How Much Does Artificial Turf Installation Cost?

Last Updated on October 17, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

Artificial turf provides a lush, water-wise landscape that minimizes yard maintenance. With advanced materials that look and feel realistic, synthetic grass offers curb appeal and functionality at a reasonable cost. This guide will break down the pricing factors for artificial turf installation so you can determine if it fits your property and budget.

We’ll look at material costs, labor fees, site preparation needs, and additional expenses. You’ll also find tips from landscaping experts on controlling costs without sacrificing quality to make the most of your investment.

How Much Does Artificial Turf Installation Cost?

Homeowners pay an average installed cost of $5 to $20 per square foot for artificial turf. This covers all necessary materials, proper site preparation, a qualified installer, and any additional components needed for a complete installation.

On the low end, basic polyethylene or polypropylene grass with lighter weight backing starts around $5 to $10 per square foot fully installed. This is best for pet yards or low-traffic areas.

Premium artificial turf using specialized grass yarns, advanced backing systems, and realistic details runs $15 to $25 per square foot installed. This high-end turf recreates the look and feel of lush natural grass and withstands heavy use.

Of course, your particular artificial grass installation costs depend on yard size, materials selected, site conditions, and professional labor fees. Carefully measure your landscape and get quotes for the exact product you want.

According to HOMR, most American homeowners pay between $6,250 and $12,500 for artificial turf installation, with an average cost of $7 to $18 per square foot. This estimate includes materials, labor, delivery, and installation costs.

Another source, Install Artificial, provides a breakdown of costs based on project size. For example, an average 500 square foot project costs about $7,350 or $14.70 per square foot, while a 1,000 square foot project is estimated at $12,360 or $12.40 per square foot. They note that larger projects generally have a lower cost per square foot.

According to LawnStarter, the average cost to install artificial grass is between $15 and $19 per square foot. For a typical project covering about 500 square feet, homeowners can expect to pay around $7,400 to $9,350 using mid-quality artificial grass. The price may increase by about 20% if nylon turf is used instead.

A report from Angi indicates that the average cost for artificial grass installation is around $5,766, with most homeowners spending between $1,300 and $15,000. This range reflects various factors including the type of turf and the size of the installation area.

Lastly, DFW Turf states that artificial grass installations typically range from $9 to $12 per square foot, with total installation costs for a small area (around 500 square feet) falling between $3,000 and $7,500. They emphasize that while the initial investment is higher than natural grass, artificial turf can provide significant long-term savings.

Factors Impacting Artificial Turf Pricing

Several factors influence the total installation costs when estimating an artificial grass project:

Type of Artificial Grass Material

The upfront grass cost per square foot ranges from $2 to $8 depending on:

  • Fiber technology – Polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, or blended fibers
  • Pile height – Low 1” grass vs. tall 1.5” to 2.5” grass
  • Face weight – Lightweight vs. heavy and dense backing
  • Blade shape, texture, and thatch details
  • Durability and warranty – 10 to 15 years for good turf

Premium turf materials with natural details and technology warrant a higher price for enhanced aesthetics, resilience, and longevity.

You might also like our articles on the cost of lawn painting, Scott’s Lawn Care services, or Landscaping Rocks.

Size of the Project

The total square footage directly impacts costs for materials and professional installation:

  • Smaller areas under 500 sq. ft. – Ideal for DIY installs but still $2,000+ with professional work
  • Medium 500 to 1,000 sq. ft. – Typical backyard size ranging $4,000-$10,000 installed
  • Large yards over 1,000 sq. ft. – Higher total costs but volume discounts on materials possible

Measure accurately and account for any odd shapes or angles that increase waste material. A detailed layout ensures an accurate quote.

Site Preparation and Grading

Proper site prep is crucial for artificial turf performance. This includes:

  • Grading and leveling the area
  • Excavating and removing topsoil
  • Installing weed barrier
  • Creating a crushed stone sub-base

These steps cost approximately $1 to $4 per sq. ft. but provide vital drainage and a secure base. Avoid contractors skipping this vital prep.

Professional Installation Labor

Qualified local installers charge between $3 and $12 per sq. ft. for labor and fees associated with correctly installing and seaming synthetic grass.

Complex projects with challenging access, modifications like embedding putting greens, or premium turf warrant higher pricing.

Special Features

Added components increase costs but can enhance the synthetic grass functionality:

  • Integrated drainage channels and systems
  • Custom landscape accents and borders
  • In-ground receptacles and wiring for low-voltage landscape lighting

Itemized Cost Ranges

The following overview explains typical costs for each component in an artificial grass installation:

  • Artificial turf material – Ranges from $2 to $8+ per square foot depending on the selected grass type, pile height, and quality. Expect to pay $4 to $6 per square foot for a mid-range residential product with a realistic look, decent warranty, and appropriate durability.
  • Infill material – Most projects require 8 to 14 lbs of infill per square foot. Silica sand, Durafill, Envirofill, rubber, and acrylic coated sand range from $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot. Rubber and acrylic infills offer maximum performance but cost more initially.
  • Sub-base materials – The crushed stone base costs around $0.75 to $1.25 per square foot. Geotextile weed barrier adds another $0.15 to $0.30 per square foot.
  • Drainage – Proper drainage installation costs approximately $2 to $3 per square foot. This ensures adequate water flow and prevents puddling or runoff.
  • Professional installation – With labor, most homeowners pay between $3 and $12 per square foot depending on the complexity of the project and their region.
  • Total installed cost – The combined total ranges from $5 to $20 per square foot for a turnkey artificial grass installation. Prices rise for larger projects or premium materials.

