How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost to Install? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $3,245 - $8,724
The average person spends $5,772 on artificial grass installation. Depending on the grass type and installation area, it usually costs anywhere from $3,245 to $8,724.
Artificial grass installation costs an average of $5,772, with most homeowners paying between $1,300 and $15,000. The type of turf, size of the installation area, and ground prep can all affect the total price you’ll pay for this low-maintenance grass alternative.
- Average
- $5,772
- Low end
- $1,300
- high end
- $15,000
Artificial Turf Cost Calculator
Calculations are based on a small- to -medium-sized turf installation, which is 200 square feet. We converted these dimensions to 3 cubic yards. Calculations rounded to the nearest whole number.
| Quantity | Cost Range | |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Turf Materials | 200 sq. ft. | $400–$1,600 |
| Artificial Turf Installation Labor | 200 sq. ft. | $600–$1,800 |
| Infill Materials | 200 sq. ft. | $50–$350 |
| Excavation Yard Prep | 3 cubic yards | $150–$600 |
| Grass Disposal | 3 cubic yards | $24–$75 |
| Total | $1,224–$1,425 | |
| Total Per Square Foot | $6–$22 |
How to Calculate Your Artificial Grass Cost
The size of the area you’re installing artificial grass on is a large contributing factor to your overall cost—the more yards you turf, the more materials and labor time you will use. Another factor that impacts the price you pay is the turf itself—factors like brand, shape, and quality vary and could increase or decrease your price. Other considerations include:
The shape and accessibility of the area
What’s installed underneath the turf
The infill you choose
Overall labor costs
Landscaping requirements
Speaking with a local turf installation pro can help you with a personalized quote for your specific wants and needs and can even help direct you to the turf type that would be best for your lawn.
Artificial Turf Costs Factors
Consider these factors that affect the overall price of an artificial turf project.
Yard Size and Shape
Artificial grass installation costs anywhere between $2 and $8 per square foot, though stores sell it per roll or linear foot. You’ll pay $1 to $3 per square foot more for an artificial grass installation pro to cut curves or fit turf into non-standard-sized spaces, like between individual pavers.
| Yard Size, Square Feet | Average Turf Cost, Materials | Average Cost of Labor |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $100–$400 | $200–$450 |
| 100 | $200–$800 | $400–$900 |
| 200 | $400–$1,600 | $800–$1,800 |
| 500 | $1,000–$4,000 | $2,000–$4,500 |
| 1,000 | $2,000–$8,000 | $4,000–$9,000 |
| 2,000 | $4,000–$16,000 | $8,000–$18,000 |
Artificial Grass Cost by Type
There are three main types of artificial grass. You’ll save money on long-term maintenance and repairs by choosing artificial grass that’s durable enough for your lifestyle.
| Nylon | Polypropylene | Polyethylene |
|---|---|---|
| Most expensive | Mid-range price | Most affordable |
| $5–$8 per square foot | $2–$7 per square foot | $2–$5 per square foot |
| Very durable | Medium durability | Least durable |
| Great for high temperatures | Great to athletic purposes | Ideal for low traffic yards |
Turf Brand
Brands that are considered “high-end” can cost several dollars more per square foot than the more commonly found store brands.
| Brand | Cost per sq. ft. |
|---|---|
| EasyTurf | $1.80 |
| Petgrow | $2–$3 |
| SunVilla | $3–$4 |
| SYNLawn | $5.50–$7.50 |
| ForeverLawn | $4.50–$9.50 |
| ProGreen | $4.50–$11.50 |
Blade Shape
| Artificial Grass Blade Shape | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| V-Shaped | Highly durable and best for high-traffic areas |
| C-Shaped | Long-lasting and durable with a shiny appearance |
| U-Shaped | Feels like natural grass and is best for light or medium-traffic areas |
| S-Shaped | Very realistic looking and suitable for high-traffic areas |
| W-Shaped | Heat-resistant and durable |
| Seven stem | Considered to be the most attractive option and is best for high-traffic areas |
| Diamond | Soft texture and is best for medium to high-traffic |
| Omega | Realistic looking and feeling to natural grass |
Turf blades come in different shapes that mimic natural grass. Some are softer, which feels great on the feet, while others are stiffer and more durable. You can expect to spend more on highly durable, heat-resistant blade types (like “W”-shaped blades) than you would on softer, less durable blades (like “S”-shaped blades).
