How Much Does It Cost to Install Artificial Turf or Fake Grass?

Fake Grass Cost

The average cost to install artificial turf for your yard is $12 per square foot, with prices ranging from $6 to $20 per square foot depending on the quality of materials and labor costs. A typical 500-square-foot lawn costs $3,207 to $6,990 to install fake grass.

While this cost might seem unreasonably high, once installed, the cost to maintain it is almost $0 compared to the annual cost of sod maintenance of $1,000 and up. Also, the initial cost of sod installation is $1 to $2 per square foot.

Fake Grass Cost Per 500 SF

National Average Cost	$5,860
Minimum Cost	$3,065
Maximum Cost	$10,350
Average Range	$3,207 to $6,990

Synthetic grass is increasingly being popular in the US, growing by 10% to 15% per year. Homeowners are saving time, water, and energy by switching from a natural lawn to a synthetic lawn.

Fake grass is perfect to use in children's play areas, pet areas, pool surrounds, rooftops, or to add a putting green to your backyard. If your tired of watering, fertilizing, and cutting real grass, or if your water bills are too high, keep reading.

Table of Contents

1. Artificial Grass Installation Cost
• Cost Per Square Foot
• Labor Costs
2. Artificial Turf vs. Real Grass
• Cost Comparison
• Return On Investment
3. Artificial Grass Cost Calculator
• Turf By Type & Brand
• How Much Do I Need?
• Material Costs
• Preparing For Installation
4. Artificial Grass Pros and Cons
• Benefits
• Disadvantages
5. Turf Field Cost
• Football & Soccer Fields
• Putting Greens
6. Best Artificial Grass Brands
• K9 Grass
• Foreverlawn
• Pregra
• EasyTurf
• Synlawn
7. Artificial Turf Maintenance Costs
8. Ideas for Residential Landscaping
9. Frequently Asked Questions
10. DIY or Hire a Pro?
11. Artificial Grass Installers Near Me

Artificial Grass Installation Cost

A low-end artificial grass costs a minimum of $6 per square foot installed, while name-brand synthetic lawns such as K9, Pregra, or Foreverlawn cost $10 to $15 per square foot to install. Pricing depends on the preparation, turf, base materials, underlayment, weed barrier, edging, infill, and labor.

Artificial Turf Installation Cost

Square Feet	Total Cost Installed
200	$1,226 – $4,140
500	$3,065 – $10,350
1,000	$6,130 – $20,700
2,000	$12,260 – $41,400
5,000	$30,650 – $103,500
8,000	$49,040 – $165,600
10,000	$61,300 – $207,000

Although fake grass costs 10X more than real grass initially, natural grass comes with high maintenance costs every year including watering bills, fertilizing, and mowing. Compare the differences side by side and you'll be surprised.

Artificial Grass Cost Per Square Foot

The synthetic grass itself costs from $2 to $8 per square foot, while professional labor costs range from $4 to $13 per square foot. This brings our total artificial grass installation cost to $6 to $20 per square foot.

Artificial Grass Cost Per Square Foot

Item	Cost Per Square Foot
Grass and Materials	$1.80 – $7.50
Labor	$4.33 – $13.20
Total Cost	$6.13 – $20.70

Figuring the cost of artificial grass per square foot must include some wastage to be accurate. The general rule is to add 15% to the total square footage. Extra allows for cutting around curves and obstacles inside the lawn area.

Labor Cost to Install a Synthetic Lawn

The labor cost to install fake grass is $4 to $13 per square foot with most homeowners spending $7.50 per square foot on average. A 1,000-square foot lawn will take 2 – 3 days for a crew of 4 – 5 trained and experienced people to complete due to the many aspects of the installation process.

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Artificial Turf vs. Real Grass

The decision between turf versus grass rests on the upfront costs and the yearly maintenance. The cost to install sod is $1.35 per square foot while artificial turf costs $11.72 per square foot on average. However, when adding the yearly maintenance of real grass, synthetic turf comes out cheaper after 6 years.

Let's look at a comparison with water, fertilizing, and general up-keep costs for a 500-square-foot lawn.

Artificial Turf vs. Real Grass

	Artificial Grass	Sod
Installation	$5,860 @ $11.72 /sqft.	$675 @ $1.35 /sqft.
Watering	$0	$90 /year
Fertilizing	$0	$100 /year
Maintenance	$0	$650 /year
First Year Total	$5,860	$1,515
Annual Costs	$0	$840
Total Cost After 3 Yrs.	$5,860	$3,195
Total Cost After 6 Yrs.	$5,860	$5,715

Return on Investment

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Artificial Grass Cost Calculator

Nothing beats a proper estimate from a reputable artificial grass installer, but there are a few ways to get a general idea on the cost to convert your yard to fake grass.