Additional Costs

  • Old landscaping removal$1 to $3 per square foot to dispose of your old lawn, plants, pavers, etc.
  • Subgrade reinforcement$1 to $2 per square foot for stabilizing panels, rebar, or mesh used over unstable soils.
  • Seaming tape$2 to $4 per linear foot for specialty seaming tapes that connect turf sections. Improves seam strength.
  • Edging and borders$5 to $15 per linear foot for composite, metal, stone, or wood borders that frame the perimeter.
  • In-ground receptacles $100+ each for outdoor electrical boxes used for low-voltage lights or outlets in the turf.
  • Permit fees – If required by the municipality, permit costs add a few hundred dollars in most cases.

Artificial Turf Lifespan

A high-quality artificial turf system lasts 10 to 20 years, longer than natural grass. Annual care costs are also far lower:

  • Annual cleaning – Less than $200 for DIY rinsing or occasional pressure washing to keep turf looking fresh.
  • Yearly brushing – Under $100 to rent a powered mechanical broom 1 to 2 times per year. Fluffs up matted blades and levels infill.
  • Infill replenishment – Every 3 to 5 years, expect to refresh the infill material for $0.25 to $0.35 per square foot.
  • Repairs – Patch kits available to fix tears or seams over time for under $150 in most cases.

Compare this to the constant mowing, irrigation, fertilizer, and overseeding real grass requires. Over a 10-year period, the savings add up significantly.

Budget vs. Premium

Lower-cost artificial turf, starting around $5 per square foot installed, works well for pets, kids’ play areas, or minimizing water usage. However, the realism and durability are reduced compared to premium products. Expect:

  • Shorter 5/8” to 1” blade lengths
  • Lighter 40 to 50 ounce face weights
  • Limited color/thatch details
  • 8 to 10-year limited warranties

Premium quality artificial grass, priced $15 to $25 per square foot installed, excels for landscaping and high-traffic zones. Enhanced features include:

  • Longer 1.5” to 2” blade lengths
  • Heavy 50 to 100 ounce face weights
  • Dynamic coloring, thatch details
  • Excellent resilience and water drainage
  • 12 to 15-year limited warranties

Prioritize quality turf for yards, play spaces, patios, and pets to enjoy the benefits for years to come.

Professional Installation vs. DIY

Artificial Turf InstallationDIY artificial grass installation costs $2 to $6 per square foot for materials only. This is feasible for smaller project under 500 sq. ft. However, improper prep or seaming can lead to issues down the road.

Professional installation ensures proper preparation and correct seaming according to manufacturer specifications. With labor, costs are $5 to $20 per square foot but give homeowners peace of mind. Most offer 8 to 15-year workmanship warranties as well.

For most properties, the expense of a qualified local artificial grass installer protects your investment and prevents headaches. Verify their experience, reviews, insurance, and warranty protections.

“Improper drainage and sub-base prep are the biggest mistakes we see from DIYers,” says Dominic Tedesco, owner of Pacific Paradise Landscapes. “Don’t cut corners on site preparation to avoid problems.”

Artificial Turf vs Landscaping Alternatives

Natural sod installation runs $0.60 to $2 per square foot, but carries substantially higher lifetime maintenance costs for regular mowing, fertilizing, irrigation, and replacements. It also lacks the longevity of synthetic alternatives.

Low-cost alternatives like mulch, gravel, or stone provide water savings, but lack the lush appearance and usability of artificial turf. Prices can still reach $4 to $6 installed.

For many homeowners, excellent artificial turf balances realistic aesthetics and maximum functionality with minimal upkeep – providing a sound return on investment over a decade or more.

Reduce Artificial Grass Installation Costs

“Always get at least 3 to 5 estimates before selecting an artificial turf contractor – pricing can vary wildly,” advises Linda Chang, landscape designer at Greener Days Design. “And remember – cheaper isn’t always better if they cut corners on drainage prep or substandard materials.”

Here are more professional tips for controlling installation costs:

“For large projects, ask vendors about volume discounts on turf purchases to save 10% or more versus buying retail.” – Ryan Fuller, Affordable Landscaping

“Time your installation in winter or fall when contractors offer off-season promotions to fill their schedule during slower periods.” – Danielle White, White’s Landscaping

“If possible, use basic infill materials like silica sand in low-traffic areas rather than pricey coated rubber.” – Timothy Nelson, Lush Lawn Services

“Only install DIY artificial turf if you have construction experience and will properly grade and compact the sub-base.” – Lucas Snyder, Snyder Landscaping

“Research manufacturer warranties carefully and avoid low-end turf with less than 8 years coverage.” – Jessica Duval, Duval Landscape Design

“Ask your turf installer about financing options they offer – many have partnerships with lending companies for affordable monthly payment plans.” – Andrew Kim, Greenskeeper Landscaping

“For small projects under 200 sq. ft., DIY can save significantly on labor – but ensure seams are properly glued and sealed.” – Felix Rodriquez, California Turf Pros

Final Words

Installing synthetic grass is an attractive, functional, and cost-effective alternative to high-maintenance natural lawns for many homeowners. With pricing averaging $5 to $20 per square foot, artificial turf offers lush curb appeal and maximum usability for yards, play areas, and pets with minimal lifetime upkeep.

Careful preparation, contractor selection, and utilizing the full warranty on quality turf ensures homeowners can enjoy their water-wise artificial grass landscape to the fullest.

0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *