COST GUIDES
How much does turfing cost in 2026?
Updated 05/26
One of the best ways to transform your garden is to lay turf. In this guide, we look at average turfing costs in the UK and the cost of laying turf in your garden.
Fast Facts
Turf costs an average of £5 per m2 in the UK
The labour cost to lay turf averages £20 per m2
Artificial turf generally costs more to lay than real grass turf
Laying turf is a relatively quick and effective way to spruce up a garden space and give it a fresh look. If you want to know more about how much it might cost to buy and lay turf, keep reading to find out more.
How much does turf cost?
| Item | Unit | Cost - low | Cost - high | Average cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget garden turf (supply only) | Per m2 | - | - | £2 to £3 |
| Mid-range garden turf (supply only) | Per m2 | - | - | £5 |
| Premium garden turf (supply only) | Per m2 | - | - | £7+ |
| Laying real grass turf | Per m2 | £10 | £30 | £20 |
| Laying artificial turf | Per m2 | £30 | £60 | £45 |
| Levelling ground | Per m2 | - | - | £20 |
| Last updated: June 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | ||||
The average cost of turf in the UK is around £5 per m2 for the turf itself, plus £20 per m2 in labour costs for laying.
Turfing costs can vary depending on the quality of the turf you’re buying. Here are some average costs for real turfing in the UK:
Budget garden turf costs – The most economical turf will cost around £2 to £3 per m2, but the quality won’t be amazing so this type of turf is best suited for lawns that won’t get a lot of use
Mid-range garden turf costs – For the middle of the range, which will be neater and more hard-wearing than the budget turf (if looked after properly), you can expect turfing costs to be around £5 per m2
Premium garden turf costs – For the best quality turf that offers the most premium finish and durable lawn, you’re looking at turfing costs in the region of £7+ per m2
n.b Please note these turf costs don't include installation/laying.
If you’re looking to landscape your whole garden, you can find out more about how much it might cost in our guide to garden landscaping costs.
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Factors affecting the cost of laying turf
When planning your garden project, it’s important to note that there are a number of factors that will affect the cost to turf a garden, including:
Size of your garden
Type of turf (real vs artificial)
Any prep work needed, e.g. ground levelling
Disposal of any old turf or garden waste material
Where you live
Need to clear your garden before you lay new turf? Check out our guide to garden clearance costs.
What's included in a turf laying quote?
Generally, a quote from a landscaper for laying turf will include the cost of:
The turf itself
Other materials
Labour
Clearance, excavation, and ground prep
Basic disposal and cleanup
Additional or hidden costs to budget for
For turfing, bear in mind that you may need to pay a little extra for things like:
Complex prep work, if the ground is particularly challenging
Extra topsoil
Additional waste removal
VAT
Always get a written quote in advance - this way you know exactly what's included before work on your garden even begins.
How much does turf laying cost per m2?
Most landscape gardeners will quote for turf laying with a cost per m2, so it’s useful to know what the average costs are for turf laying per square metre – which typically includes the cost of the turf itself and the labour costs to lay it.
Here are some average turf laying costs per square metre:
Real grass turf costs – £10- £30 per m2
Artificial grass turf costs – £30 - £60 per m2
If your garden needs to be levelled before laying the turf then you’re looking at a cost of roughly £20 per m2 for levelling.
Real grass vs artificial grass turfing costs
One of the main decisions you’ll need to make when planning your turfing project is whether you opt for real grass turf or artificial grass.
Real grass is often the most popular choice for homeowners as it gives a natural charm and is usually cheaper than artificial grass. However, a real grass lawn requires careful maintenance to keep it in good condition.
These days, artificial grass looks a lot more natural than it used to and it’s often hard to tell that the lawn is actually artificial – and it’s extremely durable. Artificial turfing can cost more than real grass but it saves you the hassle and potential expense of regular mowing, feeding and watering.
However, it's worth keeping in mind that artificial grass doesn't provide environmental benefits that real grass does.
How much does artificial grass cost in 2026? UK prices explained
Artificial grass gives you a neat, low-maintenance lawn all year round. In this guide, we break down the average artificial grass cost in the UK, including price per m², installation costs, and what affects your quote.
Gardeners costs for laying turf
Local gardeners and landscapers are the people to call if you want to have your turfing laid by a professional. If you’re wondering how much they might cost for laying turf, here are the average prices for gardeners in the UK:
Gardener – £150–£200per day
Gardener – £15–£45per hour
Landscape gardener – £180–£280per day
Try the job estimate calculator
You can also get an idea of how much it may cost to get turf laid in your garden by using our job estimate tool. All you need to do is type in a few details, such as the size of your lawn, and the tool will use Checkatrade data to give you an estimated quote for the job.
Job Estimate Calculator
Get a quote for turfing costs
To get started finding a turfer near you, just enter your postcode into our search tool. We'll show you the landscapers, gardeners, and other tradespeople who offer turfing in your area.
It's always a good idea to get at least three quotes from our trusted Checkatrade members. Our request a quote feature is perfect for getting quotes – you post details about the turfing job you want doing and we’ll send it out to local gardeners and garden landscapers in your area. Try it out today!
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FAQs
The ideal time of year for laying turf is mid-autumn, although you can lay turf any time between mid-autumn and early spring – you just have to make sure the soil isn’t too wet or frosty when laying the turf.
In order to properly prepare the ground for turf being laid, you’ll want to make sure that the area is level. If you have bumpy or uneven ground then you’ll need to level the ground first before you lay any turf.
It’s also a good idea to cover the area with an all-purpose fertiliser about a week before you plan on laying the turf. We recommend hiring a professional who will sort all of this for you.
Yes, if you want your turf to thrive. By laying topsoil (ideally around 15cm thick), you’re creating a layer underneath the turf that will allow the grass roots to bed in. Topsoil also helps absorb impact on the lawn, it soaks up rainwater and contains nutrients to help your lawn grow and flourish.
Much of the cost of turfing is due to the labour involved. It often involves an intensive amount of groundwork and preparation, to make sure your new lawn sits properly. Plus, laying the turf neatly can take time and skill, especially if your lawn is a complicated or curved shape.
Turf itself is also quite resource-intensive to grow in the first place, which is why the cost of a new roll of turf can be quite high.
Gardeners and landscapers charge an average of £10 - £30 per m2 to lay real grass turf. The turf itself costs an average of £5 per m2.
Hydroseeding is much more cost-effective than turf-laying, and is particularly ideal for large areas or steep slopes or hills. However, it can take a while for your new lawn to grow. If you want grass as soon as possible, turfing is your best option.
Close turfing is a landscaping method in which individual grass sods - usually 30mm2 - are laid individually into the ground. This is different from standard turfing, which involves rolling out large sheets of turf onto the ground.
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