Turf Calculator
Calculate how many turf rolls you may need for any lawn shape. Based on standard TGA (Turfgrass Growers Association) 1 m² rolls (610×1640mm). Compare turf vs grass seed costs, get topsoil estimates and 2026 UK pricing.
Standard turf: ~£4–£6/m². Good all-round domestic lawn, suitable for family gardens and pets.
Area = π × (diameter ÷ 2)²
Use if you already know your total lawn area.
5% is standard for rectangular lawns. Use 10–15% for curved edges or complex shapes with many cuts.
Standard 100mm depth gives turf roots room to establish. Increase to 150mm on compacted clay or stony ground.
New lawn: 35–50 g/m² for full establishment from bare soil.
✓ No establishment wait
✓ Suppresses weeds
✗ Higher upfront cost
✓ More species choice
✗ 6–8 week wait
✗ Weed risk during germination
Laying Guide
How to Lay Turf
Preparation is Everything
The most common turf failure is inadequate soil preparation. Turf laid on poor, compacted or stony soil will struggle to root and may yellow or die within weeks. Before ordering turf, excavate the area to at least 100–150mm and lay screened topsoil.
Rake the topsoil level, remove all stones over 10mm, and lightly compact with your feet or a roller. Allow the soil to settle for a day before turfing if possible. The final surface should be firm enough to take your weight without leaving deep footprints.
Laying Pattern — Brick Bond, Never Butt-Joined
Always lay turf in a staggered brick bond pattern — like brickwork, with each row offset by half a roll length. Never align the joints in consecutive rows. Aligned joints create straight lines that remain visible after establishment and are prone to cracking.
Butt each roll tightly against the last, but never stretch or overlap the turf. Work from a plank placed on laid turf to avoid compacting the prepared soil with footsteps.
Turf is a Living Product — Lay Within 24 Hours
Turf begins to deteriorate within 24–48 hours of cutting, especially in warm weather. Order delivery for the day you plan to lay, and lay it all in a single session if possible. If you must store it overnight, unroll the turf in a shaded area and water lightly — never leave it rolled up in direct sun.
Water immediately after laying and daily for the first two weeks. Do not mow until the turf has rooted — test by trying to lift a corner. If it resists, the roots have taken hold.
Turf vs Grass Seed — Which Should You Choose?
Choose turf if: you need an instant result, you can't protect a seeded area from foot traffic during establishment, you're laying in autumn or early spring when germination is slow, or you want weed suppression from day one.
Choose grass seed if: budget is the primary concern, you're seeding a large area (over 100m²), you want to specify a bespoke grass mix (fine ornamental, shaded, sports, etc.), or you're overseeding an existing lawn to thicken it.
FAQ
Common Questions
A standard UK turf roll covers 1 m², typically measuring 610mm wide by 1640mm long. Some premium suppliers offer wider rolls at 900mm × 2000mm = 1.8 m². Our calculator lets you select the roll size from your supplier.
Allow 5% for simple rectangular or square lawns — minimal cutting is required. For curved, circular or irregularly shaped lawns, increase to 10%. For very complex shapes with multiple curves and obstacles, use 15%.
Grass seed costs roughly 85–90% less than turf per m². However, turf gives an instant result and avoids the 6–8 week establishment period during which the area must be protected from foot traffic, pets and birds. For most domestic gardens, turf is the preferred choice despite the higher cost. Our calculator shows the cost comparison side by side.
Yes, if your existing soil is poor, compacted or full of rubble. Turf requires at least 100–150mm of good quality screened topsoil to root properly. Without adequate topsoil, the turf will fail to establish and may die within weeks. Use our Topsoil Calculator to calculate how much you need.
Turf can be laid any time the ground is not frozen and is workable. The ideal periods are mid-autumn (September–November) and early spring (March–April) when temperatures are mild and rainfall is higher. Avoid laying in midsummer heat without irrigation — the turf will dry out before roots establish. Autumn laying typically gives the strongest establishment as the turf roots through winter without heat stress.
Avoid walking on new turf for at least 3–4 weeks. Test by gently lifting a corner — if it resists and feels anchored, the roots have taken hold. In autumn or cool weather, this may take longer. Light mowing can begin once roots are established, but keep the mower on a high setting for the first cut.