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Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf or fake grass, has become a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike, seeking a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. Whether you want to transform your backyard into a lush, green oasis or improve the aesthetics of a commercial property, understanding the cost of installing artificial grass is essential.
While researching for this article I discovered that just about every site ranking on the first few pages of Google has different metrics for artificial grass costs. To hopefully lessen any confusion, I’ve taken the cost metrics from the seven most prominent sites and simply averaged them out. The sites are Fixr, Angi, HomeAdvisor, Bob Vila, HomeGuide, Lawn Starter, and Lawn Love. We’ll be using the average cost metrics from these sites throughout this post.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the cost of artificial grass installation. We’ll explore the average expenses, factors affecting installation costs, financing options, maintenance considerations, and practical tips to help you make an informed decision. By the end of this guide, you should have a good idea of what to expect in terms of cost for your artificial grass installation.
Average Artificial Grass Cost
Artificial grass costs can vary significantly based on several factors, but let’s start with the basics. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $6 and $18 per square foot for artificial grass installation, which includes the cost of materials and labor. However, it’s crucial to remember that this is just an average, 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.
| National Average Cost | $5,390 |
| Low-End | $1,926 |
| High-End | $13,436 |
| Average Range | $3,015 to $7,698 |
Artificial Grass Cost Per Square Foot
The cost per square foot is a fundamental metric for evaluating the expenses associated with artificial grass installation. It’s important to note that this cost typically covers both the materials and labor required for the project. The variation in cost per square foot can be attributed to factors such as the quality of the turf, location, and installation complexity. Higher-quality artificial grass tends to be more expensive, but it often comes with improved durability and a more natural appearance.
Understanding the cost per square foot is essential to grasp the financial implications of your artificial grass project. This metric combines the material and labor expenses associated with the installation. Premium artificial grass with features like a antimicrobial protection and pet-friendly drainage generally cost more per square foot compared to standard options.
Material Costs
Using the sites mentioned in the introduction, artificial grass costs averaged out to around $2.71 to $10 per square foot. To keep things simple, we’ll round the low-end up to $3 and call it $3 to $10 per square foot. If you’re buying artificial grass directly from a manufacturer or an online retailer, it doesn’t include the installation. Before any turf can be ordered, you’ll have to measure and calculate the square footage of the space you want to install it in.
When measuring the area you’re planning to install artificial grass in, you should include “wastage.” Wastage is turf that’s cut away to fit around curves, edges, and obstacles. The general rule is to add 15% to the total square footage. If you’ve measured a space and calculated it to be 1,000 square feet, you’ll likely need around 1,150 sq. ft. of artificial grass.
Labor Costs
Installing artificial grass properly requires an experienced and professional crew of turf installers. The labor costs of installing artificial grass ranges from $2.74 to $7.71 per square foot. Again, for the sake of simplicity we’ll round that up to $3 to $8 per square foot, depending on the project size and amount of excavation needed. Generally, the more complicated and uneven the space is, the more you can expect to pay in labor costs.
| Item | Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| Artificial Grass | $3 – $10 |
| Labor | $3 – $8 |
| Total Cost | $6 – $18 |
Taken together the material and labor costs of installing artificial grass range from $6 to $18 per square foot. That gives us an average of $12 per square foot to install synthetic grass, and that includes both materials and labor.
Breakdown of Factors Affecting Artificial Grass Installation Costs
Let’s explore in-depth the factors that can significantly affect artificial grass installation costs:
Project Size
The size of your project area has a direct impact on the overall cost. Larger areas tend to have a lower cost per square foot since fixed expenses, such as equipment setup and labor, are distributed more efficiently. For instance, a 2,000-square-foot backyard should have a lower cost per square foot than a 500-square-foot front yard.
