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Pet Turf – Cost Calculator
Pet Turf Cost Calculator
This cost calculator is for entertainment purposes only. It’s meant to provide you with a general idea of the potential cost of installing fake grass for dogs. Installation cost is influenced by a number of factors that differ from project to project. No two projects are the same, so if you’d like a real installation quote, search our directory for an artificial turf installer nearby and reach out to them. The cost calculator below is intended to provide a better understanding of artificial grass costs and the factors that affect how much your project will cost. It is NOT meant to provide an actual estimate and should be thought of as for entertainment and educational purposes only.
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How Much Does Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass Cost to Install?
One of the most frequently asked questions about pet-friendly artificial grass is, “how much does it cost?” The answer depends on several factors (installation size, complexity, location, type of turf, accessibility, etc). Generally, you can expect to pay between $10 and $20 per square foot for pet-friendly artificial grass (including design, materials, and labor).
But let’s break it down further. On average, installing artificial turf for your dog costs about $14 per square foot. Depending on the quality of materials and labor costs, for a typical 500-square-foot lawn, you can expect a total cost ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 for the installation of pet-friendly artificial grass.
Now, you might be thinking, “that’s quite a hefty price!” However, once it’s installed, the maintenance costs are almost zero compared to the annual upkeep of traditional grass lawns, which can easily reach over $1,000. Plus, consider that the initial installation cost of sod is typically $1 to $2 per square foot.
How to Measure & Calculate Square Footage for Your Project
Because it’s priced per square foot, in order to estimate the cost of an installation you first need to measure the space and calculate the square footage. Measure the length (L) and width (W) of your space and multiply the two. L x W = Square Feet. If your lawn has an unusual shape, determining the square footage can be a little more difficult. We have a guide that shows how to measure the square footage of spaces with a variety of shapes.
Factors That Influence the Cost of Pet Turf Installations Include:
Project Size:
The size of a pet turf project significantly influences its overall cost, primarily through the quantities of materials required and the labor involved. For larger pet turf areas, more artificial grass, base material, infill, and other installation components are needed, directly increasing material costs. This scaling up in material needs is a straightforward factor contributing to a higher total cost as the project size increases.
In terms of labor, larger projects inherently require more time and effort for installation. This includes preparing the site, laying and securing the turf, and applying infill and any other finishing touches. Larger areas might also present more complexities in installation, such as ensuring proper drainage across a wider space or dealing with varied terrain. When considering the installation of pet turf, the project’s size is a crucial factor in budgeting and planning.
Type of Pet Turf:
The type of turf chosen for a pet-friendly installation significantly influences the overall cost, with distinct differences between traditional artificial grass and specialized pet turf. Pet turf is specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of pet owners, incorporating features such as antimicrobial protection and fully permeable drainage systems. These specialized features are crucial for maintaining a hygienic, odor-free, and comfortable environment for pets and their owners.
While traditional artificial grass may be less expensive, the enhanced features of pet turf are essential for a clean, safe, and low-maintenance pet area. These features are highly beneficial for pet owners, however, they do come at an additional cost. The manufacturing process of pet turf is more complex, involving advanced materials and technologies, which translates into a higher price point compared to standard artificial grass. Deciding to invest in pet turf over traditional artificial grass often comes down to these added benefits and their value to the pet owner, despite the higher initial cost.
Shape of Your Yard:
The shape of a yard can significantly impact the cost of installing pet turf, primarily due to factors related to the complexity of installation and material utilization. A yard with a regular, straightforward shape like a rectangle or square typically allows for more efficient use of turf rolls (15′ x 100′), resulting in less cutting, trimming, and wastage. In these cases, the installation process is more straightforward, requiring fewer labor hours and simpler logistics, which can help to keep costs down.
Conversely, yards with irregular shapes, multiple curves, or complex landscaping features present greater challenges. These shapes often necessitate more precise cutting and fitting of the turf to conform to the contours of the yard, leading to increased material wastage. Moreover, the installation process in such yards is more labor-intensive and time-consuming, as it requires careful planning and meticulous execution to ensure a proper fit and aesthetic appeal.
Prep Work Required:
The amount of prep work required has a significant impact on the cost of installing pet turf. Proper preparation of the site is essential to ensure the long-term functionality and hygiene of the turf. This includes removing existing grass or debris, leveling the ground, and most importantly, installing a drainage system that can handle pet waste and frequent cleaning. Yards that require extensive excavation, grading, or additional landscaping work to achieve a level surface and adequate drainage will inevitably incur higher costs.
Efficient drainage is particularly vital for pet turf to prevent odors and bacterial growth. The installation might require a specialized sub-base layer that allows urine and water to drain away quickly, keeping the surface dry and hygienic. If the existing yard doesn’t naturally support good drainage, additional work such as the installation of a drainage system becomes necessary. This can add complexity and cost to the project.
