Turf Roll Calculator
Estimate the number of turf rolls and total cost for your landscaping project.
Results
Total Turf Area Needed (sq ft): 0.00
Number of Turf Rolls Required: 0
Estimated Total Cost: $0.00
Understanding Your Turf Needs with a Turf Calculator
Planning a new lawn or renovating an existing one can be an exciting project, but accurately estimating the amount of turf needed is crucial for success and budget management. A turf calculator simplifies this process, helping you avoid over-ordering or, worse, running short in the middle of your project.
Why Use a Turf Calculator?
Turf, also known as sod, is a living product that needs to be laid quickly after delivery. Precise measurements ensure you have enough material to complete the job without unnecessary waste or costly delays waiting for additional rolls. A turf calculator helps you:
- Save Money: By ordering the correct amount, you minimize waste and avoid paying for turf you don't need.
- Save Time: No need to re-order and wait for more turf if you miscalculated.
- Ensure a Seamless Finish: Having enough turf means you can complete the entire area at once, leading to a more uniform and healthier lawn.
- Account for Waste: It automatically factors in a percentage for cutting and shaping, which is essential for any turfing project.
How to Measure Your Area for Turf
Before using the calculator, you'll need accurate measurements of the area you wish to turf. For most rectangular or square areas, this is straightforward:
- Measure Length: Use a tape measure to find the longest side of your area in feet.
- Measure Width: Measure the perpendicular side to find the width in feet.
- For Irregular Shapes: Break down complex shapes into smaller rectangles or squares. Calculate the area for each section and add them together. For circles, the area is π * (radius)^2.
Always double-check your measurements to ensure accuracy. It's often a good idea to measure twice.
Understanding Turf Roll Dimensions and Waste
Turf rolls come in standard sizes, which can vary by supplier. Common dimensions might be 5 feet long by 2 feet wide (10 sq ft per roll) or larger. Knowing these dimensions is vital for the calculator to determine how many rolls you need.
The "Waste Percentage" input is critical. Even for perfectly square lawns, you'll need to cut turf to fit edges, around obstacles, or to create specific shapes. A typical waste factor ranges from 5% to 15%, depending on the complexity of your lawn's shape. For very irregular areas, you might even consider a higher percentage.
Example Calculation
Let's consider a practical example:
- Area Length: 30 feet
- Area Width: 20 feet
- Turf Roll Length: 5 feet
- Turf Roll Width: 2 feet
- Waste Percentage: 10%
- Cost Per Turf Roll: $5.00
Using the calculator:
- Total Area: 30 ft * 20 ft = 600 sq ft
- Area with Waste: 600 sq ft * (1 + 10/100) = 660 sq ft
- Single Roll Area: 5 ft * 2 ft = 10 sq ft
- Number of Rolls: Ceiling(660 sq ft / 10 sq ft/roll) = 66 rolls
- Estimated Total Cost: 66 rolls * $5.00/roll = $330.00
This example demonstrates how the calculator quickly provides the essential figures you need for your turfing project.
Tips for Ordering and Laying Turf
- Order Fresh: Always order turf to be delivered on the day you plan to lay it, or the day before. Turf is perishable.
- Prepare the Ground: Ensure your soil is properly prepared, leveled, and enriched before turf arrives.
- Start Laying Immediately: Begin laying turf as soon as it's delivered.
- Water Thoroughly: Water your new turf immediately after laying and continue to water regularly, especially during the first few weeks.
- Avoid Walking: Try to avoid heavy foot traffic on new turf for at least 2-3 weeks.
By using this turf calculator and following best practices, you'll be well on your way to a beautiful, healthy new lawn.