Costs
New Turf Cost UK: 2026 Price Guide
7 min read · Updated August 2026
Laying new turf is one of the quickest ways to transform a tired or bare garden, but the total cost varies a lot more than the price per roll suggests. The turf itself is often the smallest part of the bill once you factor in ground preparation, removal of the old lawn, soil improvement, delivery and the labour to lay it properly.
This guide sets out realistic 2026 UK prices for each stage of a turfing project, from a simple lawn refresh to a full garden re-turf that needs levelling and drainage work. We've based the figures on typical jobs we quote across Wokingham, Earley, Arborfield, Spencers Wood, Sindlesham, Farley Hill, Bracknell and Winnersh, so they should be a fair starting point wherever you are in the UK.
If you'd rather get an exact figure for your garden, we're happy to come and measure up and give you a written quote — call us on 07769315849.
What determines the cost of new turf
The price of turf itself typically ranges from £3 to £8 per square metre depending on the grass variety and quality grade. Economy turf, often a mixed rye grass blend, sits at the lower end and is fine for family lawns that will see plenty of use. Premium ornamental or shade-tolerant turf, and specialist varieties bred for low maintenance or drought resistance, cost more but can be worth it depending on your garden's conditions and how much time you want to spend on upkeep afterwards.
Beyond the turf rolls, the biggest cost driver is ground condition. A garden with reasonable existing soil that just needs raking, weeding and levelling is far cheaper to prepare than one with compacted clay, tree roots, poor drainage or a slope that needs correcting. Access also matters — turf has to be moved from the delivery point to the lawn area, and if that means wheelbarrowing rolls a long distance or up steps, expect labour time (and therefore cost) to increase.
Typical UK turf prices for 2026
| Job type | Typical size | Price range | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turf only (supply) | Per m² | £3 - £8 | Rolls delivered to site, no laying |
| Small garden re-turf | Up to 40m² | £450 - £900 | Old lawn removal, prep, turf, laying |
| Medium garden re-turf | 40-80m² | £800 - £1,600 | Full prep, levelling, turf and laying |
| Large garden re-turf | 80-150m² | £1,500 - £3,000 | Prep, soil improvement, turf, laying, waste removal |
| Full renovation with drainage | 80-150m² | £2,200 - £4,500 | Sub-soil work, drainage, topsoil, turf, laying |
Ground preparation and why it costs what it does
Good preparation is what separates a lawn that thrives from one that looks patchy within a year. At a minimum this means removing the existing turf or vegetation, breaking up and levelling the soil, removing stones and debris, and raking in a starter fertiliser before the new turf goes down. On an average garden this stage alone can take a full day for two people.
Where the soil is poor — heavy clay, full of builders' rubble, or badly compacted from years of foot traffic — you may need to bring in fresh topsoil, which adds both material and labour cost. Correcting drainage, whether that's adding a soakaway, French drain or simply improving the fall of the ground, is a further cost but one that pays off, since waterlogged turf rarely establishes well and can rot within weeks.
Delivery, waste removal and hidden extras
Turf is a perishable product — it's cut and rolled fresh and starts to deteriorate within 24 to 48 hours, so delivery has to be timed precisely and laid the same day or the next. Delivery charges for turf typically run from £30 to £80 depending on distance and order size, and many suppliers have a minimum order quantity.
Don't forget waste removal. Stripping out an old lawn generates a surprising volume of turf and soil waste, and taking this to a licensed tip or arranging a skip adds cost if it's not included in your quote. Always ask whether waste disposal is covered, since some cheaper quotes leave this out and it can add £100-£200 to the real cost of the job.
DIY versus hiring a professional
Laying turf yourself can save the labour portion of the cost, which is often 40-60% of a professional quote. If you're reasonably fit, have a small garden, and can get the timing right between delivery and laying, DIY is a realistic option. The main risks are poor levelling (which shows up as bumps and dips once the grass has grown), gaps between rolls that let weeds through, and turf laid on badly prepared ground that fails to root.
For larger areas, sloped gardens, or where drainage needs addressing, a professional crew will usually deliver a better long-term result and can complete the job in a fraction of the time. Most turfing contractors will also guarantee their laying work for a period, which gives some peace of mind that isn't available with DIY.
Aftercare costs to budget for
New turf needs watering daily for the first two weeks in dry weather, then tapering off as roots establish — this is free if you do it yourself, but does mean being around or having a watering system in place. Budget for a first mow around three weeks after laying, using a high blade setting, and factor in ongoing lawn care such as feeding and scarifying in the following seasons.
If you're not able to commit to the watering schedule, ask your contractor about self-watering matting or irrigation options at the time of laying, which cost more upfront but reduce the risk of losing patches of new turf to drought stress.
How to get an accurate quote
Because so much depends on ground condition and access, the only reliable way to get an accurate price is a site visit. A good contractor will measure the area, assess drainage and soil, check access for delivery, and give you a written quote that separates turf, preparation, delivery and labour so you can see where your money is going.
Be wary of quotes given over the phone without seeing the garden, as these often expand once work starts and hidden ground problems are uncovered. We offer free, no-obligation site visits across our local area — call 07769315849 to arrange one.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it cheaper to seed a lawn than turf it?
- Seeding is usually cheaper upfront, often a fifth of the cost of turf, but it takes months to establish, is more vulnerable to weeds and weather, and isn't usable for a season. Turf gives an instant, more predictable result.
- How long does new turf take to establish?
- Turf typically roots into the soil within 2-3 weeks with regular watering, but it's best to keep foot traffic light for around six weeks and avoid mowing until it's rooted.
- Can turf be laid in any season?
- Turf can technically be laid year-round if the ground isn't frozen or waterlogged, but autumn and spring give the best establishment rates because the soil is warm and moist without summer heat stress.
- Do I need to remove the old lawn before laying new turf?
- Yes, laying new turf directly over an old lawn traps organic matter that decomposes and creates an uneven, spongy surface. Old turf and roots should be stripped out first.
- How much topsoil do I need under new turf?
- As a rule of thumb, aim for at least 100-150mm of good quality topsoil beneath the turf on top of any sub-soil work, more if you're correcting significant unevenness.