Site Accessibility:
Installing turf is a difficult endeavor, made only more difficult by an inaccessible yard. Remember, turf is manufactured and sold in 15-foot-wide rolls with lengths up to 100 feet. That’s a total of about 1,000 pounds per roll!
Aside from the turf itself, the base and infill materials will also need to be transported to the installation site. A typical installation will require around 1 ton of base material per 100 sq. ft. and approximately 2 pounds of infill per square foot. That’s a lot of heavy material! If your yard isn’t accessible for machinery, materials may need to be brought in by hand. Of course this will affect the final cost and time to complete the installation.
Installation Extras:
Installation extras play a significant role in influencing the overall cost of pet turf installations. Key extras such as drainage tiles and specialized pet-friendly infill options can considerably add to the cost but offer substantial benefits.
Drainage tiles are often installed beneath the turf to enhance its drainage capabilities. These tiles facilitate rapid water flow away from the turf surface, crucial in pet areas for handling urine and preventing odor buildup and bacteria growth.
Infill options like T°Cool infill, Envirofill, ZeoFill, HydroChill, etc. offer distinct benefits for pet turf. From lowering the surface temperature of artificial grass, to antimicrobial protection that helps to prevent odors and bacterial growth. These infills also contribute to the turf’s resilience and natural feel.
While installation extras like drainage tiles and pet-friendly infill options increase the initial investment in pet turf, they significantly enhance the turf’s performance in terms of hygiene, comfort, and maintenance, making them a worthwhile consideration for pet owners seeking a long-term solution.
Cost Comparison: Pet Turf vs. Natural Grass
Although the initial installation cost of pet turf is significantly higher than real grass, the minimal upkeep requirements actually make artificial pet turf a smarter financial choice. We’ve already reviewed the factors that influence the cost of pet turf. Let’s explore the differences between initial installation costs and ongoing maintenance costs.
Average Cost of a Pet Turf Installation
On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $10 and $20 per square foot for a pet turf installation, which includes the cost of materials and labor. However, this is just a range, and actual costs can differ based on a variety of factors. For instance, the quality of the artificial grass, geographic location, and the complexity of the installation all play a role in determining the final price.
The cost of a 1,000 sq. ft. pet-friendly artificial grass installation in the U.S. ranges from $10,000 to $20,000. Alternatively, the cost of having 1,000 sq. ft. of Sod installed will range from $1,000 to $2,000. That’s a pretty significant difference in costs, but that’s just for the initial installation. The biggest advantage of artificial grass vs. natural grass is the minimal maintenance costs and requirements.
Maintenance Cost Comparison
In terms of maintaining a natural lawn, the costs can add up significantly. Annual maintenance for a 1,000 sq. ft. residential lawn in the US may involve the following, according to LawnLove.com:
- Mowing & Edging: $1,222 annually ($47 per week for 6 months)
- Spring & Fall Cleanup: $175 – $375 ($275 Avg.)
- Fertilizing: $120 – $480 ($335 Avg.)
- Aeration: $75 – $225 ($145 Avg.)
- Weed Abatement: $65 – $170 ($110 Avg.)
- Sprinkler Repair: $180
- Leaf Cleanup: $155 – $460 ($280 Avg.)
- Watering: $567 (based on 623 gallons per week for 1,000 sq. ft. for 6 months)
- Total Annual Cost: $3,114
These figures serve as approximations and will vary based on factors such as lawn size, specific service requirements, regional pricing, and individual service provider costs. Seeking quotes from professional turf installers will offer a more accurate estimate tailored to the specific needs of your lawn.
|
Service
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Pet Turf
|
Natural Grass
|
|---|---|---|
|
Installation (1,000 sq. ft. lawn)
|
$12 per sq. ft.
|
$1.50 per sq. ft.
|
|
Installation Total Cost
|
$12,000
|
$3,111 (Sod + Sprinkler + Water)
|
|
Replenish Infill & Power Broom (1x annually)
|
$275
|
N/A
|
|
Professional Turf Refresh (1x annually)
|
$400
|
N/A
|
|
Mowing, Fertilizing, Aeration, Leaf Cleanup, Etc.
|
N/A
|
$2,262
|
|
Water
|
$71
|
$567
|
|
Total Annual Maintenance Cost
|
$681
|
$3,394
|
|
Total (Maintenance + Installation)
|
$12,681
|
$6,505
|
|
Total After 4 Years
|
$14,724
|
$16,687
|
|
Total After 8 Years
|
$17,448
|
$30,263
|
|
Total After 12 Years
|
$20,172
|
$43,839
|
Cost & ROI Considerations for Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass
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