Artificial Grass Installation Cost

How Much Does Artificial Grass Installation Cost?

Let's get right to the point:

What should you expect to be quoted for installing an artificial lawn in your garden?

In 2024, the average cost of installing artificial grass is between £200 – £4,800. The price you're quoted for this job will depend on the size of your garden, as well as the quality of materials you're using.

Let's take a look at a few examples:

• Artificial grass installation costs would be between £200 – £700 for a small space (10m²).

• For an average-sized garden (about 50m²), the cost of installing an artificial lawn would be around £700 – £2,500.

• And for a larger artificial grass installation (about 100m²), the cost would be between £1,400 – £4,800.

The type of artficial grass you choose has a significant impact on the total cost.

Budget-friendly and low-quality artificial grass prices start at around £8 per m². This type of grass has a thickness of 18mm – 25mm and is best suited for exhibitions and commercial use, rather than in a residential front or back garden.

Mid-range artificial grass prices are between £15 – £25 per m². This type of grass will have a thickness of about 26mm – 30mm and looks better, but is still quite obviously detectable as fake grass.

Premium artificial grass prices can cost up to £40 per m². While using higher-quality materials increases the total cost of installing artificial grass, it will mimic the aesthetic or natural grass and last longer (around 15 years with maintenance) than cheap artificial grass.

How Much Is Artificial Grass?

The table below summarises artificial grass installation costs for different sized spaces using using different quality materials. These estimates includes of buying the artificial grass and paying a tradesperson to lay it for you.

As we've already touched on, budget materials aren't advisable if you're looking to install an artificial lawn in your front or back garden.

Artificial Grass Price

The table below shows what you should expect to pay for artificial grass materials that are budget-friendly, mid-range, or premium quality. These estimates don't include labour costs, so are useful if you're intending to install artificial grass yourself as a DIY project.

Additional Costs to Install an Artificial Lawn

When you're getting an artificial lawn installed, there are various other costs you should consider.

The table below highlights some of the most relevant other jobs you might want to complete before, during, or after the installation of new artificial grass.

Labour Costs and Time Frames

The cost of a gardener in the UK is between £200 – £250 per day. This means that a self-employed gardener will charge you around £25 – £31 per hour for their services.

Although they don't need to work in pairs to install artificial grass, they often do so that they can finish the job faster.

Removing existing turf, preperation of the ground, and installation of artificial grass will take between 2 – 3 days for an average-sized garden. Large gardens (measuring 100m²) can take around 8 days to complete, while a small garden (measuring 10m²) may take a day or less of time.

Something else to consider is the quality of the artificial grass that you're installing. Cheap artificial grass with a thickness of 18mm – 25mm should take between 1 – 4 days to install. On the other hand, luxury artificial grass with a thickness of 31mm – 40mm could take more than a week to have installed properly.

Factors that Impact Artificial Grass Installation Costs

There are various cost factors you need to consider before you hire someone to install your artificial grass, the first one being the type of grass you choose.

Pricing for artificial grass is usually based on the length and thickness of the grass, for example, budget artificial grass with a thickness between 18mm and 25mm tends to cost around £8 – £16 per m², while luxury artificial grass with an average thickness between 31mm and 45mm can cost up to £40 per square metre.

Another important cost factor is the size of your garden, as the larger it is, the more expensive it will be. Fake grass prices can range from £200 for a small 10 square metre garden to £4,800 for a 100 square metre garden.

To keep costs down, you should try to avoid excavation; however, if you have real turf laid down, this will need to be lifted, as artificial grass cannot be installed on top of it. Landscapers will usually charge around £200 – £250 per day, so the price will vary depending on the amount of existing turf you have, along with the size of your garden.

The tradesman you hire may also charge £150 extra for waste disposal, as you will need to clear away an existing turf from your garden to make room for the installation.

The Artificial Grass Installation Process

If you’re wondering how to lay artificial grass like a professional, it involves the following steps:

Ground Preparation

Before installing your new artificial grass, a professional installer will need to remove the natural turf by lifting it up with a space or turf cutter, making sure they remove it to a depth of 10cm. They will then use a roller to compact the surface, spray the area with weed killer, and install an artificial grass underlay and weed membrane.

If there is no grass to be removed, then the installer will make sure the area is clean, smooth, and level before laying down your artificial grass. If the floor is not level or smooth, then they will put a layer of sand above the sub-base.