It may help to see how much you can expect to pay for different-size installations. The table below provides an overview of turf installation costs for projects ranging from 200 sq. ft. to 5,000 sq. ft.
| Square Feet | Total Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $1,200 – $3,600 |
| 500 | $3,000 – $9,000 |
| 600 | $3,600 – $10,800 |
| 1,000 | $6,000 – $18,000 |
| 1,200 | $7,200 – $21,600 |
| 2,000 | $12,000 – $36,000 |
| 2,500 | $15,000 – $45,000 |
| 3,000 | $18,000 – $54,000 |
| 5,000 | $30,000 – $90,000 |
Site Preparation & Cleanup Costs
Proper site preparation is critical to ensure a smooth and long-lasting artificial grass installation. If your existing lawn requires extensive leveling, debris removal, or grading, the additional labor and materials required can increase the project cost. Excavating your yard will help create a flat, level surface and according to HomeAdvisor, typically costs $50 to $200 per cubic yard. Your installation crew will also need to clean up when they’re done. This includes disposing of excavated dirt, rocks, grass, etc. and the cost ranges from $8 and $25 per cubic yard. If the organic material can stay on your property, the cost decreases to an average of $1 to $15 per cubic yard.
Shape of Lawn
The shape and layout of your lawn can impact installation costs. Irregular or complex designs necessitate more precise cutting and fitting of the artificial grass, increasing labor costs. A square or rectangular lawn is typically more straightforward to install than one with intricate curves and angles. This could add $1 to $3 per square foot to your overall labor costs. It will also influence the cost of materials, specifically the artificial grass as more curves and angles result in more wastage.
Project Type / Turf Application
The type of project and its location can also influence expenses. Residential installations generally cost less than commercial projects due to the scale and complexity of commercial properties. Another important aspect of a turf applications influence on project cost is the accessibility of the project site.
For projects that don’t necessitate installing a sub-base, like on a deck, patio, or pool surround you would logically pay less because there’s less prep work required. Alternatively, building a large putting green with several holes, sand traps, and undulations will necessitate a lot of work to construct the base. As you might expect, the additional work, material, and complexity of the project will increase the cost significantly. Talk to your professional turf installer about where you would like your turf and discuss how this may affect material and labor costs.
Base Material
The choice of base material is crucial to the stability and longevity of your artificial grass lawn. It acts as the foundation of your artificial grass installation and needs to be permeable enough to allow water and dog urine to pass through and into the soil beneath. Common options include class II road base, crushed miscellaneous base (CMB), and decomposed granite. The base material with the most efficient drainage properties is decomposed granite, which will cost around $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot.
Infill Material
Infill materials, such as silica sand, provide support for the artificial grass blades and help maintain its shape and resilience. The type and quantity of infill required depend on factors like the intended use of the lawn and local climate. The most common type of infill material is silica sand, which typically ranges in cost from $0.25 to $1.75 per square foot. Specialized infill materials with features like cooling, anti-odor, antimicrobial protection will cost more.
Blade Shape
Artificial grass fibers or blades come in a surprising variety of shapes that offer certain features and affect the appearance and comfort of the lawn. Premium artificial grass with more realistic blade shapes may come at a higher cost than basic options. You can expect to spend more on highly-durable, heat-resistant blade types (like “W”-shaped blades) than you would on softer, less durable blades (like “S”-shaped blades).
Turf Backing
Once installed, artificial grass needs to be able to drain water quickly and efficiently to prevent water from pooling. In general, there are two types of “backing” that you’ll come across when researching or shopping for synthetic grass: hole-punched and fully-permeable. You may also encounter a rubber backing on some putting green turf products, but drainage isn’t a major concern with backyard putting greens.
Hole-Punched Backing
As the name implies, hole-punched backing is literally small holes spaced 4” to 6” apart that are punched through the backing during the manufacturing process. This is the most common type of backing found on turf products and drains water at a rate of around 30+ inches per hour. Hole-punched turf backings are a time-tested and reliable means of efficiently draining water from your lawn.
