When it comes to creating a lush, green lawn, homeowners often face the big question: should I lay instant turf or grow grass from seed? Both options can give you a beautiful yard, but the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and how much effort you’re willing to put in.

In this guide, we’ll compare instant turf vs grass seed so you can make the best decision for your Melbourne lawn.

What Is Instant Turf?

Instant turf (also called sod) is pre-grown grass that comes in rolls or slabs. It’s laid directly on prepared soil for an immediate green lawn.

Pros of Instant Turf:

  • Instant Results – You can go from bare dirt to a green lawn in a single day.
  • Erosion Control – Perfect for sloped areas or sites prone to soil erosion.
  • Fewer Weeds – Turf has less competition from weeds compared to seeded lawns.
  • High Success Rate – Less risk of patchy growth.

Cons of Instant Turf:

  • Higher Cost – Turf is more expensive upfront compared to seed.
  • Labour Intensive – Heavy rolls need to be installed quickly after delivery.

What Is Grass Seed?

Grass seed is the traditional way to grow a lawn. Seeds are spread over prepared soil and nurtured until they establish into full turf.

Pros of Grass Seed:

  • Lower Cost – Seed is much cheaper than buying instant turf.
  • More Variety – You can choose from a wider range of seed mixes to suit shade, traffic, or drought conditions.
  • Easier DIY – Spreading seed is lightweight work compared to laying turf rolls.

Cons of Grass Seed:

  • Slower Results – It can take 6–12 weeks before your lawn is fully usable.
  • Higher Maintenance – Requires frequent watering, fertilising, and weed control during establishment.
  • Erosion Risk – Seeds can wash away on sloped areas or after heavy rain.

Instant Turf vs Grass Seed: Side-by-Side

Factor Instant Turf Grass Seed
Cost Higher upfront Much cheaper
Timeframe Instant results (usable in weeks) 2–3 months to establish
Labour Heavy rolls, fast installation Easy to spread, longer care
Weed Resistance More resistant initially Needs constant weed control
Success Rate High if watered properly Can be patchy or fail
Best For Quick lawns, erosion control Budget projects, small areas

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose Instant Turf If

  • You want a lawn right away.
  • You’re landscaping a large or sloped area.
  • You want a higher success rate with less risk of failure.

Choose Grass Seed If:

  • You’re working on a budget.
  • You don’t mind waiting for results.
  • You want flexibility in grass varieties.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the turf vs seed debate. For Melbourne homeowners, instant turf is the best choice if you want fast, reliable results and a finished lawn with minimal fuss. Grass seed is a budget-friendly alternative, but it requires patience, care, and a bit of luck with the weather.

Either way, preparing your soil properly and following good lawn care practices will make the biggest difference in achieving a healthy, green lawn.