1. Choose your type of grass blade.
2. Choose your fake grass type and brand.
3. Calculate the square footage of the area you want to install fake grass on. Add 15% to this number for waste (cutting around curves/obstacles).
4. Calculate your cost per square foot by adding your materials and grass cost (which ranges between $1.80 and $7.50 per square foot), to the labor and installation costs at $4.33 to $13.20 per square foot.
5. Your price per square foot should be between $6 and $20 a foot.
6. Take the square footage of the area and multiply by this cost to get your total cost estimate.

Artificial Turf Blades

Turf blades come in several different shapes and colors.

• W-shaped blades – they are less likely to overheat in high summer temperatures.
• C-shaped blades – more durable if you have heavy traffic in your yard.
• U-shaped blades – still durable, but softer if you prefer walking on them in bare feet.
• S-shaped blades – softer blades, but their appearance may be more white than green.
• V-shaped blades – great for high-traffic yards and have a fast recovery time.

AstroTurf Cost By Type

When it comes to astroturf options, synthetic grass is made from three different plastics: polyethylene, nylon, or polypropylene. The most commonly used plastic is polyethylene, with nylon and polypropylene coming in second. Most have a 60 oz. face weight, and come with a 1 and 3/4" pile height.

AstroTurf Cost By Type

Material	Cost Per Square Foot
Polypropylene	$1.80 – $7.50
Polyethylene	$2.60 – $3.70
Nylon	$5.09 – $5.66

• Polypropylene – Polypropylene is best suited for residential lawns, dog-care facilities, and putting more green colors in a backyard. It’s durable and stain resistant, and it installs for a lower cost than polyethylene.
• Polyethylene – This is a top-of-the-line artificial grass widely used in pet-care facilities, as well as residential lawns. It features a flow-through backing to allow for drainage and the elimination of odors associated with trapped liquids. It is stain resistant and has an antimicrobial coating to keep things clean.
• Nylon – Nylon is used mainly for sports applications and in batting cages. It’s very durable and steel-spike resistant, which makes it the right choice for sports.

Synthetic Grass Costs By Major Brands

When choosing a synthetic grass, there are several major brands to select from at different price points.

Synthetic Grass Costs By Brand

Brand	Cost Per Square Foot
K9 Grass	$4.50 – $9.50
Foreverlawn	$4.50 – $9.50
Pregra	$2.60 – $3.67
Synlawn	$5.50 – $7.50
Pro Green	$4.50 – $11.50
Onelawn	$2.30 – $7.30
Perfect Turf	$4.00 – $5.00
EasyTurf	$1.80

How Much Artificial Grass Do I Need?

The amount of artificial grass you need depends on the size of your yard. First, figure the rough square footage of your lawn. It's easier to divide your lawn into many squares or rectangles if it has curves and obstacles. Then, add 15% for waste if your yard is curvy and shaped.

Fake Grass Materials Cost

The materials cost for artificial grass ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot, with most homeowners spending $4.26 per square foot for just the grass. This cost varies according to the type and style of grass you want to install, and that cost includes the rolls of fake grass only. There are additional items needed to complete the job.

Fake Grass Materials Cost

Material	Average Cost Per Square Foot
Artificial Grass Material	$4.26
Class II Road Base	$0.40
Infill Systems	$0.56
Edging or Bender Board	$0.15
Seam Tape, Nails, Stakes, Adhesives	$0.35
Weed Barrier	$0.09

• Adhesives or Fasteners – Turf must be fixed to the ground to keep it in place since there is no root system. The cost for the adhesive is $0.06 per square foot. Each gallon container is $13.90 and covers 25 square yards (225 square feet). Seam Sealer is $48 for one gallon, which will cover 800 LF. If using rolls 15 feet wide, one gallon will cover up to 18,000 square feet.
• Edging – Bender board or Mow Strip is needed to finish the edges of the fake grass for a polished look. You can purchase edging kits for $21 to $148, or about $0.15 per square foot depending on the size and shape of your yard.
• Weed Barrier – Weed barrier fabric prevents any weeds from growing through your new synthetic lawn. One roll of fabric typically covers 1,500 and costs around $90.
• Infill Systems – The infill system weighs down the turf and protects the backing material. Sand is relatively inexpensive at $5 per 50 lb. bag. The recommended amount to use is 1.5 – 4.5 lbs. per square foot. The price for enough sand to do an average-size yard can run from $1,207 – $3,622.
• Seam Tape – runs about $48 for the average-sized yard.
• Class II Road Base – Class II road based in composed of crushed rocks which are installed as a base surface to provide stability to the grass above. The least expensive option costs $0.40 per square foot.
• Underlayment – sometimes foam padding is used under fake grass. It makes it more comfortable to walk on. The underlayment costs $2.75 per square foot.

