Professional artificial turf installation costs about $6–$20 per sq. ft., with many mid-range lawns landing near $12–$13 per sq. ft. Most homeowners pay $3,200–$8,700 per project, and Angi reports a national average of about $5,800 (Angi, Lawn Love, LawnStarter and HomeGuide data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 4 more. National US estimates.
Synthetic grass appeals to homeowners in dry climates, households with dogs that wear out real lawns, and anyone tired of mowing and watering. It costs far more up front than sod, but there's no mowing, fertilizing or irrigation afterward.
This guide breaks down the cost per square foot, by yard size and by turf material, what base preparation and infill add, and how to keep the price down. For a quick number for your own yard, use our artificial turf cost calculator.
Want a number for your project? Try our free artificial turf cost calculator — enter your size and options for an instant range.
Average cost
Installed artificial turf costs, labor and materials included, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small area, 200–300 sq. ft. (dog run, side yard) | $1,200–$6,000 | Minimum charges make small jobs pricier per sq. ft. |
| Typical backyard lawn, about 500 sq. ft. | $3,200–$8,700 | Angi average about $5,800 |
| Large lawn, 1,000 sq. ft. | $6,000–$17,000 | Premium turf and complex sites can reach $25,000 |
| Premium or difficult site (slopes, curves, nylon turf) | $15–$25 per sq. ft. | Slopes add 50%–60%; curves 15%–20% |
Artificial turf cost by material
Turf-only prices per sq. ft. (before labor and base), reported by Angi and Lawn Love:
| Turf fiber | Turf only, per sq. ft. | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Polypropylene | $2–$6.35 | Cheapest; best for low-traffic or decorative areas |
| Polyethylene | $2–$7 | Soft, natural look; most common for home lawns |
| Nylon | $5–$8 | Most durable and heat-resistant; used for putting greens and heavy use |
Artificial turf cost by yard size
| Area | Typical installed cost | Average (Lawn Love) |
|---|---|---|
| 300 sq. ft. | $1,800–$6,000 | about $3,820 |
| 500 sq. ft. | $3,000–$10,000 | about $6,365 |
| 800 sq. ft. | $4,800–$16,000 | about $10,180 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $6,000–$20,000 | about $12,725 |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | $9,000–$30,000 | about $19,090 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for replacing about 500 sq. ft. of existing backyard grass with mid-range polyethylene turf. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Turf (materials) | $1,000–$3,500 | About $2–$7 per sq. ft., plus waste from seams and cuts |
| Labor | $2,000–$4,500 | About $4–$9 per sq. ft. for excavation, base, seaming and infill |
| Base, weed barrier and infill | $450–$1,500 | Crushed base, weed barrier, about 1 lb of infill per sq. ft. |
| Old lawn removal and disposal | $450–$1,375 | About $0.88–$2.75 per sq. ft., often quoted separately |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $300–$900 | Drainage fixes, extra base, edging |
| Estimated total | $4,200–$12,000 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Labor and site preparation usually make up 50%–60% of the total, so a well-prepared base matters as much as the turf you pick.
What affects the price
- Area. Turf is priced by the square foot, so area drives the total: about $6–$20 per sq. ft. means roughly $3,000–$10,000 for 500 sq. ft. Very small jobs cost more per square foot because of minimum charges.
- Turf quality and pile height. Turf alone ranges from about $2 to $8 per sq. ft. Polypropylene is cheapest, polyethylene is the common middle choice and nylon costs the most. Denser, taller pile and pet-specific products add roughly $1–$2 per sq. ft.
- Base preparation. Installers excavate the old soil and compact a crushed-rock base so the turf drains and stays flat. Base materials run about $0.35–$2.25 per sq. ft., and excavation and grading make up much of the labor charge of $4–$9 per sq. ft.
- Infill. Most lawns get about 1 lb of infill per sq. ft. Silica sand costs around $0.30 per lb, while acrylic-coated sand, zeolite (for pet odor) and crumb rubber run about $1–$1.75 per lb.
- Removal of the existing lawn. Stripping existing grass adds about $1–$2.75 per sq. ft., and many installers price it separately. Ask whether removal and haul-away are in the quote.
- Drainage. Turf drains through its backing, but yards with heavy clay or standing water may need added drainage, typically $1,000–$4,000 or more. See our French drain cost guide if water pools in the yard.
Ways to save
- Remove the old lawn yourself; Angi estimates doing prep work can save about $3–$5 per sq. ft. in labor.
- Keep the layout simple. Curves, cutouts and turf between pavers add 15%–20% or $1–$3 per sq. ft.
- Choose a mid-range polyethylene turf instead of nylon for a typical backyard; nylon's extra durability matters mostly for putting greens and very heavy use.
- Check your water utility for turf-replacement or lawn-conversion rebates, common in Western states. Many programs exclude artificial turf, so read the rules before you sign.
- Get at least three itemized quotes listing the turf brand and face weight, base depth, infill type, edging and warranty so you can compare like for like.
Related questions people ask
How much does artificial turf cost?
Artificial turf costs about $2–$8 per sq. ft. for the turf alone and $6–$20 per sq. ft. installed. For a typical project, most homeowners pay $3,200–$8,700.
How much does artificial turf for a backyard cost?
A typical 500 sq. ft. backyard costs about $3,000–$10,000 installed, with Lawn Love's average near $6,400. Larger 1,000 sq. ft. backyards run about $6,000–$20,000.
How much does artificial turf cost per square foot?
Installed artificial turf costs $6–$20 per sq. ft. in most markets, with Lawn Love putting the average at about $12.75. Premium products and difficult sites can reach $25 per sq. ft.
How to get an accurate quote
Get at least three written quotes from installers who specialize in synthetic turf, and give each the same details:
- The area in square feet, a sketch of the shape, and photos showing slopes, curves, trees and paved edges.
- What's there now (grass, dirt, gravel or concrete) and whether you want the installer to remove it.
- How the area will be used (pets, kids, putting green) so they can recommend fiber type, pile height and infill.
- Ask what is included: excavation depth, base material, weed barrier, infill, edging, haul-away and the product and installation warranties.
FAQ
How long does artificial turf last?
Quality artificial grass lasts about 15–25 years with proper care, according to HomeGuide. Brushing, rinsing and topping up infill help it last.
Does artificial turf need maintenance?
Less than a real lawn, but some. Expect about $250–$350 a year if you pay for brushing and infill top-ups, plus leaf and debris removal.
Is artificial turf cheaper than sod over time?
Sod costs much less up front, at about $1–$2 per sq. ft. installed, but needs ongoing mowing, watering and fertilizing. Turf costs more at the start and saves on upkeep, so it pays off faster in dry regions with high water costs. Compare our sod installation cost guide.
More Lawn & Garden costs
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost to Install? [2026 Data] (updated Sep 5, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Lawn Love — How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in 2026? (updated Dec 27, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- LawnStarter — How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in 2026? (updated Oct 5, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost? (2026) (Oct 21, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Fixr — Artificial Grass Installation Cost (pile height data) (updated Aug 19, 2022). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.