Last Updated on January, 2025
Most homeowners today install artificial turf over a natural lawn for its low maintenance in residential and commercial applications.
Not only does it stay immaculate and appealing all year round without high maintenance requirements that save money, but it can also last up to 15 years!
However, the question arises, “How much does it cost?”
Price is crucial before you decide to move forward with this home improvement project. In this article, we’ll discuss how much an artificial turf project costs, the factors affecting overall price, the cost of maintenance, and so much more!
Let’s get started.
Quick Summary
- Artificial grass costs between $8 and $18 per square foot, with total costs ranging from $1,300 to $15,000 depending on factors like yard size, material type, and labor.
- Elements such as the type of synthetic grass, base material, infill, and installation location significantly impact the final cost of artificial turf.
- Artificial grass has lower maintenance costs than natural grass, around $450 annually compared to $2,200 for natural grass, making it a cost-effective choice over time despite higher initial installation expenses.
How Much Does Artificial Turf Cost?
Artificial grass cost is calculated per square foot. The price ranges between $8 and $18 per square foot, inclusive of materials and installation costs. The total can add up to between $1,300 and $15,000.
Also, keep in mind that this cost changes depending on factors such as the size of your existing lawn, ground preparation, landscape edging, the type of synthetic grass, and artificial grass installation cost.
Using an artificial grass cost calculator, you can get a free estimate of how much your turf will cost.
Also read:
Factors That Affect the Cost of Artificial Grass
There are various factors that affect artificial grass costs. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Yard Size and Shape
The size and shape of your outdoor space will affect the total cost.
A square footage of synthetic grass costs about $1 to $3 plus additional costs for installing artificial grass on the existing landscaping of your entire yard.
Type
The type of synthetic turf you choose affects the final price of your project. Artificial grass materials come in nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene.
| Nylon | Polypropylene | Polyethylene |
| $5 to $8 per square foot | $2 to $7 per square foot | $2 to $5 per square foot |
| Most durable | Mostly durable | Least durable |
| Ideal for high temperatures | Good for heavy outdoor activities | Great for low traffic yards |
Brand
Installing artificial grass that is of high quality is essential if you want it to last. A cheap, low-end synthetic lawn may save you money at first, but may lead to costly repairs in the future as your turf can be easily damaged.
Seek professional advice, weigh in your options, and choose a suitable brand that fits your budget and is of good quality.
Blade Shape
Artificial turf blades come in different shapes that imitate the look and feel of natural grass. The price varies according to the blade shape.
| Blade Shape | Characteristics |
| V-shaped | Durable, and best for heavy foot traffic. |
| C-shaped | Durable with a shiny coating. |
| U-shaped | Feels like a real grass lawn, best for light traffic. |
| S-shaped | Looks like natural grass, best for high traffic. |
| W-shaped | Durable, and heat-resistant. |
| Seven stem | Very attractive, best for high traffic. |
| Diamond | Soft feel, good for medium to high traffic |
| Omega | Looks and feels like natural grass. |
Base Material
To avoid bumps and ensure proper drainage, what you install underneath your artificial grass will matter.
| Base | Cost |
| Crushed miscellaneous base (CMB) | $0.50–$2 per sq. ft. |
| Class II road base | $0.35–$1.80 per sq. ft. |
| Decomposed granite | $1.20–$2.25 per sq. ft. |
Some artificial grass installations include a weed barrier and a cloth layer under the base to prevent weeds from growing. It is priced between $0.25 and $0.60 per sq. ft.
However, this is only suitable if you don’t have pets on your artificial lawn; otherwise, it traps odors left by pet waste.
Infill
Infill protects artificial grass from the sun and keeps the blades cushioned and perky.
You can choose between the different types of infill available, such as silica sand, crumb rubber, zeolite, and acrylic-coated sand.
Infill costs between $0.30 and $1.75 per pound. You will need approximately one pound of infill per square foot of turf.
Artificial Grass Installation
Labor costs for installing artificial grass range between $4 and $9 per square foot. Excavation and grass removal is also an additional cost, and is priced between $50 and $200 per cubic yard.
The cost of installing artificial grass varies depending on your location. It is best to get in touch with professional installers, obtain quotes, and choose which service best suits the needs of your yard.
Artificial Grass Maintenance Costs
Fake grass requires very little maintenance, so the cost will be significantly lower than maintaining real grass.
You can expect to spend around $450 on annual maintenance, while natural turf maintenance can cost up to $2,200.
Should I Install Artificial Grass Myself?
DIY artificial grass installation is not recommended as it requires specialized skills to ensure your artificial turf lasts for years.
Doing it yourself without the necessary experience and tools can result in issues like uneven bumps, weed and grass growth, and drainage issues.
Hiring professionals with the equipment and know-how for turf installation is best to ensure the job is done correctly.
Cost of Artificial Grass Vs. Real Grass
Installing artificial turf costs more than natural grass. For example, a 1,000 sq. ft. natural grass lawn costs between $1,000 and $2,000, compared to $9,000 to $12,000 for artificial grass.
The benefits of installing synthetic grass come later. Natural grass requires considerable resources, while artificial grass needs less maintenance.
FAQs
Conclusion
While the overall cost can add up to anywhere between $1,300 and $15,000, installing artificial turf is a worthy investment that will benefit you in the long run. It will save you money on the high maintenance needed for natural lawns.