Preparing for Turf Installation

Before you can lay down the fake grass, the ground must be prepared. Taking the time to do this first will ensure your installation is successful. In general, this work is done by the company you purchased the artificial turf from and is included in the labor costs.

1. Remove all rocks, stumps, leaves, and sticks.
2. Completely remove any existing grass and excavate the area by digging to a depth of 2 inches.
3. Resurface the area with sand or underlayment.

Dump Fees

Existing sod or the piles of leaves and sticks, rocks, and stumps you pulled out from a 1,000-square foot lawn will take two loads to the dump at $325 to $575 per load. Recycling the dirt is a more cost-effective solution as disposal costs can range from $30 to $120 per ton.

• $325 to remove and recycle, or
• $575 to remove and dispose.

Recyclers

Recyclers might take the old artificial turf; you’ll have to call and ask them. Sometimes the old fake grass is not eligible to be recycled due to the different types of plastic it is made of, and the cost of separating the plastics is prohibitive. Some recyclers also offer the option of paying for the old turf to be recycled in the interest of keeping landfills free of more plastic.

Turf Delivery

Usually, delivery is included at no charge when you purchase enough to cover your yard, but ask before you sign.

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Artificial Grass Pros and Cons

Laying aside the high cost of installation, there are some real benefits to having artificial grass instead of a natural lawn.

Artificial Grass Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Nearly maintenance free	High installation cost
Almost pest free	Can absorb heat in high summer temperatures
No watering, mowing, or lawn maintenance	High cost to replace
Can increase the value of a home when used in a well-designed landscape	Doesn’t feel like real grass underfoot
Resists stains from salt water and chlorinated pools	Could experience fading

Reasons To Install Synthetic Grass

• There are fewer yearly costs related to yard care, such as mowing, seeding, fertilizing, or watering.
• Very little to no maintenance is needed to keep an artificial lawn looking new.
• Not many pests care to live in fake grass.
• There’s no need to mow, saving time and the cost of a lawnmower.
• Without the need to water, you’ll save good money on your water bill.
• It’s not affected by drought.
• Today’s artificial grass is a much better quality than in past years; it’s much more realistic looking.
• It cleans up easily with a spray of water from the hose.
• Foam underlayment creates a soft ground for children.
• According to the Synthetic Turf Council, the rubber infill in artificial turf keeps 20 million tires out of landfills each year.

Disadvantages of Artificial Grass

1. The initial cost of installing is high compared to natural grass sod.
2. Real grass lawns can cool a house, while artificial grass absorbs heat and gets hotter in the summer months.
3. Depending on the quality you purchase, you could experience problems with fading or wear patterns in the fabric.
4. Some low-end brands look fake.
5. Fake grass can't be recycled.
6. Some homeowners' associations and city municipalities have a ban on fake grass.
7. It can't easily absorb and break down pet urine.
8. You still have to blow off debris and leaves, and hose off any pet waste.

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Turf Field Cost

A turf field such as a professional football or soccer field costs between $600,000 and $1,000,000 to install. There are approximately 12,000 – 13,000 turf sports fields in the US, and it’s estimated that 1,200 – 1,500 new sports field installations happen every year.

Turf Football Field Cost

A turf football field costs about $850,000 and up to $1,000,000, with replacement costs of $500,000 every 8 to 10 years. Artificial football turf is constructed a little differently than residential artificial grass due to the rough use it gets, and it has extra padding to protect players during hard falls.

Artificial Turf Soccer Field Cost

Installing an artificial turf soccer field costs between $600,000 and $1,000,000. These are the professional sports fields you see on TV.

Artificial Putting Green Cost

Adding an artificial putting green to your backyard costs between $3,000 and $10,000, or $20 to $25 per square foot on average, depending on the size and shape desired.

Playground Astroturf Cost

Playground AstroTurf costs between $10 and $20 per square foot to install, and includes a thick (2” or more) pad that goes underneath to cushion the falls of hard-playing children.

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Best Artificial Grass Brands

Not all brands produce the same level of quality. As a rule of thumb, the more expensive the fake grass, the more realistic it looks.

