project sizes and budgets, offering transparency with their VAT inclusions.

General Pricing Overview

• Variable Pricing for Bulk/Size: Many products, particularly aggregates and fencing, come with options for different quantities or dimensions, and the price adjusts accordingly. For instance, fence packages are priced based on width requirements.
• Competitive Local Pricing: While specific comparisons would require a full market analysis, their pricing seems to be positioned competitively for a local supplier offering quality materials and localized delivery benefits.

Specific Product Pricing Examples as seen on the homepage:

1. Aggregates & Sand: Electricshop.com Reviews

   • 6mm Pea Gravel – Bulk Bag: £55.00 +VAT. This is a staple for decorative ground cover and drainage.
   • Black Ice 20mm: £162.50 +VAT. A premium decorative stone for enhancing aesthetics.
   • Blue Ice 20mm: £162.50 +VAT. Similar to Black Ice, offering a unique color palette.
   • Blue Slate 20mm / 40mm: £108.33 +VAT for both sizes. A popular choice for its distinct hue and texture.
   • Pink Ice 20mm: £180.00 +VAT. A higher-end decorative gravel option.
   • Cotswold Chippings: £100.00 +VAT. Captures a classic, regional aesthetic.

2. Block Paving:

   • Brindle, Buff, Burnt Ochre, Charcoal, Grey, Marigold Block Paving 200x100x50: All priced at £17.00 +VAT per square metre. This consistent pricing across different colors makes it easy to budget for paving projects based on area.
   • Clocha Tumbled – Burnt Ochre – Various Sizes: Ranging from £2.00 – £26.95 +VAT, indicating options for individual pieces or square metre purchases.

3. Fencing:

   • Pine Fence Slats – Quality Timber Slats: Ranging from £0.75 – £2.50 +VAT, depending on the size or length.
   • Backing Rail: £5.00 +VAT.
   • Ranchboard – 3.6x150x19: £5.00 +VAT.
   • Timber Fence Posts: £3.00 – £12.50 +VAT, varying by size/type.
   • Concrete Plinths / Posts: e.g., 12″ Concrete Rockface Plinths at £25.00 +VAT, 6ft Concrete End/Intermediate Post at £25.00 +VAT, and 8ft Concrete Corner Fence Post at £30.00 +VAT.
   • Post Crete: £5.00 +VAT, for securing fence posts.
   • Fence Packages: For example, 1.2m Fence Package ranges from £62.25 – £239.50 +VAT, and 1.8m Fence Package from £83.50 – £320.20 +VAT, offering complete solutions based on required width.

Considerations for Pricing

• VAT: Always remember that the listed prices are ex-VAT. For a typical UK consumer, the 20% VAT will be added at checkout, so a £100 item will cost £120. This is standard for B2B and many B2C sales in the construction/landscaping sector.
• Bulk vs. Individual: While the website shows pricing for bulk bags and square meters, it’s worth noting if there are further discounts for exceptionally large trade orders not explicitly listed.
• Delivery Costs: For orders outside Kilmarnock or under £20 within Kilmarnock, delivery charges would apply, impacting the final cost. These are typically calculated at checkout or upon inquiry.
• Sales and Promotions: The “Spring Sale” highlighted on the homepage indicates they run promotional offers, which can provide cost savings on selected items. It’s always wise to check for current sales when planning purchases.

Lakesidelandscapes.com vs. Competitors

Lakesidelandscapes.com’s Core Strengths:

• Integrated Design & Supply: Their “Design Consultation” service, promising help “from design, product supply and installation,” offers a more holistic solution than most pure retailers. This value-added service is a major competitive advantage, especially for customers undertaking complex projects.
• Physical Showroom Garden Centre: The ability to “Visit Our Garden Centre” allows customers to see, touch, and compare products like PAVING | PLANTS | TREES | SHRUBS | FENCING | TIMBER in person. This is invaluable for material selection and trust-building, something online-only competitors cannot offer.
• Local Delivery Advantage: Free delivery in Kilmarnock for orders over £20 is a powerful incentive for local customers, directly competing with the delivery fees often charged by larger, more distant suppliers.

