How much is 500 square feet of artificial turf?

16 Dec.,2024

 

How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in ? - Lawn Love

Artificial grass cost typically falls between $2,725 to $10,000, including materials and labor. The average installation costs $6,375, and the price per square foot ranges from $5.45 to $20. Most homeowners pay an average of $12.75 per square foot, but you should expect a higher price for a curved yard, a large property, or a nylon turf lawn.

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The initial investment in artificial turf is higher than the cost to seed a lawn with natural grass, but &#; with a lifespan of 10 to 25 years and no lawn maintenance fees &#; a synthetic lawn might be a long-term savings.

Average artificial grass costs in

Had enough with mowing, fertilizing, and using gallons of water to keep your yard green? Install an instant evergreen lawn with a typical price of $2,725 to $10,000 and almost no upkeep necessary. If you go for an economic turf installation in a really small space, you can pull off the project with a budget of about $1,755.

National average cost$6,375Typical price range$2,725 &#; $10,000Extreme low-end cost$1,755Extreme high-end cost$10,750

Consider these sample prices for a lawn size of 500 square feet. We used the average cost of $12.75 per square foot to calculate the national average overall cost. The typical price range uses the most common lowest and highest prices per square foot. 

To get on the lower end of the price range, choose polyethylene or polypropylene turf. It&#;s less expensive, feels nice, and looks good. This way, you can save up to 50% on the price of the turf itself (that&#;s about $1,250 for a 500-square-foot lawn).  

Labor accounts for roughly 50% to 60% of the total cost of installing synthetic turf. Check offers from three to five providers to find the best possible price, or install the artificial grass yourself, if you&#;re handy with tools. You can save between $1,725 to $6,000 for a 500-square-foot surface with DIY installation.

Expect higher prices if your lawn has curved edges, is on a slope, has many bushes and trees, or is hard to access. Curbing and other landscaping services increase prices, but they might be worth it. Find out more from this guide.

Artificial grass cost estimator by lawn size

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Synthetic turf costs depend a lot on the size and shape of your lawn. You can pay between $2,725 and $10,000 for a 500-square-foot lawn. A -square-foot project typically begins at $5,450 or more. This is the total cost, including materials and labor.

Project sizeAverage overall cost (materials and labor)300 sq. ft.$3, sq. ft.$6, sq. ft.$10,,000 sq. ft.$12,,500 sq. ft.$19,090

Other factors that affect cost

The difference between a $2,725 project and a $10,000 project is primarily in the type of artificial turf you choose and the cost of labor to have it installed. But it also depends on things like your yard&#;s specific shape and location.

Artificial grass cost and yard shape

A curved-shaped property can add 15% to 20% to your budget, on average. You need to make extra cuts around curved edges for a natural-looking appearance, so you have to buy more turf. The project takes longer, and the installation cost is also higher.

Installing artificial lawns on a slope

If your yard is on a slope, installers need hanging timbers along the perimeter to prevent synthetic turf from sliding down. The sod is harder to remove, crushed rock is more difficult to level, and everything takes more time. This means a higher labor cost and some extra bucks for materials.

Artificial grass costs by material

The main synthetic grass types are polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. Turf is usually sold in rolls of 5, 7, 10, or 15 feet in width, and you buy the length you need.  

High-quality nylon sod is the most expensive. Polyethylene and polypropylene are more affordable and include low-cost options. Our guide to choosing the right artificial grass can help you figure out which material is best for your needs, along with what you should look for in terms of face weight, blade shape, and more.

Synthetic grass materialTypical cost per square footPolyethylene$2.20 &#; $4.10Polypropylene$2 &#; $6.35Nylon$5 &#; $6.40

Nylon artificial grass cost is typically between $5 and $6.40 per square foot. Choose nylon if your lawn gets extreme heat and sunlight for long periods. It has superior strength and can keep its shape better under heavy usage. However, its more robust blades feel slightly unnatural compared to other fake grass materials.

Polyethylene turf is overall the cheapest option, costing between $2.20 and $4.10 per square foot. Soft and pleasant to the touch, it has a natural look but is less durable than nylon. 