Stone aggregate will then be placed on top of the surface, which should be compacted to the desired level.

Artificial Grass Installation

Once your base is prepared, the artificial grass can be laid out, making sure that there is a 5cm gap on each side. This will then be left for around 2 – 3 hours to settle and reduce creasing.

After 3 hours, the grass will be turned over and trimmed with a sharp knife for a neat finish. An appropriate adhesive will then be applied to secure it.

If you have a large area that you want to cover, then the installer will have to join pieces of grass together using joining tape and adhesive.

Use tape on all joints, then sprinkle kiln-dried sand over the carpet to weigh it down. Finally, if you have timber edgings, you can nail the edge of the carpet to the edgings for a neat finish.

Laying artificial turf makes the lawn look spectacularly neat. So neat, in fact, that the rest of your garden will look positively shabby if not up to scratch! Because of this, you may want to consider upgrading the entire garden to match the stunning artificial grass — and take care of fencing, paths, borders, and any hard landscaping at the same time.

DIY Artificial Grass Project

Trying to do the job yourself and using the cheapest artificial turf never really works out well. We all like a bargain, but in the case of artificial turf, you actually do get what you pay for. The cheapest turf looks awful and is not convincing at all. It looks really fake, even from a mile away!

Not only that, but the cheap, lower quality material will weather faster and need replacing sooner, so in many cases, it's more cost-effective to spend more on a higher quality material which should only need replacing every 10 – 15 years.

But even the best artificial turf won't look great unless it is fitted correctly. Good quality artificial turf fitted well looks so much like real grass that you really can't tell unless you touch it. The only real giveaway is sometimes artificial lawns look so good they can't be real!

But even expensive high-quality artificial turf, if not fitted well to the borders and with perfectly hidden seams, looks completely artificial. Also, it is highly recommended to use a weed-proof mat under artificial turf to prevent weed growth from occurring.

Again, it adds to the expense, as does professional fitting, but you do get a better, longer-lasting job.

If you were considering laying artificial grass on a DIY basis, then you will need some basic tools, including:

• Shovel (£7 – £30)

• Wheelbarrow (£30 – £60)

• Rake (£3 – £20)

• Backing tape (£5 – £10)

• Knife (£3 – £10)

• Hammer (£3 – £25)

• Fixing nails (£2 – £18)

You will also need additional materials such as timber for edge fixings, which costs around £7 – £10 per board, kiln-dried sand with prices around £5 – £25 per bag. You will also need a weed-proof mat which tends to cost around £5 – £80, plus the artificial grass, of course.

Types of Artificial Grass

There are various types of artificial grass you can choose from.

Let's take a look at the pros, cons, and average costs of different types of artificial grass.

Nylon Artificial Grass Cost

Nylon is a synthetic polymer with elastic qualities that are used in the production of artificial grass. It has a number of advantages and disadvantages, such as:

Pros

• ✔ Nylon material can withstand sun damage due to its high melting point.

• ✔ Suitable for gardens with a lot of foot traffic.

• ✔ Offers a natural aesthetic due to its ability to maintain the 3D look.

Cons

• ✖ Its high porosity makes it unsuitable for animal contact.

• ✖ Its stiff material makes it less comfortable underfoot.

• ✖ The most expensive option for artificial grass costs up to £40 per square metre.

Polypropylene Artificial Grass Cost

This material is a thermoplastic polymer that is made from combining propylene monomers together. It is used to manufacture artificial turf and offers a number of benefits and downsides, including:

Pros

• ✔ One of the cheapest materials costing around £10 per square metre.

• ✔ Ideal for low footfall areas.

• ✔ Offers robust qualities due to its stiffness.

Cons

• ✖ This material is susceptible to sun damage which causes the fibres to weaken.

• ✖ Not suitable for areas with a high level of foot traffic.

• ✖ Prone to breakages.

Polyethylene Artificial Grass Cost

Polyethylene is one of the most used thermoplastic materials due to its crystalline structure which makes it flexible for a number of applications including artificial grass production. To help you decide if this is the right material for your garden, take a look at the following pros and cons:

Pros

• ✔ A more flexible material which prevents breakages.

• ✔ Does not produce mildew or mould.

• ✔ It attracts less dust and dirt due to its low static charge.

Cons

• ✖ A slightly more expensive option with prices at £15 per square metre.

• ✖ Not as resilient as nylon.

• ✖ Susceptible to UV damage.

