Recently ‘growing’ in popularity, artificial grass offers a great option for homeowners who are looking for a low-maintenance, visually appealing alternative to natural grass. Whether replacing your entire garden, creating a small pet-friendly space, or looking to enhance a commercial property, artificial grass can provide a long-lasting green look all year round. But one of the first questions that comes to mind when considering such a landscape upgrade is how much does artificial grass installation cost, really?
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what you can expect when considering the cost of artificial grass. From the average day rate to unveiling unexpected expenses, read on for all you need to know when making your decision. We will cover:
- The Average Cost of Artificial Grass Installation in the UK
- Factors Affecting Synthetic Grass Installation Cost
- DIY or Professional Artificial Grass Installation?
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
The Average Cost of Artificial Grass Installation in the UK
As we begin to explore the cost of artificial grass, it is first important to note that the figures given are averages, accurate as of the beginning of 2025. For specific estimates, it is always best to get in touch with a local tradesperson directly!
There are two main considerations when it comes to costing synthetic grass installations: the turf itself and the labour required. Most tradespeople will charge an hourly rate, plus the price of the grass. On average, you can expect a typical project to be around £1500 to £2500, including both aspects, but let’s break it down a little further.
The Artificial Grass
For any artificial grass installation, you will obviously need artificial grass. Averages vary depending on the type and quality of your choice:
- For budget artificial grass, you can expect to be set back around £10 – £15 per square metre.
- For mid-range artificial grass, the general ballpark figures are from £15 – £25 per square metre.
- High-quality, premium artificial grass is the most expensive and can be around £25 – £45 per square metre.
So, when considering how much artificial grass installation costs, you will want to balance your budget with your specific wants and needs. Cheaper options are great for those looking for a revamp on a tight budget, but whilst functional, they often don’t measure up aesthetically. If looks are more your thing, premium turf with its realistic and lush appearance might well be worth the money.
The Labour
Now on to the labour. Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere between £45 – £80 per hour for both installation and supply, and depending on the size of your garden, you can estimate around 2 – 3 days to complete the project.
Note that depending on the skill and experience of the professional, labour costs can be extremely variable, even down to the required travel time, which is often factored into the end quote. For this reason, it is usually recommended you acquire at least three quotes from different tradespeople to help get the best deal.
Factors Affecting Synthetic Grass Installation Cost
As you are probably starting to see, the question ‘how much does artificial grass installation cost?’ can vary significantly depending on a wide range of factors. It can seem straightforward, but several elements will impact the final price, from the size of the area to the final touches you might need to ensure the space looks complete.
Understanding these factors is key to helping achieve a relatively accurate estimate that meets your needs, wants, and budget. In this section, we will explore some key considerations that can impact your synthetic grass installation cost.
Size of Garden
Firstly, the most obvious factor is how big the space you are looking to cover is. A bigger garden is going to require much more product and time to complete, which is why it is important to accurately measure your garden when making your estimates. Once you have your square footage, you can multiply this by the figures given earlier to get a rough ballpark.
For smaller gardens, a quick tip is to consider artificial grass off-cuts. These are likely to fit well for the scale of your job and tend to be cheaper, at around £5 per square metre for end of roll pieces.
Shape of Garden
It may come as no surprise that it is easier to lay artificial grass in a square-shaped garden. Circular or irregular shaped spaces may require some waste in order to cut the product to size, so this should be factored into your estimates.
Also, because synthetic turf usually comes in rolls with a specified width, if your garden is wider than the specified dimensions, you are probably going to need more grass. Plus, a professional will have to spend time to get a nice joint between pieces, which is likely to result in higher labour costs.
Material of Artificial Grass
Whilst they may look similar, not all artificial grass is suitable for all situations. Each material can require different maintenance procedures, and some may be easier to install than others. In the world of synthetic turf, there are three main contenders:
- Nylon – The original artificial grass, its strong fibres are hardy enough for lawns which may undergo heavy use, but the complex manufacturing processes often result in the price being hiked up. For a square metre of nylon artificial grass, you can expect to fork out anywhere from £10 to £40 per square metre.
