How much does artificial grass cost?
How much does artificial grass cost?
$6 – $17 cost per square foot installed
$3,000 – $8,500 average total cost (500 SF)
Cost of artificial grass
Artificial grass costs $6 to $17 per square foot installed on average or $3,000 to $8,500 for a 500-square-foot lawn. The price of artificial grass is $2 to $8 per square foot for materials and $4 to $9 per square foot for labor. Many homeowners use synthetic turf for their pets.
| Lawn size (square feet) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| 100 | $600 – $1,700 |
| 200 | $1,200 – $3,400 |
| 500 | $3,000 – $8,500 |
| 1,000 | $6,000 – $17,000 |
| 1,500 | $9,000 – $25,500 |
| 2,000 | $12,000 – $34,000 |
Average artificial lawn cost
The following table shows the average cost for a 500-square-foot lawn made of artificial grass.
| National average cost | $5,800 |
| Minimum cost | $600 |
| Maximum cost | $34,000 |
| Average range | $3,000 to $8,500 |
Artificial grass cost by material
Synthetic grass is made from three different plastics: polyethylene, nylon, or polypropylene. Polyethylene is the most common, followed by nylon and polypropylene.
| Material | Cost per square foot (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Polypropylene | $2.00 – $7.00 |
| Polyethylene | $2.50 – $4.50 |
| Nylon | $5.00 – $8.00 |
Polypropylene – Polypropylene is best for residential lawns and dog-care facilities. This material is durable, stain resistant, and affordable.
Polyethylene – This material costs less than other plastics but is the least durable. Polyethylene grass may not stand up well against heavy traffic or high heat.
Nylon – Nylon is used mainly for sports applications, areas with high heat, and decoration-only lawns. It’s very durable but may not be best for walking barefoot.
Artificial grass installation cost calculator
The following table shows the cost of labor and materials for artificial grass installation.
| Factor | Cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Materials | $2 – $8 |
| Labor | $4 – $9 |
| Total cost | $6 – $17 |
Several factors impact the total price:
Lawn shape – Installation costs more for lawns with curved edges and unusual shapes than simple rectangular lawns.
Weed barrier fabric – Adding a weed barrier raises costs slightly but prevents weeds and natural grass from growing through the turf.
Infill – Adding sand or other filler underneath the turf helps the blades stand upright. Antimicrobial infill costs more than sand but is useful if your pets use the lawn as a bathroom.
Seam tape – Using seam tape helps join the strips of synthetic grass. Installers typically include it in their material pricing.
Grass removal – Sod removal costs $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot, including disposal.
Tree or stump removal – Removing a tree costs $150 to $500 each, depending on the size. Removing a tree stump costs $100 to $400 on average.
Labor
The labor cost for artificial turf installation is $4 to $9 per square foot on average. This price may increase if your lawn is sloped, has a curved edge, or is difficult to access. Prep work for this job involves removing rocks or tree stumps and resurfacing the area.
Artificial grass installed on unusual areas such as stairways, rooftops, decks, or indoors requires a special adhesive and additional treatment to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Artificial grass blade shape
Turf blades come in several shapes with different benefits:
W-shaped blades are less likely to overheat in high summer temperatures.
C-shaped blades are more durable and better for heavy traffic.
U-shaped blades are durable but softer and suitable for walking with bare feet.
S-shaped blades have softer blades, but their appearance may be more white than green.
V-shaped blades are great for high-traffic yards and have a fast recovery time.
If tree sap or gum gets on artificial grass, use dry ice or an aerosol refrigerant to freeze and easily remove it.