It is not recommended if you have or plan on getting a dog. With a hole-punch backing, dog urine needs to reach a hole in oder to drain into the sub-base below. Otherwise it can settle in the spaces between holes, resulting in a buildup of odor and bacteria.
Fully-Permeable Backing
A fully-permeable backing, sometimes called “flow-through” is a more modern means of facilitating drainage on pet-friendly installations. Being 100% permeable, water and dog urine can pass through any point in the backing and into the sub-base below. This edge-to-edge drainage helps to prevent the buildup of odors and bacteria. Turf products with a fully-permeable backing are typically designed with pets in mind. This usually means that you’ll pay more for pet-friendly turf products.
Turf Brand
The brand of artificial grass you choose can significantly impact the cost. High-end brands often command a premium price due to their reputation for quality and durability. For example, a well-known turf manufacturer like SYNLawn may cost more per square foot than a lesser-known competitor.
| Brand | Average Cost Per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| AstroTurf | $1.75 – $7.50 |
| PreGra | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| Perfect Turf | $4.00 – $5.00 |
| ForeverLawn | $4.50 – $9.50 |
| K-9 Grass | $4.50 – $9.50 |
| SYNLawn | $5.50 – $7.50 |
| ProGreen | $4.50 – $11.50 |
| Mega Grass | $3.50 – $5.00 |
| Everlast Turf | $1.99 – $5.00 |
| EnvyLawn | $3.70 – $7.00 |
Turf Material
Artificial grass is typically made from one of three materials: polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon. Each material has its own characteristics and cost considerations.
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is the most commonly used material in artificial grass products. This is due to its durability, aesthetics, realistic appearance. It does not absorb water and is resistant to pet odors. However, it has a low melting point (221° – 239° F) and is susceptible to damage from the sun. Quality turf products are equipped with UV stabilizers to help prevent premature product degradation. Polyethylene turf products will typically range from $2 to $6 per square foot.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is the least expensive material and also the least durable. It has a melting point of 320° – 331° F and is susceptible to damage from the sun. The thin fibers and overall softness of the material make it a popular choice for the “Thatch” fibers found on most turf products. It doesn’t hold up to high traffic at tall pile heights as well as the other materials do. Polypropylene turf products will typically range from $2 to $4 per square foot.
Nylon
Nylon is the strongest, springiest, most sun-resistant material available with a melting point of 514°F, and is also the most expensive. Perfect for high-traffic areas, nylon requires the least maintenance. Nylon is most commonly used in putting green turf products and on sports fields. It absorbs more liquid than the other materials, making it prone to staining and odors from pet urine. It can also cause “turf burn” injuries because it’s stiffer than other materials. Nylon turf products will typically range from $5 to $6 per square foot.
The table below shows the range of pricing per square foot of each of the three materials.
| Material | Cost Per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene | $2 – $4 |
| Polyethylene | $2 – $6 |
| Nylon | $5 – $6 |
Geographic Location
Your location may impact the price you’ll pay to install synthetic grass. For example, more urban areas like Boston, where grass and turf are not as common, may cost more, as will places like Minneapolis, where real grass is the more common choice for homeowners.
| Location | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | $5,300 |
| Denver | $4,500 |
| Dallas | $5,500 |
| Minneapolis | $6,900 |
| Detroit | $4,500 |
| Atlanta | $5,500 |
| Philadelphia | $2,300 |
| Boston | $7,200 |
Cost of Common Installation Extras
In addition to the fundamental costs of artificial grass installation, there are several common extras that can impact the overall expense of your project:
Grass Removal
If you have existing natural grass that needs to be removed, you should factor in the cost of grass removal. The extent of this cost depends on the size of the area and the method used for removal. In general, you can expect to pay between $1 and $2.75 per square foot to remove the grass and dirt excavated during pre-installation site prep.
Tree Removal
The presence of trees or large roots in the installation area may necessitate tree removal or root pruning. The cost of tree removal can vary widely depending on the size, location, tree species, and accessibility of the trees. On average, tree removal costs between $200 and $2,000 or more per tree.
