How Much Artificial Grass Do I Need?

So, you’ve decided to embark on an exciting home improvement project - installing artificial grass. This is a fantastic choice! Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf, offers numerous benefits that make it a popular alternative to natural grass. It’s not just about the lush, green aesthetic appeal; artificial grass is also about embracing a low-maintenance lifestyle.

But before you can enjoy these benefits, there’s one crucial question you need to answer: “How much artificial grass do I need?” This is not a detail you want to overlook. Whether you’re planning a DIY project or hiring professionals, accurately estimating the amount of artificial grass you need is the first step toward a successful installation.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of measuring your space and calculating the amount of artificial grass needed. We’ll provide step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure you get it right. So, let’s get started on this journey to transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, green oasis.

Why Accurate Measurement Matters

Accurate measurement is crucial when planning for artificial grass installation. Here are some reasons why:

1. Avoid Unnecessary Expenses: Overestimating the amount of artificial grass you need could result in unnecessary expenses. You don’t want to end up paying for more grass than you need.
2. Prevent Incomplete Projects: On the other hand, underestimating could leave you with an incomplete project. It’s frustrating to run out of material midway through installation.
3. Better Price Comparison: Knowing the exact square footage of your space can help you better compare prices and options when shopping for artificial grass products. It allows you to get a more accurate estimate of the total cost.
4. Efficient Installation Process: Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast taking on the installation process yourself or considering professional installation, having a clear idea of the amount of artificial grass required can make the process smoother and more efficient.
5. Optimal Use of Space: Accurate measurement ensures that every square foot of your space is optimally used. This is especially important for complex landscapes with unique shapes.

How to Measure Your Space for Artificial Grass

Whether you’re planning to transform your backyard into a lush green landscape, create a safe play area for kids, or even install a rooftop garden, there’s one crucial question you need to answer: “How much artificial grass do I need?”

Accurate measurement is the first step towards a successful artificial grass installation. It helps you avoid unnecessary expenses and ensures that you have enough artificial turf material to cover your entire space. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you measure your space, no matter its shape:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

Every successful project starts with the right tools. For this particular part of your DIY project, you need the following tools:

• Tape measure
• Piece of paper
• Pen or pencil
• Calculator (optional but handy)

Step 2: Sketch Your Area

Start by drawing a rough sketch of the area where you plan to install the artificial grass. This sketch will serve as a visual guide and make it easier for you to take measurements. Remember, it doesn’t have to be a work of art, but it should represent the shape of your space accurately.

Step 3: Measure the Length and Width

Next, measure the length and width of your area using your tape measure. If your space is not a perfect square or rectangle, measure the longest and widest parts to ensure full coverage. It’s always better to have a little extra than not enough. But here’s how you can measure for different spaces:

For Rectangular or Square Spaces

Measuring the area of rectangular or square spaces is very easy. You can just:

1. Measure the Length: Use your tape measure to measure the longest side of your space from end to end.
2. Measure the Width: Next, measure the shortest side of your space from end to end.
3. Calculate the Area: Multiply the length by the width to get the total square footage of your space.

For Circular Spaces

If your space is circular:

1. Measure the Diameter: Measure the diameter of the circle (the distance across the circle through the center).
2. Calculate the Radius: The radius is half of the diameter.
3. Calculate the Area: The area of a circle is πr² sq ft (pi times the radius squared).

For Triangular Spaces

If your space is triangular, you’ll need to measure the base and the height of the triangle:

1. Measure the Base: The base of the triangle is its bottom side. Use your tape measure to measure the length of the base from one end to the other.
2. Measure the Height: The height of the triangle is the distance from the base to the top point of the triangle. Measure this distance.
3. Calculate the Area: Multiply the base by the height and then divide by 2 to get the area in square feet.

For Irregularly Shaped Spaces

If your space is not a perfect circle or rectangle (for example, it’s an “L” shape or a circle with a section cut out), it can be a bit more challenging to measure. But here’s how you can do it:

1. Divide Your Space: Try to divide your space into regular shapes like rectangles, squares, triangles, and circles. Each of these shapes has a straightforward formula for calculating area.
2. Measure Each Division: Measure the necessary dimensions for each division. For rectangles and squares, measure the length and width. For triangles, measure the base and height. For circles and semi-circles, measure the radius (half the diameter).
3. Calculate the Area of Each Division: Use the appropriate formula to calculate the area of each division. Add up these areas to get the total square footage of your space.

Step 4: Account for Cutting and Shaping

Artificial grass installation is not always a straightforward process. Depending on the shape and size of your space, you may need to cut and shape the turf to ensure it fits perfectly. This could be the case if your space has curved edges, unusual angles, or if it’s divided into different sections.

Cutting and shaping the turf can lead to some wastage. For instance, if you have to cut a circular area out of a square piece of turf, you’ll be left with some leftover material that might not be usable elsewhere.

To account for such scenarios, it’s a good idea to add an extra 10% to your total square footage. This buffer ensures you won’t run out of material in case of any miscalculations or unexpected challenges during the installation process. It’s a small step that can save you from a lot of stress and help keep your project on track.

Step 5: Consider the Width of the Artificial Grass Rolls

Artificial grass typically comes in 12-foot and 15-foot wide rolls. When determining how much artificial grass you need, keep this in mind to minimize the number of seams.

For example, if your space is 20 feet wide, you would need two 12-foot wide turf rolls, resulting in a total of 24 feet in width. With the right preparation and high-quality turf rolls, you can transform your space into a lush, green, and low-maintenance haven.

Estimating Costs from the Calculated Area

Once you’ve calculated the total amount of artificial grass you need, you can start to estimate the cost of your project. The cost of artificial grass can vary widely depending on the quality, brand, and type of grass you choose. High-quality turf products are more durable and have longer lifespans while lesser-quality turf products are cheaper but might not look or feel like natural grass.

Here’s how you can estimate the cost of synthetic turf :

1. Find the Price per Square Foot: Check the price of the artificial grass per square foot. This information is usually available on the product label or the retailer’s website.
2. Calculate the Total Cost: Multiply the price per square foot by the total square footage (including the extra 10% for cutting and shaping) to get the total cost of the fake grass.

Remember, this is just the average cost of the artificial grass itself. You should also consider other costs associated with the artificial turf installation, such as the cost of any necessary tools, infill material, and potentially hiring a professional installer if you’re not planning a DIY installation. Don’t forget to get free quotes from synthetic grass retailers and landscaping professionals. You can also refer to our blog on artificial grass costs to understand how much artificial turf costs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether you’re planning a DIY project or considering professional installation, accurate measurement, and calculation are the first steps toward a successful artificial grass installation. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a pet-friendly turf for your furry friends, or a business owner planning to install a synthetic lawn in a sports field or playground, you would need to do this.

Remember, every square foot counts. Overestimating can lead to unnecessary expenses, while underestimating can result in an incomplete grass lawn. So, take your time, measure carefully, and don’t hesitate to double-check your calculations. With the right preparation, you can ensure a successful artificial grass installation. Say goodbye to mowing and fertilizing, and say hello to a lush, green, and low-maintenance lawn that will last for years to come.