Do you want a fresh, green lawn without waiting for grass seeds to grow? Installing turf is a fast and easy way to get a great-looking yard. Even if you’re a beginner, you can do it yourself with a few simple tools and a weekend of work. In this guide, we’ll show you how to install turf step by step, what tools you need, and how much it might cost. Let’s get started!
What Is Turf?
Turf is real grass that’s already grown and rolled out like a carpet. You buy it in turf rolls or turf slabs, and then place it on your yard. It gives you an instant green lawn, and with the right care, it grows roots and stays healthy. Many homeowners prefer this over seeding because DIY turf installation gives fast results and looks professional.
Not sure if you want real grass? You can also explore synthetic turf or artificial grass options for low-maintenance, year-round green lawns that still look great as part of your home decoration ideas.
How Much Does It Cost to Lay Turf?
Getting a beautiful new lawn can cost different amounts. The turf installation cost mainly depends on how big your yard is and what type of grass you pick. Here’s a simple idea of what you might pay per square meter (m²), using prices from now (mid-2025).
| What You’re Paying For | Roughly How Much (per m²) (AUD) | What Does This Mean? |
| Just the Rolls of Grass (Turf) | $8 – $22 | This is only for the rolls of turf (the actual grass). Cheaper types like Kikuyu might be $8-$12. Nicer, fancier types like Sir Walter Buffalo could be $15-$22 or even more. Good quality grass now costs a little bit more than it used to. |
| Dirt/Soil for Underneath | $1 – $5 | This is the special dirt you put down before the grass. The cost per m² is an estimate, as you usually buy big piles of it. You might also need some crushed rock underneath the dirt. |
| Grass Food (Fertiliser) | $0.50 – $1.50 | This is the special food you give the new grass to help it grow strong. It’s usually bought in a bag, and a little bit goes a long way, so it’s not very expensive per square metres. |
| Basic Tools (Shovel, Rake, etc.) | $50 – $150 (one-time) | This is a one-time cost if you need to buy simple hand tools. If you rent bigger machines like a dirt flattener, that’s extra ($80-$150 for a day or weekend). |
| Someone to Lay It (Labour) | $20 – $35 | This is what you pay if you hire workers to get the ground ready and lay the grass for you. For really small jobs or very fancy installers, this could go up to $40-$55+ per m² nowadays. |
But if you’re doing a DIY turf installation, it will save you a lot of money!
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
To begin your DIY turf laying, you need a few things:
- Garden hose
- Rake
- Lawn soil conditioner
- Starter lawn fertilizer
- Tape measure
- Shears or sharp garden scissors
- Soil spreader
- Lawn roller (or just walk on the turf)
- Turf (of course!) and Turf cutter (helpful for removing old grass or shaping turf neatly)
Always wear gloves and a mask when working with soil or fertiliser.
Step-by-Step: How to Install Turf
Here’s our easy step-by-step guide for beginners. Just follow these 10 steps to get your turf down the right way.
Step 1: Measure Your Yard
Use a tape measure to find the length and width of your space. Multiply them to get your square metres. Turf is sold by area, so this tells you how many turf rolls to buy. Always order a little extra in case you need to trim pieces.
Step 2: Clear and Prepare the Soil
Remove weeds, rocks, and old grass. You need a smooth, clean surface. Use a rake or soil spreader to even out the ground. If your yard isn’t level, add a 30–50mm layer of lawn soil to help.
Step 3: Add Lawn Soil Conditioner
Good soil = healthy turf. Spread lawn soil conditioner to improve the ground. This helps with drainage and gives the turf better nutrients. Use a rake to mix it in.
Step 4: Use Lawn Starter Fertilizer
Before laying turf, apply a starter lawn fertilizer evenly. This gives your grass a strong start and helps roots grow faster. Smooth and lightly press the soil so it’s firm.
Step 5: Lay the First Row of Turf
Pick a straight edge like a fence or path to begin. Roll out your first piece of turf carefully. Make sure edges touch but don’t overlap. This first row is the guide for the rest of your lawn.
Step 6: Cut Turf to Fit & Stagger the Rows
For corners, edges, or small spots, use garden shears to cut the turf. Make sure each piece fits snugly so there are no gaps. Lay the rest of the turf in a staggered pattern, like brickwork. This makes the seams less visible and helps the turf grow better. Avoid placing edges in straight lines.
Step 7: Press It Down
Use a lawn roller or gently walk over the turf to press it into the soil. This removes air pockets and helps the roots stick to the ground.
Step 8: Water Your Turf
After all the turf is down, give it a good soak.
Turf Watering Schedule
| Week | Frequency | Notes |
| Week 1–2 | Twice daily | Keep soil moist at all times |
| Week 3–4 | Once daily | Roots are starting to settle |
| After Week 4 | Every 2–3 days | Normal watering, adjust by weather |
Wait 2–3 weeks before mowing. If it’s cooler weather, it might take longer for roots to grow.
Step 9: Keep It Healthy
After the turf takes root, you can mow it and care for it like normal. Keep watering regularly and use lawn food every few months. Want to go further? Learn how to fix bare patches in your lawn to keep it looking full all year round.
Extra Tips for Beginners
- Lay turf on the same day it’s delivered, don’t wait!
- Avoid walking on new turf too much.
- The best soil for turf is soft, well-drained, and rich with nutrients.
- Choose turf that suits your climate, some need more sun, some are better for shade.
Choose turf that suits your local Australian climate. For cooler areas like Victoria or Tasmania, shade-tolerant grasses are ideal. In warmer regions such as Queensland, consider Buffalo or Couch grass which thrive in heat and sun. A fresh green lawn isn’t just practical, it also adds value and style to your outdoor living ideas.
Final Thoughts
Doing a DIY turf installation might seem hard, but it’s really just a few steps with the right tools. It’s cheaper than hiring pros, and the results can be just as beautiful. You now know how to install turf, how much it might cost, and what you need to succeed, even if this is your first time. With this guide, some patience, and daily watering, you’ll have a lush, green lawn in no time.