Artificial turf cost by brand
There are many different turf brands that use varying qualities of artificial grass at different prices:
| Brand | Average price per square foot (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Onelawn | $2.50 – $7.50 |
| PreGra | $2.50 – $4.00 |
| Perfect Turf | $4.00 – $5.00 |
| K9 Grass | $4.50 – $9.50 |
| ForeverLawn | $4.50 – $9.50 |
| ProGreen | $4.50 – $11.50 |
| SYNLawn | $5.50 – $7.50 |
Pros and cons of artificial grass
Artificial backyard turf costs more up front than traditional sod and isn't as soft to walk on, but it's much easier to care for and saves you money on watering and mowing.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
|
Real vs. fake grass cost
Real grass costs less up front but much more in the long run to maintain. Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot on average for a new lawn. Fake grass doesn't look or feel the same as real grass but doesn't need watering or attract pests.
| Factor | Artificial grass | Sod |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | $3,000 – $8,500* | $500 – $1,000* |
| Watering | $0 | $400 – $1,200 per year |
| Fertilizing cost | $0 | $260 – $600 per year |
| Mowing cost | $0 | $900 – $2,000 per year |
| First year total | $3,000 – $8,500 | $2,100 – $4,800 |
| Annual costs | $0 | $1,600 – $3,800 |
| Total after 3 years | $3,000 – $8,500 | $5,200 – $12,400 |
| Total after 6 years | $3,000 – $8,500 | $9,900 – $23,800 |
*For a 500-square-foot lawn
Artificial grass FAQs
What is artificial grass?
Artificial grass is colored nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene strands that are threaded onto a rubber backing and look like real grass. The turf is installed on top of a drainage layer and secured along the edges. Then, installers use sand infill to weigh down the turf and protect the backing.
How long does artificial grass last?
Artificial grass lasts about 15 to 25 years on average, depending on the material, traffic level, and sun exposure. The quality of artificial grass you purchase and how well you maintain it also influence the lifespan.
How long does it take to install artificial grass?
Installing artificial grass takes 1 day to 1 week, depending on the lawn size and crew size. A crew of 4 trained installers may complete a 1,000-square foot lawn in 2 to 3 days.
Does artificial grass cause cancer?
Crumb rubber and synthetic grass lawns contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), PFAS, and other carcinogens that can be toxic to humans and animals. However, most people are not exposed to the rubber itself for extended periods of time.
Ask your installer which manufacturer they source their turf from. Companies like RealGrass, K9 Grass, ForeverLawn, and Global Syn-Turf make artificial grass that is free of PFAS and other toxins.
Where do I buy artificial grass?
You can buy fake grass at local home improvement stores, online, or local turf suppliers. If you’re covering a large area, it’s best to hire a professional turf company with experience, but if you have a small area to cover, you may be able to purchase and install your own artificial grass.
How do you clean artificial grass?
You can clean artificial grass using the following methods:
Use a leaf blower or a rake to gather fallen leaves.
Use a hose to spray away dust, grime, and pollen.
Use specialized artificial grass power brooms or vacuums for dry debris.
For pet messes, clean and disinfect regularly with your preferred cleaners. Special products are not required, though they do exist.
Does artificial grass get hot?
Artificial grass gets 20 to 50 degrees hotter than real grass when temperatures are high, though it stays cooler than concrete or paving stones. Make sure the turf is not too hot for your pets before letting them outside if your artificial grass is in direct sunlight during the summer.
Getting estimates from artificial grass installers
Before hiring local artificial grass installers, follow these steps:
Get at least 3 estimates from nearby companies.
Look for licensed contractors with experience installing artificial turf.
Read their company's reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose an installer who is insured, bonded, and reputable.
Get a written, detailed estimate before the turf installation starts.
Avoid the lowest estimate, which may indicate low-quality work.
Follow a payment schedule instead of paying in full initially.
Questions to ask
Ask the following questions to find the best artificial grass installers:
How long have you been installing artificial grass?
What type of fake grass material do you use?
Do you have any applicable certifications?
How will you prepare the ground before the installation?
How long will the project take from start to finish?
Do you need to do any tests before you start?
Will the turf need any repairs or maintenance?
Do you offer a warranty? What does it cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.