Base Material
If you want to avoid wrinkles, bumps, and potential flooding in your artificial turf, you’ll need to install a base material. Expect to spend $1.20 to $2.25 per square foot for this option.
| Artificial Grass Subbase | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Crushed miscellaneous base (CMB) | $0.50–$2 |
| Class II road base | $0.35–$1.80 |
| Decomposed granite | $1.20–$2.25 |
Infill
Infill protects your artificial grass from the sun, gives it a springy cushioning under your feet, and keeps the blades perky. You’ll need about 1 pound of infill per square foot of artificial turf, costing $0.30 to $1.75 per pound.
| Artificial Grass Infill Types | Average Cost per Pound |
|---|---|
| Silica sand | $0.30 |
| Crumb rubber | $1.75 |
| Zeolite | $1.15 |
| Acrylic coated sand | $1 |
Artificial Grass Installation Cost
Consider these other factors that make up the total cost of your artificial grass installation.
Labor
Labor costs range between $4 and $9 per square foot, depending on the size of the yard and the amount of excavation needed. The more complicated the job and uneven the yard, the more you’re going to pay in labor costs.
Preparation and Cleanup Costs
Your contractor will need to prep for installation by excavating the yard to even up the ground. This costs $50 to $200 per cubic yard and will give your lawn a much more clean and even appearance. Your pro will also need to clean up when they’re done, which includes disposing of old dirt and grass and costs between $8 and $25 per cubic yard. If the organic material can stay on your property, the cost decreases to an average of $1 to $15 per cubic yard.
Location
Costs depend on where you want to install your artificial grass since some areas require the use of specialized materials and tools. Expect to spend more to install grass on rooftops, stairways, pool areas, and concrete than you would to install it in your average backyard.
Ongoing Artificial Grass Installation Costs
Artificial grass lasts 10 to 20 years with very little maintenance, but there are some ongoing costs you’ll incur to keep it in good shape.
Maintenance and Cleaning
While artificial grass maintenance is minimal, especially when compared to traditional lawns, you’ll need to keep it clean, remove stains, and brush the blades periodically. Maintenance costs are fairly low since all you’ll need is a hose, dish soap, and a plastic rake or broom.
Repairs or Replacement
Over time, you may need to replace or repair damaged turf. The most common way to repair damage is to cut out the damaged area and replace it with new artificial grass. Depending on the type of turf you have, replacement material averages between $2 and $10 per square foot.
Infill Replacement
If your artificial grass is no longer level or has trouble draining, you may need to replace or supplement the infill underneath it. Infill costs between $0.30 and $1,75 per pound, which covers roughly one square foot.
Cost to Install Artificial Grass Yourself
It costs anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000 to install artificial grass yourself. If you’re going the DIY route, expect to pay about $685 for tools and materials, which does not include the cost of the turf. If you hire a local turf installation pro, labor will cost anywhere from $3 to $9 per square foot. You could save a significant amount by DIYing, especially if you have a larger or unusually shaped yard. However, you’ll only save money if you do the job correctly. Flooding, water damage, and misshapen turf can all lead to costly repairs that will make you wish you had hired a pro with the proper equipment.