- Polypropylene – The happy medium, polypropylene artificial grass boasts a mid- to high- level of longevity. Plus, its realistic and polished look make it a winner in the aesthetics department. For a square metre of this stuff, you’re looking at £10 – £30 per square metre.
- Polyethylene – The soft fibres of polyethylene are seeing it become an ultra-realistic luxury. However, there is quite a vast difference between the upper and lower end of the cost scale: a square metre is anywhere from £20-£50.
Level of Preparation Needed
Depending on the current state of your garden, the level of preparation required to ensure a good-quality installation can have a large impact on your final estimate. For example, if you need to remove your current grass, you are going to need to find a way to dispose of it. A small skip can cost on average ~£200 for a day.
If your garden is significantly uneven or waterlogged, the surface may need to be prepared more extensively. This is not a step to skimp on. If you do not adequately prepare your ground, you are likely to be faced with unsightly lumps and bumps in the turf.
Finally, artificial grass (unlike real grass) does not simply sit on soil. Instead, it requires a good quality sub-base made from a material that is dry, drains easily and doesn’t store much moisture. Most professionals will opt for crushed granite aggregate, which, to cover a space of 30m² is about £180.
Maintenance
A great benefit of artificial grass is the low maintenance requirements. Most artificial turfs will simply require brushing away debris and keeping the blades even. If there is any residue (perhaps due to a pet…), you can use a diluted disinfectant solution. Fortunately, the majority of these maintenance considerations are unlikely to pose any significant issues when it comes to the cost of artificial grass installations. However, as a general rule, the lower the initial quality of the turf, the more often maintenance and repairs are likely to be needed.
DIY or Professional Artificial Grass Installation?
While the idea of doing it yourself can be tempting, significantly lowering the monetary cost of artificial grass installation, it is not as simple as just rolling the turf out! To ensure a good-quality finish, you will need to ensure that the grass is taut with plenty of fixing points around the edge.
For such processes, you will need specialist tools like jointing tape or adhesive cartridge, which can quickly add up. Not only this, but if the process is not done properly, you can risk doing more harm than good to both the artificial turf and your ground.
If you do have the skills, tools and knowledge necessary though, DIY is a great cost-effective option that gives you control over the end product. A good compromise could be to do some of the steps yourself, whether that be flattening the ground or sourcing the turf. This can help you to get the best of both worlds, utilising skills you are comfortable with, and keeping quotes for the further steps especially competitive.
FAQs
What are the Alternatives to Artificial Grass?
If synthetic grass isn’t quite your style, there are plenty of other landscaping alternatives such as decking, paving or gravel. Each offers similar low-maintenance benefits to artificial grass and can be excellent choices when tailoring your outside space to suit your own needs and preference.
Can I Lay Artificial Grass on Soil?
Laying artificial grass directly on soil is possible but is a much more complex and lengthy process. For example, you will need to ensure that the space has adequate drainage, as well as using a weed suppressant membrane or fabric to avoid the turf looking messy and unkempt. Laying artificial turf on soil also does not eradicate the need for a sub-base!
How Long Does Artificial Grass Last?
Artificial grass is notorious for its ability to look great for a long while. You can expect well-installed turf to last around 10 years without any fading issues, but again, this depends on the initial quality of both the grass and installation.
Final Thoughts: Artificial Grass Installation Cost
A smart and low-maintenance investment, artificial grass can be a great alternative to a natural lawn. Saving water, time, and effort in the long run, it is essential to understand the various factors that can impact initial installation costs from the size and complexity of the project to the materials and effects desired. When it comes to artificial grass installation costs, a well-thought-out balance will ensure a successful, long-lasting installation that meets your needs and budget.
Ready to get going? Check out our artificial grass, or our complete range of landscaping products. You’re sure to find all you need to elevate your outdoor space!
