How much fabric do I need?
Measure the area you want to cover, then add extra for the strips that overlap at every seam. Overlaps of 6 to 12 in (15 to 30 cm) stop weeds pushing through the joins, which usually adds about 10% to the total.
Rolls = area × (1 + overlap) ÷ roll area
A bed 30 ft by 10 ft is 300 ft². With 10% overlap you need 330 ft², so one 4 × 100 ft roll (400 ft²) covers it.
Planning the rest of the job? Use the Edging calculator and the Mulch calculator too.
Staples and pins
Pin the fabric every 3 ft (1 m) along the edges and seams, and a few more across the middle. That works out to about one staple for every 4 ft², or roughly 3 per m².
What types of fabric are there?
Woven
Strong and cheap. Water drains through slowly.
Best under gravel and paths
Non-woven
Felt-like and very permeable.
Best for drainage and French drains
Spun-bonded
Light and easy to cut around plants.
Best under mulch in beds
Biodegradable
Breaks down over a few seasons.
Best for new plantings