Artificial Grass vs Real Grass

Artificial grass has become more popular than ever; however, some people still prefer the real thing. To help you decide which option is right for you to take a look at the following pros and cons for both artificial turf and real grass.

Artificial Grass

Pros

• ✔ Requires little to no maintenance.

• ✔ Maintains its appearance regardless of weather conditions.

• ✔ Offers complete landscape design flexibility.

Cons

• ✖ Artificial grass production can be harmful to the environment.

• ✖ Artificial grass costs around £200 to £4800 for supply and installation.

• ✖ Artificial grass has a shorter lifespan than real grass, with it lasting an average of 7 to 15 years.

Real Grass

Pros

• ✔ Offers a natural aesthetic and fresh smell.

• ✔ Cheap and easy to install, as it costs around £6 per square metre.

• ✔ A more eco-friendly option.

Cons

• ✖ Requires regular maintenance, such as mowing, weeding, watering and more.

• ✖ Susceptible to weed and moss growth.

• ✖ Not ideal for pets or children.

What Can Artificial Grass be Used for?

There are a variety of uses for artificial grass, with many choosing it for their front or back garden lawns, especially if they have children or pets. It is also ideal for areas where sport is played, such as tennis courts and football pitches which have a heavy footfall. You could also use it inside your home, with one of the most popular applications being indoor gyms.

If you have children, you may want to invest in artificial grass in play areas inside and outside of your home. This will prevent damage to your grass, as artificial grass is more robust than real grass.

You may also want to use it to improve the aesthetic of your home, for instance, you may want to install it on top of decking or balcony flooring, which will brighten it up and create the illusion of more green space.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Lay Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass can be installed at any time during the year; however, spring is the most common period for installation. The reason for this is because the ground is usually soft due to months of rainfall in autumn and winter, which makes installation much easier.

However, if your lawn is waterlogged due to excessive rainfall, then it can be difficult to excavate, so you’re best waiting for your lawn to dry out.

The summer season is also a popular choice for artificial turf installation, as the weather tends to be better, and there are more daylight hours, which means your artificial grass can be installed quickly. In addition, the more sunlight there is, the quicker the turf will acclimatise to the ground.

However, if you have a lot of plants and shrubs in your garden, they will have grown fully, which may mean overhanging stems or weeds will need to be removed before installation.

Autumn and winter may seem like odd times of the year for installation, as long as the ground is not too dry or waterlogged.

During these months, there will be less chance of damage to shrubs and plants, as growth tends to decline. You can also benefit from shorter waiting times for installation, as there is reduced demand during autumn and winter.

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Benefits of Installing Artificial Grass

Artificial grass is a plastic alternative to a real grass lawn that's much less hassle and time-consuming to maintain. It's a popular choice with homeowners that have shaded lawns (where real grass won't grow), poor soil that isn't suitable for optimal grass growth, or don't have enough time to maintain a real lawn.

Let's dive into the benefits of getting artificial grass installed a little more.

Low-Maintenance

The primary benefit of fake grass is low maintenance, obviously requiring no mowing or trimming whatsoever. Having artificial grass installed will prevent weed growth and patching, as this type of lawn material is not susceptible to diseases.

Lower Outgoings

As little to no maintenance is required for artificial grass, you will not have to spend money on products such as fertiliser, pesticides and garden tools. You will also use less water, as artificial grass does not need to be watered regularly.

Enhanced Aesthetic

Artificial grass offers an all-year-round aesthetic which does not change, regardless of the weather. This means your garden will look great even during heavy rainfall or snow.

Reduced Mess

Having artificial grass installed means you can avoid mud build-up during rainy seasons, which will ensure your garden is pristine. It also reduces the amount of dust and debris that clings onto the grass, as some types of turf have a low static charge.

Weather Resistant

Artificial grass is water and weather resistant so should last for a number of years before it needs replacing. This means it will not be affected by waterlogging or sunlight, as most turf installation are robust and have a high melting point.

Artificial Grass Maintenance Costs

Although artificial grass is low-maintenance, it still needs to be cleaned every now and then. This involves clearing leaves and debris which can be removed using a leaf blower, which costs around £25 to £50 per day to hire.

If your artificial turf is damaged due to poor installation, burns from a barbeque, or exposure to harsh chemical, you may be able to get it fixed by a professional for free, depending on your guarantee. Although the majority of installers will charge around £100 per day for repairs.