Polyethylene grass works better with a partially shaded lawn with less exposure to extreme heat. Heavy usage also can damage the grass blades. So, make sure you use polyethylene grass on a low or medium-traffic surface.  

Polypropylene grass costs between $2 and $6.35 per square foot and has a soft, natural texture. Higher-end options can be pretty durable.  

The bottom line? Between the cheaper and the higher-end options, you can save up to $2,175 on a 500-square-foot project.

Synthetic grass cost by brand

Turf brands also can change your home improvement budget. Stores sell artificial grass with prices ranging from $1.80 to $12.55 per square foot or even higher for commercial use and sports field turf. Here&#;s a cost comparison of some of the most popular turf brands.

BrandAverage cost (without installation)ForeverLawn$4.50 &#; $10.35PreGra$2.50 &#; $4SYNLawn$2.15 &#; $7.50ProGreen$4.50 &#; $11.50OneLawn$2.40 &#; $7.40Perfect Turf$4 &#; $10.75EasyTurf$1.80 &#; $4.60MegaGrass$3.50 &#; $5.45Everlast$2 &#; $4.50EnvyPet$5 &#; $6.50DuraPlay$4.60 &#; $12.55

Artificial turf face weight

Turf face weight is the number of ounces of grass fiber per square foot. It does not include turf backing, the material the grass is stitched on. Face weight typically ranges from 30 to 90 ounces, and you should look for 50 to 80 ounces for residential use.

Higher values usually mean higher grass density and better durability to foot traffic. Such synthetic grass also feels fuller, lusher, and more natural to the touch.

In general, prices will vary with face weight. You can expect to pay more for synthetic grass with a higher face weight.

Face weight differs from total or backing weight, so ensure you have the correct numbers.

Artificial turf blade shape

Blade shape is another factor that will influence your budget. For example, S-shaped and simple-omega-shaped turf tend to be less costly. Diamond shape sells more as a high-end option. M-shape and W-shape can also pick your pockets for some extra dime.

So, how do you choose? Here are the differences between the most popular blade shapes:

  • S-shaped blades have curved lines that make them feel and look very soft, like real grass. Their rounded profile doesn&#;t reflect sunlight much, so their color is a more vibrant, darker green. Traffic resistance is moderate and suitable for lawns that don&#;t expect heavy foot traffic.
  • C-shaped turf has better resilience under heavy traffic and higher wear tolerance. Because of the C-shape, it might show more sheen than other options. For this reason, it&#;s more suitable for your backyard.  
  • Go for U-shaped blades if you&#;re looking for less glossy artificial grass. This structure makes turf flexible, with full, thick blades. It also gives good resistance under moderate to heavy foot traffic.
  • The V-shape profile allows turf blades to spring back quicker after heavy traffic. They also stand up straight better than other turf types and have superior wear tolerance. Use V-shaped turf on a heavy-traffic lawn.
  • Experts engineered M-shaped blades to spread pressure at multiple points along the blade. This type of turf has impressive durability. Use it for a lawn with heavy foot traffic, where you play sports with your children and friends.  
  • W-shaped blades have incredible resistance to foot traffic. This synthetic grass also has superior heat diffusion. W-shaped blade turf is an excellent idea for lawns exposed to extreme heat.
  • Diamond-shaped turf is the closest to natural grass in look and feel. It is very soft and luxurious, focusing more on the feel and texture than durability. Choose it for low to medium-traffic areas.
  • Omega-shaped blades are something to think about if you have pets. They have good resistance to traffic and are usually shorter blades and soft to the touch.

Labor costs

The average professional installation cost for synthetic turf ranges between $3.45 and $12 per square foot. Depending on lawn size and shape, work can take from one to two days to a week.

For 500 square feet, labor costs add $1,725 to $6,000 to your total cost. That price can go up if your artificial lawn is installed on a slope, has a curved shape, has bushes or trees, or is difficult to access.

