The short answer
Turf laying in the UK typically costs £15–£30 per square metre supplied and laid. That breaks down into the turf itself at roughly £3–£10 per m² — budget rye turf low, premium or ornamental turf high — and ground preparation plus laying labour at around £10–£20 per m². Simple jobs on existing soil can come in nearer £8–£12 per m² for labour, while complex sites needing levelling, excavation or imported topsoil can reach the top of the range or beyond. Rates tend to run roughly 15–25% higher in London and the South East than in the North or Wales. The per-metre figure is most useful for comparing quotes once you know your area and how much ground work is needed.
The per-square-metre rate is the easiest way to sense-check a quote, but only if you compare like for like — turf grade and the amount of ground preparation included make most of the difference. Here is what sits inside the figure.
Per m² breakdown
- Supplied & laid£15–£30 / m²
- Turf material£3–£10 / m²
- Laying labour~£8–£12 / m²
- Full prep + lay~£10–£20 / m²
- London / South East~15–25% higher
What's inside the per-metre rate
- Turf material (£3–£10/m²): the rolls themselves, from budget rye to premium hard-wearing turf.
- Ground preparation: clearing the old lawn, rotovating, raking level, firming and topping up topsoil.
- Laying labour: butting the rolls tightly, staggering joints and firming them in.
- Extras: waste removal, edging and the first watering — worth confirming are included.
| Component | Typical rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf material | £3–£10 / m² | grade dependent |
| Laying labour (existing soil) | ~£8–£12 / m² | minimal ground work |
| Prep + lay (full) | ~£10–£20 / m² | clearing, rotovating, topsoil |
| Complex / levelled site | ~£20–£30 / m² | excavation, imported soil |
Indicative UK rates for guidance; regional and site factors apply. Sources: MyJobQuote and Checkatrade cost guides.
Why two quotes per metre can differ so much
A quote at the bottom of the range and one at the top can both be fair — they are usually pricing different amounts of ground work. One may assume turf laid straight onto existing soil; the other may include stripping the old lawn, rotovating, levelling and importing topsoil. Neither is wrong, but they are not comparable until you fix the scope. Decide what your ground actually needs first, then ask each specialist to quote on that same specification so the per-metre figures mean the same thing.
Want a clear per-metre quote?
We'll match you with a vetted turfing or landscaping specialist who measures your garden and quotes a per-square-metre rate on a defined scope — turf grade, ground preparation and topsoil all itemised.
Frequently asked questions
How much does turf cost per square metre laid?
Typically £15–£30 per square metre supplied and laid in the UK. The turf itself is about £3–£10 per m² and ground preparation plus laying labour adds roughly £10–£20 per m², with complex levelled sites reaching the top of the range or beyond.
Why is one quote per metre much higher than another?
Usually because they include different amounts of ground work. A low rate may assume turf laid on existing soil, while a higher one includes stripping, rotovating, levelling and new topsoil. Fix the scope before comparing the per-metre figures.
Does turf cost more in London?
Yes — rates tend to run roughly 15–25% higher in London and the South East than in the North of England or Wales, reflecting higher labour and disposal costs.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific garden. They are guidance, not a quotation.