Artificial Grass Installation Cost Calculator & Price Guide

Artificial grass swaps a living lawn for synthetic turf laid over a prepared base. Most of the price comes from three places: the turf itself, the labor to excavate and level the ground, and the base and infill that keep the surface flat and drained. Yard size, slope, and the existing surface decide how much work each of those takes.

The figures below come from published cost guides, last checked Oct 13, 2026. Most are quoted per square foot, so you can scale them to your own yard. Totals for a small project are listed further down.

You can build a rough budget in a few steps. Measure the area in square feet, multiply it by the installed range for your region, then add the extras that apply to your yard, such as old-lawn removal, edging, and drainage work.

For a mid-range turf, the installed rate by city gives a sense of regional spread. Larger metro areas tend to cost more, which fits the higher labor rates in those markets.

Treat the result as a planning number. A contractor's quote will reflect your soil, access, and the exact product, so ask for a written estimate once you have a rough figure.

Turf fiber is the biggest choice you control. The table lists material cost alone, before labor and base work.

• Polypropylene is the lowest-priced fiber. It is soft, which is why it shows up on putting greens, but it is generally the least durable under heavy foot traffic.
• Polyethylene looks closest to natural grass and holds up well in busy yards, so it sits in the middle of the range.
• Nylon is stiffer underfoot and the strongest of the three, and it costs the most. It copes with heat and keeps its shape under hard use.

Pile height, backing, and warranty terms also move the price within each fiber type, so compare products on all of those and not on fiber alone.

Most homeowners cover part of a yard instead of all of it, so project totals matter as much as square-foot rates. The two guides below each priced a 500 square foot job and reached different totals.

The gap comes from the samples and assumptions behind each guide. One reflects mid-quality turf in a survey of installers, while the other draws on quotes requested through a consumer review platform. Your own total will land somewhere in that spread depending on turf grade, base depth, and local labor.

The turf is not the whole job. Labor, removing the existing lawn, and infill each add to the per-square-foot rate.

Sand or rubber infill supports the fibers and helps the blades stand upright. Removal depends on the method and on how thick the sod and roots are. Some contractors include removal in their price and others quote it separately, so ask which applies. Curved beds, steep slopes, and tight access all add labor, so expect a higher quote for them.

• Area and shape. Large, simple rectangles are efficient. Curves and many small pieces mean more cutting, seaming, and waste.
• Turf grade. Higher fiber density and better backing cost more.
• Base preparation. Compacted aggregate gives drainage and a firm surface. Poor soil or a high water table may need extra work.
• Site conditions. Slopes, tree roots, and hard-to-reach backyards slow the crew.
• Edging. Where there is no wall, patio, or walkway to hold the turf edge, you need a border.
• Drainage. Pets and heavy rain call for a base that drains well, and some products add a pet-specific infill.
• Location. Labor rates and turf shipping costs differ by region.
• Weed barrier. Some turf products include an underlayment, while others need a separate roll.

Two reputable guides can disagree because they define the job differently. One may assume a mid-range product and a standard flat yard, while the other pools a wide range of quotes that includes budget turf and simple installs. The table shows both.

Read what each source includes before comparing. A figure that covers excavation, base, turf, and infill is not comparable to one that covers turf and labor only.

Synthetic turf needs far less care than a lawn, but it is not maintenance free. Brushing keeps the fibers upright, occasional rinsing clears debris, and infill may need topping up over time. Pet owners usually need a periodic cleaning routine.

You skip mowing, fertilizer, and most watering, which is where many homeowners expect to recover part of the upfront cost.

Installing artificial grass yourself saves on labor, but the work is physical and exacting. The base must be level and compacted, seams need to be tight and hidden, and edges must be fastened properly. Mistakes show up as ripples, pooling water, or visible seams, and fixing them can cost more than the savings. Hiring a professional also gives you a labor warranty, which a DIY job does not.

• Does the price include removal of the existing lawn and disposal?
• What base material and depth is quoted, and how is drainage handled?
• Which turf product, fiber type, and pile height is being installed?
• Is infill included, and what kind?
• Who handles edging, and is a weed barrier part of the job?
• What warranty covers the turf and the installation?
• Is a permit or HOA approval needed in your area?