Weed barrier fabric

The weed barrier is an obstacle for weeds and natural grass, stopping them from growing through synthetic turf. It costs, on average, between $0.05 to $0.85 per square foot, and you must place it under the road base. For a 500-square-foot lawn, this means an extra $25 to $425. But keeping your yard clean is worth it.

Road base

You need a base layer of crushed rock (aka a &#;road base&#;) for a stable, well-drained lawn. It&#;s also a barrier between dirt and turf and ensures an even layout of the synthetic grass material. A road base can cost between $0.30 and $0.70 per square foot of yard.

Artificial grass infill

Even if you choose a synthetic turf with a good face weight, without an infill, it might seem like a green tarp. Infill replaces the soil weight, adds stability, helps blades stand upright, and makes the turf look and feel like natural grass.

For artificial turf installation, you need about 1 pound of sand filler per square foot. The price ranges between $0.30 and $1.80 per pound. Antimicrobial filler might cost more, but it&#;s a must if you have pets using your lawn as a bathroom.

Seam tape for artificial grass

You can use nails and buried wood to make sure turf materials are stable on the ground. But seam tape is better for joining two intermediary strips of synthetic grass. It&#;s available in 4, 6, 8, and 12 inches wide, in rolls of 16, 32, 40, and 82 feet in length. Price ranges between $0.50 and $1.40 per linear foot. It&#;s cheaper if you buy one roll of 32 feet than two rolls of 16 feet.

Artificial turf might come with some added services. Some are optional; others can become a must-have. All of them make your yard more beautiful. They include stump or tree removal and installing a walkway. You can also opt for a patio, edging, retaining walls, and mulching. See how much these services would add to your project cost.

Grass removal

If you have an existing lawn to remove, expect grass removal to cost about $1.75 per square foot. Square footage, removal method, and access are key price factors that have most homeowners paying $0.88 to $1.84 per square foot of grass removed.

Tree removal

If you have a stump or a tree (fallen or not) in your yard, you might want to remove it before installing synthetic turf. On average, tree removal costs about $850, with typical prices ranging from $385 to $1,070. Pricing depends on the type and size of the tree and the state where you live.

Walkway and patio installation

A paver patio can be a pleasant and relaxing area in your backyard. If you are considering installing a synthetic lawn, now might be the moment to plan for a patio. 

Installing a patio can cost between $2,290 and $6,420, with an average price of $4,500. The price per square foot ranges from $7 to $35

In contrast, a walkway is much cheaper. A typical walkway costs about $1,620 to install, but the typical range is as low as $335 or as much as $2,840.

Landscape edging

The typical cost of landscape edging ranges from $15 to $20 per linear foot. The national average is around $1,325, ranging from $710 to $1,325

One of the roles of edging is to act as a frame containing the road base. The other is to be an anchoring point for artificial turf margins. If poorly installed, turf margins can sink into the base material. Also, exterior spikes, nails, and staples can come loose.

Do you already have walls or paving around the lawn? Use that for edging. Otherwise, you might need to add some extra materials. You can choose metal edging, wood, plastic bender board, stone, brick, or concrete, in a decorative or hidden style.

Retaining walls for raised garden beds

Want to keep some natural plants in your artificial grass yard? You can create beautiful raised flower beds using retaining walls. If you place them on the side of the lawn, the walls can also act as edging for the synthetic turf. 

The average cost of a retaining wall is $3,565 to $9,645, with most homeowners paying $40 to $345 per linear foot.

Mulch

Another way to insert bushes, trees, or flowers in or near artificial turf is to use mulch.

Mulch is small pieces of wood, shells, bark, straw, or rocks used to cover the soil around plants. It helps your plantings look more polished and prevents weeds from growing. Mulch also makes for an elegant transition from soil and plants to artificial turf.

Most mulch costs $50 to $155 per cubic yard, which is enough to cover about 100 square feet with a 3-inch layer. This includes material, delivery, and installation.

Some organic mulch has costs more, such as crushed shells that can reach up to $400 per cubic yard. If you want to save money, choose pine bark, straw, and other beautiful pieces of wood, which cost as little as $20 per cubic yard. Rocks and gravel will last longer but have a slightly higher starting cost at $50 per cubic yard.

