Costs of sod a yard
Cost of laying turf 2026
Laying turf costs an average of €1,850, with a range of €450 to €4,500, depending on the surface area and quality of the turf. Turf consists of pre-grown grass mats with a root system that provides an instant green lawn without waiting weeks for germination. In this price guide, you can read about the costs of laying turf per square metre and what to look out for during purchase and installation.
Table of Contents
- How much does it cost to lay turf?
- Cost of laying turf per situation
- Price-determining factors for laying turf
- Additional costs and surcharges
- How does the gardener work when laying turf?
- How can you save on laying turf?
- Common problems with turf
- Find the best gardener for laying turf
- Frequently asked questions about laying turf
- Book a gardener for laying turf
- Useful links
How much does it cost to lay turf?
Laying turf costs an average of €1,850 per project, with prices ranging from €450 for a small lawn to €4,500 for larger areas. The price per m² lies between €7 and €12, including labour and materials. The exact costs mainly depend on the surface area and the amount of preparatory work.
Cost of laying turf per surface area
| Surface area | Price per m² |
|---|---|
| 51 to 100 m² | €8.50 |
| 101 to 200 m² | €10 |
| 201 to 400 m² | €7.50 |
For larger areas, the price per m² often decreases due to economies of scale in labour and transport. For a lawn of 200 m², you pay an average of €2,000, while an area of 400 m² comes to approximately €3,000. The material itself costs €1 to €3 per m², or €150 to €450 per pallet.
The price for laying a lawn includes 21% VAT and the professional's labour. For very large lawns from 2,000 m², you should account for €2,600 to €5,200, where the preparatory groundwork determines a large part of the costs. Gardeners usually calculate their rate per square metre, making the total price transparent and predictable.
Cost of laying turf per situation
The price per m² and the total costs for laying a lawn vary greatly per situation. A small garden requires less preparatory work than a new-build lawn where the soil must be fully prepared.
| Situation | Price |
|---|---|
| Small garden | €1,000 to €6,000 |
| Back garden large plot (5 hectares) | €5,650 to €11,350 |
| New-build lawn (2,000-8,712 m²) | €2,000 to €17,450 |
| Relaying a lawn (600 m²) | €1,550 to €9,600 |
| With sprinkler system | average €4,500 |
| Flat lawn ready for installation | €1,200 to €4,400 |
Price-determining factors for laying turf
The price per m² varies between €7 and €12, but within this range, several factors play a role. Below you can read which circumstances influence the costs and why certain situations require more labour or material.
Surface area of the lawn
The larger the area, the more material and labour hours are required. However, for larger lawns, the price per m² often drops due to economies of scale. A gardener can work more efficiently in a continuous area of 200 m² than in several small pieces of 20 m².
Terrain features and slope
Uneven land or a slope increases costs by €1,000 to €3,000. On slopes, the subsoil must be extra stabilised to prevent erosion. This takes more time and more precise work than on flat terrain.
Accessibility of the work area
Limited access to the garden increases costs because material must be moved manually. Passages narrower than two metres, long driveways, or stairs make the work labour-intensive. The gardener cannot use a wheelbarrow or wheeled tools, which slows down the job.
Soil quality and drainage
Clay soil or poor drainage requires extra preparation. Clay soil retains water and hampers root development. The gardener must then install drainage or add topsoil, which increases costs by €500 to €1,500.
Preparatory groundwork
Removing old grass or weeds costs €1,000 to €2,000 including disposal. Levelling the subsoil ensures a flat lawn and prevents water from pooling. Without good preparation, the turf roots poorly.
Grass type and quality
The choice for a specific grass type affects the price per m². Premium types such as centipede or zoysia are more expensive than Kentucky bluegrass but require less maintenance and are more drought-resistant.
Season and weather conditions
Spring and early autumn are ideal for laying turf because the soil is moist and the temperature is mild. In summer, more aftercare is needed due to drought, resulting in extra costs for irrigation.
Urgency versus planned work
Urgent jobs are more expensive than planned work. The gardener must adjust their planning and possibly postpone other jobs, which brings extra costs. Plan your job at least two weeks in advance for the best price.
Weekend or weekdays
Work on the weekend costs more than on weekdays. Gardeners charge a surcharge because it falls outside regular working hours.
Additional facilities
A sprinkler system or automatic irrigation increases the total costs by an average of €1,500 to €3,000. This prevents you from having to water manually, especially on larger areas.
Choose an honest platform
At Zoofy, you know what you pay in advance, without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job. Local professionals know the local soil conditions and can be on-site faster.
Do not delay tasks
Addressing small problems like poor drainage early prevents greater damage and higher costs later. A lawn that is not properly installed requires more aftercare and may need to be partially relaid.
Good preparation saves costs
Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible for the gardener. Remove obstacles such as garden furniture and ensure gates can open. This saves labour time and reduces costs.
Additional costs and surcharges
Extra costs depend on the situation. At Zoofy, you do not pay call-out charges.
- Urgent surcharge: A surcharge often applies for urgent jobs because the professional must adjust their schedule
- Weekend surcharge: Work on the weekend is more expensive than during the week
- Grass removal: Removing old grass costs €1,000 to €2,000 including disposal
- Uneven terrain or slope: Extra costs of €1,000 to €3,000 for levelling
- Fertilisation: Grass fertilisation for the first treatment costs €100 to €400
- Sprinkler installation: Adding a sprinkler system costs €1,700 to €3,400
How does the gardener work when laying turf?
