How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in 2025?
Artificial grass costs an average of $5,763
Artificial grass installation costs an average of $5,763, with most homeowners paying between $3,242 and $8,725.
The cost per square foot varies depending on yard size and the type of artificial grass you choose, ranging from $2 to $22, all-in.
Additional cost factors for installing artificial grass include blade type, brand, and location preparation.
The benefits of artificial grass include low maintenance, water savings, no need for fertilizers or pesticides, and a year-round green appearance.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Installing artificial grass is a low-maintenance solution that keeps your yard looking lush year-round. Most homeowners spend $5,763 on installation, but costs range between $1,300 and $15,000, depending on factors such as yard size, turf type, labor, and site prep.
At $2 to $8 per square foot, installing artificial grass has a higher price tag than the cost to lay sod, but it will save you money on water requirements, fertilizers, and herbicides that traditional lawns need to stay vibrant.
Artificial Grass Cost Factors
The average cost per square foot to install turf ranges from $2 to $8. But like any other home project, the final price tag depends on various factors, including the ones we break down below.
Yard Size
Synthetic lawn grass or turf alone averages $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the brand and type you choose. Some stores sell artificial materials by the linear foot, but in most cases, you can ask to have it cut to order for the size you need.
Whether you want to use artificial grass for the area around your pool or your whole backyard, you’ll want to figure out how many square feet you need to cover. Below, you’ll find the price ranges for various common turf areas so you can decide how much you’re willing to pay to cover your space.
| Yard Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Materials Cost | Average Labor Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $100–$400 | $200–$450 |
| 100 | $200–$800 | $400–$900 |
| 200 | $400–$1,600 | $800–$1,800 |
| 500 | $1,000–$4,000 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$9,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$16,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
Yard Shape
The shape of your landscape design can affect the total cost of your project. Curved or unusually shaped designs require customizations you wouldn’t anticipate in a standard rectangular area. Anticipate paying $1 to $3 more per square foot for labor in these situations.
Blade Shape
In its earliest days, manufacturers wove artificial grass on a loom, which produced more of a carpet-like product. Modern options, however, look like real grass blades, with variations ranging from two to four inches in blade length in the same piece to add to the natural look.
W-shaped blades are among the most durable and heat-resistant shapes and will cost more than S-shaped blades, which offer the softest feel underfoot but less heat resistance and durability.
Location
Your turf’s location can affect the total price of your installation. Anticipate spending more on a rooftop, stairway, pool perimeter, or concrete location, as these may require more specialized materials to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Brand
There are many synthetic lawn brands to choose from, but some are better quality than others. For example, ProGreen is generally the most expensive, but also the highest quality. Petgrow is a lower-budget option but has built-in drain holes for when pets need to go. Below are a few popular artificial grass brands and their average price.
| Brand | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| EasyTurf | $1.80 |
| Petgrow | $2–$3 |
| SunVilla | $3–$4 |
| SYNLawn | $5.50–$7.50 |
| ForeverLawn | $4.50–$9.50 |
| ProGreen | $4.50–$11.50 |
Labor
Expect to pay between $4 and $9 per square foot to hire professionals to install your new artificial grass. The primary professionals involved in this type of project are landscaping contractors and artificial grass installers. Their services include measuring and preparing the site, installing the turf, and ensuring proper drainage and installation techniques. Costs can vary depending on the complexity of the project, the type of turf, and regional labor rates. In areas with a higher cost of living, labor rates may be at the higher end of the range.
Artificial Grass Cost by Type
There are three types of artificial grass to choose from: nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Each one comes with its own price range and properties:
| Material | Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| Nylon | $5–$8 |
| Polypropylene | $2–$7 |
| Polyethylene | $2–$5 |
Nylon
Nylon turf averages between $5 to upwards of $8 per square foot. When you need superior strength and a stiff pile that maintains its shape under heavy foot traffic, nylon is the way to go. This synthetic lawn material can hold up under high temperatures and offers a natural look, although it is not as soft as natural grass.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene turf costs between $2 and $7 per square foot, on average, and is often the best choice when you want a gorgeous green lawn with a soft, natural texture. Higher-end options are durable and suitable for homes and athletic fields. Note, though, that they require periodic raking to help maintain their look and bounce.
Polyethylene
While it is the least expensive option at only $2 to $5 per square foot, polypropylene turf is also the least durable. Still, it could be a good option for homeowners looking to stay on budget. However, it's best suited for spaces with minimal foot traffic and that are not exposed to long periods of high heat, which can disfigure the blades.
Additional Artificial Grass Cost Factors
Several other factors determine your artificial grass costs. Here are the costs associated with preparing your property for installation.