You can also keep $25 to $45 per cubic yard in your pocket as savings if you decide to spread the mulch yourself.

Cost of installing artificial grass DIY

Because the labor alone costs a few thousand dollars when you hire a professional to install artificial turf for you, you might want to do it yourself. Here&#;s a breakdown of how much money you would spend on tools and how much work you would have to put in for a DIY artificial grass installation.

DIY cost breakdown

Equipment/materialsPricesSod cutter &#; rental for 1 day$91Shovel$20Wheelbarrow$60Garden rake$25Hand pump sprayer$30Weed grass killer$35 &#; $45Turf staples$17Compactor &#; rental for 1 day$95Hammer$18Turf cutter or carpet knife$14Tape measure$18Landscape edging stakes (100 pieces)$34Joining tape (seam tape) &#; 25 linear feet$13 &#; $35Turf glue$42Pry bar$15Power broom &#; rental for 1 day$59Total cost of equipment$586 &#; $618

If you install the turf yourself, you can save between $1,725 to $6,000 on labor. You might keep another $136 if you already own the essential tools (shovel, hammer, tape measure, etc). This does not include the cost of synthetic turf, road base, and weed barrier. 

With all materials included, the DIY project cost ranges between $1,761 and $5,393. You can save an average of $2,800 (total cost) compared with a pro installation.

Main DIY installation suppliesAverage cost for a 500-sq.-ft. lawnDIY equipment and materials/accessories$586 &#; $618Synthetic turf$1,000 &#; $4,000Road base$150 &#; $350Weed barrier$25 &#; $425Total DIY cost$1,761 &#; $5,393

DIY cost vs. professional cost

The average DIY cost for installing artificial turf is between $1,800 and $5,400 for a 500-square-foot lawn. Professional installation for a similar project typically costs between $2,725 and $10,000, so you can save around $2,800 by doing it yourself. This includes labor and materials, but most of the savings come from labor costs.

On the other hand, installing artificial grass DIY takes attention, time, and a lot of energy to get it right. What a professional team can do in a couple of days might take you a week or more.

If you&#;re not careful, the difference between your work and a professional installation can mean:

  • A lawn full of bumps
  • Margins where you can see crushed rocks underneath 
  • Weeds and grass growing in time through your lawn
  • Grass blades oriented in the wrong direction and reflecting the sunlight
  • Turf strips coming off and seam tape becoming visible underneath
  • Visible stakes and staples

For some tasks, you will need help. So before deciding to take on this project, think it through.

Cost of artificial grass by location

The cost of artificial grass also varies by location. Prices available for your front or back yard might not be the same as if you want synthetic turf on your balcony. The same applies to areas around the pool, rooftops, or walls. 

Dog play spaces and sports fields need more resistant turf and extra stability. Indoor projects and stairways are usually cheaper than outdoor installation because the surface is smaller.

FAQ about the cost of artificial grass

Is artificial grass worth having?

With a 10- to 25-year warranty, artificial turf is durable, looks and feels like natural grass, and is weatherproof. You don&#;t need a mower, it doesn&#;t run up the water bill, and lawn maintenance is almost completely unnecessary. 

On average, you pay $6,365 to install artificial turf and about $653 to install real sod on a 500-square-foot yard. A $5,715 difference seems like a lot if you don&#;t count natural lawn care cost, which is between $1,500 to $6,000 a year if you get a monthly lawn care plan. Within 4-5 years of installing artificial turf, you&#;ll get your money back in savings.

What are the downfalls of artificial turf?

While the lifetime cost of synthetic turf is cheaper, you have to pay more upfront to install and replace it. Artificial turf has other downfalls, too, including:

With competitive price and timely delivery, Lvyi sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

  • Turf can get hot in extreme heat, although infill helps keep the material cooler.
  • If you go for cheaper brands, it might not look very natural.
  • If you don&#;t buy the right height, there is nothing you can do about it. You can&#;t mow it.

How do I maintain my artificial grass?