Irrigation
Installing or modifying irrigation systems to accommodate the new artificial grass is not required. Artificial grass doesn’t need to be watered. That said, you’ll probably want to wash it, especially if you have pets that will use the turf as a bathroom. Aside from that, you’ll need to wash away normal dust, dirt, and droppings from other animals, too. You can use a hose or power washer, or you can include sprinkler system cost in your budget. The cost of irrigation work will depend on factors such as the complexity of the system and the size of the lawn. A basic irrigation system installation can cost between $1,600 and $3,600.
Drainage
Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water pooling or flooding on your artificial grass lawn. Drainage solutions such as French drains or subsurface drainage can add to the project cost. The cost of drainage varies based on the specific requirements of your site and the simplicity or complexity of the drainage system. The cost of a drainage system typically ranges from $100 to $2,000 or more.
Weed Barrier
To prevent weed growth through the artificial grass, you may want to install a weed barrier fabric beneath the turf. Do not opt for weed fabric if you have pets that will use the turf as a bathroom. The fabric will absorb dog urine and become quite unpleasant smelling. The cost of weed barrier material and installation can range from $0.40 to $0.80 per square foot.
Edging
Edging is used to define the boundaries of your artificial grass area, contain your base material, and provide stability. It also helps to secure the turf in place, preventing any movement or shifting. The cost of landscape edging depends on factors like the type of material, and the length and height required. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $2 to $10 per linear foot for plastic edging (a.k.a. Bender board) and $5 to $20 per linear foot for metal edging.
Shock Pad
A shock pad can be added beneath the artificial grass to provide extra cushioning and comfort, making it particularly suitable for sports fields or playgrounds. While a shock pad is optional, it can enhance the safety and comfort of the artificial grass surface. Shock pad costs vary depending on the thickness of the pad and the material. On average, shock pads can increase the cost by around $1 to $2 per square foot. For a 1,000-square-foot lawn, that’s an additional $1,000 to $2,000.
DIY vs. Professional Installation
Deciding between DIY installation and hiring a professional installer is a significant choice that will impact your project’s cost and outcome. It’s certainly tempting to opt for the DIY route and save thousands of dollars on labor costs by simply doing the work yourself. However, it’s easier said than done and it’s not that hard to really screw up an installation project.
DIY Installation
DIY installation offers potential cost savings since you won’t incur labor expenses. However, it requires a certain level of skill, time, and dedication to ensure a successful outcome. It’s a viable option for those with landscaping experience and smaller projects, such as a modest backyard or patio. Keep in mind that DIY projects may not qualify for warranties offered by professional installers, so it’s essential to be confident in your abilities. You’ll need to work with an artificial turf supplier to acquire most of the materials needed for an installation.
| Tools & Materials | Price |
|---|---|
| Sod Cutter Rental | $110 / Day |
| Plate Compactor Rental | $110 / Day |
| Laser Level Rental | $65 |
| Shovel | $30 |
| Wheelbarrow | $130 |
| Metal Rake | $60 |
| Landscaping Staples | $25 |
| Hammer | $20 |
| Turf Cutter | $15 |
| Tape Measure | $20 |
| Edging Stakes | $35 |
| Seaming Tape | $25 |
| Seam Glue | $50 |
| Pry Bar | $20 |
| Power Broom | $300 |
| Total | $1,015 |
Hiring a Professional Installer
Professional turf installers bring expertise, specialized equipment, and experience to your artificial grass project. They ensure proper site preparation, drainage, and infill distribution, which are critical for a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing lawn. While professional installation comes at a higher upfront cost, it often provides peace of mind and warranties on workmanship.
How Do I Find the Best Artificial Turf Company Near Me?
You’re in luck, because you don’t have to go far to conduct your search. The Turf Network’s growing directory of artificial turf companies has over 2,500 installers, suppliers, manufacturers, odor-removal services, and more. Click below to find artificial turf companies in your area.