Base Material
For a long-lasting, well-draining turf, you’ll need a base material to install your artificial grass on. These are the costs associated with common artificial grass base materials.
| Base Material | Average Cost (per Sq. Ft.) |
|---|---|
| Crushed miscellaneous base (CMB) | $0.50–$2 |
| Class II road base | $0.35–$1.80 |
| Decomposed granite | $1.20–$2.25 |
Demolition and Prep
Most surfaces will need excavation before you or a pro can install the artificial grass. The cost to excavate ranges from $50 to $200 per cubic yard of soil. Cleanup Costs
Hauling away dirt and old grass costs between $8 and $25 per cubic yard. If you want your pro to move the dirt to a different location on your property, the price to cut and fill is between $1 to $15 per cubic yard.
Irrigation
Even though artificial grass doesn’t need water, sprinklers can be beneficial for cleaning the turf, especially for pet owners. And it’s a lot less work than manually spraying your turf off with a hose or power washer. The average cost to install a sprinkler system is $2,400 to $4,200.
Drainage
Drainage installation costs an average of $2,100–$7,000. Additionally, you should lay down a weed barrier so you won't worry about weeds popping up through the artificial grass.
Additional Landscaping Tasks
Sometimes, pros will give you a discount or deal if you have them complete multiple projects in one go. That means if you were going to do additional landscaping eventually anyway, you’re likely to save money in the long run by having it all done at the same time.
For example, if you want to save on flower bed installation costs or trees, you can ask your landscaping professional to quote you for those at the same time they install the artificial lawn. Other projects you could consider doing simultaneously include installing a sprinkler system, installing concrete or paver patios or walkways, and/or building a fence.
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
Artificial grass offers many benefits, like low maintenance and water savings, but it's important to weigh these against potential drawbacks. Here's what to consider before making your decision.
Pros
Saves water: You won't need to spend money on watering your turf, which is a major advantage in climates prone to drought.
Prevents flooding: Artificial grass is porous and allows water to drain through it to the ground below.
No need for fertilizers or pesticides: Turf suppresses weeds and doesn't require any additives to stay vibrant.
No need to mow: Artificial grass eliminates the ongoing task of mowing, saving you time and effort.
Stays beautiful year-round: Artificial grass provides a consistent, lush appearance from winter through summer, eliminating brown, dying grass and maintaining a spring-like aesthetic.
Cons
More expensive: Installation is pricier than sod.
Not recyclable: It's made of unrecyclable plastic materials.
Gets hot in summer: Low-quality synthetic turf can reflect light, melt, or get hot in the summer sun.
May hurt lawn health: Artificial grass interferes with your lawn's natural ecosystem by impacting soil quality and preventing beneficial plants from growing.
HOAs may not allow it: Some homeowners' associations don't allow the installation of synthetic lawns.
Budgeting for Artificial Grass Installation
Homeowners interested in saving money on professional installation can take a few preparatory steps to save on labor costs, including:
Clearing the area by digging the soil to depths of 1.5 to 2.5 inches
Laying a weed-control membrane
Adding a layer of gravel or aggregate and compacting it to create an even surface
Topping the subsurface with sand to even the area out in preparation for the turf installation
DIY Artificial Grass Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
While DIY installation may seem cost-effective, hiring an artificial grass professional ensures proper installation, prevents drainage issues, and reduces the risk of mold and bacteria growth associated with incorrect setup.
If you decide to DIY, you’ll spend about $685 on tools and materials in addition to the artificial grass itself. However, professional installation ensures the job is done correctly and efficiently. Overall, DIY installation costs range from $2,000 to $4,000. For this reason, installing artificial grass isn’t an ideal DIY project unless you have experience working with turf.
Pros have the necessary skills to ensure precise measurements, stellar installation, and proper drainage. Pros can also suggest the best type of turf for your needs, provide landscaping design plans, and clean up after themselves once the project is complete. Hiring a professional ensures your turf is installed correctly, providing you with a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn for years to come.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed thousands of real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maintaining artificial grass is straightforward. You can clean it by removing debris with a leaf blower and rinsing it with a hose to keep it looking fresh. Some types of artificial grass, like polypropylene, require periodic raking to maintain shape. A consistent maintenance schedule is all that is needed to protect your investment.
With proper installation and careful use, artificial grass lasts between five and ten years. This means you can expect a durable, long-lasting solution that withstands regular foot traffic while preserving its vibrant appearance. For areas with intense activity, the lifespan may be closer to three years, whereas installations used purely for visual appeal tend to perform well beyond 10 years. Following manufacturer guidelines and performing regular upkeep ensures that your artificial grass maintains its functionality and appearance throughout its rated life.
Though artificial grass can get weeds, most turf is far more weed-resistant than natural grass. If weeds start to pop up, you can remove them by hand or spray a weed killer and then use a rake to remove them once they’re dead. For extra help keeping weeds at bay, be sure to put down a layer of landscape fabric beneath the turf or buy an artificial grass product with a non-perforated backing to help prevent weed growth.
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