BEAUTIFUL LAWNS. FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW.Accurate measuring is one of the most important steps before ordering artificial grass. A small mistake can leave you short of material, while over-ordering can add avoidable cost and waste.
This guide explains a practical way to measure rectangular and irregular areas, think about roll widths and plan your layout before placing an order.
In this guide
1. Sketch the area first
Draw a simple plan of the space and mark every edge. Include paths, flower beds, buildings, steps, posts and any sections that will not be covered with grass.
The drawing does not need to be to scale. Its purpose is to make sure no part of the area is forgotten when you start recording measurements.
2. Measure the maximum width and length
For a simple rectangular area, measure the widest point and the longest point. Do not assume opposite sides are identical, especially in older gardens where fences and walls may not run perfectly parallel.
Measure more than once and write the dimensions directly on your sketch.
3. Allow for trimming
Artificial grass normally needs to be trimmed neatly around the perimeter. Ordering to the exact finished measurement can leave too little material if a wall or fence is not perfectly straight.
Allow a sensible amount for trimming based on the shape of the area and the installation method. The more irregular the perimeter, the more important this allowance becomes.
4. Check available roll widths
Artificial grass is sold in set widths, and the width you choose can affect both waste and the number of joins. A layout that works well with a 4m roll may be less efficient with two narrower pieces, while a compact space may benefit from a smaller width.
Use our width collections to compare current options: 1m wide, 2m wide, 3m wide, 4m wide and 5m wide artificial grass.
5. Plan the pile direction
Artificial grass looks different depending on the direction the fibres lean. For a consistent appearance, adjoining pieces should normally run in the same pile direction.
Decide the direction before splitting the area into roll sections. Changing the direction of one piece just to save material can make the join much more visible.
6. Minimise joins where practical
Fewer joins usually mean a simpler installation, but the most efficient plan depends on the shape of the garden and the roll widths available for your chosen product.
When comparing layouts, look at total material use as well as the number of seams. Sometimes one wider piece is best; in other spaces, two smaller sections reduce waste substantially.
How to measure an L-shaped garden
Divide the shape into two rectangles on your sketch. Measure each section separately, then plan how those rectangles could be cut from the available roll width while keeping the same pile direction.
Do not simply add the square metres of both rectangles and order that exact area. Artificial grass is supplied in roll widths, so the layout of the cuts matters as much as the total square metre figure.
How to measure around beds and obstacles
Measure the full outer rectangle first, then mark the position of beds, trees or other obstacles. In many cases the grass will still need to be ordered as a larger rectangular piece and trimmed around the obstacle during installation.
For complex shapes, keep clear measurements from fixed reference points such as walls or fences so the cut-out can be positioned accurately.
Square metres versus roll dimensions
Square metres are useful for comparing prices, but they do not tell you whether a particular roll width will fit the space efficiently. Two gardens with the same area can require different amounts of material because their shapes are different.
Always plan using both dimensions and area.
Before you place the order
- Measure each dimension at least twice.
- Check the available widths for the exact grass you want.
- Plan pile direction across every section.
- Allow for trimming and irregular edges.
- Confirm where joins will be positioned.
- Order the full requirement together where possible for better batch colour consistency.
Choose the grass after planning the layout
If you are still comparing products, browse our artificial grass and order samples before committing to the full amount. Once you have chosen a product, use the available width and length options on its product page to plan the final order.
Frequently asked questions
Should I order exactly the number of square metres I measured?
Not necessarily. Roll width, trimming allowance and the shape of the area can mean you need more material than the exact finished square metre figure.
Can I turn one piece sideways to reduce waste?
That can create a visible difference in pile direction next to the adjoining section. Keep the fibre direction consistent when planning seams.
Why should I order all the grass in one order?
Artificial grass can show slight colour variation between manufacturing batches. Ordering the full requirement together helps reduce the risk of visible batch differences.