While an artificial lawn is very low maintenance, it still requires some upkeep. This includes cleaning pets&#; waste and debris, removing leaves, and applying weed killer. After a few years, you might have to replenish the infill. You can also get the margins tucked back in and repair ripples and undulations if needed.

Leaf removal costs are similar for natural and artificial grass, with an average of $155 to $460 per season. If you decide to remove debris yourself, remember that a leaf vacuum is never an option on artificial turf. It sucks up the infill sand.

Your yard also will need brushing from time to time with a push broom or a power broom. Here&#;s an article that can teach you how to clean artificial grass.

Need a pro to install artificial turf?

Installing an artificial lawn typically costs $2,725 to $10,000, with a national average cost of $6,365. You can expect to pay from $5.45 to $20 per square foot, with higher prices for curved lawns and large yards. 

While you can save up to $4,610 on a 500-square-foot yard by installing the turf yourself, it&#;s a lot of work, and your lawn might turn out lumpy if you&#;re not careful. A professional can help you choose suitable materials and make sure your yard turns out perfect. Find a pro near you and get a quote for your lawn size and shape.

Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.

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Janine Caayao

Janine Caayao has always been fascinated with growing plants, from fruits and veggies to bonsai trees and orchids. Now, she&#;s interested in urban gardening with her family. She loves finding new tips and tricks to keep their plants thriving. Posts by Janine Caayao

Janine Caayao has always been fascinated with growing plants, from fruits and veggies to bonsai trees and orchids. Now, she&#;s interested in urban gardening with her family. She loves finding new tips and tricks to keep their plants thriving.

How Much Does Artificial Turf Cost?

Price is a factor &#; and an important one &#; for almost everyone considering replacing real grass with artificial grass. Potential buyers want to know how much artificial turf costs and whether it&#;s worth the money.

The upfront cost of artificial grass is higher than real grass &#; but averaged out over the long life of synthetic turf, it&#;s much cheaper and provides an excellent return on investment.

Synthetic grass generally lasts at least 12-15 years and considerably more in some cases. After it&#;s installed, it not only looks immaculate from day one with virtually no effort from you but it will start paying back the investment every single year &#; with a much lower cost of ownership than real grass.

The average cost of artificial grass installations around the country is $9-12 per square foot This varies considerably by location and other factors discussed below. 

So, let&#;s do a deep dive into what you need to know about artificial grass price. We cover the following:

Artificial grass installation cost

Artificial grass installations range nationally from a few dollars per sq. ft. up to $20 per sq. ft. The average is somewhere between $9 and $12 per sq. ft. This includes labor and materials. A small installation of 500 sq. ft should come to between $3,000 and $7,500. 

Artificial grass costs increase with the quality of the turf and other materials you use along with the difficulty of the installation and the expertise you hire to install it. We go into all this in much more detail below.

Artificial grass price per square foot

The price per square foot (sq. ft) is the most common way of working out the cost of artificial turf in the U.S. 

If you&#;re in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the experienced team at DFW Turf Solutions will break down the costs for you in a free estimate if you contact us here.

Artificial grass cost calculator for Dallas-Fort Worth

The size of area is not the only factor to consider when you cost an artificial grass installation (as you&#;ll see below) but it is a key one.

The average Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington home has a yard size of 8,712 square feet. A 1,000-square-foot artificial grass lawn is easily accommodated in many homes in the area. It&#;s just over half the size of a volleyball court so not that big.

Let&#;s use that as our example for calculation purposes:

  • If the average per-square-foot installation cost is $10, the total cost for a 1,000-square-foot lawn is $10,000 (fully installed).
  • If the average per-square-foot installation cost is $6, the synthetic lawn costs $6,000.
  • If the average per-square-foot installation cost is $17.50, the synthetic lawn costs $17,500

As you can see the cost per square foot makes a huge difference to the overall installation costs.

Using an average per-square-foot cost of $10, here are some other sample costs for various lawn sizes in Dallas-Fort Worth:

Again, this is a useful guideline. But the actual cost of your artificial grass will depend on a lot more than simply the size of area &#; so let&#;s take a closer look at these factors.

What affects artificial turf costs?

