
Artificial grass can keep a garden looking green without regular mowing, watering or reseeding. But the finished result depends heavily on how the ground is prepared before the grass is laid.
Uneven ground, poor drainage or an unstable base can cause dips, puddles and movement underfoot. A professional installer should assess the existing lawn and explain what preparation the area needs before quoting.
Artificial grass is only the visible part of the installation. The existing lawn usually needs to be removed, the ground levelled and a suitable sub-base installed before the grass is secured.
The amount of excavation and base preparation depends on the condition of the ground. A flat, well-drained garden may need less preparation than an uneven or waterlogged lawn.
If your garden needs more extensive work before the grass is laid, a landscaping professional can help coordinate the wider project.
Ask whether ground preparation, waste removal, edging and installation are included in the price. Two quotes can look very different if one covers the complete installation and the other only covers laying the grass.
Artificial grass installation in Ireland costs around €1,200 to €3,400 for a lawn of approximately 40 m². That works out at roughly €30 to €85 per m², depending on the specification and preparation required.
The grass itself is only part of the total cost. Groundwork, the sub-base, drainage, edging and removal of the existing lawn can all affect what you pay.
For larger or more complicated gardens, the total price will usually be higher than this typical 40 m² range.
The quality and appearance of the grass are not the only factors to consider. The condition of your garden and the amount of preparation required can make a substantial difference.
A basic installation on an accessible, level lawn is more straightforward than one requiring extensive excavation or drainage work. Premium artificial grass can also cost more because of its pile height, density, colour variation and overall appearance.
If you're redesigning the wider garden at the same time, a landscape designer can help plan how the lawn will work alongside patios, planting and other features.
Ireland's wet climate makes drainage particularly important when installing artificial grass.
Water needs somewhere to go after heavy rain. If the existing ground drains poorly, the installer may need to improve the drainage beneath the lawn rather than simply laying artificial grass over the problem.
Ask how rainwater will drain from the finished lawn, particularly if you already have areas where water collects. For more substantial drainage work, you can also look for professionals specialising in soil irrigation and drainage.
Artificial grass isn't the only option if you're replacing a tired lawn. Fresh turf gives you a natural lawn but still requires ongoing mowing, watering and general maintenance.
If you'd prefer real grass, you can compare local lawn turfing and seeding professionals for installation and advice.
The right option depends on how you use your garden, how much maintenance you're prepared to do and the look you want to achieve.
Artificial grass often forms part of a wider garden renovation. You might also need new borders, fencing, paving or a cleared area before installation begins.
For example, a new lawn may sit alongside a patio or paved seating area. If you're changing the hard landscaping too, you can find local patio contractors to handle the paving separately.
If an old lawn, overgrown planting or garden structures need to be removed first, garden clearance professionals can prepare the space for the installation.
Look at previous installations rather than choosing solely on price. Ask to see examples of gardens similar to yours and check how neatly the installer has finished edges, joins and transitions.
It's also worth asking what guarantee is provided for the grass and installation. Find out whether the guarantee covers the product, the workmanship or both, and how long each lasts.
If your garden needs substantial groundwork before installation, make sure that work is clearly included in the quote.
Bark can connect you with artificial grass installers in your area, so you can compare their experience, availability and quotes for your garden.
When comparing options, look beyond the headline price. Check the grass specification, ground preparation, sub-base, drainage, edging, waste removal and installation are all accounted for before choosing an installer.
Bark's data suggests artificial grass costs roughly €30 to €85 per square metre installed, so a typical 40 square metre lawn works out around €1,200 to €3,400. The grade of grass, ground preparation, and access affect the price. Share your rough lawn size on Bark for accurate quotes near you.