How Much Does Artificial Turf Cost?
$8 – $20 / sq ft
National average: $12.75 / sq ft
Estimate your cost
Adjust the options for a tailored ballpark — figures and the regional adjustment are approximate estimates. Always confirm with local quotes before you budget.
Artificial turf trades a lifetime of watering and mowing for a higher upfront cost. Installed, it runs $8 to $20 per square foot in 2026, averaging around $12.75 — and most of that is labor and base prep, not the turf itself.
What you’re paying for
The synthetic grass is only $2–$8 per square foot. The bulk of the cost — 50–60% — is excavating the old lawn, building a compacted aggregate base for drainage, installing and seaming the turf, and adding infill. Good base prep is what separates a flat, well-draining lawn from a wrinkled, puddling one.
Cost by component and grade
The table below breaks down the per-square-foot cost by component and turf grade, from standard landscape turf to premium putting greens.
Is it worth it?
The case for turf is long-term savings and convenience: no watering (big in drought regions), no mowing, no fertilizing, and a green lawn year-round. Over 5–10 years those savings offset the upfront cost, and quality turf lasts 15–25 years. The case against: the upfront price, summer heat retention, and a less “natural” feel than grass.
Base prep is everything
If you take one thing away: the base determines the result. A properly excavated, compacted, well-draining base keeps the turf flat, firm, and puddle-free for decades. It’s the least visible line item and the one never to cut.
How to save on artificial turf
- Choose landscape-grade turf unless you need pet or putting-green grades.
- Do larger areas to lower the per-square-foot setup cost.
- Never skimp on base prep — it’s the difference between a 20-year lawn and a 2-year one.
- Get multiple quotes — installation pricing varies widely.
| Component | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf material | $2 – $8 / sq ft | — |
| Base prep & aggregate | $3 – $8 / sq ft | — |
| Installation labor | $4 – $10 / sq ft | — |
| Infill | $0.50 – $2 / sq ft | — |
| Old lawn removal | $1 – $3 / sq ft | — |
| Option | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf material (landscape grade) | $2 – $8 / sq ft | — |
| Base prep + labor | $6 – $14 / sq ft | — |
| Pet-grade turf (installed) | $10 – $18 / sq ft | — |
| Putting green / premium | $15 – $25 / sq ft | — |
What affects the price
- Yard size Smaller projects cost more per square foot because of fixed setup fees.
- Turf quality Pet-grade, premium, and putting-green turf cost more than standard landscape grade.
- Base preparation Excavation, a compacted aggregate base, and drainage are essential — and a big share of labor.
- Site conditions Slopes, poor drainage, and tight access raise prep costs.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does artificial turf cost per square foot?
- Installed, it runs $8–$20 per square foot, averaging about $12.75. The turf material is $2–$8; the rest is base prep and labor.
- Is artificial turf worth it?
- It eliminates watering, mowing, and fertilizing, so it pays back over 5–10 years in water and maintenance savings — especially in drought-prone areas. The trade-off is the upfront cost.
- How long does artificial turf last?
- Quality turf lasts 15–25 years with light maintenance (rinsing, brushing, keeping debris off).
- Is artificial turf pet-friendly?
- Yes — pet-grade turf with proper drainage and antimicrobial infill handles pets well. It costs a bit more ($10–$18/sq ft installed).
- Why does base prep matter so much?
- The compacted aggregate base under the turf provides drainage and a level, stable surface. Skimping leads to puddling, wrinkles, and an uneven lawn — it's where quality installs earn their cost.
- Does artificial turf get hot?
- It can get warm in direct summer sun. Lighter colors, cooling infills, and a quick rinse help; it's a real consideration in very hot climates.
How we estimate: ranges reflect typical U.S. pricing for materials and professional installation, compiled and cross-checked against the current (2026) industry sources listed below (see our data & methodology). Your actual cost depends on your location, project size, material grade, and local labor rates — always get multiple written quotes before you commit.
Sources
Cost ranges on this page were checked against current (2026) data from these industry sources: