Are you thinking about switching to artificial turf? It’s a brilliant move. You are among the smartest homeowners who are doing the same thing. Especially if you have pets, it will make your and your pet’s life way easier.
Among all the questions on this topic, here’s the obvious question: How much is the cost of installing artificial turf?
There is no fixed answer to that, honestly. Because every turf installation has unique requirements. There are way too many factors that influence the cost. Let’s find out how much you may need to spend, what influences the cost, and why.
What Is The Average Cost of Installing Artificial Turf?
The short answer is: Homeowners pay between $6 to $15 per square foot for artificial turf installation. It includes labour and materials.
So, the biggest factor deciding the cost is the size of the turf you plan to install. The bigger the area you want to cover, the more cash you need to pay.
The material comes in as the second-biggest factor. The higher quality turf you install, the more your costs increase. Sounds pretty simple, right?
Let’s look at a chart showing lawn sizes from small to large and their estimated costs to install artificial turf. It will help you get an idea of your own cost based on your lawn size.
| Lawn Size | Average Cost (Approximate) |
| 300 sq ft | $1,500 – $4,500 |
| 500 sq ft | $2,500 – $7,500 |
| 1,000 sq ft | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $10,000 – $30,000 |
Does it seem a bit more expensive than natural grass? Well, it is! But that’s not all, there are hidden features that make artificial turf worth every penny you spend. We will talk about that in a minute.
What Are You Actually Paying For in a Turf Installation?
It may seem easy, but installing turf is not just rolling out fake grass on your lawn. Not even close! A proper artificial turf installation has several layers, specific steps, and careful execution. Here are the things you are actually paying for:
- Turf Material: Synthetic grass
- Ground Preparation: Removing existing grass and soil
- Base Layer: Crushed rock or decomposed granite to ensure drainage
- Weed Barrier: Ensures plants don’t grow through the turf
- Infill: This is the layer supporting the base
- Labor: Cutting, shaping, and securing the turf
According to the Recreational Industry, materials cover up to 50-60% of the total installation cost, and labor covers around 30-40%. So, if your quote feels too expensive, remember you are not paying for just grass; there are tons of tasks running in the background.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Artificial Turf?
No two turf installations are the same. The factors also keep changing with every project. But there are common factors that form the foundation of total costing.
- Turf Quality: There are several categories of turf. Based on the quality you choose, it can start at $5 per square foot and go up to $15.
- Yard Preparation: Does your yard have grass roots? It adds to the laborers’ task. Preparing the yard includes excavation, leveling, installing drainage layers, and adding base materials. Lots of work to do!
- Project Size: This part is the most important yet easiest to understand. The larger the turf you install, the higher the price you pay. It is as simple as that.
Comparison Between Natural Grass and Turf Costs
Let’s look at a side-by-side comparison between the expenses of installing turf and natural grass.
| Feature | Artificial Turf | Natural Grass |
| Installation | $6 – $15 per sq ft | $4 – $9 per sq ft |
| Watering | None | Regular |
| Mowing | None | Weekly |
| Fertilizer | None | A couple of times a year |
| Lifespan | 10-20 years | Continuous maintenance |
At first glance, natural grass seems cheap and better. However, the expenses pile up quickly, and you need regular maintenance for natural grass. But artificial turf maintenance is minimal, if any.
How Does Artificial Turf Save Money Over Time?
Let’s talk about the numbers and do some math. A typical 1,500 sq ft lawn needs around 30,000 to 50,000 gallons of water every year. Based on the climate, it can go more or less.
So, considering the price of water per gallon, turf saves you between $3,000 to $7,000 just from water use. If you consider mowing, fertilizing, and other regular maintenance costs of natural grass, turf saves you $1,000 to even more than $2,000 yearly. And that’s a lot of money.
On average, homeowners recover the investment made in artificial turf within 4-8 years. So, if you’re planning to install artificial turf, it is one of the best long-term investments for your home.
Bottom Line
Artificial turf installation does really seem expensive at first glance. Paying $6 to $15 per sq ft is no joke. For a typical backyard, it ranges from $ 5,000 to $ 15,000. But the story doesn’t end there!
Turf doesn’t need pricy maintenance like natural grass. It saves money slowly, eventually becoming more profitable and easier in the long run. If it is your own home, installing artificial turf can be the most practical landscaping upgrade!
FAQs
How much does artificial turf cost per square foot?
Artificial turf typically costs $6 to $15 per square foot installed. The price includes materials, ground preparation, base layers, and professional labor.
Is artificial turf cheaper than real grass?
Real grass is cheaper to install initially. However, artificial turf can become cheaper over time because it eliminates watering, mowing, and fertilizer costs.
How long does artificial turf last?
Most high-quality artificial turf lasts 15 to 20 years with proper installation and basic maintenance.
