Turf Laying Cost Calculator

Laying new turf gives you an instant lawn, but do you know how much the process costs? Our cost calculator provides a quick estimate of how much you are likely to pay for installing a new lawn, including materials and labour, where needed.

Of course, actual quotations will vary, giving you a tailored price depending on the lawn size, ground condition and your location. Ground preparation, in particular, can significantly affect the final price. However, the calculator lets you budget before requesting more detailed quotes, allowing you to make informed decisions.

Turf Laying Cost Calculator

How to Use This Turf Laying Cost Calculator

Before going ahead with putting down new turf, it’s important to understand all the factors which are going to influence the final cost. Our cost calculator helps you to do just that while providing a general estimate for the project.

Measure the Lawn Area

A vital step is getting an accurate measurement of the area that you want to cover with new turf. This means measuring the length and width of the lawn and entering these details into the calculator, which will then estimate the total area in square metres.

The measurement will dictate how much turf you require and, in turn, help you calculate the cost of materials. It also makes it easier to work out a timescale for the project, as bigger jobs clearly take longer to complete. Even rough measurements can help to produce a useful estimate.

Choose the Type of Turf

There are various types of turf that you can choose from, depending on the kind of lawn that you want and how it is going to be used. The turf price varies according to the grass quality, durability, appearance and suitability for different conditions and uses.

• Budget turf is used for basic lawns and inexpensive projects
• Standard turf is commonly chosen for most residential gardens
• Premium turf offers a higher quality grass with an even, consistent appearance
• Hard-wearing turf is ideal if you have kids and pets or high foot traffic
• Shade-tolerant turf is better suited for lawns that receive limited sunlight

Although the premium and high-quality turfs will cost more, they will also potentially last longer and provide better results overall.

Ground Preparation Requirements

Preparation is 90% of most home improvement jobs, and that is definitely the case with laying turf. Readying the ground typically involves removing old grass and weeds, levelling the area, breaking up compacted soil and adding soil improver.

These are all essential steps and ensure that the turf has the best possible start and a greater chance of success. Clearly, this all adds to the cost of laying turf. The bigger the lawn, the more work will be needed to prepare it, further adding to the bill.

You’ll need extra labour and potentially specialist equipment as turf needs to be laid quickly after delivery. It should not be left rolled up for more than 12-24 hours, as otherwise the turf heats up, which can kill off the grass. This is another reason why your ground preparation is so crucial, as once the turf is on site, the ground should be ready to accept it immediately.

Additional Services

Some people may choose additional services when installing a new lawn. Tasks such as removing the existing turf, levelling uneven ground, adding new topsoil and working in fertiliser all improve the long-term health of the lawn. However, they also increase the overall project cost in terms of materials and manpower.

The size of the garden will also affect these costs. Bigger areas mean more work is involved, which in turn means longer timeframes and increased labour costs are likely.

Regional Price Differences

Labour rates vary across the UK, as is the case with most trades and where you live invariably affects how much you pay for services. Some regions, such as London and the southeast, are routinely higher than the north of England and Wales due to the higher cost of living in these areas.

Including the location in the cost calculator provides a more realistic estimate for your project. Because labour prices are lower in some regions and higher in others, these regional differences can significantly affect the cost of laying new turf. Our costing tool lets you see at a glance how much your location is likely to impact the price of your project.

Why Do We Include Labour Costs?

Some homeowners are happy to take on a project like laying new turf, while others prefer to leave this task to professionals. While it may seem like a straightforward job, proper turf laying requires careful preparation, correct installation and good timing.

Professional gardeners or landscapers will prepare the soil correctly, ensuring the turf is laid evenly and securely, without gaps and preventing uneven surfaces. With their knowledge and expertise, professionals will achieve a longer-lasting and healthier lawn. They also have access to the specialist equipment needed to complete the job efficiently, in particular for larger gardens.

An experienced installer understands the importance of each stage of turf laying and handles the task with knowledge and expertise. This professional approach improves the overall finish of the turf and helps the lawn to establish successfully.

Ready to Get a Quote?

Use MyJobQuote as a quick and easy step after using our cost calculator to find local turf layers in your area.

They can help you achieve a healthy lawn that will be the envy of your neighbours and a great place for you and your family to relax.