How much does artificial grass installation cost?
Artificial grass typically costs $8–$20 per square foot installed, so a 500 sq ft lawn runs about $4,000–$10,000. The turf itself is $2–$8/sq ft; the rest is excavation, base prep and installation labour.
Ranges are typical planning guides — actual price varies by region, access, materials and your local pro. Always get a written quote.
| Item | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf material | $2–$8 / sq ft | Pile height & quality vary widely |
| Base prep & installation | $5–$12 / sq ft | Excavate, compact gravel, lay & seam |
| Small lawn (200 sq ft) | $1,800–$4,000 | Small jobs cost more per sq ft |
| Typical lawn (500 sq ft) | $4,000–$10,000 | Most common project size |
| Old lawn removal | +$0.50–$2 / sq ft | Strip sod and haul away |
What affects the price
Base preparation
Most of the cost is under the turf: excavating 3–4 inches, laying and compacting a crushed-rock base, and installing weed barrier. Skipping this is why cheap installs fail.
Turf quality
Budget turf runs $2–$3/sq ft; realistic, dense, UV-stable products with longer warranties run $5–$8/sq ft and last 15–20 years instead of 8–10.
Access and shape
Tight side yards, lots of curves and cut-ins around trees or pavers add seaming and trimming time. Wide-open rectangles are the cheapest per square foot.
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How much does artificial grass installation cost?
Typically $8–$20 per square foot installed, or about $4,000–$10,000 for a 500 sq ft lawn. Turf quality and base prep drive where you land in that range.
Is artificial grass cheaper than sod in the long run?
Upfront it costs 5–10 times more than sod, but with no watering, mowing or fertilising it usually pays back in 5–8 years in dry climates with high water costs.
How long does artificial grass last?
Quality turf lasts 15–20 years with basic care. Cheaper products can flatten and fade in under 10, so check the pile weight and UV warranty before buying on price.