How Much Does Artificial Turf Cost?

Artificial Grass Cost by Type

There are three types of artificial grass to choose from, including nylon, polypropylene, and polyethylene. Each one comes with its own price range and properties:

Nylon

Nylon turf averages between $5 to upwards of $6 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 to $6 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 $4 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 not exposed to long periods of high heat, which can disfigure the blades.

Artificial Turf Cost Factors

The average cost per square foot to install turf ranges from $5 to $20. But like any other home project, the final price tag depends on a variety of factors, including if you decide to hire a synthetic grass installer near you or DIY.

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. Rolls often come in widths ranging from 7 to 15 feet.

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 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

Artificial turf blades cost $2 to $3 per square foot. In its earliest days, manufacturers wove fake 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 one of the most durable, heat-resistant shapes and will cost more than S-shaped blades, which typically offer the softest feel underfoot but less heat resistance and durability.

Location

Your artificial 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.

Base Material

For a long-lasting, well-draining artificial turf, you’ll need a base material of decomposed granite and landscape fabric to prevent weeds. The cost of decomposed granite runs $0.30 to $0.70 per square foot, while landscape fabric costs between $0.40 to $0.80 per square foot.

Brand

There are many synthetic lawn brands to choose from, but some are better quality than others. For example, Pro Green is generally the most expensive, but also higher quality. Petgrow is a lower-budget option, but has built-in drain holes for when pets need to go. Below are a few of the more popular options and their average price.

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.

Artificial Grass Cost Breakdown

Several other costs go into an artificial turf installation project beyond the cost of the turf itself. These include factors like the cost of labor to get help from a pro, the cost to excavate or prepare your space, and maintenance concerns like irrigation and drainage options. You may also want to complete other landscaping projects at the same time to bundle your costs and save money overall.

Labor

Expect to pay anywhere from $3 to $9 per square foot to hire a local landscaper to install your new artificial grass. The type of turf you choose for your landscape imparts price variations.

If you DIY, you’ll spend around $650 on tools and materials on top of the artificial turf itself, so be sure to factor in the cost of rental equipment, like a plate compactor, and other items that will increase your final costs.

Location Preparation

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.

Homeowners interested in saving money on professional installation can take a few preparatory steps to save on labor costs. 

A few tips for saving money on artificial grass include:

• Clearing and excavating 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 lawn to be installed

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 between $1,600 to $3,500.

Drainage

You must consider drainage and lay a base of decomposed granite or limestone chippings to ensure proper water runoff. Decomposed granite costs anywhere from $0.30 and $0.70 per square foot. Additionally, you should lay down a weed barrier so you won't worry about weeds popping up through the artificial grass.

Additional Landscaping

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 the professional you hire 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. 

Synthetic Turf vs. Sod

Wondering which is better? Installing sod may be a tempting alternative. After all, the cost to install sod is significantly lower than turf. But don't be fooled by sod prices, because there's a bigger picture at play.

Based on the prices below, within about seven years, you would recoup your investment in a synthetic lawn. After that point, you're not only saving time with maintenance-free materials, but you're also saving a considerable amount of money every year.

Pros and Cons of Artificial Turf

Whether you want artificial grass for an at-home golf course or so you can have a perpetually perfect lawn, first consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• Artificial turf saves water. You don’t need to spend money on watering your artificial turf. In climates prone to drought, this is a major advantage.

• It prevents flooding. Not only can you get away with a stunningly green yard without watering it, but artificial turf is porous and allows water to drain through it to the ground below.

• There’s no need for fertilizers or pesticides. Artificial grass suppresses weeds and doesn’t require any additives to stay looking vibrant.

• You don’t need to mow. While your neighbors are mowing their lawns, you can enjoy yours without having to hire a lawn care service.

• Your yard stays beautiful year-round. From winter through summer, say good riddance to brown, dying grass, and hello to a spring-time aesthetic no matter the season.

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 turf 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.

DIY Artificial Turf Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

Should you hire a pro or DIY faux grass installation? Potential drainage problems and the mold and bacteria that can follow are your biggest concern when opting to DIY artificial grass.

For this reason, this isn’t an ideal DIY project unless you have experience working with artificial turf. You're already investing in the look of your new yard. Hiring an artificial grass installer to install it means fewer worries and headaches.

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.