Laying turf follows a fixed sequence of preparatory and executive tasks.
- The professional removes weeds and any old grass. The soil is loosened and levelled for a flat subsoil. This prevents water accumulation later and ensures uniform root development.
- Topsoil rich in nutrients is applied to a thickness of 4 to 6 centimetres and lightly pressed down. In case of poor soil quality, the gardener can install drainage to drain excess water.
- The turf rolls are laid in a brick pattern with staggered joints. The professional cuts the edges to size around obstacles and borders. This method prevents joints from lining up, which increases stability.
- With a garden roller, the turf is firmly pressed down to prevent air bubbles and guarantee good contact with the soil. This promotes root attachment.
- Immediately after installation, the lawn is thoroughly watered. Daily watering is essential for the first two weeks. After 10 to 14 days, the roots are well attached. After two weeks, the lawn can be carefully walked on, and after six weeks, normal maintenance such as mowing can resume.
Ensure the workspace is clear and accessible for the professional.
How can you save on laying turf?
There are several ways to reduce costs without compromising on quality.
- Plan ahead: Do not book urgently and avoid weekend work. Planned jobs are always cheaper than urgent assignments.
- Prepare the workspace: Ensure the garden is free of obstacles and easily accessible. This saves the professional labour time, which directly lowers the costs.
- Choose the right season: Lay turf in spring or early autumn. In summer, more watering is needed, which brings extra time and costs.
- Combine jobs: If you also need drainage or levelling, combine this with laying turf for efficiency. This prevents double labour and reduces the total price per m².
- Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate in advance, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Common problems with turf
Problems after installation usually arise from insufficient aftercare or preparation.
Brown spots
Brown spots occur due to insufficient water in the first weeks after installation. The turf dries out and the roots cannot attach to the soil. Daily watering is essential to prevent this, especially in warm weather.
Visible joints and cracks
Cracks between strips occur due to dehydration or insufficient pressing during installation. The edges shrink, making joints visible. This affects the appearance and weakens the stability of the lawn, which may require repair work.
Poor root formation
Poor root attachment occurs due to stepping on the lawn too early or disturbance in the first two weeks. The roots get no chance to anchor themselves, causing the turf to shift. This requires partial replacement and extra labour.
Yellow discolouration
Yellow discolouration indicates a lack of nutrients or disease. A soil test helps determine the cause so that targeted fertilisation or treatment is possible. Ignoring it leads to further deterioration of the grass quality.
Water pooling and mould growth
Insufficient drainage causes water pooling, which causes mould growth and the death of turf. This affects the root structure and can make large parts of the lawn unusable.
Find the best gardener for laying turf
A skilled gardener ensures a stable lawn with good root attachment.
- Special equipment: A professional gardener uses a garden roller to press the turf down evenly and hide joints.
- Experience and guarantees: Choose a gardener with demonstrable experience in laying turf, guarantees on growth, and references from previous projects.
- No call-out charges: You never pay extra for the professional coming over, only for the work performed.
- Fixed price in advance: You know exactly what the costs are, without surprises afterwards.
- Quick booking without quote hassle: Choose a time immediately and arrange a professional straight away, without waiting weeks.
- Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is done, after checking the work.
- Reliable, verified professionals: All affiliated gardeners are verified and know the local soil conditions.
Frequently asked questions about laying turf
What is the best month to lay turf?
Spring (March to May) and early autumn (September to October) are ideal. The soil then contains enough moisture and the temperature is between 10 and 20 degrees, which is optimal for root formation. In summer, you need more watering.
How much does it cost to have turf laid?
The price per m² lies between €7 and €12, including labour and materials. For a lawn of 100 m², you pay an average of €850 to €1,200. Larger areas are often cheaper per square metre due to economies of scale.
What does turf on a roll cost?
The material alone costs €1 to €3 per m², or €150 to €450 per pallet. This excludes the costs for labour, soil preparation, and transport.
What should you put under turf?
You need 4 to 6 centimetres of nutrient-rich topsoil. The soil should be lightly pressed down for an even surface. For clay soil or poor drainage, gardeners often advise an extra layer of sand or improved soil.
How long does turf stay good after delivery?
Turf must be laid within 24 to 48 hours after delivery. In warm weather shorter, as the rolls dry out quickly. Store them out of direct sunlight and kept moist until installation.
Can I lay turf myself?
Yes, but a professional gardener has a garden roller and experience to hide joints and press turf down evenly. This prevents cracks and visible transitions.
When can I mow for the first time after laying?
After 2 to 3 weeks, when the roots have taken hold well. Do not mow more than a third of the grass length off the first time. Mowing too early disturbs root attachment.
How often should I water new turf?
Daily during the first two weeks. The water must penetrate 5 to 7 centimetres deep. After two weeks, you reduce the frequency to twice a week.
How much turf do I need?
Measure the length and width of your garden and multiply these. Account for 5 to 10% extra for cutting loss at edges and obstacles. For 100 m², you therefore order 105 to 110 m².
How long does it take for turf to take hold?
After 10 to 14 days, the roots have attached themselves to the soil. After six weeks, the lawn is ready for normal use and maintenance such as mowing and light walking.
Book a gardener for laying turf
Ready to have turf laid? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy pairs you with a reliable professional who has been verified. You only pay once the work is done. Book a professional directly.