Garden SurveyorHow to work out turf and topsoil quantities
Start with your lawn area in square metres. A standard UK turf roll covers about 1 m², so divide the area by one and add around 5% for shaping and cuts around edges and curves. For topsoil, multiply the area by your prep depth (100–150 mm) to get the volume. The calculator above does both and rounds turf up to whole rolls and topsoil up to whole bulk bags.
New lawn prep guide (UK)
| Step | Guide |
|---|---|
| Topsoil for a new lawn | 100–150 mm |
| Turf waste allowance | +5% for cuts |
| Pre-turf fertiliser | Apply before laying |
| First mow | After ~2–3 weeks rooting |
Order turf to arrive on the day you've prepared the ground and lay it within 24 hours — rolled turf yellows fast on the pallet.
Redesigning the whole garden?
Plan levels, planting and lawns together, then take off every material.
Frequently asked questions
- How many rolls of turf do I need?
- Measure your lawn area in square metres and divide by the coverage of one roll — a standard UK turf roll covers about 1 m² (typically 610 mm × 1.64 m). Add roughly 5% for cuts and shaping around edges. The calculator above works this out and rounds up to whole rolls.
- How much topsoil do I need under turf?
- Lay turf onto 100–150 mm of good quality topsoil. To estimate volume, multiply the area by the depth in metres. The calculator converts this to cubic metres and bulk bags so you can order the right amount before delivery day.
- What's the best time of year to lay turf in the UK?
- Turf can be laid almost year-round, but spring and autumn are ideal because the soil is warm and moist, helping roots establish quickly. Avoid laying in frost or during hot dry spells unless you can water heavily.
- How soon should I lay turf after delivery?
- Lay turf within 24 hours of delivery — sooner in warm weather. Rolled turf heats up and yellows quickly on the pallet, so order it to arrive on the day you've prepared the ground.
- Do I need to add anything before laying turf?
- Rake the topsoil to a fine, level tilth, firm it gently, and apply a pre-turf fertiliser. Good ground preparation is the single biggest factor in how well a new lawn establishes.