To repair damage yourself, you will first need to remove the damaged area using a knife and replacing it with a new piece of the same material.

Before securing the piece of turf, you should check the gauges on the back of the material, as this will indicate the direction that new piece should be facing. You should then remove the infill using a hoover, as this will ensure that the repair is completely flush with the rest of the installation. You should then cut the backing off, making sure you take extra care not to cut any of the fibres off.

Synthetic turf seaming tape should then be placed in the centre of the repair and should then be secured with nails. Adhesive can then be applied to the backing and the new piece secured in place. You should then place a 50-pound weight or bag of sand on top of the replacement, then after a few months of curing it can be removed.

How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?

Artificial turf tends to last anywhere from 15 to 25 years, although the lifespan will depend on the material used and the level of footfall. For instance, nylon turf will last a lot longer, as it can withstand a high level of foot traffic, while polypropylene is better for low footfall areas.

The majority of homeowners tend to replace their artificial grass every 10 to 15 years depending on its condition, as again its aesthetic will depend on the level of footfall. As the more people walk on the grass, the more the colour will start to fade and wear and tear will begin.

Is Artificial Grass Bad for the Environment?

Artificial grass has been criticised for its effect on the environment, as unlike real grass, artificial grass cannot be used as a habitat or source of food for some animals and insects.

While the production of artificial grass may be harmful due to the fact that most materials are non-recyclable, some companies are swapping materials for more eco-friendly alternatives.

Having artificial grass can also benefit the environment, as less maintenance is required, which means there are no harmful emissions being emitted from lawnmowers and strimmers. There Is also no need to use any harsh chemicals that may be toxic to the environment, such as weed killer, pesticides and fertilisers.

Cost to Remove Existing Turf

Before laying artificial grass, you'll need to remove your existing turf.

The average turf removal cost is £300 – £400. However, you'll also need to consider how you're going to dispose of this old turf. The typical cost to hire a skip is between £180 – £320. When looking at garden waste disposal, it's important to check the weight limits — as soil and old turfcan be heavy, and you don't want to overload a skip.

This preparation work is labour-intensive and will contribute the most significant chunk of time spent by a tradesperson on this project. This means it's also the area that contributes the most towards the total cost of fitting artificial grass.

The price of this work mainly depends on the size of your garden and your location in the UK. The larger the garden, the cheaper the cost per square metre — but the higher the overall price of removing the old turf.

This job involves using a lawn scarifier to remove the old turf and up to 20cm of soil. The ground is then levelled out and prepared for the installation of your fake grass.

If you want to save money, then you could remove the turf yourself with a spade and turf cutter. This will cost you around £40 – £150 to hire for the day. This tool lifts the existing grass, along with any plant matter, in preparation for your artificial grass installation.

Artificial Grass Removal Cost

Is your existing artificial grass looking a bit worn or damaged?

Removing artificial grass is a simple job that should be quite affordable. A professional gardener will charge between £200 – £250 per day that's required to remove your artificial grass. Once they've removed the old artificial grass, you should ensure that they inspect that the base is still in good condition before doing anything else.

You could also consider removing the artificial turf yourself (as a DIY project).

Here's what's involved in that:

First, cut the edge of the astroturf with a utility knife, then slice it into manageable pieces.

After you’ve cut it into sections, remove all the pieces. This may be difficult as artificial grass is usually stuck down with adhesive. However, you should try to remove as much turf as possible, put it in a rubbish bag, and then take it down to the local tip. To remove the other pieces, you should use hot water to loosen the adhesive, then use a knife to peel away the turf.

Once the old artificial turf has been removed, you can then start to get rid of the adhesive with a heat gun (this costs between £20 – £150 to buy). You can then scrape the glue off using a knife.

FAQs

How to Find & Hire an Artificial Grass Installer

To ensure that your artificial grass is long-lasting and improves the aesthetic of your garden, you should hire an experienced tradesperson to install it. This will cost between £100 – £150 per day. How long it takes will depend on the size of your garden and the foundations in place.

When hiring an artificial grass installer, you should ask about their previous experience and if they have any examples of previous work. This will give you a good idea of what they're capable of doing for you.

You may also want to check if they have any qualifications. While this isn't a necessity, it's a good signal that they're a capable artificial grass installer.

You should also check that they have insurance. All tradespeople that you hire in the UK should have public liability insurance in place to protect them and you in the event of any damage or an incident.

Sources

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