In addition to the size of area, two synthetic turf installations can differ in many ways:

  • The quality/brand of turf
  • Face weight of turf
  • Blade shape
  • The shape and accessibility of the area
  • What&#;s installed underneath the turf
  • The infill
  • Overall labor costs
  • Landscaping requirements

Most homeowners will hope for an installation that looks as impeccable as this one &#; but you&#;ll need to tick off all the factors when you cost it:

A closer look at each factor will reveal how it affects artificial grass costs&#;

The quality/brand of turf

Long gone are the days when it was Astroturf or nothing! The old PVC-based artificial grass was quite spiky and shiny and, thankfully, technological advances mean that modern synthetic turf is much more lifelike in appearance and more inviting to the touch.

You have many choices when it comes to the quality of the turf itself &#; and quality depends partly on the brand you choose and the materials used in the manufacture of the turf. There are three main materials used:

Polypropylene: as little as $2 per square foot (up to $6)

  • Pros:
  • Often the lowest-cost option 
  • Ideal for indoors or shady areas outside
  • Soft to the touch
  • Cons:
  • Less durable than other options
  • Sometimes affected by high temperatures strong sunlight and heavy usage (not ideal for Texas)

Polyethylene: from $2.50 to $5 per square foot

  • Pros:
  • Mid-price-range
  • Soft touch and natural appearance
  • Highly durable
  • Good drainage and non-absorbent
  • Withstands high temperatures, heavy foot traffic and pets
  • Cons:
  • Sometimes, slightly less durable than nylon 

Nylon: from $5.50 to $6.50 per square foot

  • Pros:
  • Highly durable
  • Excellent for sports fields and high use area 
  • Withstands high temperatures and strong sunlight
  • Cons:
  • Higher price tag than other options 
  • Stiffer blades than polyethylene and polypropylene

Cost of artificial grass by turf type

* Indicative costs for the artificial turf only and exclusive of installation and other costs.

AT DFW Turf Solutions, most of the artificial grass we install is polyethylene based as we&#;ve found this the best all-round material to use in yards and commercial areas in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It&#;s soft, natural-looking and highly durable. Find out more about our synthetic grass products here.

Face weight of turf

The face weight of synthetic grass is a measure of the weight of grass fiber per square foot, expressed in ounces. 

It provides a good idea of the durability of the turf and how natural it looks and feels. Note that it only includes the grass itself and not the backing to which the blades are stitched.

A good general face weight for backyard turf is 50 ounces but the best turf is 80 or 90 ounces and is more suitable for heavy-use areas. Poorer quality turf may only offer a density of 30 ounces.

AT DFW Turf Solutions, all artificial grass we install has an above-average face weight for superior appearance and extra durability.

How does the face weight affect the cost of artificial grass?

Generally speaking, the higher the density, the higher the quality. You&#;ll usually pay around $1 per square foot extra for every 10 ounces in face weight.

Blade shape

Just how far artificial grass has come since the s is seen in how many different blade shapes are now available. Here are the main ones:

Blade shape may affect more than just the appearance and feel of your grass. It could also impact the durability and cost. Generally, you can expect to pay a little more for softer, more durable synthetic grass.

S-shaped and Omega-shaped blades are generally the most economical, while you may pay a premium for diamond and M-shaped blades. 

High-quality artificial grass also includes thatch, which is the brownish, dead-looking blades between the main blades of grass, helping the turf to appear more natural. 

The shape and accessibility of the area

You know how the size of the area influences artificial grass costs but most installations are not perfectly symmetrical. Lawns in Dallas-Fort Worth are not usually neat rectangles and so artificial grass must be skillfully cut and shaped for curving pathways, flowerbeds, trees, water features and so on.

Extra cutting requirements and greater expertise are likely to add to the installation costs because of the additional materials and specialist labor required.

Extra costs are also incurred if the installation area is sloped. In reality, most lawns have a little slope (better for drainage) but anything more than this may require extra steps to prevent slippage of the grass. If your garden looks like this, expect a higher installation cost:

DFW Turf Solutions provides free estimates for artificial grass in almost any location, including hard-to-access areas like rooftops and stairways as well as areas that have special requirements like children&#;s playgrounds, around swimming pools and pet areas.

