Artificial Grass Cost: 8 Easy Steps to Take Before You Buy

Follow these 8 easy steps and your project will run smoothly!

Grab a pen and pad of paper so you can jot down some notes and jot down your thoughts as we guide you through capturing the vision of your new low-maintenance dream lawn, landscape or putting green.

1. What does the area look like when it is finished?

To help you visualize, you can get gardening and landscape magazines and flip through them. Go to home shows to see exhibits, visit garden and landscape websites, and watch shows on TV to help spark ideas! Even driving around the local area to see what appeals to you in other landscape designs can help you build a palette of ideas on which to build your wish list for your new project.

Thinking things through before requesting a quote will help you describe to your designer or contractor exactly what you want in the area, and more importantly, help them envision the right solutions to meet your wants and site needs; after all, they are there to help put their experience and know how to work for YOU to help build the project of YOUR dreams.

To locate a professional designer in your area, check online with APLD (Association of Professional Landscape Designers) to find someone near you, in the US.

Important elements to consider that can affect the cost of artificial grass installation:

Job site access – stairs, slopes, and other obstructions create delays and increase labor costs

Site preparation needs will determine almost 30% of the cost of your work. Demolition, excavation, grading and additional structures must be considered in your budget

What are the high traffic patterns of the area? Will you need to add walkways, a seating wall, or perhaps a new stone deck or patio?

Do you see any landscape elements you want to change, such as the location or size of lawn or garden areas or perhaps the addition or removal of irrigation systems, drainage, planters, gas or propane barbecues/grills, fireplaces, lighting, or water features?

2. Examine all aspects of the workplace: Is there an item you need to add to your list that needs to be fixed, replaced, or in need of some renovation? Again, put these items on your wish list to discuss with your designer or contractor…

Does your area drain well? Could it be improved?

Artificial turf installers typically provide complete services including digging, drainage, and installation and modification for your landscaping needs.

Renovations can pose some interesting challenges. Keep them in mind! Demolition and removal costs can add up to dollars in time, labor, transportation, containers, and dump fees.

To reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, you can put some sweat into the project. Find out what you can do to help prepare the site for the contractor; it could be as simple as removing an existing grass area.

3. Learn more about artificial turf materials, how they are made, their uses, typical installation guidelines, and any local design or building codes that require specific action on your part.

For example, some homeowners and merchant associations (retail stores and office buildings) require that you submit plans for new projects and obtain approval prior to construction.

To get started, check with your local water provider and see if they offer rebates to homeowners who choose to replace irrigated areas with drought-resistant plants and artificial turf materials with natural grass. You can find that information online on the ASGi water rebate program pages.

No state or county in the US limits the use of artificial turf for landscape or sports use; if you have restrictions, they will be from local organizations that require design guidelines for your property. Check with your homeowners or merchant association to see if they have posted guidelines for you to follow and if they can provide you with access to print or online materials; some cities have “design guidelines” that you must follow, especially in historic and commercial districts.

Many can request to see samples of work materials and detailed drawings from their contractor or designer. Be sure to request samples and quote time in your schedules if you need to respond to such requests.

4. Familiarize yourself with the standard installation guidelines for artificial turf and synthetic turf materials manufactured and used for landscaping, gardens, and putting greens for your area, so you can make an informed decision about which solution and provider to choose. You can download a free copy of the ASGi Standard Installation Guidelines at the end of the article.

Artificial turf materials are generally sold and marketed by professional installers (contractors) as “systems” of various components and materials integrated to provide the final look, form, and function necessary to achieve your project goals. Just as a deck, patio, or even a swimming pool is designed and specified using different types of processes, work materials, and third-party equipment, an artificial turf installation is about more than the beautiful green leaves you see on top once the job is complete.

A professional installer or designer will always consider your local site and soil conditions, environment and weather (rain or snow) and area use before determining the final specification for your custom project. Without a physical inspection of the site and an eye on the vision of what you are trying to achieve, it would be almost impossible for a professional to provide you with a “statistical” quote over the phone.

You can easily research uses and download a copy of industry standard construction guidelines for artificial turf at ASGi, the Association of Synthetic Turf Installers website.

5. Find a designer or contractor who is familiar with installing synthetic turf and artificial turf. Invite several professionals to your site so that you have contrasting and comparing information to use in completing your decision.

Many states require builders to maintain active licenses to legally contract for the installation of artificial turf products for landscapes, gardens, and putting greens. You can check with your local builders exchange or licensing bureau for more specific information for your area or go to ASGi’s US State Contractors Licensing Board Index. Another source of qualified and licensed operators online is ServiceMagic, which pre-screens the appropriate licenses, bonds and insurance.

6. Ask to see your prospective contractor’s local work. As with any construction project, there is as much art in the workmanship as there is in the craft of any job.

Ask for contact information about referrals. Take the time to personally check your references and workmanship, up close and personal. Organize an on-site visit of various facilities.

For business reference checks, at no cost to you, contact the Better Business Bureau; even if a business is not a member, the BBB may have information for you, as well as referrals to local licensed contractors in your area.

7. Before going ahead with any contractor, get their agreement in writing, signed and dated by both parties. Although a handshake is often considered a binding legal agreement, it is excruciatingly difficult to remember, in the heat of a dispute, who said what to whom and literally impossible to prove. Written and executed contracts and change orders, which clearly describe the work, labor, materials, and services to be provided, are your right under the law; do not hand them over right away. They also serve as a great reminder of what was intended and your proof in case there is a dispute that requires arbitration…

Many states require the licensed contractor to carry general liability insurance (in case of an accident caused to property or assets while on your job site), workers’ compensation coverage (for any personal injury that may occur while working on your project), and maintain a bond (in case the contractor defaults and does not complete the job).

You have every right to request to see verification of these insurance policies and any licenses required by law. The name on the contractor’s license must match the business or personal name of the licensee, the insurance policies, the contract, and who you are paying. No one can “borrow” or “lend” a license.

8. Set a Budget – Professionally installed projects will cost 40-60% more than do-it-yourself projects for valid reasons.

Professionals not only bring the experience and expertise, they also bring the right people, electrical equipment, tools and materials to get the job done right the first time.

Don’t compromise on the success of your project, find the right construction partner for you and make a fair deal based on your budget and what you are comfortable investing in your dream project. An experienced artificial turf installer will bring the correct tools and materials, and the expertise and experience to properly and professionally install your project for your enjoyment.