Size fabric for beds, paths, and drains. Set roll width, overlap, and waste percentage instantly. Get rolls, area, cost, and pin counts fast now.
| Scenario | Inputs | Key outputs |
|---|---|---|
| Raised bed | Length 12 m, Width 1.2 m, Overlap 10 cm, Waste 7%, Roll 1.0 m × 50 m | Strips 2, Area with waste ≈ 25.68 sqm, Rolls 1 |
| Garden path | Length 30 m, Width 0.9 m, Overlap 15 cm, Waste 10%, Roll 1.0 m × 50 m | Strips 1, Area with waste ≈ 33.00 sqm, Rolls 1 |
| Irregular area | Custom area 250 sq ft, Waste 12%, Roll 3 ft × 150 ft | Area with waste ≈ 26.00 sqm, Rolls 1 |
Geotextile products vary by mass and permeability. Lightweight fabric works for weed control under mulch, while medium fabric suits pathways, raised beds, and small gravel features. Heavier grades handle higher loads and resist punctures from angular stone. Match the fabric to expected traffic, stone size, and soil conditions. In gardens, prioritize water flow and root aeration over total blockage.
Coverage is not only the visible bed size. Seams need overlap so soil cannot migrate and weeds cannot find daylight. Typical overlap ranges from 150 to 300 mm depending on soil and anchoring. Add a waste factor for trimming around curves, trees, and edging. The calculator combines plan area, overlap percentage, and waste allowance to estimate purchase area.
Roll width drives how many strips are needed. Fewer seams reduce labor and improve performance, but wider rolls can be harder to handle in tight beds. Align seams with the slope so runoff does not lift edges. Stagger seams in long runs and keep overlaps consistent. The tool rounds up to whole rolls, helping avoid shortfalls during installation.
Prepare a smooth subgrade and remove sharp roots, stones, and debris. Lay fabric flat, then anchor with staples, pins, or edging at regular spacing, increasing anchorage on windy sites. Keep overlap edges facing away from traffic. Cover promptly with mulch, soil, or aggregate to protect from sunlight. Good installation reduces tearing, maintains drainage, and improves weed suppression.
Cost is driven by roll count, not just square meters. Use the pricing fields to compare vendors and grades on a like for like basis. Consider lifespan: a slightly heavier fabric may reduce replacements and landfill waste. Where possible, choose permeable materials that limit plastic migration and allow microbial activity. Accurate estimates minimize leftover rolls and reduce transport impacts. Store unused fabric dry and clean; offcuts can line pots or protect drainage trenches around plants.
Pick a width that spans the bed with minimal seams. Wider rolls reduce overlaps and staples, but may be harder to position around plants and curves.
Use 150 mm for stable soils and low loads, and up to 300 mm for loose soil, slopes, or gravel paths. Increase overlap where anchoring is limited.
It greatly reduces weed emergence, but seeds can germinate in mulch above the fabric. Maintain a clean mulch layer and remove windblown weeds early.
Yes. It separates soil from gravel, improves drainage, and reduces rutting. Choose a tougher grade for foot traffic, carts, or wheelbarrows.
Plan roughly one anchor every 0.5–1.0 m along edges and overlaps, plus extra on corners and windy sites. Increase density on slopes and uneven ground.
You can work in metric or imperial. Enter dimensions, roll sizes, and pricing in the chosen system for consistent results.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.