Best Artificial Grass Brands & Price

Brand	Average Cost
K9 Grass	$4.50 – $9.50
Foreverlawn	$4.50 – $9.50
Pregra	$2.60 – $3.67
Synlawn	$5.50 – $7.50
Pro Green	$4.50 – $11.50
Onelawn	$2.30 – $7.30
Perfect Turf	$4.00 – $5.00
EasyTurf	$1.80

K9 Grass Cost

K9 Grass costs $4.50 to $9.50 per square foot for just the turf, or $8 to $12 per square foot when including installation. K9 Grass is the best fake grass designed for dogs, kennels, or pet-boarding facilities. It’s clean, safe, and has an 8-year warranty.

Foreverlawn Pricing

ForeverLawn pricing runs from $8 to $12 per square foot installed or $4.50 to $9.50 for just the turf. They produce a few different product lines, including K9 Grass, Artificial Playground Grass, SportsGrass, SplashGrass, GolfGreens, and BocceGrass.

Pregra Artificial Grass Installation Cost

Pregra artificial grass installation costs $10 to $12 per square foot, which includes professional installation. The faux grass itself is only $2.60 to $3.67 per square foot. Pregra is the only manufacturer of Costco’s artificial turf and supplies its wholesale division.

EasyTurf Cost

EasyTurf claims to be the most natural-looking artificial lawn but at the same time is one of the cheapest at $1.80 per square foot, or around $8.79 per square foot including installation. EasyTurf produces UltimateGrass and Lush brands.

Synlawn Cost

A synthetic lawn installed with Synlawn costs $9 to $15.50. The faux grass itself runs $5.50 to $7.50. Synlawn is one of the largest manufacturers and produces SYNFescue, SYNBermuda, and SYNZoysia brands that look more realistic. Synlawn works for landscaping, play areas, pet areas, rooftops, and decks.

More Brands

• Cost of ProGreen Synthetic Grass – The cost of ProGreen synthetic grass is $8 to $14 per square foot installed. It is one of the older artificial lawn companies in the US, starting in 1987.
• OneLawn Cost – OneLawn costs $10 to $15 per square foot installed. They are the parent company of XGrass, VersaCourt, and TourGreens.
• Perfect Turf – PerfectTurf costs $11 to $12 per square foot installed. The cost of PerfectTurf grass alone is $4 to $5 per square foot.

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Artificial Turf Maintenance Costs

Artificial turf maintenance costs only your time. If you have pets, it will need more cleaning than other yards that do not have pets. Taking care of artificial grass requires minimal upkeep. If weeds come up through the backing, you will need to spray weed killer twice a year.

How to Clean Artificial Grass

• In the fall, use a leaf blower or a rake to gather fallen leaves.
• Give it an occasional spraying off with a hose to clean dust, grime, and pollen.
• Artificial grass power brooms range in price from $40 to $300.
• Artificial grass vacuums cost about $130 to $190.
• If pets use the artificial grass, it will need to be cleaned more often and disinfected as regularly as you think may be necessary. No special products are required, although they do exist. One such artificial grass cleaner is Simple Green’s Outdoor Dog & Cat Odor Eliminator, which costs about $15 for a one-gallon jug, or try Microbe-Lift’s Eliminate Outdoor Pet Odor & Stain Remover at $12/32 oz.

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Artificial Turf Ideas for Residential Landscaping

One excellent reason to use residential artificial turf for backyard landscaping is to add greenery and save water in homes located in extremely arid climates where natural grass won’t grow. It also looks good in areas where little sunlight is received during the day. Here are additional ideas for your new synthetic lawn.

Fake Grass for a Patio

Using fake grass for patio landscaping might be a great way to use up your leftover wastage pieces after you’ve installed the main lawn. It’s perfect for small green areas within a rock landscape and other places you wouldn’t want to take a lawnmower.

Astro Turf for Dogs

There are fake grasses especially made for dogs. Check out K9Grass—it’s very durable, resisting dogs who love to dig. It drains well, and it is safe for your fur babies. Coated with antimicrobial agents, it’s also clean. Dogs don’t seem to mind the fake grass when doing their business, and the urine washes away with a hose spray. If you need it, there is also an artificial grass odor eliminator product available.

Artificial Grass Around Pool

Artificial grass around the pool will look good through any number of splashes with chlorinated or salt water. It’s not affected by pool chemicals, and the water drains safely away. It provides a safe, nonslip surface for all family members.

Artificial Grass Wall

A synthetic grass wall is an excellent backdrop for pictures, portraits, the cake table, or alongside the fence in your backyard. It can hide unsightly views and provide privacy.

Artificial Grass Roof

You can install artificial grass on a rooftop or a balcony for a green look and insulating properties. If you live in an apartment or condominium, it can be a good alternative to having real grass, where it’s not practical.

