How to Measure for Turf
Ready to turn your backyard into the envy of the neighbourhood? Before you roll out that beautiful green carpet, you’ve got to figure out how much turf you need. Don’t worry, mate, it’s easier than catching a wave at Surfers Paradise, and we’re here to guide you through it.
Firstly, if you’re up with the tech, you can use Google Maps’ measuring tool - check out our tutorial here, or follow the steps below.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
First things first, grab your gear:
A tape measure (the longer, the better)
A notepad and pen (no, your hand doesn’t count)
A calculator (or your trusty phone – we’re not living in the Stone Age)
Step 2: Measure Your Area
Rectangular and Square Areas:
Measure the length (L) and the width (W) of your area.
Multiply these two numbers together. For example, if your yard is 10 meters long and 5 meters wide, you’ve got 10m x 5m = 50 square meters. Easy peasy!
Circular Areas:
Measure the diameter of the circle (the distance across the middle, like you’re measuring a pizza).
Divide the diameter by 2 to get the radius (R).
Use the formula 3.14 x radius squared to find the area. For instance, if your circle has a diameter of 4 meters, the radius is 2 meters. So, the area is 3.14 x (2 x 2) =12.57 square meters. Maths, but fun!
Oval Areas:
Measure the length (L) and width (W) of the oval area.
Multiply 0.80 by the length and then by the width to calculate the area. For example, if the length is 16 meters and the width is 13 meters, you’ve got 0.80 x (16m x 13m) = 166.4 square meters. No need for oval office skills here!
Irregular Shapes:
Break the area into smaller, regular shapes (think rectangles, triangles, and circles – like a jigsaw puzzle).
Measure each section separately and calculate the area for each.
Add all these areas together for the total. Bob’s your uncle!
Step 3: Calculate Extra Turf
You never want to come up short, so order a bit more turf than you think you’ll need. Add about 5-10% extra to cover any mistakes or tricky bits. If you calculated 50 square meters, order around 55 square meters just to be safe. Better too much than too little!
Tips and Tricks
Double-check your measurements before you place an order. Measure twice, order once – like a pro!
On a slope? Measure along the ground, not in a straight line. This ensures you cover every inch of your yard.
Draw it out. Use a map or diagram to sketch your area and jot down the measurements. It’s like having a treasure map to your perfect lawn.
Measuring for turf might seem like a chore, but with a bit of patience and the right tools, you’ll have it nailed in no time. Remember, accuracy is key, and ordering a little extra can save you from a lot of stress. So, grab that tape measure, and let’s get that lawn looking lush and lovely! Time to turn that patch of dirt into a backyard beauty!