vs. Large National Chains e.g., Travis Perkins, Jewson, B&Q, Homebase, Wickes

• Service: National chains typically offer less personalized service. You’re more likely to deal with a different staff member each time, and bespoke design consultation is rare.

vs. Specialized Online Retailers e.g., Decorative Aggregates, Paving Superstore

• Specialization: These retailers often have unparalleled depth in their specific product categories. For example, a dedicated aggregate supplier might have hundreds of aggregate types, sizes, and colors.
• Convenience: Online retailers offer 24/7 shopping from anywhere with nationwide delivery.
• Physical Interaction: They lack a physical presence, meaning customers cannot see or feel products, which can be a drawback for materials where texture and exact color are critical.
• Delivery Costs: While they deliver nationwide, delivery charges can be substantial, especially for heavy landscaping materials, potentially negating price advantages on the product itself.

vs. Other Local Independent Suppliers

• Pricing: Likely to be very competitive within the local area, as they are all vying for the same customer base.

How to Cancel Lakesidelandscapes.com Subscription Not Applicable

Here’s why this section is not applicable:

• Product Focus: The site sells physical landscaping products like fencing, paving, aggregates, and timber. These are tangible goods purchased outright, not services requiring ongoing subscriptions.
• Lack of Membership Model: There is no mention of premium memberships, regular delivery services, or any kind of recurring payment structure for content, exclusive access, or regular product shipments.
• Shopping Cart Model: The website functions like a standard e-commerce store with a shopping cart and checkout process for individual product purchases. Once an order is placed and paid for, the transaction is complete, similar to buying any item from a hardware store.

Their interaction would primarily revolve around placing individual orders, managing deliveries, or contacting customer service for specific product inquiries or issues related to a one-time purchase.

If a customer wishes to stop receiving marketing emails, they would typically find an “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of the email itself, which is standard practice and not indicative of a product subscription.

How to Cancel Lakesidelandscapes.com Free Trial Not Applicable

Here’s a breakdown of why this is not applicable:

• Transactional Focus: All interactions described on the website, from browsing fencing products from only 75p to purchasing decorative aggregates like Black Ice 20mm £162.50 +VAT, are clear, one-time transactions for physical goods.

Future Outlook and Growth Potential

Several factors contribute to its positive future outlook and highlight potential areas for expansion.

Strong Local Market Position

• Community Trust: The abundance of positive customer testimonials, praising everything from staff knowledge to quick delivery, indicates a strong reputation and trust within the local community. Pauline Pollock, a Retail Customer, states, “Always a great service. Fast delivery and staff always a pleasure to deal with. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.” This kind of loyalty is a significant asset.
• Convenience for Locals: Offering free delivery in Kilmarnock for orders over £20 is a major draw that locks in local business and makes them a go-to for residents and trade professionals in the area.
• Dual Presence Online & Physical: The combination of an accessible e-commerce platform and a physical garden center offers the best of both worlds. Customers can browse and order online, or visit the store for a hands-on experience and personalized advice. The website explicitly encourages visits to “our Garden Centre on Western Road, Kilmarnock.”

Potential Areas for Growth and Enhancement

1. Expanding Local Delivery Zones: While Kilmarnock delivery is free, defining and potentially expanding their delivery radius to surrounding towns and areas in Ayrshire, with clear delivery charges, could capture a wider local market without diluting their service quality.
2. Enhanced Online Tools: Integrating more advanced online tools could significantly improve the user experience and potentially reduce customer service inquiries.
   • Quantity Calculators: Tools that help customers estimate how much aggregate, paving, or turf they need for a given area could be invaluable.
   • Visualizers: Simple visualizers that allow customers to upload a photo of their garden and “try on” different aggregates or paving styles could inspire purchases.
3. Wider Product Range Strategic Additions:
   • Garden Structures: Expanding into sheds, pergolas, or garden rooms could be a natural progression.
   • Outdoor Lighting & Irrigation: These are complementary products often sought during landscaping projects.
   • Sustainable/Eco-Friendly Options: Highlighting or expanding their range of recycled materials, sustainable timber, or drought-tolerant plants could appeal to an environmentally conscious market segment.
4. Loyalty Programs for Trade Customers: Implementing a loyalty program or tiered pricing for frequent trade customers could further solidify their position as a preferred supplier for professionals in the region. John Baxter, a Trade Customer, already states, “I buy all my timber from Lakeside 1st class timber also superb service from the staff.” A dedicated program could amplify this.
5. Community Engagement: The mention of plans for a “coffee shop” within the garden center by Louise Dickie, a Retail Customer, is an excellent idea. Creating a more inviting, social space can turn the garden center into a destination, encouraging longer visits and repeat business.
6. SEO and Content Marketing: While the website functions well, a targeted SEO strategy and regular blog content discussing landscaping tips, product comparisons, or project ideas could significantly boost their online visibility beyond direct searches for their name. This would attract customers in the early stages of project planning.

