Artificial Turf Cost Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$2,400 – $3,900
$8.00 – $13.00 per sq ft (installed)
Material
$900 – $1,500
Labor
$1,500 – $2,400
Coverage
300 sq ft
Turf Quality
Mid-Range
Infill Tip: Most installations include silica sand or crumb rubber infill in the labor cost. Infill weighs down the turf, supports blade structure, and improves drainage. Ask your installer about zeolite infill ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft extra) for odor control in pet areas.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Artificial Turf Cost Breakdown
| Turf Quality | Material / Sq Ft | Labor / Sq Ft | Total / Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy (short pile) | $2.00 – $3.50 | $4.00 – $6.00 | $6.00 – $9.50 |
| Mid-Range (medium pile) | $3.00 – $5.00 | $5.00 – $8.00 | $8.00 – $13.00 |
| Premium (tall pile) | $5.00 – $8.00 | $6.00 – $10.00 | $11.00 – $18.00 |
| Pet-Friendly | $4.00 – $7.00 | $5.00 – $8.00 | $9.00 – $15.00 |
* Costs shown with standard crushed rock base (1.0× labor). Concrete overlay reduces labor by 15%, lawn replacement adds 15%.
Average Project Costs (Mid-Range, Standard Base)
| Project | Size | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|
| Small Yard | 15 × 10 ft (150 sq ft) | $1,200 – $1,950 |
| Front Yard | 25 × 15 ft (375 sq ft) | $3,000 – $4,875 |
| Backyard | 30 × 20 ft (600 sq ft) | $4,800 – $7,800 |
| Large Yard | 40 × 30 ft (1,200 sq ft) | $9,600 – $15,600 |
How We Calculate
Our artificial turf cost calculator estimates project costs based on area dimensions, turf quality, and installation base type. Material cost depends on turf quality, while labor cost is adjusted by the type of base preparation required.
How the math works: Area = length × width. Material cost = area × turf price per sq ft. Labor cost = area × labor rate × base multiplier. The base multiplier adjusts labor: standard crushed rock base is 1.0×, concrete overlay is 0.85× (less prep), and replacing existing lawn is 1.15× (includes sod removal and grading).
Turf Quality Comparison
Economy (short pile) ($2–$3.50/sq ft material, $4–$6/sq ft labor) has shorter blades and basic appearance. Suitable for utility areas, dog runs, and areas not viewed up close. Lifespan: 8–15 years.
Mid-Range (medium pile) ($3–$5/sq ft material, $5–$8/sq ft labor) is the most popular choice for residential lawns. Good blade density, realistic appearance, and UV protection. Lifespan: 15–20 years.
Premium (tall pile, realistic) ($5–$8/sq ft material, $6–$10/sq ft labor) features multi-toned blades with brown thatch for the most realistic look. Used for front yards, putting greens, and showcase areas. Lifespan: 20–25 years.
Pet-Friendly ($4–$7/sq ft material, $5–$8/sq ft labor) includes enhanced drainage holes (perforated backing), antimicrobial treatment, and is designed for easy cleaning. The best choice for homes with dogs. Lifespan: 15–20 years.
Installation Base Types
Standard (crushed rock) is the most common installation method: excavate 3–4 inches, lay geotextile fabric, compact 2–3 inches of crushed rock, then install turf with infill. Concrete overlay requires less base prep (0.85× labor) — turf is glued directly over existing concrete. Replacing existing lawn adds 15% to labor for sod removal, soil hauling, and regrading.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover turf material, infill, and installation labor including base preparation. Not included: specialty infill upgrades like zeolite ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft), drainage systems for problem areas ($2–$5/sq ft), edging and borders ($2–$5/linear ft), and sprinkler capping ($50–$100 per head). Some municipalities offer water conservation rebates of $1–$3/sq ft for turf-to-artificial conversions.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, turf manufacturer MSRP guides, and verified installer estimates across multiple US regions. Costs include standard silica sand infill and typical residential installation conditions.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does artificial turf cost? +
Artificial turf costs $6–$18 per square foot installed, depending on quality. Economy turf runs $6–$9.50/sq ft, mid-range $8–$13/sq ft, premium $11–$18/sq ft, and pet-friendly $9–$15/sq ft. A typical 600 sq ft backyard installation costs $4,800–$7,800 for mid-range turf.
How long does artificial turf last? +
Quality artificial turf lasts 15–25 years with proper maintenance. Premium turf with UV protection can last 20–25 years. Economy turf may show wear after 8–12 years in high-traffic areas. Most manufacturers offer 8–15 year warranties.
Is artificial turf worth the investment? +
Artificial turf pays for itself in 3–7 years through eliminated water bills ($100–$300/month savings in dry climates), no mowing, no fertilizer, and no lawn care service. The average homeowner saves $2,000–$5,000 per year in water and maintenance costs. It also increases curb appeal year-round.
Does artificial turf get hot? +
Yes, artificial turf can reach 120–170°F on hot summer days — significantly hotter than natural grass. Mitigation options include light-colored infill, shade structures, and misting systems. Some premium turfs feature heat-reduction technology. Water misting can cool turf by 30–50°F.
Can dogs use artificial turf? +
Yes, pet-friendly artificial turf is designed for dogs with enhanced drainage, antimicrobial backing, and easy cleaning. Solid waste is picked up normally. Rinse urine areas with water weekly and use enzyme cleaner monthly. Zeolite infill ($0.50–$1.00/sq ft extra) helps control odors.
Does artificial turf need maintenance? +
Minimal maintenance is needed: brush or rake the turf every 1–2 months to keep blades upright, rinse with water to remove dust, and remove debris like leaves. Pet areas need weekly rinsing. No mowing, watering, fertilizing, or pest control required — saving 50+ hours per year.
Can I install artificial turf myself? +
DIY is possible and saves $4–$10/sq ft in labor, but it’s labor-intensive. You’ll need to excavate 3–4 inches of soil, lay and compact a crushed rock base, install weed barrier, cut and seam the turf, and spread infill. Improper base prep leads to drainage issues and an uneven surface. For areas over 200 sq ft, professional installation is recommended.
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