UK DIY Cost Calculator
Turf Calculator
Find out how many rolls of turf you need for a new lawn and the total cost, with a waste allowance for shaping around edges and curves.
Your project
Estimate
Estimates are for guidance only. Coverage rates, pack sizes and prices vary by brand — always confirm quantities with your supplier before buying.
Turf is sold by the roll
Most UK turf rolls cover roughly one square metre each, so your lawn area in square metres is close to the number of rolls — plus a small waste allowance for shaping around borders, paths and curves. Because turf is living and perishable, order it to be delivered the day you're laying it, not before.
Prepare the ground first
Good turf laid on poor ground fails quickly. Most lawns benefit from a layer of quality topsoil, raked level and lightly firmed, before the turf goes down. Add topsoil to the total if your ground needs improving, and water the new lawn generously for the first few weeks.
Frequently asked questions
How much turf do I need?
Roughly your lawn area in square metres plus about 5% for shaping, since most rolls cover 1 m². An 8m x 5m lawn is 40 m², so around 42 rolls with waste.
When is the best time to lay turf?
Autumn and spring are ideal in the UK, when the soil is warm and moist but growth isn't at its peak. Turf can be laid in summer but needs much more watering to establish.
Do I need topsoil under turf?
If your existing soil is poor, compacted or uneven, a layer of topsoil gives the roots something to establish in. Good preparation is the biggest factor in whether a new lawn takes well.
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