Breaking out the concrete
The old concrete was broken out and taken away in a skip, so the lawn could go down on real ground rather than a thin layer of soil over a slab.
Case study · West Norwood SE27 · January 2026
New Rolawn Medallion turf lawn in West Norwood
Michalis's back garden in West Norwood was mostly old concrete and tired, weedy borders. In two days we broke out the concrete, cleared the green waste and roots and took it all away in a skip, dug and turned over the soil, brought in fresh topsoil, levelled it properly and laid 30m² of Rolawn Medallion premium turf. £3,500 including VAT.
- Location
- West Norwood, SE27
- Client
- Michalis
- Price
- £3,500 inc. VAT
- Time on site
- 2 days
- Turf
- Rolawn Medallion, 30m²
- Removed
- Concrete, green waste, roots (skip)
Where we started
The brief
Michalis's garden in West Norwood was mostly covered in old concrete, with overgrown borders full of green waste and roots along the fences. Michalis wanted a proper lawn instead.
Turning concrete into lawn takes more than laying turf on top: the concrete has to come out, the ground has to be cleared and prepared, and fresh topsoil levelled so the turf can root properly. It is a typical job for our turfing in Tulse Hill and West Norwood.
Before & after
The same garden, two days apart
The tricky parts
What went into it
Step by step
How we built it
Removing the concrete and green waste
The old concrete was broken out and the green waste and roots cleared from the borders, with everything taken away in a skip.
Old concrete patio in West Norwood before removal 
Concrete broken out and the garden being cleared Digging and turning over the soil
The garden soil was dug out and turned over across the whole lawn area.
Digging and turning over the soil 
Garden soil turned over and cleared of roots Fresh topsoil and levelling
Fresh topsoil was spread and levelled properly, ready for the turf.
Fresh topsoil levelled across the garden 
Levelled ground ready for turf, looking back to the house Laying the Rolawn Medallion turf
30m² of Rolawn Medallion turf was supplied and laid across the whole garden, cut neatly to the edges, on day two.
New premium turf laid in West Norwood 
Fresh turf running to the back fence
The finished work
The new lawn
Budget
What it cost
This new lawn cost £3,500 including VAT over two days: breaking out and removing the concrete, clearing green waste and roots, a skip for all the waste, digging and turning over the soil, fresh topsoil and 30m² of Rolawn Medallion turf supplied and laid. See our turfing in Tulse Hill and West Norwood page for more options.
Get a free quote- Price
- £3,500 inc. VAT
- Time on site
- 2 days
- Turf
- Rolawn Medallion, 30m²
Questions
About replacing concrete with a new lawn
Thinking about something similar? These are the questions we hear most.
How much does it cost to replace concrete with turf in West Norwood?
Michalis's 30m² lawn in West Norwood SE27 cost £3,500 including VAT and took two days, covering breaking out the concrete, clearing roots and green waste with a skip, turning over the soil, fresh topsoil and Rolawn Medallion turf. The amount of concrete to remove makes the biggest difference.
Can you turn a concrete garden into a lawn?
Yes. We break out and remove the concrete, clear the ground, dig and turn over the soil, add fresh topsoil and lay new turf, as we did in Michalis's garden in West Norwood.
Why remove roots and green waste before turfing?
Old roots and green waste can regrow through new turf or rot and leave soft, sunken patches. Clearing them first gives an even, healthy lawn.
Do I need new topsoil before laying turf?
Usually, yes, especially where concrete has been removed. Fresh topsoil gives the turf a clean, fertile layer to root into and lets us level the ground properly.
What is Rolawn Medallion turf?
Medallion is Rolawn's premium turf, grown for a fine, dense, deep-green lawn that is hard-wearing enough for family gardens. It looks greener and more even than standard turf.
How do I look after new turf?
Water it well every day for the first couple of weeks unless it rains, keep off it while it roots, and give it a light first cut once it is firmly rooted.
Do you lay turf near West Norwood?
Yes, including Tulse Hill, Streatham, Herne Hill, Crystal Palace and Norbury.
Free survey
Want to swap concrete for a lawn?
Tell us about your garden and we will arrange a visit and a written quote.
020 3633 5529 info@finelandscape.co.ukFine Landscape Ltd
31 Tylecroft Road, Norbury, London SW16 4BL
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