When deciding between artificial turf and a natural lawn, it's important to assess the cost implications carefully. We've outlined five essential cost calculations to help you compare the expenses associated with installing and maintaining artificial turf versus a natural lawn.
Installation Costs Artificial Turf: The installation of artificial grass involves several steps. First, the area must be measured, and a design plan needs to be developed. Then, the existing natural grass is removed, and fillers are added to ensure a smooth surface. Finally, the artificial turf is installed, paying close attention to achieving a seamless and lifelike appearance. Installation costs typically range from $8 to $14 per square foot, depending on the selected turf and the necessary prep work.
Once installed, our artificial turf comes with a 15-year warranty, offering minimal maintenance and costs for at least 15 years.
Real Grass: Installing natural grass is significantly less expensive, with costs ranging from $0.50 to $1 per square foot. However, ongoing expenses include watering upon installation and ongoing maintenance, including fertilization, mowing, and trimming.
Mow Strip/Bender Board Bender boards are used to separate your artificial grass from the rest of your landscape or garden. You can expect to spend approximately $21 for a four-inch roll that is twenty feet long. Make sure to include this cost in your budget by calculating the perimeter length of your project to determine the number of rolls required.
Weed Barrier Fabric For artificial turf, it's essential to include the cost of weed barrier fabric to prevent weeds from emerging through the turf. Typically, this fabric is sold in rolls of 1,500 square feet, and the cost is approximately $75 per roll. A single roll is usually sufficient to cover your designated area.
Turf Infill Turf infill costs vary significantly depending on your choice of material. Common options include:
- Acrylic coated sand
- Flex sand
- Rubber
- Silica sand
While it may be tempting to cut costs on infill, remember the saying, "buy nice or buy twice." High-quality infill can save you money in the long run. On average, you'll need about 1-2 pounds of infill per square foot.
- Miscellaneous Don't overlook budgeting for miscellaneous items, such as stakes, glue, nails, seaming tape, and other supplies required for the installation of artificial turf. These items are essential components of your artificial turf project's overall cost.