How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost to Install? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost for artificial grass installation is $5,783, based on 2,284 verified projects from Angi Pros. Most homeowners pay between $3,244 and $8,711, with materials ranging from $2 to $8 per square foot—driven primarily by turf type, installation area size, and the extent of ground prep required.

Artificial Turf Cost Factors: What Determines the Price?

Several factors determine the total price of an artificial turf project, from yard size and turf type to labor and ground prep. Understanding each factor before you get quotes helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Here is a breakdown of the key cost factors to consider:

Yard Size and Shape

Artificial grass installation costs between $2 to $8 per square foot, though stores typically sell it per roll or linear foot. You'll pay $1 to $3 per square foot more for an artificial grass installation pro to cut curves or fit turf into non-standard-sized spaces, like between individual pavers. Straightforward rectangular yards are the most affordable to install, while irregular shapes and tight spaces like paver gaps add to your labor costs.

Artificial Grass Cost by Type

There are three main types of artificial grass, and the type you choose is one of the biggest drivers of your material cost. Selecting a turf that matches your traffic level and use case helps you avoid premature wear and costly replacements. Here is how the three main types compare:

Turf Brand

The brand of artificial grass you choose can significantly affect your per-square-foot material cost, with high-end brands running several dollars more than common store brands. Mid-range and budget brands offer solid performance for most residential yards, while premium brands are better suited to specialized or high-visibility applications. Here is how popular brands compare on price:

Blade Shape

Turf blades come in different shapes that mimic natural grass. Some are softer, which feels great on the feet, while others are stiffer and more durable. You can expect to spend more on highly durable, heat-resistant blade types (like “W”-shaped blades) than you would on softer, less durable blades (like “S”-shaped blades).

Base Material

Installing a base material is essential to avoid wrinkles, bumps, and potential flooding in your artificial turf, and it costs $1.20 to $2.25 per square foot. The right subbase depends on your soil type, drainage needs, and local climate. Here is a breakdown of common subbase options and their costs:

Infill

Infill protects your artificial grass from the sun, provides cushioning underfoot, and keeps the blades upright, costing $0.30 to $1.75 per pound. You'll need about 1 pound of infill per square foot of artificial turf, so your infill budget scales directly with your yard size. Here is how common infill types compare on cost:

Labor

Labor costs range between $4 to $9 per square foot, depending on the size of the yard and the amount of excavation needed. Straightforward installs on flat, accessible ground fall toward the lower end, while complex jobs with uneven terrain or tight spaces push costs higher. Getting multiple quotes from installers helps you understand what's driving labor costs for your specific yard.

Preparation and Cleanup Costs

Prepping for artificial grass installation starts with excavating the yard to level the ground, which costs $50 to $200 per cubic yard and gives your lawn a clean, even base. Cleanup after installation—including disposing of old dirt and grass—costs between $8 to $25 per cubic yard. If the organic material can stay on your property rather than being hauled away, that disposal cost drops to an average of $1 to $15 per cubic yard.

Location

Where you install artificial grass directly affects your total cost, since some locations require specialized materials and tools that a standard backyard install does not. Rooftops, stairways, pool areas, and concrete surfaces all carry higher installation costs than a typical backyard. If your project involves one of these locations, ask your installer for a site-specific quote before finalizing your budget.

Artificial Grass Ongoing Costs: What to Budget For

Artificial grass lasts 10 to 20 years with very little maintenance, but there are some ongoing costs you'll incur to keep it in good shape. Routine upkeep is minimal compared to natural grass, though repairs, infill replacement, and periodic cleaning do add up over time. Here is what to expect for ongoing costs:

Calculations are based on a small- to -medium-sized turf installation, which is 200 square feet. We converted these dimensions to 3 cubic yards. Calculations rounded to the nearest whole number.

How to Calculate Your Artificial Grass Cost

The size of the area you're installing artificial grass on is a large contributing factor to your overall cost—the more yards you turf, the more materials and labor time you will use. Another factor that impacts the price you pay is the turf itself—factors like brand, shape, and quality vary and could increase or decrease your price. Other considerations include:

• The shape and accessibility of the area

• What's installed underneath the turf

• The infill you choose

• Overall labor costs

• Landscaping requirements

Speaking with a local turf installation pro can help you with a personalized quote for your specific wants and needs and can even help direct you to the turf type that would be best for your lawn.

Artificial Grass Additional Costs: What to Budget For

For the best longevity and appearance, most artificial grass projects require add-ons beyond the turf itself, and budgeting for these upfront prevents surprises. The most common add-ons range from site prep services to drainage and edging work. Some common add-ons include:

• Grass removal: $1 to $2.75 per sq. ft.

• Tree removal: $200 to $2,000

• Irrigation: $2,400 to $4,200

• Drainage installation: $2,100 to $7,000

• Weed barrier: $0.40 to $0.80 per sq. ft.

• Grass edging: $1 to $5 per linear foot

• Yard regrading: $1,000 to $3,300

Ways to Save on Artificial Grass Costs

A few smart choices before and during your project can meaningfully reduce your artificial turf costs. Here are some tips that can save you money on artificial turf costs.

• DIY the prep work: By handling prep yourself, you may be able to bring down labor costs by as much as $3 to $5 per square foot. Communicate with your installer first to confirm you're prepping correctly—clearing the top 2 inches of soil, removing weeds, and adding gravel to level the surface are all tasks most homeowners can handle.

• Choose budget-friendly materials: Budget-friendly turf types can lead to higher long-term maintenance costs, but choosing more affordable materials in low-traffic areas is a practical way to save. Skip high-end brands and look for affordable manufacturers with strong ratings for your turf, subbase, infill, and edging.

• Use recycled or reclaimed turf: Since turf is essentially plastic, it can be recycled and reclaimed with ease. Opting for recycled turf instead of brand-new turf is one of the most effective ways to reduce your overall project cost.

Why You Should Hire an Artificial Grass Installation Pro

It costs between $2,000 and $4,000 to install artificial grass yourself. If you’re going the DIY route, expect to pay $685 for tools and materials, not including the cost of the turf. 

Flooding, water damage, and misshapen turf from DIY installation all lead to costly repairs that will make you wish you had hired a pro with the proper equipment. Consider hiring a local turf installation pro for $3 to $9 per square foot for the best results.

Here’s why it’s ideal to hire an artificial grass installation pro

DIY artificial grass installation can lead to inconvenient and costly mistakes. Here’s why it’s best to hire a pro for the job:

• Professionals know how to prevent uneven surfaces, drainage issues, and premature wear.

• DIY installation can lead to wrinkles, poor drainage, and premature damage, all of which can cost thousands to fix.

• Reputable installers offer warranties for added protection and peace of mind.

• Professionally installed artificial grass looks more natural, lasts longer, and can increase your property value.

If you want to DIY artificial grass installation

If you want to assist your pro, consider taking on smaller tasks like:

• Removing weeds, shrubs, and debris from the area before installation

• Assisting with simple landscaping tasks around the work area

• Organizing tools, turf rolls, and infill materials for your installer

• Arranging furniture and outdoor decor once the turf is in place

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We’ve surveyed thousands of real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.