Like any home renovation, the cost of installing an artificial grass lawn varies widely. Expect to spend anywhere from $12 – $25 per square foot when purchasing a quality turf and installation services.
Standard synthetic turf systems generally range from $12 – $18 per square foot. Specialty custom installations, such as artificial golf greens or playground systems, range from $16 – $25 per square foot.
To understand why the range is so large, consider the two major factors that influence the cost of any artificial grass project:
- The cost of turf installation (labor and additional landscaping materials)
Landscaping with synthetic grass in the Seattle area introduces two additional factors that have an impact on the cost.
- First, the Puget Sound area is wet. Any artificial turf installation needs to drain well.
- Second, like any town in the Cascade range, the Seattle area is hilly. This makes landscaping more challenging, which in turn, influences the cost of a turf installation project.
The Price Of Artificial Turf Materials
Not all artificial grass is the same. Naturally, material choice significantly affects price, and the section below on common materials and choosing the right turf explains why turf quality can affect both performance and cost. Artificial turf cost and installation cost also often vary by synthetic grass selection and site conditions.
While prices vary, the cost to install artificial grass nationally is often cited at a lower price per square foot, but we’re focusing on local pricing for a quality installation. Most high-quality turf products retail from $4 – $7 per square foot. These factors affect turf pricing, total cost, and final price, especially when you compare backing material, pile height, and yarn face weight for premium options.
Polypropylene Turf: Excellent price/performance balance
At Synthetic Turf Northwest, our unique turf systems are made with a polypropylene backing and blades. Though turf materials vary, polyethylene is the most popular choice for realistic-looking grass, nylon costs more but suits sports fields and other high-traffic areas, and polypropylene is the more budget-friendly option when choosing the appropriate turf.
Polypropylene is inexpensive to manufacture and readily available. (And highly recyclable!) So polypropylene turf tends to be surprisingly well-priced.
But don’t let the price fool you. For realistic, natural-looking lawns that feel fantastic and last for years, nothing beats it!
Artificial turf cost also varies because products come in different styles, pile heights, colors, face weights, and backing systems, and those details affect quality, green turf performance, and price.
The favorable cost of polypropylene turf belies another important characteristic: polypropylene is resistant to absorbing moisture.
The Puget Sound area gets frequent, light rain. In fact, Seattle sees an average of 150 rainy days per year! So it’s important that any synthetic lawn can drain and dry quickly.
Our polypropylene turf won’t absorb water. Coupled with our quadflow drainage design, our artificial lawns drain quickly and dry fast. Higher face weight and premium backing, such as polyurethane instead of standard latex, can increase pricing but improve durability and stability for a low maintenance lawn.
Polypropylene turf is ideal for the rainy Pacific Northwest and creates stunning lawns at a reasonable price, even as water restrictions push more homeowners to consider a low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. Some premium products also add cooling or antimicrobial features, which can make them the right turf for specific needs, like pet areas, and improve curb appeal.
High-quality artificial turf typically lasts 15 to 25 years with proper care, helping make synthetic lawns a cost effective solution with lower maintenance costs than natural grass.
Cost Of Artificial Turf Installation
Landscaping with synthetic turf ranges anywhere from $8 – $18 per square foot. The cost to install is usually quoted per sq ft, and the installation cost is a combination of labor cost, site preparation, base materials, a weed barrier, drainage systems, and other materials.
In addition to the turf itself, proper installation requires crushed gravel, usually decomposed granite, infill sands, and the edging systems that hold everything in place. For homeowners planning a full turf install, it may also include measuring, grading, and cleanup, while additional costs can come up if you install artificial turf on slopes, curves, rooftops, or other tricky layouts where placement is more involved. Professional installation is often the better choice, because artificial lawn installation involves more than just rolling out product, and professional installation ensures a cleaner, longer-lasting finish. Polypropylene turf is a budget-friendly option, but while it costs less than some premium materials, it is less durable in extreme heat.
Compared with natural grass, a synthetic lawn can also reduce upkeep costs significantly: annual natural lawn care often runs about $1,500 to $6,000, while artificial turf maintenance is usually about $250 to $350 per year. This long-term gap can save money over time, especially in wet regions.
Synthetic Turf Installation Costs: Seattle
In hilly, wet places like Seattle, it makes sense to hire professionals who know how to create a synthetic lawn with natural appearance and proper drainage. In areas with a higher cost of living, like Seattle, the final price can climb further, especially on slopes or uneven ground where extra grading is needed.
Turf material design is not enough to ensure good drainage. The way the site is prepared, from removing existing grass and installing base materials to adding a weed barrier and, when needed, improving drainage systems, is essential to ensure rain drains away quickly and completely. Site preparation, removing existing grass and adding base materials, plus professional installation labor costs significantly affects the installation cost, pushing rates to $10 to $15 per square foot depending on the project. Working with professional installers helps with accurate turf placement, and ensures a seamless finish that protects turf lifespan. Homeowners who choose DIY may save $3,000 to $11,000 on average, but improper DIY work can lead to costly repairs later.
Synthetic Turf Installation Costs: Other Complexities
Other factors can influence the final cost of an artificial grass project, and professional installers know how to handle uneven ground and achieve precise turf placement so the surface looks natural and drains properly.
- Ease of access to the job site: hilly terrain, stairs, narrow access points, etc.
- Project size & complexity: most homeowners install turf as part of a larger project, so the total area in sq ft, curves, and layout details all matter. Professional installation also ensures proper grading and drainage that helps prevent flooding and support longer turf lifespan. Slopes and curves increase labor time, and can raise costs. In Seattle, installation costs often run higher than average because West Coast labor rates are steeper, and crews with turf experience may charge more for better long-term performance.
- Add-ons: edging is often priced by the linear foot, and infill, base repair, or other additional costs can affect the final number. Ask about seasonal discounts, financing options, and potential savings before you sign.
- Specialty applications: putting green turf, rooftop patios, playgrounds, sports fields, and premium turf for high traffic areas often require different materials or installation methods.
Summary
Expect to spend anywhere from $12 – $25 per square foot for a quality synthetic turf product with installation, though a larger artificial lawn can lower the per-square-foot rate while smaller jobs often cost more per square foot because fixed fees are spread over fewer square feet. A 500 sq ft project can fall between $6,500 to $16,000 depending on materials and complexity.
When it comes to the cost of installing a synthetic lawn, it’s worth hiring a professional turf installer. Professionals know to avoid the common mistakes made when installing synthetic turf.
They have the tools to do the job quickly and the experience to do it properly, without mistakes or wasted material. Working with a specialty company and professional installers doesn’t mean you pay more. In many cases, it will lower your cost and improve the quality of your landscaping project, especially when add-ons, specialty features, sports fields, putting green turf, or pet areas with enhanced drainage increase the final price. Compared with natural grass, this can be a cost-effective solution with lower maintenance costs, and better curb appeal that helps save money over time despite the upfront investment.
Contact us to ask questions, discuss your ideas and get pricing for your synthetic turf project, including financing options, seasonal discounts, and other potential savings for larger projects.