How Much Does It Cost To Install An Artificial Lawn?

Artificial grass cost calculator

The cost of artificial grass or turf varies depending on the type you choose and the amount of area you need to cover. In order to calculate an accurate cost, you'll need to determine the square footage of your yard first. This number will help you shop for different types of turf based on the price per square foot. The size of your lawn can also play a role in labor costs, since smaller yards will take less time to complete, resulting in lower labor costs. You'll also need to take the cost of backfilling and infilling your yard into account, too. To calculate the cost of materials, simply multiply the cost per square foot by the total square footage of your yard. Materials and operational costs will be in addition to the price of the artificial turf itself.

Labor cost to install artificial grass

The average cost of labor to install artificial turf or grass is around $4 to $13 per square foot. Most homeowners pay approximately $7.50 per square foot in labor, on average. A 1,000 square foot lawn should take about two to three days for a crew of four or five workers to complete. Most professionals won't charge by the hour - they tend to charge by the square foot instead. Make sure you get several estimates so you can see the full breakdown of your costs including the labor so you have an accurate snapshot of your total price before you commit.

Things to consider when buying an artificial lawn

As with any home improvement project, there are several things to consider when you choose to have an artificial lawn installed. Some of the factors to take into consideration include:

Traffic

If you have children or spend a lot of time in your yard, you may need a more durable, heavy-duty type of artificial turf than if you're just buying it for looks. People who are only installing this material for pets may not need to upgrade to a tougher option. If your children play a lot of sports in the backyard or you have a generally active family, it's best to choose artificial grass that will withstand the rigors of outdoor activity.

Backing and Infilling

Before your artificial lawn can be installed, your yard will need to be backfilled and infilled. The backfilling process involves removing the current grass and a layer of sod, then using dump trucks to dispose of it. Backfilling will prepare your lawn for installation and ensures that you have a smooth and level surface. Infilling is simply the process of adding materials to the yard, whether it's more dirt to make it level, sand or gravel, or the installation of the artificial turf itself.

Quality

Of course, the quality of the artificial grass that you choose for your lawn will have one of the biggest impacts on your total price. Higher quality turf tends to cost more, while more practical or lower quality artificial turf will cost you much less, but it may not last as long or be as durable.

Artificial grass cost per square foot

Your artificial turf cost can vary depending on the type you choose, where you live, and how much of it you need. Costs also vary depending on the brand and blade shape. Higher quality turf tends to cost more, with prices ranging from $6.00 to $7.50 per square foot to as high as $20 per square foot. Lower quality artificial grass ranges closer to between $1.80 per square foot and $4 per square foot, on average.

The following tables shows the cost per square foot to install artificial lawn:

Artificial turf blades

Artificial grass or turf comes in a variety of blade shapes. The shape of the blade has an impact on several things including how it looks, how durable it is, and how weather-resistant it will be. Here are the common types of blade shapes available to help you determine which option is best for your yard:

W-shape

W-shaped blades are one of the newer options for homeowners, boasting a natural look that's also durable enough to handle a lot of foot traffic. These blades are perfect for playground areas, pets, and corridors where a lot of people walk. The shape also helps to disperse the heat, making the turf up to 15 degrees cooler on hotter days.

C-shape

If durability is a concern, C-shaped blades are a great choice since they offer high tolerance to lots of wear. This shape also helps the artificial grass stand upright under pressure, which is good for yards with a lot of traffic and activity.

U-shape

Artificial grass with U-shaped blades can also handle a lot of heavy traffic, making it a good option for sports fields and school playgrounds. These blades also work well for simple residential applications. This turf blade shape is highly durable, yet soft so that it looks and feels very similar to real grass.

S-shape

Thanks to its curvy silhouette, S-shaped blades resemble natural grass much better than blades with flat or rigid shapes. Since there is less flat surface area, the blades reflect more sunlight, creating a mirrored effect that can sometimes look more white than green. These blades are softer than many other types of turf, which makes them a wonderful choice for those who want an authentic grass look but aren't as worried about heavy traffic.

V-shape

V-shaped blades have an extremely high wear tolerance, and they recover well under heavy foot traffic. Since these blades are rigid, they stand upright and look more realistic than almost every other artificial turf blade shape.

Artificial turf vs real grass

If you're still not certain whether artificial turf is right for you, there are some things to consider when comparing it to real grass. Let's take a closer look at some comparisons regarding the cost and maintenance for each.

Installation cost

Artificial grass installation cost will be higher than real grass upfront. For a 100-square foot yard, the average cost to install artificial grass is approximately $6,250, while real grass costs closer to between $200 and $500.

Watering cost

You don't need to water artificial grass, but real grass tends to cost about $20 per month for at least six months of the year. You can clean your artificial lawn occasionally to remove excess dirt and debris.

Fertilizing cost

Artificial grass doesn't need to be fertilized, so there's no cost associated with this treatment. However, real grass costs around $0.20 per square foot to fertilize, and it needs to be done on a regular basis to keep it healthy.

Maintenance cost

You don't need to mow artificial grass, but real grass needs regular care and maintenance that may run you around $25 or more per week for at least half of the year.

First-year total

The cost of real grass is lower than artificial turf for the first year, with an average price of $1,070. Artificial grass costs closer to around $6,250 for the first year.

Annual cost

Your artificial lawn should not cost you anything after it's installed, however, real grass can cost an additional $800-$900 each year for maintenance and upkeep.

Total cost after 3 years

The cost of artificial grass remains the same after three years at around $6,250. Your grassy lawn will run you closer to $2,400 to $3,000 after three years, however.

Total cost after 6 years

Real grass will continue to incur costs, so after six years, your tab should be about $6,290 while the running cost for turf remains the same at approximately $6,250. That means that your artificial grass lawn will pay for itself after around six years. You'll recoup your investment while real grass will continue to cost you money.

Cost by type

Aside from the blade shape, size of your yard, and labor costs, the cost to install artificial turf also depends on the material.

Polypropylene

This material is soft and has a natural texture. Artificial grass made from polypropylene costs between $2 and $3 per square foot, on average.

Polyethylene

Artificial turf made of this material is cheaper, running closer to $1 to $2 per square foot, but it's also less durable. This option is ideal for areas with little foot traffic.

Nylon

Thanks to its exceptional durability and the ability to maintain its shape, nylon artificial grass costs between $3 and $4 per square foot, but it's also perfect for areas with higher average temperatures or for those who like a natural grassy look.

DIY vs hire a pro

It may seem like installing artificial grass is easy, but without the right planning, this project could cost you a lot more than just money. Improper installation can lead to drainage problems, an unnatural look, or loose edges that can cause the lawn to become loose. The professionals understand how to install this material properly, and they can perform all of the backfilling and infilling that's required. Unless you've installed an artificial lawn before, it's best to leave this type of project to the pros. A professional company has the skills and experience, the right tools and equipment, and an understanding of things like proper drainage for your yard.

Pros and cons

As with any home improvement project, there are some pros and cons to installing an artificial grass lawn.

Pros

• Once your artificial grass is installed, there is no more maintenance required. This means you'll have no more annual costs like you would with a real grass lawn.
• You can enjoy the look of greenery all year round, even in the winter when grass tends to die or become discolored.
• There is no need for chemicals or fertilizers when you have artificial grass, and it doesn't attract pests like grass can.

Cons

• The upfront cost to install artificial turf is significantly higher than real grass so you'll need to have a decent-sized budget if you want this type of lawn.
• Some types of turf don't look as natural as real grass, which can create a "fake" look that many people find unattractive.
• Without the right grading and prep, your artificial grass can be installed incorrectly, leading to drainage problems.