How much does Artificial turf installation cost?

Synthetic turf is a low-maintenance ground-cover choice for yards, children’s play areas, dog runs, sports fields, or creating your own putting green. While most homeowners prefer natural lawns to “fake grass,” sales of synthetic-turf systems have increased some 20% since 2017, according to the Synthetic Turf Council, an industry group.

People who choose artificial grass do so because it’s easy to clean, doesn’t attract pests, and doesn’t need mowing or extensive lawn maintenance. Unlike natural lawns, it doesn’t require regular watering either, a benefit to home buyers in arid climates.

Synthetic lawn materials, made by manufacturers such as LITA Premium Artificial Grass and Synlawn, usually consist of nylon, polypropylene, or polyethylene fibers, attached to a backing of polypropylene and either latex or polyurethane. Many synthetic turf brands come with a 10- or 15-year warranty.  

Artificial grass installation is a labor-intensive task that requires the proper tools, equipment, and knowhow.  In most cases, you’ll want the job to be performed by an experienced landscaper who specializes in artificial turf.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the typical cost of professional artificial turf installation.

Artificial turf installation typically costs $5.50–18.75 per square foot (sq. ft.), including materials and labor. For a 500-square-foot yard section, the installed price ranges from $2,750–9,375, with an average cost of $6,165.

The artificial-lawn installation process includes providing infill—sand or rubber that supports the synthetic turf. Infill typically costs $0.85–1.75 per square foot, including materials and labor, which should be included in the overall estimate. 

Apart from size of area, the most important price factor is the quality and type of turf you choose.  Here’s what you’ll typically pay for different materials.

Polypropylene. The lowest-priced turf material, polypropylene is also the least durable. It’s best for low-traffic areas and cooler climates. But because it’s soft, it’s sometimes used for putting greens. Average cost: $2–6 per square foot, materials only.

Polyethylene. A more natural-seeming material, polyethylene mimics the look of real grass. On the high end of the price range, it’s very durable, and holds up well under heavy foot traffic or play.  Average cost: $2.50–8 per square foot, materials only.

Nylon. This turf can feel stiffer underfoot, but it’s typically the strongest and most durable material. Nylon can survive strong heat, and maintains its shape during heavy use. Average cost: $5–11 per square foot, materials only.

The following elements can affect the cost of installing an artificial lawn:

Here are some ways to reduce expenses for artificial turf installation.

How much does an artificial turf lawn cost?

The average cost of artificial grass is $5.50–18.75 per square foot, including the turf itself and installation fees.  At any square footage, top brands and high-quality turf tends to fall at the higher end of the price range.

Is artificial grass worth the money?
Artificial turf costs quite a bit more upfront than planting a natural-grass lawn. But it requires very little maintenance, so you’ll save over time on fertilizing, mowing, and water bills. If you’re looking to conserve water but prefer a natural ground cover, ask your landscaper about other alternatives, such as drought-tolerant plants.

What is the lifespan of artificial grass?
Most artificial-turf lawns will last up at least 10–15 years  with routine cleaning and general upkeep. Synthetic grass systems typically come with a 10- or 15-year warranty, depending on the brand.

Find artificial turf installation in your area.