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Artificial Turf Cost Guide 2024

The average price of artificial grass is
$12 per square foot

including materials and labor.

Bring your garden back to life with an artificial grass installation. Find out how much your grass installation service will cost based on the size of your yard, the quality of the grass, and more - you’ll have your neighbors green with envy in no time!

Real grass has its benefits, but the work that comes with constantly mowing and clearing up muddy footprints in your home can be tiring, to say the least. With residential and commercial properties alike recognizing the benefits of artificial grass, why not jump on the bandwagon? It’s low maintenance, and it looks great all year round. 

If you’re thinking of getting stuck into some DIY artificial grass laying, remember that hiring an expert will mean that the grass is installed to a high standard, preventing the likelihood of it needing to be re-installed in a few years. 

In this guide we'll look at the average cost of artificial turf, also known as artificial turf. Remember, these prices are national averages, so while they're a great place to start we recommend getting free quotes from local artificial turf installers so find out how much it will cost you.

How much does artificial turf cost?

artificial grass

It’s difficult to say just how much artificial grass Installation costs, as gardens come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions - and these factors all have a big impact on price. To give you a general idea, here’s the average cost of artificial grass installation based on the prices of local US professionals: 

Average cost (per square foot) $12
Minimum cost (per square foot)$5
Maximum cost (per square foot)$20

As a general rule of thumb, the bigger the surface area, the smaller the cost per square foot for installation - think of it as a discount for buying in bulk. On average, the cost of laying artificial turf is $12 per square foot, including materials and labor - but there are lots of factors that will affect the cost for you, including the quality you go for.

What can affect the cost of installing artificial turf? 

artificial grass

The cost of artificial grass installation can vary depending on different factors. These include: 

  • Size of yard

  • Condition of yard

  • Location

  • Material

  • Labor costs

Size of your yard

The bigger your yard, the more time and materials will be needed for your artificial grass installation project. As a guide, we’ve put together a breakdown of average total installation costs based on yard size: 

Size of yardTotal installation costs
200 square feet$1,000 - $4,000
600 square feet $3,000 - $5,000
1,000 square feet $6,000 - $7,500

Condition of your yard

The condition of your existing yard is another factor influencing costs. If you have a blank canvas to work with, i.e. a flat, concrete surface, this will be easy for your expert to lay grass over. However, if you have an uneven surface or an existing yard with grass that needs removing, your professional will charge an additional fee for the labor. 

Location

If you live in a big city like New York or Los Angeles, the bad news is that artificial grass installation will probably cost more. The good news is that gardens tend to be smaller in bigger cities, which means you’ll probably spend less overall.

Material

The cost of artificial grass varies significantly depending on the type of material used. Polypropylene is the most affordable option from as little as $2 in some scenarios, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers. Its lower cost is due to its lower durability and resilience compared to other materials. Polypropylene fibers are less robust, which makes them more susceptible to wear and tear, and they tend to flatten more quickly under heavy foot traffic. This type of artificial grass is best suited for areas with minimal usage, such as decorative lawns or areas not subjected to constant use.

Polyethylene artificial grass is priced slightly higher beginning at $2.30 than polypropylene, starting at $2.30 due to its enhanced durability and more natural appearance. The fibers of polyethylene are softer and more resilient, providing a feel that closely mimics natural grass. This type of grass is more suitable for medium to high-traffic areas, such as playgrounds and sports fields, where a balance between cost and performance is essential. The increased cost reflects the improved material quality and the manufacturing processes required to create a more realistic and long-lasting product.

Nylon is the most expensive type of artificial grass, averaging at least $5 per square foot, reflecting its superior durability and realistic appearance. Nylon fibers are exceptionally strong and can withstand heavy use without losing their shape or color. This makes nylon grass ideal for high-traffic areas, such as athletic fields and commercial spaces, where longevity and performance are critical. The higher cost of nylon is due to the advanced manufacturing techniques needed to produce such a resilient product and the premium quality of the raw materials used. Despite its higher price, many consider nylon a worthwhile investment for its long-term benefits and reduced maintenance needs.

When you're looking at different artificial grass costs, take a look at how 'realistic' the mix is too. The cheapest turfs tend to be one block color, whereas premium materials will have a variety of thread colours, which makes your grass look more natural.

Artificial grass types and prices
Turf typeAverage price p/square foot
Budget$2 - $6.50
Medium$2.30 - $4.50
Premium$5 - $6.50

Labor costs

The amount you pay for labor will also affect the overall cost of your artificial turf. Here are some ballpark figures:

  • Most contractors charge $3.50 to $11 per square foot of artificial grass installed.

  • Installing artificial turf in areas other than your lawn, such as rooftops, stairways, decks, or patios, will likely incur higher charges.

  • Installing artificial turf in a curved or unusually shaped area takes more labor, as your pro will need to work around the curved shape and existing landscaping to get the turf placement just right.

  • Installing artificial grass on a curved area can add up to 20% to the cost.

  • Installing artificial grass on slopes is even trickier, as it is more difficult to get the synthetic grass to stay in place, and prepping the area takes longer.

  • Expect around a 50% increase in price if you want to install artificial grass on a slope.

Labor charges for laying artificial turf
Area typePrice per square foot
Flat surface$3.50 - $11
Curved edges$4 - $13.20
Sloped surface$5.25 - $16.50

You might also need to pay for garden clearance before your project gets started - here's our guide to the price of clearing a garden to get you started.

How to keep artificial grass installation prices to a minimum 

artificial grass

You can still enjoy a lush green lawn on a shoestring - here are our top tips for keeping artificial grass installation costs down: 

  • Try before you buy - When choosing the type of artificial grass for your yard, remember to consider all your options. While you may think the cheapest artificial grass is the best choice, premium grass can be a better investment in the long-run as it will withstand heavy usage for longer. 

  • Request multiple quotes - Don’t just go for the first offer you receive - always shop around to get the most competitive quote. 

  • Maintenance - Although artificial grass requires a lot less maintenance than natural grass, there are still some maintenance jobs that need to be carried out regularly to ensure it stays healthy. For example, occasionally hosing down and brushing your grass will keep it in tip-top condition and reduce the need for costly repairs and reinstallation. 

  • Combine projects - If you're going for a total garden refurb, your professional is likely to offer better prices as part of a combined project. Here's our guide to the cost of garden landscaping as a starting point.

Find artificial turf installation experts on Bark and watch them transform your outside space into the garden of your dreams.

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