Soundproofing

Artificial grass can be attached to a patio or shed walls to absorb sound and provide some privacy around your pool area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass consists of colored filaments made from nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene that's threaded into a rubber backing to look like real grass. The backing is laid on a gravel compacted drainage layer and secured along the edges. Then, adding sand creates an infill system that weighs down the turf and protects the backing.

How Long Does It Take to Install Artificial Grass?

To install artificial grass on a 1,000-square foot lawn takes 2 to 3 days for a crew of 4 trained and experienced landscapers.

Does Artificial Grass Look Real?

Artificial grass looks real if you purchase a high-quality product. Many fake grasses have a thatch layer that mimics real grass such as Bermuda, Fescue, and Zoysia to create a more realistic look.

• Color – Grass should contain at least three colors (two greens and a straw color). This matches the look of real grass, which is full of a variation and thatch. If there is only one color, it will not be realistic looking.
• Texture – Blades should be three-dimensional and have uneven tips that mimic the cut tips of real grass. Examine blades of real grass, and you can see the dimensions.
• Blade Length – Real grass is about 1 ¾” tall and artificial grass should be the same. The blade should be held erect by granulated sand, not crumb rubber.

Where to Buy Fake Grass?

You can purchase fake grass at local home-improvement stores, Costco, or local turf suppliers. If you’re covering a large area, it’s best to hire a professional turf company who has the experience, but if you have a small area(s) to cover, you could purchase and install your own.

• Home Depot – Home Depot carries several different kinds of artificial grass for sale, from a single-color green to the more realistic-looking styles. Home Depot artificial grass prices start at $0.44/SF and go up to $5.06/SF.
• Costco Artificial Grass – Costco only sells its own brand of artificial grass which is manufactured by Pregra. They have three main styles– bluegrass, fescue, and Bermuda—for different applications, with prices from $2.59 – $3.66/SF.
• Lowe’s – Lowe’s has most of the leading brands of fake grass for sale costing $2.99 – $3.71/SF. They carry fake grass for landscaping, pet areas, playgrounds, and patio areas.

How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?

Artificial grass should last about 15 to 25 years. The actual life of the product will depend on the quality of artificial grass you purchased and how well you maintain it.

What Is Astro Turf Laid On?

AstroTurf is typically laid on a gravel compacted drainage layer with a sand-based infill system. The same permeable backing that lets water drain through can also let weeds grow through. You can also install a weed control landscape fabric underneath the AstroTurf to prevent weeds from coming through.

How Much Does It Cost to Re-Turf a Lawn?

If you have previously installed turf, it will cost between $6 and $12 per square foot to re-turf. You will save money by skipping the groundwork preparation, and your gravel base layer may still be intact.

Is Artificial Grass Worth The Money?

Compared to real sod grass, a synthetic lawn will pay for itself in about 6 years and lasts for 15 to 25 years on average. Artificial grass doesn't require mowing or fertilizing, and saves 50 gallons of water a year per square foot.

How Much Does Turf Cost Per Roll?

Grass turf rolls cost from $36.21 to $54.99 each depending on brand and size of the roll. Rolls of artificial turf range from 1 – 15 feet wide. Some rolls are precut into 25-foot lengths and others can be cut to order.

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DIY or Hire a Pro?

If you’re an experienced DIYer, then you may be able to install it yourself. Some artificial lawn companies include DIY instructions when you purchase from them. If you rather not have to buy a lawn mower and gardening tools, or don’t have time, it’s best to go with the pro.

How to Install Artificial Grass

Installing artificial grass is labor intensive, but if you’d like to try it, here are some basic instructions:

1. Clear the area where you’re going to lay the artificial grass and take out 3”– 4” of sod and dirt.
2. The area should have a minimum of a 2% slope to facilitate proper drainage. It's recommended that the surface be compacted to 90%.
3. Prepare the base, with each layer compacted to 90%.
4. Lay the artificial grass out in the sun for a few hours to let the turf acclimate. It will be easier to install.
5. Cut the turf to the desired measurements.
6. Fasten the turf with 5” – 6” nails, spaced 3” – 4” apart.
7. Stretch the turf with a carpet stretcher, fastening as you go.
8. Apply seam tape on all seams to the bottom side of the turf.
9. Use a drop spreader to apply infill and hand or a power broom.

Hiring an Artificial Grass Installer

Find quality artificial grass installers who live near you and determine which one is the best fit for your situation. Be sure to check these things before hiring a pro.

• Check the warranty policies.
• Check the online reviews from HomeGuide and Google.
• Check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating.
• Check their insurance policy, and business license is in date.
• Take the time to look at homes where they’ve installed artificial grass.
• Make sure all your agreed-upon terms are in writing.
• Be sure the product you purchase is appropriate for what you plan to use it for.

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