Article: How to Size Artificial Turf
How to Size Artificial Turf
Maybe you know this feeling… staring at your backyard, trying to figure out how much artificial turf to order, and every website seems to give you different advice. Or maybe you're worried about ordering too little and having your project grind as you wait for more. Or ordering way too much and blowing your budget on grass you'll never use.
Trust me, you're not alone. Every day, homeowners are dealing with these same frustrations: confusing roll sizes, mysterious "waste factors," and the nagging fear that they're about to make an expensive mistake. Add in weird-shaped yards, drainage concerns, and the pressure to create a beautiful artificial lawn… it's overwhelming.
Want some good news? Getting your measurements right is not only possible, but you don't need to pay a team of professionals to get it right. (Don't get me wrong, leveraging the thousands of hours of experience from professionals like our friends over at Artificial Turf Supply does reduce your risk significantly.) But properly sizing artificial turf by yourself is all about understanding turf types, roll sizes, the realities (and quirks) of your outdoor space, and the pitfalls you might run into.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sizing Artificial Turf
Start with the roll width. Plan your layout around your turf roll width (this article’s rolls are 15' wide). Decide the direction you’ll run the turf first, then see how many 15' strips you’ll need. Example: a 20' wide lawn usually means two strips and one seam.
Length × width = square footage. Measure the length and width, then multiply to get your square footage. Measure at least twice, and sketch it as you go. While you’re sketching, keep the 15' roll width in mind so you can plan strips and seams from the start.
Break it into simple shapes. Divide the area into smaller rectangles (or other simple shapes), measure each section, then add totals. For curves around trees or beds, measure the maximum length and width of an “imaginary rectangle” that covers the curve—then trim to shape during installation.
Add about 10% extra. Plan for a 10% waste factor. It covers trimming edges, fitting around obstacles, seam alignment tweaks, and small mistakes that happen mid-install. Having a little extra also helps if you ever need a small repair later.
Divide width by 15', round up. Take your project width, divide by 15 feet, then round up to get the number of strips (rolls). Each strip is cut to the run length you need. Example: a 30' × 40' area typically needs 2 strips, each 40' long.
Hide seams and match the “grain.” Plan seams in low-traffic areas or along natural lines like walkways and borders. And yes—direction matters. All pieces should face the same way for a consistent look, because mixed directions can make panels appear different in color and sheen.
They can change layout and cuts. If you’re correcting drainage, adding grading, or creating a slight slope, your layout may shift—and so can your turf cuts. Plan drainage before ordering so you don’t come up short. Poor drainage can also mean extra base materials and added prep steps.
Yes—plan the “extras” early. Shorter pile (about 1–2 inches) often needs less infill; longer pile (2–4 inches) usually needs more support and ongoing care. Don’t forget planning for infill (often 1–3 lb per sq ft depending on turf), plus seam tape, adhesive, and edging materials.
Sizing Your Artificial Turf - Quick Guide
- Always measure your space with turf roll size in mind. For example, our rolls are 15' wide, so understand how that will break down based on the width of your project space
- Add a 10% waste factor to your calculations – trust me, it's better to have a little extra than to scramble for more material mid-project
- Measure your area at least twice because approximately 90% of landscape professionals swear by this practice for good reason
- Plan for seams strategically to maintain that seamless, natural appearance across your entire lawn area
- Consider drainage and slope requirements since these factors can significantly impact your material needs and installation approach
Measuring Your Area Like a Seasoned Pro
Let's kick this thing off with what's most important. The foundation of any successful artificial turf project starts with accurate measurements. I really can't stress this enough. Because this will make or break your entire installation. Grab a good tape measure, a way to note those measurements (go old school with paper and pencil, or use a note app on your phone), and get to work.
As you're measuring and sketching out your space, you need to keep the width of your artificial grass rolls in mind. The Patio Productions turf rolls come in 15 foot widths. So, when you're choosing which direction you'll end up rolling out that turf, think about how many of those 15 foot wide sections you'll need to cover it.
Our friends and partners over at Artificial Turf Supply have spent decades developing tools, guides, and how-to articles to help you get your measurements juuust right. In fact, grab their free downloadable design papers:
Design Paper - Landscape | Design Paper - Portrait
Measuring Rectangular Spaces
Multiply your space's length by its width to calculate square footage. So far so simple, right? Then you need to think about how those 15-foot-wide turf rolls will fit best into your calculated space. Which will create less waste… laying the rolls down along the longer edge? Or rolling them out across the shorter length (though this will creat more seams). For example, if your lawn is 20 feet wide, you'll need at least two rolls with a seam down the middle.
Measuring Artificial Turf for Irregular Shape Spaces
Let's face it, most yards aren't perfect rectangles. So break the area down into smaller sections. This is where sketching it out on paper is super helpful, marking dimensions as you go. For curved areas around trees or flower beds, imagine that the area extends into a square or rectangular shape, then measure that imagined shape's maximum length and width. You'll then just trim your rounded shapes during installation.
Determining the Right Turf Type for Your Space
There are hundreds of types of artificial turf today (some best for lawns, commerical spaces, pet-friendly, athletic usage, playgrounds, etc). And there are higher and lower quality options for each. Choosing the wrong type can impact both your measurements and your final results. Think about your intended use, and don't make the mistake of getting excited about a particular grass style only to realize it won't work for your specific needs.
Also, pile height plays a significant role in how your turf will look and perform. Shorter pile heights (around 1-2 inches) work great for high-traffic areas and tend to require less infill material. Longer pile heights (2-4 inches) create that lush, luxurious appearance but need more support materials and onoing care.
