How Much Does Turfing a Garden Cost in the UK? (2026 Guide)
Thinking about replacing your lawn? Turfing a garden can cost anywhere from £400 to over £3,000 depending on the size of the area, the condition of your ground, and the quality of turf you choose. This guide breaks down typical UK prices for 2026, what affects the final quote, and how to avoid overpaying.
Quick Answer: Turfing Cost at a Glance
These figures include turf supply, ground preparation, and laying. The average all-in cost across the UK sits at around £15 per m².
What Affects the Cost of Turfing?
Garden size — The larger the area, the more turf and labour required. Most landscapers apply a lower per-m² rate for bigger jobs.
Turf quality — Budget turf starts at around £2–£3 per m² for the material alone. Mid-range sits at roughly £5 per m², while premium turf reaches £7+ per m². The quality affects durability and appearance considerably.
Ground preparation — If your existing lawn is in poor condition, the ground will need stripping, rotovating, levelling, and potentially topping up with fresh topsoil. Ground levelling alone can add around £20 per m² to the job.
Regional labour rates — Expect to pay roughly 15–20% more in London and the South East than in the Midlands or North.
Time of year — Spring and early autumn are the best seasons for laying turf. Demand is higher then, so some contractors price accordingly.
Access — If your garden is difficult to reach with a wheelbarrow or turf rolls, labour time increases.
Turfing Cost Breakdown
DIY vs Hiring a Professional
Turfing is one of the more achievable DIY garden projects if you're physically fit and have a free weekend. You'll need to hire or borrow a rotovator (around £60–£80/day) and be ready for heavy work. The main risk is poor ground preparation — turf laid on uneven or compacted soil will fail within months. For gardens over 50m², most homeowners find the labour cost is worth paying to get a clean, lasting result.
How to Get the Best Price on Turfing
Get at least three quotes — prices vary significantly between contractors. Always ask for a written, itemised quote so you know exactly what's included.
Avoid peak season where possible — late summer or early autumn jobs can be slightly cheaper as demand dips after the spring rush.
Supply your own turf — some landscapers will accept this and it removes the typical 20–25% markup they add to sourced materials. Order from a local turf supplier and arrange delivery for the morning your landscaper starts.
Check credentials — look for members of the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) or Which? Trusted Traders. Cutting corners on a cheap quote often leads to patchy results and expensive repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to lay turf?
For a typical 100m² garden, most professional teams complete the job in one to two days. DIY will take considerably longer, especially if ground preparation is needed.
When is the best time to lay turf in the UK?
Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. The soil is moist and mild temperatures help the turf root quickly. Avoid laying in frost or during dry summer spells.
How long before I can use my new lawn?
Most turf suppliers recommend keeping foot traffic off for at least three to four weeks to allow the roots to establish. After six to eight weeks, the lawn should be fully settled.
Is artificial grass cheaper than real turf?
Not upfront. Artificial grass typically costs £40–£80 per m² installed, compared to £10–£20 per m² for real turf. However, artificial grass has lower long-term maintenance costs and no need for mowing or watering.
Do I need to water new turf?
Yes — watering is critical in the first four to six weeks. New turf should be watered thoroughly once or twice daily in dry conditions. Early morning watering is most effective. Once rooted, the lawn becomes far more drought-tolerant.
Final Word
For a standard UK garden of around 100m², expect to pay £1,000–£1,500 all-in for a professionally turfed lawn using mid-range turf. The price rises quickly with size, poor ground conditions, or premium turf choices — so get multiple quotes and make sure ground preparation is included in the price.
If you're also thinking about adding hard landscaping, see our guide to how much a patio costs in the UK.