By strategically enhancing their online presence, expanding their offerings, and further engaging with their community, they can leverage their existing strengths to achieve significant future growth and solidify their reputation as a premier landscaping supplier in Ayrshire and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lakesidelandscapes.com?

What types of products does Lakesidelandscapes.com sell?

They sell a comprehensive range of landscaping products, including fencing materials slats, posts, panels, paving stones block paving, flagstones, various aggregates pea gravel, decorative stones like Black Ice, Blue Slate, compost & topsoil, sleepers, turf, and decking materials.

Does Lakesidelandscapes.com offer delivery?

Can I visit Lakesidelandscapes.com in person?

They encourage customers to visit to see their products, including plants, trees, shrubs, and hard landscaping materials. Wearesoulkitchen.com Reviews

Are the prices on Lakesidelandscapes.com inclusive of VAT?

The standard UK VAT rate will be added at checkout.

What kind of decorative aggregates does Lakesidelandscapes.com stock?

They stock a variety of decorative aggregates, including 6mm Pea Gravel, Black Ice 20mm, Blue Ice 20mm, Blue Slate 20mm & 40mm, Cotswold Chippings, Decorative Granite Chip, Douglasmuir Quartz 20mm, Golden Gravel 10mm & 20mm, Pink Ice 20mm, and Plum Slate 20mm & 40mm.

Does Lakesidelandscapes.com provide design consultation?

What are Lakesidelandscapes.com’s hours of operation for the garden center?

The garden center is open Monday to Saturday.

Specific opening and closing times would typically be found on their contact page or Google Maps listing.

Can I buy fencing packages from Lakesidelandscapes.com?

Yes, they offer complete fencing packages, such as 1.2m and 1.8m height options, which include all necessary materials based on your width requirements.

Are there customer reviews available for Lakesidelandscapes.com?

Yes, the homepage features several positive customer testimonials praising their service, product quality, delivery speed, and staff knowledge.

Does Lakesidelandscapes.com sell turf?

Yes, turf is listed among their main product categories, indicating they supply it for landscaping projects.

What types of paving does Lakesidelandscapes.com offer?

They offer various types of block paving in different colors like Brindle, Buff, Burnt Ochre, Charcoal, Grey, and Marigold, as well as unique options like Clocha Tumbled.

How do I contact Lakesidelandscapes.com?

You can contact them via phone at 01563523337, or by visiting their physical garden center in Kilmarnock.

Is Lakesidelandscapes.com suitable for trade customers?

Yes, their product range and transparent VAT pricing cater to both retail customers and trade professionals, as evidenced by trade customer testimonials. Privatefleet.com.au Reviews

What is the price range for their fencing materials?

Fencing materials vary widely.

For example, pine fence slats start from 75p +VAT, while full fence packages can range from £62.25 to over £320 +VAT depending on height and width.

Does Lakesidelandscapes.com have sales or promotions?

Yes, the website advertises a “Spring Sale” on its homepage, indicating they run promotional offers.

Can I find plants and trees at Lakesidelandscapes.com?

Yes, their garden center stocks a range of plants, trees, and shrubs in addition to hard landscaping materials.

How are products displayed on their website?

Products are displayed with clear images, titles, brief descriptions, and prices, often with options for selecting different sizes or quantities.

Is there a minimum order for delivery?

For free delivery in Kilmarnock, there is a minimum order of £20.

What if I need assistance with a large landscaping project?