---
title: "James Thornton | BackyardCost Expert Author"
description: "Read the profile of James Thornton, Quantity Surveyor & Cost Analyst at BackyardCost. View credentials and published landscaping guides."
source: BackyardCost
sourceUrl: https://backyardcost.com/authors/james-thornton
lastUpdated: 2026-06-06
citationUrl: https://backyardcost.com/authors/james-thornton
---

# James Thornton

Read the profile of James Thornton, Quantity Surveyor & Cost Analyst at BackyardCost. View credentials and published landscaping guides.

Quantity Surveyor & Cost Analyst

Maintains suburb-level cost databases covering 735+ suburbs and 8 capital cities. Validates calculator models against Rawlinson's, HIA, and ABS data quarterly.

Led estimating team for 40+ residential projects annually. Developed internal benchmarking tools used across 3 state offices.

© 2026 BackyardCost. A Hustle Ventures product. All rights reserved.

## About

## Professional Experience

## Key Achievements

## Publications

## Articles by James Thornton

#### Calculators

#### Resources

#### Compliance

## Key Points

- Contributed cost data to the Rawlinson's Australian Construction Handbook (Editions 31–33)
- Built the composite cost model behind HomeBuildBudget — validated against 4 independent industry sources
- Suburb-Level Cost Variation in Australian Residential Construction HIA Housing Summit Conference Paper, 2023
- Best Landscaping Projects for Australian Homes: 2026 ROI & Design Guide Best landscaping, decking, fencing, and retaining wall projects in Australia. Compare average installation costs, planning regulations, and ROI. 2026-06-06
- Composite vs Timber Decking Cost Comparison: Your Ultimate Australian Guide (AU 2026) Compare composite vs timber decking costs in Australia for 2026. Explore material options, installation rates, and long-term maintenance values. 2026-06-06
- How Much Does Paving Cost in Australia? Your 2026 Guide to Backyard Paving Prices Uncover Australian paving costs for 2026! Get detailed breakdowns for concrete, natural stone, and brick pavers, plus installation and DIY vs. pro insights. 2026-06-06
- Australian Turf & Lawn Installation Costs Per Square Metre (2026 Guide) Australian turf costs per m² in 2026. Get breakdowns for Sir Walter Buffalo, soil prep, installation rates, and council turfing guidelines. 2026-06-06
- Retaining Wall Cost Per Metre AU 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Australian Prices Retaining wall costs per metre in Australia for 2026. Get detailed pricing for timber, concrete, stone, installation, and council rules. 2026-06-06
- Timber Decking Cost Per Square Metre AU 2026: Your Ultimate Backyard Guide Uncover 2026 Australian timber decking costs per square metre. Get expert breakdowns for Treated Pine, Merbau, Spotted Gum, and navigate council rules. 2026-06-06
- 🧮 Interactive Calculator

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*Source: [BackyardCost](https://backyardcost.com/authors/james-thornton)*