Artificial grass has come a long way in the last few years and nowadays, can easily pass for the real thing.
With many of us wanting to utilise every bit of outdoor space, fake grass can help keep your lawn pristine and maintenance-free.
This article will cover the costs you can expect to pay for artificial grass and other factors that can affect the cost.
Installation Cost Per m²
We contacted 35 different artificial grass contractors for quotes on installing artificial grass. Prices below exclude VAT.
| Artificial Grass per m² | Average Cost (per m²) | Typical Range (per m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Only | £26 | £15 - £32 |
| Installation Only | £44 | £33 - £60 |
| Supply + Installation | £80 | £45 - £135 |
Therefore, you can expect to pay roughly the following prices depending on the m² of the area that artificial grass needs to be laid on.
| Artificial Grass Installation Size | Cost |
|---|---|
| 5m² | £380 |
| 10 m² | £750 |
| 20 m² | £1500 |
| 40 m² | £2950 |
| 60 m² | £4400 |
| 80 m² | £5800 |
| 100 m² | £7200 |
Factors That Affect the Cost
Quality of Artificial Turf
The two things you’ll want to consider are the colour and finish of the grass.
Generally, you get what you pay for. Cheaper grass brands may have a bright green colour. Although it may work in other settings like a golf course, it will look unnatural within a garden.
Some companies may be able to send a sample of their grasses so you can decide for yourself.
There are a range of tones available, and many include strands of brown fibre and ‘grass blades’ of varying heights to simulate a normal lawn.
Shape of Garden
Most types of grass come in two different widths, 2m and 4m. However, odd-shaped gardens and curves can cost more because of expensive off-cuts and extra wastage involved.
Size of Garden
Contractors may charge slightly more per m2 for a smaller garden because there is still a lot of work required when compared to a larger one. Whereas with larger gardens, contractors can bring down their m2 price because of there.
However, most artificial grass comes in either 2m or 4m width. Although there may be 5m width on the market, if the width of the garden is in excess of this, the rolls will need to be joined up, which adds extra labour cost. There can also be extra wastage.
Existing Surface
The quality of the existing surface will affect how quickly the area can be prepared and therefore, labour costs. Some examples may include:
- Whether the ground needs levelling or digging out
- If the area were the grass is going drains well
- Whether trees within the garden need to be removed
- Whether there is easy access to the site
Location
Labour costs in London and the south of England are generally more expensive than elsewhere.
If the contractor needs to travel beyond a certain radius that they serve, then they may charge an extra call out fee on top. If you live in a more rural location, then this might need to be factored in.
Other Cost Considerations
If you’re looking to save money, you may be wondering whether you can remove pre-existing turf to reduce installation costs.
For the contractor however, most of the labour costs are due to building the wooden frame, levelling out sand and then sealing edges. Cutting pre-existing turf doesn’t actually take that long. Therefore, don’t expect much cost difference.
Fake grass can be laid without too much trouble yourself if you’re looking to save money. Many manufacturers have DIY instructions on their websites so if you have some experience, it can be a good alternative.
Be sure to use the recommended equipment and follow their best practices to ensure it looks good afterwards.
Get Pricing on Artificial Grass Installations Near You
We’ve done our best to give you a good idea of what you can expect to pay to install artificial grass.
However, our guides are not a substitute for a fixed quote specifically for you.
We work with all the best artificial grass suppliers ready to price your job. Get free, no-obligation quotes in your local area and compare prices using the form below.
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About the Author
Alex Johnson is a qualified quantity surveyor and writer with a passion for conducting original research and uncovering the true cost of jobs. His cost data has been referenced by EDF Energy and the Scottish Government.