How to Calculate the Cost of Turf for Your Lawn in Perth

Planning a new lawn is easier when you know what you are likely to spend. But the cost of turf Perth homeowners pay depends on more than the price of the grass itself. Lawn size, turf variety, site preparation, delivery and installation can all affect the final amount.

The basic calculation is: Total turf budget = lawn area × current turf price per m² + preparation + delivery + installation + other required costs.

Start by measuring your lawn in square metres. Then apply the current price for your chosen turf and add any costs needed to prepare and complete the installation. This guide explains each step so you can build a more realistic budget before requesting a quote.

What Do You Need to Know Before Calculating Turf Cost?

Before calculating your lawn turf cost in Perth, you need five key details:

• The total lawn area in square metres.
• The amount of turf required.
• The current price per square metre for your chosen variety.
• Any soil preparation, levelling or reticulation required.
• Delivery and installation requirements.

Turf pricing can vary according to the supplier, quantity, site condition, delivery and installation requirements. This means the turf price per square metre is only one part of the final project cost. 

Having these details ready makes it easier to compare quotes based on the complete job rather than the turf price alone.

How Do You Calculate the Amount of Turf You Need?

Your turf requirement starts with the total area you need to cover.

1. How Do You Measure a Simple Lawn?

For a rectangular or square lawn, multiply the length by the width.

Lawn area = length × width

For example, a lawn measuring 10m long and 6m wide has an area of 60 m². Your starting turf requirement would therefore be 60 m².

2. How Do You Measure an Irregular Lawn?

For an irregular lawn, divide the area into smaller rectangles or squares. Calculate the area of each section and then add the figures together.

For example:

• Section 1: 8m × 4m = 32m².
• Section 2: 4m × 3m = 12m².
• Total area = 44m².

For lawns with curves, several corners, or unusual boundaries, provide your measurements or a site plan to your turf supplier so the required quantity can be confirmed.

3. How Much Extra Turf Should You Allow for Cutting and Wastage?

There is no single wastage percentage that suits every lawn. The amount needed for cuts depends on the shape and complexity of the area. Some landscapers allow up to 5% when not a square or rectangle shaped area.

A simple rectangular lawn may require less cutting than one with curves, garden beds, and multiple corners. Rather than automatically adding a large allowance, confirm the appropriate quantity with your supplier before ordering.

This helps prevent two common problems: ordering too little and having to source additional turf, or ordering substantially more than the lawn requires.

How Do You Calculate the Basic Cost of Turf?

Once you know the required area, calculate the turf component of your budget using:

Turf cost = required turf area in m² × current turf price per m²

For example, if your lawn requires 60 m² and your current quoted turf price is $X per square metre:

60m² × $X = $X

Actual pricing can vary according to turf variety, quantity, supplier and project requirements. 

Turf may also be quoted by the roll rather than by square metre, so confirm how the supplier calculates its price before comparing quotes.

This calculation gives you the basic turf cost, but it does not necessarily represent the amount you will spend on the complete lawn project.

What Additional Costs Can Affect Your Total Turf Budget?

The final project cost can include several items beyond the turf itself. For a successful outcome Common additional costs include:

• Soil preparation or amendments.
• Removal of existing lawn or soil.
• Levelling.
• Reticulation or irrigation.
• Wetting agents and turf care products.
• Delivery.
• Installation labour.

Greenacres identifies soil preparation, reticulation, delivery, turf care products and installation labour as potential additional costs. Site preparation can include removing existing lawn and soil, amending or replacing soil and levelling the area. 

Soil preparation can be particularly important in Perth. Water Corporation advises preparing and amending soil before establishing a new lawn and notes that WA soils can be very sandy, with poor soil conditions beneath the roots contributing to lawn failures. 

This is why a cheaper turf price does not automatically mean a cheaper lawn project. A site requiring significant groundwork may have higher overall costs even if the turf itself is less expensive.

How Does Turf Type Affect the Overall Cost?

Different turf varieties can have different upfront prices and maintenance requirements. Greenacres’ cost guidance places Sir Walter towards the higher end of its price range, while other varieties can have lower or medium upfront costs. 

Turf selection should take factors such as budget and ongoing maintenance into account. Some buffalo varieties can require a higher initial investment but may cost less to maintain over time. 

The right choice therefore depends on more than the purchase price. Consider your lawn’s sunlight, expected use, water requirements, and the level of maintenance you are prepared to provide.

What Should You Know About Sir Walter Turf Pricing?

If you are considering Sir Walter, look at Sir Walter turf pricing as part of your complete project budget rather than treating the turf rate as the final cost.

Greenacres describes Sir Walter as a premium buffalo variety with high wear tolerance, shade tolerance, and relatively low maintenance requirements. It also has a higher initial upfront cost compared with some other turf options.