What&#;s installed underneath the turf

The blades of synthetic grass are what you see on the surface. Beneath the grass, a lot of work is done before the artificial turf is laid. 

The quality of workmanship and materials underneath the artificial grass can make a huge difference to how long it maintains its pristine appearance and how well it performs its intended function &#; as well as to the overall costs of your artificial grass project. 

Most importantly, we need to consider the road base layer. This is a layer of crushed rock that ensures proper drainage and an even layout of your artificial grass area after it&#;s compacted. Price varies from $0.30 to $0.70 per sq. ft and it can add $300-700 to the overall cost of a 1,000 sq. ft. lawn.

Some installations include a weed barrier, which is a layer of cloth placed under the road base to prevent weeds and natural grass from growing up through synthetic turf. It&#;s only suitable if you don&#;t have pets using the grass (otherwise it traps odors). The price varies from around $0.25 to $0.60 per sq. ft., which means an extra $250&#;600 for a 1,000 sq. ft. lawn.

For sloped areas, we also need to consider laying wire mesh before the base layer. This will help bind the sub-base and prevent the grass from slipping after being secured in place. For steeper slopes, a stabilization membrane may be required before the base is added and compacted.

For backyard putting greens with chipping areas, you may also need to consider placing shock pads under the green area to mimic the true bounce and roll of a golf ball. This, again, increases the cost.

The infill 

The infill helps artificial turf more closely resemble the look and feel of natural grass. It is spread across the surface of the grass and is normally a sand or silica-based material.

Because artificial grass has no soil, the infill replaces the &#;soil weight&#; of the grass, adds stability and helps the blades stand upright. 

Antimicrobial grass infill costs a little more but is essential if you have pets because of the potential for unwanted odors. The infill usually adds between $200 and $1,600 to the total cost of the artificial grass installation. It may also need to be replenished from time to time.

Besides the infill, there are also a few other additional costs when installing artificial grass, such as jointing tape &#; but these are generally minimal additions.

Overall labor costs

Labor costs for artificial turf installations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area range from $3 or $4 per sq. ft. up to $9 or $10 per sq. ft.

So, a 1,000-square-foot installation adds anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 in labor costs. A relatively simple backyard lawn should be closer to the low end of that scale while more complex jobs cost a little more in labor.

Labor and operational costs include:

  • Removal of the old grass
  • Delivery of the artificial grass, road base and infill
  • Preparation of the area for laying new artificial grass
  • Laying the road base and any special drainage requirements
  • Cutting and laying the grass
  • Spreading the infill 
  • Tidying up

Generally speaking, labor costs contribute about half of the total cost of the installation. Don&#;t skimp on these by choosing an inferior supplier &#; check that you hire an experienced team that is up to the task&#;like our team:

Landscaping requirements 

If you&#;re looking to redesign your entire yard, this probably requires more than simply installing artificial grass.

Optional landscaping services can greatly increase the total project costs. These include:

  • Removal of trees/stumps: from a few hundred dollars to over $1,000.
  • Landscape edging: metal, wooden, stone, brick, concrete or plastic frames to contain the road base and anchor artificial turf (typically $4 to $11 per linear foot).
  • Retaining walls for raised flower beds: typically, from $40 to $350 per linear foot.
  • Water features: water fountains, tiered garden fountains, etc.
  • Pathways: pavers can be laid across the lawn, adding to complexity and costs.

Understanding artificial grass estimates: a few quick tips

As you research artificial grass companies before deciding on the supplier to use, you&#;ll see plenty of offers for &#;free estimates&#;.

Be wary of companies that offer a free initial consultation but charge for callouts to inspect your property before preparing a quote. Each visit to your property is likely to be charged at $75-$100, which is a hidden cost.

It&#;s best to get several installation quotes before going ahead but make sure that when you make your decision, you compare like with like. Not all artificial grass is the same quality, not all quotes include the total costs and not all expertise is the same. Check credentials, licensing and customer reviews before committing:

At DFW Turf Solutions, we offer the benefit of our decade-long industry expertise. Our free estimates are 100 percent free and will remain so. We believe in price transparency and the price you&#;re quoted will be a fair reflection of the true end cost to you.

