How Much is Artificial Grass Installation?
Every day, more and more people are switching to artificial grass. Why? Maintaining natural grass is time-consuming and expensive. But artificial turf requires almost no maintenance, saves water, and stays green all year.
Natural grass lawns require ongoing mowing and fertilizer applications, seasonal reseeding, aerating, weed treatments, and more, especially for yards with heavy foot traffic. Unlike natural grass, artificial turf requires inexpensive care and maintenance without ongoing seasonal costs.
In terms of watering alone, lawns require 623 gallons of water per 1,000 square-foot area every week. Because of reduced maintenance costs, homeowners may recoup artificial grass installation costs sooner than they think. When reduced maintenance costs of natural grass lawns are considered, a 1,000-square-foot yard will pay for itself within three to five years.
How much does the installation of artificial grass cost?
The cost of installing artificial turf is between $7 and $14 per square foot, depending on the exact materials, complexity, size of the project, and geographic location of the lot. For example, installing less than 800 square feet of artificial turf on a lawn in California costs $8.50 per square foot, while it will cost as little as $7.04 on a 1,300-square-foot yard. A putting green installation on an 800-square-fo
What are the broken-down costs of artificial turf installation?
The typical cost of artificial turf installation ranges from $7 to $14, including many different line-item expenses and services. Below is a breakdown of the various factors:
Artificial Grass
On average, homeowners can expect to pay $2.47 per square foot of artificial grass material, with the MSRP going as low as $1.81 or as high as $5.01 per square foot. The turf material is the primary distinguishing characteristic of the price of artificial grass. You will pay more or less depending on whether it's made with polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon.
Base Material
Class II road base should be laid down before installing artificial turf. This material is necessary to create a level base for your turf.
Some artificial grass installers also add a layer of decomposed granite, which can be compressed into a level surface to improve drainage.
Weed Barrier Fabric/Gopher Wire
Weed barrier is excellent for preventing the growth of invasive plant life underneath artificial turf. However, it is not recommended if you have pets because it can absorb smells.
Gopher wire prevents gophers from burrowing under your turf and disturbing the surface, helping to keep it looking pristine.
Hardware
The installation will also require hardware to keep the artificial turf fixed. The edges and interior surfaces of the synthetic turf need to be permanently fastened to mitigate wrinkles or displacement. These materials include:
Labor
Labor is one of the largest costs for any professional installation project.
Buyers should always:
- Be wary of low estimates: These estimates may not include the service costs, leaving you with a bigger bill than was advertised. Cheap labor costs can also indicate a lack of expertise, poor craftsmanship, or cost-cutting measures in other project areas.
- Ask about the company's installation warranties: If they offer robust and long-lasting warranties without a long list of caveats and exclusions, that indicates confidence in their craft.
Other Costs
Other line-item costs will be part of the total project budget. These include:
- Transportation costs include the cost of delivery, transporting tools and the labor team, etc.
- Disposal costs for removing and hauling away your existing lawn. The price will vary based on regulations in your area, as every city has its own disposal requirements.
What is included in an artificial grass project estimate?
An artificial grass project estimate should include the total anticipated cost, a detailed breakdown of the material and labor costs, and information about the timeline and services.
Early synthetic grass installation estimates are based on average pricing, and pricing will vary based on the specific materials you choose, the size of your property, and even the availability of their teams. While your synthetic turf project estimate may be a range instead of binding prices, it should give you a clear understanding of what you will pay.
The more detailed an estimate is regarding material and labor costs, the better. An estimate should include:
- All materials
- Equipment and material delivery
- Job site preparation
- Installation services and labor
An artificial grass installation estimate does not include permits and inspection fees, which can vary by city, or any hazardous material remediation, repairs, or testing fees. Sales tax will also often not be included.
FAQs about the Cost of Installation
What is the cheapest way to install artificial grass?
The cheapest way to install artificial grass is to do it yourself rather than hiring a professional installation company. But while DIY synthetic turf installation may be cheaper, it can be labor-intensive to install turf ranges yourself and costly mistakes can be made.
Is artificial grass worth having?
Artificial grass is a great way to liven up an outdoor space while reducing costs of irrigation and yard work that come with real grass. It can stand up to heavy foot traffic while keeping green and clean all year round.
How much does it cost to install artificial grass?
Installing artificial grass costs between $7.00 and $14.00 per square foot (psf). The price may be higher depending on the location, choice of turf, as well as the size and shape of the project. For example, in California, installing a 1,000 square foot lawn costs $7.55 psf, while an 800 square foot putting green costs $13.45 psf.
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