You also need to consider your intended artificial turf traffic patterns. That should help deterine your turf selection, too. Will kids or pets run around on your artificial grass? You'll need durable materials with specific backing systems. Commercial spaces that need lush-looking turf that won't get walked on much? You can spring for the longer, more natural-looking blades and thatch. Our friends over at Artificial Turf Supply always asks about intended use because it affects everything from the type of infill needed to the installation techniques required.
Calculating Square Footage and Roll Requirements
Alright, now the rubber's hitting the road. The math is getting real here, and I promise it's not as complicated as it seems. Studies show that correctly sized artificial turf reduces lawn maintenance costs by up to 40%, so getting this calculation right pays dividends long-term.
Start with your basic square footage calculation (from earlier in the article): length times width equals total area. But remember, you're working with 15-foot-wide rolls that can be cut to any length. If your lawn is 30 feet wide by 40 feet long, you'll need two rolls, each 40 feet long.
But don't stop there. You need to remember to factor in a 10% waste factor. Basically, this accounts for trimming around edges, making adjustments during installation, and having some material on hand for future repairs. So the example calculation we just made of the 30 by 40 foot lawn, you'll want to ask your artificial grass distributor how you can also acquire 10% extra for those little extra bits you'll end up needing.
The Patio Productions team has seen that it's better to slightly overestimate than to find yourself short when you're halfway through the project.
| Area Size | Rolls Needed (15' width) | Length per Roll | Total Square Footage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15' x 20' | 1 roll | 20 feet | 300 sq ft |
| 30' x 25' | 2 rolls | 25 feet each | 750 sq ft |
| 45' x 30' | 3 rolls | 30 feet each | 1,350 sq ft |
Assessing Drainage and Site Preparation Needs
Proper drainage isn't just about preventing water problems – it can actually affect how much material you need and how you plan your installation. Slopes and drainage requirements sometimes mean adjusting your measurements to accommodate proper grading.
In my opinion, most homeowners underestimate how much site preparation impacts their project scope. If your yard has significant drainage issues, you might need additional base materials, which affects both cost and installation complexity. Artificial Turf Supply often recommends specific preparation steps based on your local soil conditions and climate.
Areas with poor drainage might require French drains or other solutions that could impact your turf layout. You might need to create slight slopes or redirect water flow, which means adjusting the planned coverage area.
Planning for Edging, Borders, and Seams
Seams are probably the trickiest part of any artificial turf installation, and planning for them during the sizing phase saves countless headaches later. Approximately 70% of artificial turf installations require precise measurements for optimal fit, particularly when dealing with seam placement.
When possible, plan seams in low-traffic areas or along natural sight lines like walkways or garden borders. The direction of your turf blades matters too – all pieces should face the same direction for consistent appearance. I always tell clients to think about how they'll view their lawn from inside the house and plan accordingly.
Edging materials add another dimension to your planning. Whether you're using metal strips, concrete borders, or landscape timber, these elements affect your total coverage area. Factor in the width of your edging materials when calculating your turf needs.
Smart Installation Planning and Cost Considerations
Labor costs can surprise homeowners who focus only on material expenses. While DIY installation is possible for smaller areas, larger projects often benefit from professional installation. Our team has the tools and experience to handle complex layouts efficiently.
Equipment needs vary based on project size. Simple rectangular installations might only require basic cutting tools, but complex shapes often need specialized equipment for precise cuts and seam joining. A utility knife works great for most cutting needs, but larger projects might require power tools for efficiency.
Installation timing affects costs too. Peak season installations typically cost more due to higher demand, while off-season projects often offer better pricing opportunities.
Accessories, Infill, and Final Considerations
Infill materials add weight, cushioning, and stability to your artificial turf, but they also represent an additional material cost to factor into your planning. Different turf types require different amounts of infill, typically ranging from 1-3 pounds per square foot.
Other accessories like joining tape, adhesives, and nails might seem minor, but they add up quickly on larger projects. Our partner company, Artificial Turf Supply, provides comprehensive material lists that help avoid last-minute trips to the hardware store.
An estimated 60% of synthetic turf buyers report improved aesthetics when they accurately size their materials and plan for all necessary accessories upfront. It's worth taking the time to get every detail right.
Local Regulations and Permit Requirements
Alright, you're almost done, but there are a few critical things you still need to do. Before finalizing your measurements and material orders, check local regulations and HOA requirements. Some areas have restrictions on artificial turf installation, particularly regarding drainage and runoff management.
Permit requirements vary by location and project size. While most residential turf installations don't require permits, larger projects or those involving significant drainage modifications might need approval.
Building codes sometimes specify installation methods or material requirements that could affect your planning. It's always smart to verify local requirements before ordering materials.
Wrapping Up Your Turf Sizing Journey
Getting the right size artificial turf sets you up for success in a big way. Think of it as the foundation for a successful project that you'll enjoy for years to come. The artificial turf industry just keeps growing, and options keep expanding, so I'd say the time spent carefully measuring and planning pays off big-time in both cost savings and final results.
And I said it before, and I'll say it again: you're not alone. Our Patio Productions team and our partners at Artificial Turf Supply love to help throughout your project. Experienced turf experts can guide you through everything from initial measurements to final installation. So, if you're covering a simple rectangular lawn… great! Tackling a complex landscape design? Fantastic! Just give the Patio Productions team a call!
