How much does a synthetic lawn cost? [November 2024]

How much does the actual artificial turf cost?
 

Artificial turf is usually priced per square metre, varying in cost depending on the turf quality. 

You can choose to supply the turf yourself or have your gardener source it locally for you.  However, note that you’ll often be charged an additional 20 - 25% to help cover your gardener's time and effort sourcing. 
 

What other factors affect the cost of laying artificial turf?
 

In addition to the size of your garden, and turf quality, there are many other factors to consider when calculating the cost of installing a synthetic lawn. The shape of your garden, pre-installation prep and where you live are all important cost factors.
 

1. Where you live
 

You'll typically pay a premium for gardening servcies in London, where you can expect to pay at least 20% more compared to other areas of the UK.  
 

2. Shape of your lawn
 

The shape of your lawn can affect how much turf you will need to purchase. Since artificial turf usually comes in large rectangular rolls, it will need to be carefully trimmed and cut to fit a curved or irregularly shaped lawn. This is especially true for lawns with features like trees or pathways. The precise cutting and fitting process demands more time and labour, which can increase installation costs. 
 

3. Ground preparation

Before your gardener can even begin laying any turf, the soil beneath needs to be properly prepared and ready for installation. The ground should be clear of any weeds, stones or existing turf before levelling out to create a smooth surface. The ground should have a very slight slope to it in order to ensure proper drainage once the turf is laid.

When laying artificial turf, it’s important to lay down a barrier to stop weeds from growing up through the turf once installed. This is often called a weed barrier or landscape fabric. 

This process can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days, depending on the size of your lawn. While you can save money by doing it yourself, the process involves a lot of groundwork, which can be both labour-intensive and time-consuming. As a result, many people choose to hire a professional gardener to handle the job instead.

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Should I make the switch to artificial turf?
 

Deciding between artificial turf or real grass can be a tough decision. Synthetic lawns are becoming increasingly popular, with 21% of UK homeowners having either replaced their natural grass lawn with artificial turf or plan to do so in the future. [1]

The low maintenance that comes along with a synthetic lawn is certainly a reason why many are making the switch. Unlike natural grass, synthetic turf doesn't require regular mowing, watering, or weeding. Although occasional cleaning may be needed to remove bird droppings, leaves and other debris, this is typically a quick task using a brush. This can mean that an artificial lawn may save you money on your water bill in the long term, especially in the summer. [2] 

Artificial turf is incredibly durable, often lasting up to 20 years when properly installed. You won’t have to deal with patchy or discoloured areas, ensuring a green garden all year round, no matter the weather. Of course, while artificial turf is certainly getting more realistic year by year, it still doesn’t fully replicate the lushness of real grass turf, and the biodiversity it brings.

A synthetic lawn often comes with a higher initial installation cost than natural grass. Achieving a seamless, natural appearance requires more meticulous and precise placement, meaning installation can take longer. Artificial turf also generally costs considerably more per square meter.

However, despite the higher upfront investment, synthetic turf often proves to be a more cost-effective choice in the long run due to the lower maintaince.

You can read more about laying real grass turf in our turfing cost guide.

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What are the different types of artificial turf?

Not all artificial turf is the same. There's three main types of synthetic grass to choose from - nylon, polypropylene and polyethylene.

Nylon 

Nylon is the most durable of the three types of artificial turf materials, being 26% stronger than Polypropylene and an impressive 33% stronger than Polyethylene. [3] This makes Nylon an excellent choice for high-traffic areas or households with kids and pets. However, Nylon can be quite rough to touch, known for causing ‘turf burn’. Due to it's strengh, nylon often tops out as the most expensive option. 

Polypropylene

Polypropylene is generally the most budget-friendly type of artificial grass. While it offers reasonable durability, and is soft feeling, it often falls short in other areas, such as appearance, as it tends to look less realistic compared to other materials.  

Polyethylene

Polyethlene combines the best qualities of both plastics, making it the most popular choice for artificial turf. [3] It’s durable, soft to the touch, and resilient, providing a natural look and feel. It’s usually good value for money, typically sitting somewhere between Nylon and Polypropylene on price point. 
 

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Can I lay artificial turf myself? 

Whilst it may be tempting to lay your artificial turf yourself to cut costs, installing a synthetic lawn can be deceptively tricky. 

Laying synthetic grass is a skilled task that requires precision and intense labour. A professional gardener posses the expert knowledge to properly prepare the ground and install artificial turf on lawns of all shapes and sizes. They'll also come equipped with professional tools and materials to get the job done efficiently. 

Additionally, a professional gardening service will often include waste removal, ensuring that your garden waste is disposed of responsibly. Many services also offer a guarantee on their work for up to 72 hours, providing peace of mind by addressing any issues that may arise after installation.

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Where can I find a gardener to install a synthetic lawn? 
 

There are many ways to find a professional gardener to install a synthetic lawn. You could start by searching on social media, or ask friends and family if they have any recommendations if they’ve had any recent garden work done. Community boards and local forums are also excellent places to look for trusted gardeners. Your local garden centre may also have a list of reliable contacts or may even offer turf installation services themselves.

To take the hassle out of finding a trusted gardener, you could book with a professional tradesperson service, such as Housekeep. Simply tell us what you need doing, and we’ll give you a quote. We’ll instantly match you with an experienced, vetted gardener as at a date and time that suits you. 
 

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Sources

1. Aviva: Number of UK homes with artificial lawns expected to grow 
2. Lawn master: Watering your lawn
3. Neograss: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Artificial Grass For Your Garden Lawn