How Much Does Artificial Turf Installation Cost?

2026 pricing guide with typical cost ranges, project breakdowns, and factors that affect your investment.

Typical Artificial Turf Installation Price Ranges

Most homeowners spend $4,000–$12,000 for a professionally installed artificial turf lawn, depending on yard size, turf quality, and the amount of base preparation required.

Project TypeTypical RangeUnit
Basic Residential Lawn (Economy Turf)$5–$10per sq ft
Mid-Range Residential Lawn$10–$15per sq ft
Typical Backyard (500–1,000 sq ft)$4,000–$12,000installed
Pet Turf (Drainage-Optimized)$8–$15per sq ft
Putting Green$15–$25per sq ft
Commercial or Sports Turf$5–$12per sq ft

* Prices are estimates based on typical projects. Get quotes from local professionals for accurate pricing.

Cost by Project Type

Front & Backyard Lawn Replacement

Removal of existing natural grass, grading, installation of a compacted base layer (typically decomposed granite or crushed rock), weed barrier fabric, artificial turf, seaming, infill application, and edge securing with bender board or concrete borders.

Why it costs what it does: This is the standard residential project. Costs depend primarily on yard size, turf quality selected, and how much demolition and grading is needed to prepare the base.

Best for: Best for homeowners looking to eliminate lawn maintenance, reduce water usage, or maintain a green yard year-round without irrigation.

Pet Turf Installation

Turf systems designed for dogs and other pets. Uses antimicrobial infill (such as Zeolite or silica sand treated for odor control), a permeable backing for fast drainage, and a base layer optimized for liquid pass-through. May include a dedicated drainage sublayer.

Why it costs what it does: Costs more than standard turf due to specialized infill, enhanced drainage systems, and turf products engineered to resist odor, staining, and pet wear.

Best for: Ideal for dog runs, pet play areas, and any yard where pets will use the turf regularly. The drainage and odor-control features are important for long-term satisfaction.

Putting Greens

Short-pile, dense turf installed over a precisely graded and compacted base to simulate real putting green conditions. Includes contour shaping, fringe turf transitions, and optional cup installation. Requires skilled grading to achieve consistent ball roll.

Why it costs what it does: Premium pricing reflects the specialized turf product, the precision grading required, and the labor-intensive contouring. Putting green turf itself costs more per square foot than lawn turf.

Best for: Best for golfers who want a practice green at home. Often installed in backyards, side yards, or as part of a larger landscaping project.

Commercial & Sports Turf

Large-scale installations for playgrounds, athletic fields, dog parks, rooftop terraces, and commercial landscaping. Typically uses turf rated for heavy foot traffic with infill systems designed for the intended use (e.g., crumb rubber for sports fields).

Why it costs what it does: Per-square-foot costs are lower than residential due to economies of scale, but total project costs are higher. Site prep, drainage engineering, and heavier-duty base systems add complexity.

Best for: Required for public spaces, HOA common areas, schools, sports facilities, and commercial properties where durability under heavy use is essential.

What Affects Artificial Turf Installation Costs?

Turf Quality & Pile Height

Turf products range from economy ($1–$3 per sq ft for material) to premium ($4–$7 per sq ft). Higher pile height, realistic blade shapes, and UV-resistant yarns cost more but look better and last longer.

Base Preparation

Proper base preparation is critical. Removing existing grass, grading the subgrade, and installing 3–4 inches of compacted decomposed granite or crushed rock typically accounts for 30–40% of total project cost.

Existing Surface Removal

Removing natural grass, concrete, pavers, or old turf adds cost. Sod removal runs $1–$2 per square foot. Concrete removal is significantly more expensive and may require equipment and hauling.

Yard Size & Layout

Per-square-foot costs decrease on larger projects because setup and equipment costs are spread over more area. Complex layouts with curves, tree cutouts, and narrow strips require more seaming and trimming, which adds labor.

Drainage & Infill

Standard silica sand infill is the most affordable. Antimicrobial or cooling infill products cost more. Properties with poor drainage may need a French drain or gravel sublayer beneath the base, adding $1–$3 per square foot.

