![Turf Network Color Logo [500 x 100]](https://turfnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Turf-Network-Color-Logo-500-x-100.png){kind=logo}
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 c