How much does artificial grass cost?
Ashburn, VA

How much does artificial grass cost?

Ashburn, VA

How much does artificial grass cost?

$6 – $17cost per square foot installed
$3,000 – $8,500average total cost (500 SF)

Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:

$6 – $17 cost per square foot installed

$3,000 – $8,500 average total cost (500 SF)


Get free estimates for your project or view our cost guide below:
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Jennifer Carlson
Written by
Jennifer Carlson
Edited by
Kristen Cramer
Fact-checked by
Tom Grupa

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.

Cost of artificial grass by size
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

Artifical grass installed in front garden surrounded by wood picket fence
Artifical grass installed in front garden surrounded by wood picket fence
Get free estimates from artificial grass installers near you.

Average artificial lawn cost

The following table shows the average cost for a 500-square-foot lawn made of artificial grass.

Average artificial lawn cost - Chart
Average artificial lawn cost - Chart
Average artificial lawn cost
National average cost $5,800
Minimum cost $600
Maximum cost $34,000
Average range $3,000 to $8,500

Artificial grass installer cutting rolled out turf and nailing it down along a fence
Artificial grass installer cutting rolled out turf and nailing it down along a fence

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.

Artificial grass cost by type
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.

New artificial turf installation in residential backyard
New artificial turf installation in residential backyard

Artificial grass installation cost calculator

The following table shows the cost of labor and materials for artificial grass installation.

Artificial grass cost factors
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.

Installer nailing down new artificial grass
Installer nailing down new artificial grass

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.

Get free estimates from artificial grass installers near you.

Artificial turf cost by brand

There are many different turf brands that use varying qualities of artificial grass at different prices:

Artificial turf cost by brand
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

Artificial grass golf putting green around home in backyard
Artificial grass golf putting green around home in backyard

Pros and cons of artificial grass

Get free estimates from artificial grass installers near you.

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 and cons of artificial turf
Pros Cons
  • Low maintenance
  • Little to no pests
  • Saves money on water and mowing
  • Potentially increases home value
  • Stain resistant
  • Expensive installation
  • Can absorb heat in summer months
  • Costly to replace
  • Not as soft to walk on as traditional grass
  • Can fade over time

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.

Real vs. fake grass cost
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

Dog running and playing on artificial grasss yard by decking
Dog running and playing on artificial grasss yard by decking

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?