| Tools and Materials | Price |
|---|---|
| Sod cutter rental | $100 |
| Compactor rental | $90 |
| Laser level rental | $65 |
| Shovel | $30 |
| Wheelbarrow | $130 |
| Landscape rake | $60 |
| Landscape pins | $25 |
| Hammer | $20 |
| Turf cutter | $15 |
| Tape measure | $20 |
| Edging stakes | $35 |
| Joining tape | $25 |
| Turf glue | $50 |
| Pry bar | $20 |
Cost of Common Artificial Grass Installation Add-Ons
For longevity and the best look possible, you will need to invest in some turf add-ons. Some common add-ons include:
Grass removal: $1–$2.75 per square foot
Tree removal: $200–$2,000
Irrigation: $2,400–$4,200
Drainage installation: $2,100–$7,000
Weed barrier: $0.40–$0.80 per square foot
Grass edging: $1–$5 per linear foot
Yard regrading: $1,000–$3,300
Pros and Cons of Artificial Grass
As with any project, it’s important to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the final product before writing a check. Let’s take a look at a few of the pros and cons of artificial grass.
| Artificial Grass Pros | Artificial Grass Cons |
|---|---|
| Always green | More expensive than natural grass or sod |
| No need to mow | Can be hot during the summer |
| Nearly pest-free | Some HOAs do not allow artificial grass |
| No need to water | Costly to replace |
| No need to fertilize or treat with chemicals | Can fade over time |
Cost of Artificial Grass vs. Sod
Consider the overall cost considerations for artificial grass and sod to help you decide which is best for you and your lawn.
| Cost Consideration | Artificial Grass | Sod |
|---|---|---|
| Initial installation | $3,100–$8,400 | $1,100–$3,000 |
| Yearly fertilization | $0 | $100–$700 |
| Yearly watering | $0 | $400–$1,000 |
| Yearly mowing | $0 | $700–$2,100 |
| Yearly weed treatment | $0 | $35–$400 |
| Year one total | $3,100–$8,400 | $2,335–$7,200 |
| Ongoing costs per year | $0 | $1,235–$4,200 |
Ways to Save on Artificial Grass Costs
Here are some more tips that can save you money on artificial turf costs.
1. Do the Prep Work Yourself
By DIYing the prep work, you may be able to save your pro time when laying the turf, which could bring down the labor costs by as much as $3 to $5 per square foot. Be sure to communicate with your installer to make sure you’re prepping in the right way.
Common items you can tackle ahead of time are:
Clearing the top 2 inches of soil
Taking care of existing weeds and laying weed-control membranes
Adding a layer of gravel and compacting it to create an even surface
Pouring down sand to eliminate any bumps developed by the gravel
2. Choose Budget-Friendly Materials
While budget-friendly turf types can lead to higher long-term maintenance costs, you can save money by choosing more affordable materials in low-traffic areas. Skip high-end brands and reach for affordable manufacturers with good ratings for your turf, subbase, infill, and edging.
3. Use Recycled or Reclaimed Turf
Since turf is basically just plastic, people can easily recycle and reclaim it. Probably the best way to save on artificial turf costs is to opt for recycled turf instead of brand-new turf.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Artificial grass has a few major advantages over real grass. Mainly, you’ll save on your water bill, spend less effort maintaining your lawn, and have the greenest yard you’ve ever had. Plus, if you have pets, you won’t get that dreaded ring of yellow grass from where your dog likes to do its business.
However, there are some disadvantages to consider when deciding if artificial grass is right for your lawn, such as cost, heat retention during warmer months, and the artificial feel of the turf under your toes.
Artificial grass will last between five and 10 years, depending on how much foot traffic it endures and the type of weather your area gets. If you’re using the turf for fitness activities, you might find the life span lasts around three years. For those who only have it for the looks, you might get over 10 years of life out of your artificial grass.
Overall, artificial turf maintenance isn’t time- or labor-intensive, especially compared to natural lawns. To clean artificial grass, you can start by raking away any organic debris, like leaves and dirt, that have blown in from somewhere else. Then, break out the hose to take care of most messes that are left over.
When it comes to pricing, sodding costs less at around $1 to $2 per square foot, including labor. However, even though you’ll pay more for artificial turf (around $5 to $20 per square foot in total), you’ll benefit from the lack of maintenance costs. You don’t need to water, mow, or fertilize the yard to maintain it. Instead, you get to sit back and relax all summer long.