Common Mistakes Laying a Turf Lawn (UK): Rolls, Topsoil, Watering
Turf has to go down fast, so you cannot send for more halfway. A 6 × 5 m lawn is 30 m² and takes 32 rolls of 1 m² with 5% extra, plus 1.65 m³ of topsoil at 50 mm. The turf calculator sizes yours.
Mistake 1: not enough extra
Edges, curves and damaged rolls take extra:
| Extra | Rolls | Area to buy |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | 30 | 30.0 m² |
| 5% | 32 | 31.5 m² |
| 10% | 33 | 33.0 m² |
Mistake 2: guessing the area
Rolls and topsoil rise with the area:
| Lawn | Rolls | Topsoil at 50 mm |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 3 m | 13 | 0.7 m³ |
| 6 × 5 m | 32 | 1.7 m³ |
| 8 × 6 m | 51 | 2.6 m³ |
| 10 × 8 m | 84 | 4.4 m³ |
| 12 × 10 m | 126 | 6.6 m³ |
Mistake 3: a thin bed of topsoil
Turf needs good soil to root. For the example lawn:
| Topsoil depth | Volume |
|---|---|
| 25 mm | 0.83 m³ |
| 50 mm | 1.65 m³ |
| 75 mm | 2.48 m³ |
| 100 mm | 3.30 m³ |
Mistake 4: poor ground prep
- Clear weeds and stones, and dig over the soil, then rake it level and firm.
- Add topsoil where needed, and a lawn feed before laying.
- Make the soil level with the paths, allowing for the turf thickness.
Mistake 5: laying and watering badly
- Lay in a brick pattern with tight joints, and stand on boards, not the new turf.
- Use a sharp knife to trim edges, and avoid thin strips at the edges.
- Water well straight away, and keep it damp for the first weeks. Do not mow until it has rooted.
Estimates only: confirm the roll size with the supplier. See the new lawn materials calculator for the whole job.
Frequently asked questions
How many rolls of turf do I need?
A 6 × 5 m lawn is 30 m², and takes 32 rolls of 1 m² with 5% extra.
When should I lay turf?
Spring and autumn are best, when the soil is moist and not frozen. Lay it within a day or two of delivery.
How much topsoil do I need?
A 50 mm layer on 30 m² is 1.65 m³. See the topsoil calculator for other depths.
Should I choose turf or seed?
Turf gives an instant lawn but costs more, and seed is cheaper but takes weeks. See the lawn seed calculator for the quantity.
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Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and check the Building Regulations and any planning rules for anything structural or close to a boundary.