The Sir Walter variety may therefore suit homeowners who are prepared to make a higher initial investment in a durable, lower-maintenance lawn suited to a range of Perth conditions.

How Much Does It Cost to Lay Turf in Perth?

The cost to lay turf Perth homeowners pay depends on how much preparation the site needs and whether the turf is installed as a DIY project or by a professional.

Supply-only turf represents the base turf cost. Supply-and-install pricing can include preparation, labour and finishing, so the two should not be compared as though they are the same service. 

For DIY installation, you may reduce labour costs, but you still need to consider soil preparation, materials, equipment, delivery or collection, and your own time. Have the area prepared before the turf arrives and install the turf promptly after delivery.

Professional installation may be more appropriate when the area requires substantial preparation, levelling, reticulation work, or other groundwork.

The important point is to calculate the complete installation cost, not simply the cost of the turf rolls.

How Can You Keep Your Turf Costs Under Control?

A few practical steps can make your turf budget more predictable.

• Measure carefully. Accurate measurements give you a better starting point for calculating the required turf quantity.
• Choose the right variety. Consider sunlight, wear, water use, and ongoing maintenance instead of choosing a turf type based only on its initial price.
• Prepare the site. Water Corporation recommends preparing the soil and using an appropriate irrigation system when establishing a new lawn.
• Get the complete quote. Ask for turf, preparation, delivery, and installation costs so you can understand the likely total.
• Prepare before delivery. Having the site ready can help avoid delays once the turf arrives. Greenacres recommends preparing the area before delivery and installing the turf promptly. 

How Can You Calculate Your Total Turf Budget?

Once you have the individual figures, use the complete calculation: Total turf budget = turf cost + site preparation + delivery + installation + other required costs

For example, your project could include:

• Turf: 60m² × current quoted price.
• Soil preparation: $X.
• Delivery: $X.
• Installation: $X.
• Other required products or irrigation: $X.

Add these figures together to create your working project budget.

This approach gives you a clearer picture of what you are likely to spend because it separates the cost of buying the turf from the cost of completing the lawn project.

What Does a Turf Cost Calculation Look Like?

Imagine you have a 60m² lawn and receive a hypothetical turf quote of $X per square metre.

Your basic turf cost would be: 60 × $X = $X

You then add any applicable preparation, delivery, and installation costs.

For example: Turf + preparation + delivery + installation = total project budget

The figures in this example are placeholders because current turf pricing varies according to variety, quantity, supplier, delivery, and installation requirements. Use your current supplier quote for the actual calculation. 

The advantage of this method is that you can identify which costs apply to your property before making a decision. It also gives you a useful structure for comparing different turf options and installation approaches.

Closing Thoughts

Calculating the cost of turf Perth homeowners should budget for starts with the size of the lawn. Measure the area, calculate the turf quantity, apply the current price per square metre, and then add any preparation, delivery, installation, and other required costs.

The turf price is only the starting point. Soil conditions, access, irrigation, turf variety and installation requirements can all affect the final amount, so a complete project quote gives you a more useful figure than a turf-only price. 

If you are ready to compare options, Greenacres Turf Group supplies locally grown turf across Perth and provides advice on turf selection, preparation and installation. Its experienced sales team can also provide a written quotation based on your lawn requirements.

FAQs

How Do I Calculate How Much Turf I Need?

Measure the lawn in square metres. For a rectangular area, multiply the length by the width. For an irregular lawn, divide it into smaller sections, calculate each area and add the results together. Confirm the final turf quantity with your supplier, particularly for complex lawn shapes. 

How Much Does Turf Cost Per Square Metre in Perth?

There is no single price that applies to every turf project. The current price can vary according to the turf variety, supplier, quantity, and requirements such as delivery and installation. Consider the complete project cost rather than relying on the turf price alone.

Is Turf Priced Per Square Metre?

Turf can be priced per square metre or per roll, depending on the supplier. Confirm the pricing structure and quantity included in your quote before comparing prices. 

How Much Extra Turf Should I Order for Wastage?

The appropriate allowance depends on the shape and complexity of your lawn. Curves, corners, and other areas requiring cuts can affect the quantity required, so confirm the allowance with your turf supplier rather than relying on a universal percentage. 

Does Preparing the Soil Increase the Cost of Laying Turf?

It can. Preparation may involve removing existing lawn or soil, amending the soil, levelling the area, and installing or adjusting reticulation. Water Corporation also recommends preparing and amending soil before establishing a new lawn. 

Is It Cheaper to Lay Turf Yourself?

DIY installation can reduce labour costs, but you still need to account for preparation, materials, equipment, delivery or collection, and your own time. Greenacres provides DIY installation guidance for homeowners who choose to install their own turf.