How to Calculate the Amount of Fabric Needed for Your Project

The quantity of landscaping fabric required for your project primarily depends on the type of project, the environment and soil conditions, and your specific landscaping goals.

The steps for calculating the amount of landscape fabric needed are generally similar across different projects, especially when covering flat ground. Here’s a guide:

• Measure the Area: Start by calculating the width and length of the entire space you intend to cover. If the area includes obstacles like plants or uneven terrain, you may need to divide your measurements into sections, as these areas will require separate pieces of landscaping fabric.
• Compare with Fabric Size: Landscaping fabric is typically sold in rolls with varying widths and lengths. Common widths include 3’, 4’, 6’, 8’, 12.5’, and 15’. Compare the width of the landscape area with the width of the fabric to determine how many sheets of fabric you’ll need to cover the space.
• Account for Overlapping: When using multiple pieces of landscaping fabric, overlapping is crucial to prevent plants or weeds from growing between the rows. A general rule of thumb is to overlap by about 8 inches.
• Inspect the Soil: Take note of flat areas, as well as any hills, dips, or plants in the soil. Uneven surfaces require tight coverage. For areas with plants or irregularities, measure these spaces carefully, as you’ll either need to place material around them or cut spaces in the fabric.
• Subtract Overlap from Width: Your final calculation should account for the overlap. Subtract the overlap width from the landscaping fabric’s width to determine how many rows of fabric are needed. For example, with 5′ wide fabric in a 15′ space, you would divide 15′ by 4’4″ (5 feet minus 8 inches for overlap), resulting in 4.46 rows (round up to 5).
• Consider Length: While width calculations may be more complex, the length of the landscaping fabric roll will determine how many rolls you need to purchase. For shorter areas, you can cut and use additional material to create another row for width.

Quick Measuring Tips

Use a tape measure to inspect the area for irregularities or spaces that require different shapes of landscaping fabric. Record all measurements carefully.

Draw a diagram of the area with the number of fabric pieces and their corresponding measurements. A visual representation will help ensure you don’t overlook any areas that need coverage.

Always purchase more fabric than calculated. It’s better to have extra fabric to ensure full coverage than to run short. The additional fabric required will depend on the number of rows, the type of project, and the fabric used. Having a little extra fabric won’t hurt.

These general steps will guide you in measuring landscape fabric, ensuring long-lasting results.

Additional Landscaping Fabric Considerations

Beyond measurements, other key factors can influence the amount of fabric you’ll need, helping to avoid waste and extend the life of your materials.

• Level the Soil: Leveling the soil can significantly reduce the amount of landscaping fabric required. Uneven beds with many divots or hills will require more fabric to cover properly. Ensure the fabric stays close to the soil’s surface, without gaps between dips and the fabric. Break up clumps of dirt and clay to use less fabric.
• Properly Staple the Fabric: To secure the landscape liner fabric and prevent weed growth, use staples. The number of staples required depends on soil conditions. In looser soil, use more and longer staples for security. Hard soil doesn’t require long staples. Use additional staples in any divots to keep the fabric securely in place.
• Choose High-Quality Fabric: The durability of landscape fabric varies widely. Most fabrics last about a year before breaking down, especially if lower quality is used. While professional-grade fabric may be more expensive, it saves time and money by reducing the need for frequent replacement.
• Add Mulch: Mulch not only enhances the visual appeal but also protects the landscape fabric, blocks weed growth, and helps retain moisture for your plants. If you run out of fabric or don’t overlap it sufficiently, mulch can serve as an additional protective layer.

Investing time and effort to prepare the area with the right materials and proper installation will pay off in the long run. This approach not only prevents weed growth but also prolongs the lifespan of your materials, ultimately saving you time and energy on replacements or ongoing maintenance.