How Long Does Turfing a Lawn Really Take?
Not all turf is created equal – and the kind you pick will affect both how long the job takes and how long it lasts. Whether you’re looking to refresh your garden, create a family-friendly play space, or simply upgrade from patchy soil, turfing a lawn can completely transform your outdoor area. But how long does it actually take — and what’s involved?
If you’ve ever searched “turfing near me” or wondered about grass turfing versus artificial turfing, this guide will walk you through everything. We’ll explain what affects the time it takes, the different types of turf you can choose from, and how to get the best results without the faff.
So let’s start!
Types of turf
Natural grass turf
The traditional choice. Rolled grass turf is laid over prepared soil and takes root in a couple of weeks. Great for a classic lawn look.
Shade-tolerant turf
Ideal for gardens with lots of trees or walls blocking sunlight. It grows more slowly, so allow extra time for it to establish.
Hard-wearing turf
Perfect for families, pets, or high-footfall areas. It’s tough stuff and settles in quickly if installed well.
Artificial turfing
Zero mowing, zero mud. Artificial turfing can be fitted in just a day or two, and you don’t need to wait for it to grow in — but it takes a bit more prep work upfront.
How to prep your lawn
A smooth, healthy lawn starts with solid prep. This is the most time-consuming stage, especially if you’re replacing old grass or weeds.
- Clearing the area – Removing old turf, stones, and debris (usually 1 day)
- Rotovating and raking – Loosening and levelling the soil (half a day)
- Adding topsoil – Improves drainage and root growth (half a day)
This groundwork is vital — rushing it will cost you more time later.
Laying Your Turf
Here’s the exciting bit — turning bare soil into a lush green lawn.
- Rolling out turf – Usually done in a staggered brick pattern (half a day to a full day depending on size)
- Trimming and shaping – Cutting edges neatly with a half-moon spade (1–2 hours)
- Watering thoroughly – Essential for helping turf root in (ongoing for the first 2 weeks)
Most standard gardens can be fully turfed in one to two days once prep is done.
So let’s look at aftercare and settling time:
- Rooting period – Natural turf takes 2–3 weeks to root in, during which it needs daily watering and minimal foot traffic.
- First mow – Usually after 3–4 weeks, once the grass reaches 5–7cm.
- Artificial turf – Ready to use immediately, with just a light brush to lift the pile.
How long does turfing a lawn take?
You want a beautiful, lush lawn to enjoy, but you also want to save time and effort. Here’s a quick guide based on garden size:
Small garden (20–30 m²)
- Preparation: 1 day
- Laying Turf: Half a day
- Total Time: 1.5 days
Medium garden (40–70 m²)
- Preparation: 1–1.5 days
- Laying Turf: 1 day
- Total Time: 2–2.5 days
Large garden (100+ m²)
- Preparation: 2+ days
- Laying Turf: 2+ days
- Total Time: 4+ days
Artificial turfing usually takes 1-2 days regardless of size, but requires a longer prep phase (digging out soil, adding membranes and sand). The good news? We can do it all for you, saving you time and effort while giving your lawn the perfect look – including garden clearance, soil levelling, lawn repairs, and even artificial turfing installation.
Give us a ring, drop us an email, or request a free consultation today.
FAQs
Do you offer grass turfing and artificial turfing?
Yes – we can install either natural grass turf or artificial turf, depending on what suits your garden best.
How long before I can walk on my new lawn?
After about 2–3 weeks for natural turf. Artificial turf can be used immediately.
Do I need to use a tufting gun for turfing a lawn?
Nope – a tufting gun is used for making rugs, not lawns!
Do you prepare the ground too?
We handle everything from removing old turf to levelling and topsoil.
How much does turfing cost?
It depends on your garden size and the type of turf. We provide personalised, no-obligation quotes so there are no surprises.