Site Access & Location

Difficult access (narrow side yards, gated backyards, hillside properties) increases labor time. Urban areas with higher labor rates cost more. Steep slopes may require additional anchoring and terracing.

Regional Cost Variation

Artificial turf installation costs vary across the country based on local labor rates, demand, and climate. In arid regions where water conservation is a priority, turf installation is common and installer competition can keep prices moderate. In areas with high water costs or drought restrictions, turf often pays for itself faster through water savings. In higher-cost metros, labor rates push pricing above national averages. Cold-climate installations may require additional base depth to account for freeze-thaw cycles. Get local quotes for accurate pricing in your area.

How Long Does the Project Take?

Small area (under 300 sq ft): 1 day — Demo, base prep, and turf installation.
Standard backyard (500–1,000 sq ft): 2–3 days — Day 1: demo and grading. Days 2-3: base, turf, and infill.
Large yard or front + back (1,000–2,000 sq ft): 3–5 days — Larger base prep scope and more seaming work.
Putting green: 2–4 days — Precision grading and contouring add time.
Commercial or sports field: 1–4 weeks — Depends on size, drainage engineering, and base requirements.

Budgeting Checklist

  • ✓Get 2–3 written quotes that itemize demolition, base prep, turf material, infill, and labor separately.
  • ✓Ask what turf product they recommend and request a sample — check pile height, density, and face weight.
  • ✓Confirm what base preparation is included: subgrade compaction, weed barrier, and decomposed granite depth.
  • ✓Ask how seams will be handled — poorly joined seams are the most visible sign of a bad installation.
  • ✓Verify what infill type is included and whether upgrades (antimicrobial, cooling) are available.
  • ✓Ask about drainage — will the existing grade drain properly, or is additional drainage work needed?
  • ✓Clarify whether removal of existing grass, concrete, or old turf is included in the price.
  • ✓Ask about the turf warranty (manufacturer) and the installation warranty (contractor labor).
  • ✓Check if the contractor carries liability insurance and workers compensation.
  • ✓Ask about edge treatment — bender board, concrete borders, or flush-cut against hardscape.

Common Artificial Turf Installation Cost Questions

What maintenance does artificial turf require?
Artificial turf requires minimal maintenance — periodic brushing to keep blades upright, rinsing to remove dust and pollen, and leaf removal. Pet areas may need enzyme cleaner application. No mowing, watering, or fertilizing is needed.
Does artificial turf get hot in the sun?
Artificial turf can reach surface temperatures of 120–170°F in direct sunlight during summer. Cooling infill products can reduce surface temperature by 10–20%. Shaded areas stay significantly cooler. This is an important consideration in warm climates.
Does artificial turf save money on water bills?
Yes. Replacing natural grass eliminates irrigation costs, which can save $100–$300+ per month depending on yard size and local water rates. Most homeowners recoup a significant portion of installation cost through water savings over the turf's lifespan.
Can I install artificial turf myself to save money?
DIY installation can save $2–$5 per square foot in labor, but base preparation is critical and difficult to do properly without equipment. Poor base work leads to drainage problems, uneven surfaces, and premature wear. Most homeowners benefit from professional installation.
How much does a backyard putting green cost?
A backyard putting green typically costs $15–$25 per square foot installed. A 200 sq ft putting green runs $3,000–$5,000. Costs are higher than standard lawn turf due to specialty turf material and precision grading requirements.
Is artificial turf safe for dogs and pets?
Yes, when installed with pet-friendly features. Pet turf systems use antimicrobial infill and enhanced drainage backing to handle liquid waste. Solid waste is picked up normally. Periodic rinsing with water or enzyme cleaner keeps odor under control.
How much does artificial turf installation cost?
Artificial turf installation typically costs $5–$20 per square foot fully installed, including base preparation and infill. A standard backyard project (500–1,000 sq ft) runs $4,000–$12,000. Get quotes from local installers to compare.

Compare Local Artificial Turf Installation Pros

The best way to know your exact cost is to get quotes from local professionals. Browse contractors in your area to compare options and request estimates.

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