DIY artificial grass installation: Yes or no?

Beware of &#;false economies&#; with artificial grass installations.

Some homeowners see that labor costs contribute around half of the total installation costs of artificial grass and decide to go the DIY route to save money.

The truth is it may end up costing you more &#; even if you&#;re generally competent with DIY. 

Because of the specialist skills required to install artificial grass, we don&#;t recommend doing it yourself. The job involves a lot more than simply rolling out a carpet. The ground preparation and laying/compacting of the base layer alone requires considerable skill &#; even on a relatively straightforward flat area. 

In more complex areas with poor accessibility or major sloping, it&#;s even more challenging to get right.

Potential issues with DIY artificial grass installations include:

  • Uneven lawn with bumps 
  • Visible crushed rock at the margins
  • Excessive weed and grass growth through
  • Blades reflecting the sunlight
  • Visible seam tape or stakes/staples, etc. 
  • Drainage issues

This front lawn clearly wasn&#;t installed by professionals:

If such problems occur, you may have to call in a professional team to fix up the problems.

Professionally installed artificial grass should last 12 to 15 years or more even with moderate to heavy traffic but a poor-quality installation could shave years off its life.

The 15-year installation workmanship warranty we provide at DFW Turf Solutions is non-standard in the industry and is a measure of our quality and expertise. Our team members receive extensive training before venturing into the field for installations.

What tools are required for DIY artificial grass installations?

The following tools and equipment are needed for a DIY installation:

Even if you don&#;t buy all of these, it&#;s likely that you&#;ll spend quite a few hundred dollars equipping yourself for a DIY installation. Generally, with artificial grass, the possible risks of DIY outweigh the gains and it&#;s best left to the pros.

Cost of artificial grass vs. real grass

Artificial grass is more expensive to install than real grass. A real grass lawn costs around $1 to $2 per square foot to install &#; between $1,000 and $2,000 for a 1,000 sq. ft. lawn compared with $9-12,000 for an artificial grass lawn.

The cost benefits of synthetic grass come later when its durability and low maintenance mean a very low cost of ownership compared to real grass sod. Real grass needs considerable resources, effort and money ($1,000 per year or more) to look after and keep looking immaculate while artificial grass needs very little maintenance.

According to some standard calculations, an artificial grass lawn will pay itself back after six years in lower maintenance costs. That&#;s not a bad return on investment when we consider the 12-15-year life of the average synthetic grass area &#; and the potential for even longer.

FAQs

How long does artificial grass last?

The high-quality artificial turf installed by DFW Turf Solutions generally last 12-15 years even with medium traffic &#; and often up to 20 years or more. It does depend on usage and whether some basic maintenance steps are taken.

How much is a backyard golf green?

A backyard putting green requires premium quality artificial grass, usually costing between $10 and $30 per square foot. The total cost will depend on the size, design, extra features and ease of access.

How much is artificial grass for dogs?

Pet turf systems require a few special features, such as higher durability and antimicrobial infill to keep these areas safe, hygienic and long-lasting.

Your turf is likely to cost closer to $12 per square foot than $7. Generally, a dog-friendly 1,000-foot lawn area should cost between $9,000 and $11,000.

Save time AND money with your artificial grass project&#;

If you can navigate the initial cost of artificial grass installation, you&#;ll have an investment that pays itself back after about six years and then saves money for every year after that.

That&#;s pretty attractive for Dallas home and business owners, especially when we consider the other major benefits like water conservation and environmental benefits.

When you calculate your artificial grass costs, factor in the labor costs as well as the cost of the grass and materials &#; and make sure you compare like for like with estimates.The DFW Turf Solutions team has been installing high-quality artificial turf in Dallas-Fort Worth since . Reach out to our helpful team by calling (940) 365- and we&#;ll be happy to provide a quote.

Want more information on Realistic Artificial Turf? Feel free to contact us.