Cost of Artificial Grass Installed | CountBricks

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James Miller
Head of Sales

Understanding the Cost of Artificial Grass Installation for Professionals

For construction professionals, understanding the cost of artificial grass installation is crucial for accurate project planning. The cost typically ranges from $7 to $16 per square foot, depending on factors such as turf quality and regional labor rates. This guide provides a detailed breakdown to help you estimate costs effectively.

1. Key Factors Influencing Installation Costs

• Turf quality and pile height
• Base preparation requirements
• Access to the work area (equipment vs. hand carry)
• Waste allowance on irregular shaped lawns
• Regional labor rates and fuel surcharges
• Optional add-ons such as infill upgrades, antimicrobial underlay, or perimeter edging

2. Detailed Cost Breakdown Per Square Foot

Component Cost:
1. Excavation & haul-off: $1.25 – $2.00
2. Class II road base & compaction: $1.00 – $1.75
3. Weed barrier fabric: $0.15 – $0.25
4. Turf material: $3.00 – $8.00
5. Infill and brooming: $0.75 – $1.50
6. Labor, overhead, warranty margin: $1.50 – $2.75

These components contribute to a total cost of $7 to $16 per square foot for most projects. Stay updated with live supplier feeds to ensure accurate estimates.

3. Hidden Costs to Consider

• Soil remediation if heavy clay prevents drainage
• Re-routing irrigation lines
• Disposal fees at facilities charging by weight
• HOA application documents and administrative charges
• Temporary dog relief area during installation

4. Advantages of Using AI for Estimates

Real-time materials: Sync with regional distributors for up-to-date pricing.
Voice-driven capture: Use voice commands for quick measurements.
Blueprint takeoffs: Reduce waste with precise cut lists.
Instant documents: Generate proposals and invoices instantly.

5. Artificial Turf vs. Natural Lawn: ROI Analysis

• Water savings: 25,000–35,000 gallons per year for a 1,000 sq ft lawn
• Fertilizer & pesticide elimination: $250 – $400 annually
• Mowing and edging labor: 40 hours per year recaptured
• Turf replacement cycle: 15+ years with UV-stable fibers
• Payback period: typically 4–6 years in water-restricted regions

6. Cost-Saving Tips for Professionals

• Schedule installation in the off-season for discounts.
• Opt for rectangular shapes to minimize waste.
• Share equipment mobilization with nearby projects.
• Use standard silica infill unless specific needs arise.
• Reuse existing edging if suitable.

Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. Site assessment: laser measurements and drainage check.
2. Sod removal and subgrade excavation.
3. Compacted aggregate base installation.
4. Weed membrane installation.
5. Turf installation and seaming.
6. Infill application and brooming.
7. Final inspection and digital sign-off.

Real-World Example: San Antonio Project

A recent project involved 650 sq ft of mid-grade turf, resulting in a total cost of $6,240, or $9.60 per square foot, thanks to accurate takeoffs and live material sourcing.

Get Your Accurate Estimate

Use the CountBricks app for a quick, precise estimate. Start a voice walk-through and receive a detailed line-item estimate in minutes.

Our AI app can generate costed estimates in seconds.

Cost of Artificial Grass Installed | CountBricks

Case Study: Transforming a Lawn into a Low-Maintenance Space

The Ramirez family in Stone Oak transformed their lawn with the help of CountBricks. The AI-powered platform provided a detailed estimate for 720 sq ft of turf, including all necessary components and upgrades.

• 720 sq ft of 1.75-inch polyethylene turf at $4.85 per sq ft
• 22 cubic yards of Class II base with compaction testing
• Irrigation cap-off and smart-controller retrofit credit
• Pet-grade zeolite infill upgrade
• Waste haul-off and recycling of old sod

Total project cost: $7,940, or $11.03 per square foot.

Execution Highlights

1. Same-day material lock to avoid price increases.
2. Optimized labor allocation to reduce man-hours.
3. Digital change order for additional features.

Results

• Water bill reduced by 47% in the first summer
• Year-round play-ready backyard
• Payback projected at 4.2 years, validated by ROI calculator

Implications for Your Project

Whether you need a small patio or a large estate conversion, CountBricks provides precise estimates with live pricing and AI technology. Explore more at CountBricks.com.