We’re proud to announce the publication of our new DIY Artificial Grass Install Guide. If you’re looking for more information about how to install artificial grass yourself, the “DIY Install Guide” is the guide for you. Become an expert on artificial turf installation.
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So, you’re interested in artificial grass for your home, but not really feelin’ the up-front cost of installation? Today, we’re going to show you how to install artificial grass inexpensively, making modifications along the way to bring your project’s price tag down.
Make no mistake, though. In order for this to work, you’ll need to be prepared to get your hands dirty, put in a substantial amount of time and energy, and problem-solve as you go.
Further, while all of the techniques discussed below will reduce your price point, they will also increase the amount of labor you’ll have to do yourself. You’ll be using hand tools, like a shovel, and carrying up to 50 pounds repeatedly, even if you have help.
Sound like the kind of challenge you’re up for? Let’s get to it!
There are five components to almost every installation that can be modified to reduce the cost of installing artificial grass without posing a significant threat to the performance and longevity of it. They are:
Depending on the total square footage of your project, artificial grass remnants can be a great money-saver! Remnants are unused turf pieces from past jobs that are sold at discounted rates. They vary in size, but will not typically be larger than 15′ x 15′.
Remnant availability is different from location to location, and they must be picked up from the store and cannot be delivered, but you can shop available turf remnants before stopping in! Simply select the nearest location to you in the dropdown menu and shop what’s in stock – updated weekly.
However, keep in mind that artificial grasses are produced in dye lots. This means that two separately manufactured rolls of the same product type might have slight variations in color. If having remnant pieces from the same dye lot does not matter to you, great! But if it does, you can ask your Purchase Green representative to confirm if the dye lots are the same or different before buying.
Although, many DIYers have installed remnant pieces from different dye lots. Sometimes the individual pieces are installed in separate areas, or have planters or other landscape elements in between them – distracting the eye from their (somewhat) noticeable difference in color.
Sub-base. What is it? Who needs it? Well, if you’re installing artificial grass, you do, my friend.
Sub-base goes where your natural grass was once you’ve excavated down a few inches and before you install the grass. Its primary job is to prevent the natural expansion and contraction of your yard’s native soil from affecting the turf, thus preventing wrinkles from popping up.
In most professional installations, it’s one of three things:
Decomposed granite is considered the best of the three due to its superior drainage and ability to render a consistently flat surface. Certain types of installations, like putting greens, need decomposed granite sub-base more in order to perform and last. The problem with decomposed granite is it’s expensive.
Is there a workaround?
In most cases, you can get good performance and longevity out of artificial grass with the use of only a small amount of decomposed granite. In fact, only the top few inches of sub-base need to be decomposed granite in order to get good drainage and overall performance. This means you can fill most of your excavated area with inexpensive class II or CMB, then just spread a few inches of decomposed granite on the surface. This will bring down the cost considerably and produce fair results.
That being said, there are some installations for which we never recommend skimping on decomposed granite subbase. If you receive lots of rainfall, or already have drainage issues in your yard, this strategy isn’t likely to work out. Be sure to discuss your project’s particulars with our turf experts for more guidance.
It’s virtually impossible that all the grass you purchase will be used up in your installation, unless your installation area is the exact shape and size of a roll of turf. Most likely, you’ll have to do some cutting and seaming together of multiple pieces, and some turf will be discarded. The trick here is to figure out how to make the most of a 13′ or 15′ wide roll of turf. One way to do that is to ignore the standard rule for grain direction.
Artificial grass grain direction is one of the main culprits behind wasted grass. Grain direction is the direction in which the grass blades are predominantly pointing – typically leaning from the top of the roll downward.
Crews will usually install artificial grass pieces so that their grain is facing the ‘main vantage point’, creating the most aesthetically-pleasing lawn. The main vantage point is where the lawn will be most often viewed from. For backyard installations, the main vantage point is usually the house. And for front yards, the main vantage point is the street.
However, irregularly-shaped installation sites can often result in excess material waste when you’re limited to laying turf pieces in only one particular direction. If perfect aesthetics aren’t terribly important to you, there’s a good chance you can save money by installing the pieces of grass you’ve purchased however they best fit the installation site, regardless of their grain direction.
As mentioned above, you’ll probably have to cut and seam together multiple pieces of turf when you install artificial grass. Most of the time, this is accomplished using seaming tape, seaming glue, and nails. This method is considered the most secure and reliable, but also the most expensive. While the cost of seaming tape and glue might be negligible for a small installation, it can become substantial for larger ones.
The cheap alternative? Just use nails – a lot of them. This is a perfectly viable seaming method for some installations, though not quite as secure. Nails can and often do work loose over time and with enough foot traffic, so we only recommend this method if your grass isn’t going to get a lot of that.
If you’ve got a large installation area that won’t see much foot traffic, a box or two of inexpensive 5-inch nails might just do it.
When it comes to specialized tools for installing artificial grass, the options are endless. Professional install crews have a myriad of gizmos and gadgets at their disposal to make the work go faster, including tools like the sod cutter, plate compactor, power broom, turf cutter, puller, kicker, Power Trim and the list goes on. If you wanted to do it by the book, you could rent all these tools to automate your installation project and impress your neighbors.
We’re guessing you’re not doing this by the book, though. If not, our recommendation to you is to ditch the fancy gear and get back to basics with hand tools. It turns out, just about everything those power tools do can be done with low-tech hand tools. Switch out the sod cutter for a pick-ax, the plate compactor for a hand compactor, the power broom for a push broom, and the turf cutter for a carpet knife. Just get ready to apply some serious elbow grease and work up a sweat!
Even though it’ll take some hard work, it’s well worth it. If you’re still unsure about how to install artificial grass, we have a super helpful DIY guide. The guide has step-by-step instructions on how to install artificial grass, so you’ll have all the info you need to have an easier install process. And, of course, our PG team is always happy to help if you come across any issues or have any questions before, during, or even after your install. Check out that artificial grass installation guide to get the low-down on how to install artificial grass yourself!
Installing artificial grass yourself may appear to be a daunting task. While it’s certainly a lot of work, Purchase Green is here to make it as easy, painless, and inexpensive as possible.
Tired of the time, effort, and expense that natural grass requires?
Sick of HOA notifications telling you to do more with your lawn when it’s already breaking the bank?
Artificial turf might be the perfect solution for you.
Some homeowners are initially hesitant to consider artificial turf due to the upfront cost, but the long-term benefits can significantly outweigh these initial expenses.
This article will break down everything you need to know about the costs, installation process, and return on investment (ROI) for artificial turf, helping you make an informed decision.
By the end, you’ll see how investing in artificial turf saves you money and time in the long run, all while providing a beautiful, low-maintenance return.
For more information, please visit Realistic Artificial Turf.
The initial cost of installing artificial turf can vary widely based on several factors. These include the type and quality of the turf, site preparation requirements, the choice of infill material, labor costs, and additional installation extras such as edging and drainage systems. Understanding these components will help you budget accurately for your project.
The primary cost component of artificial turf installation is the turf itself. Prices can range significantly based on the quality and type of turf product you choose. For example, high-quality nylon turf is generally more expensive than other options like polyethylene or polypropylene but offers superior durability and resilience.
Additional materials such as infill, which helps keep the turf blades upright and improves drainage, also add to the cost. Common infill materials include silica sand, rubber granules, and organic options like cork or coconut fiber.
Labor and equipment costs are another significant part of the installation budget. Professional installers ensure proper site preparation, precise laying of the turf, and secure attachment, which can significantly influence the overall cost.
Consider a homeowner with a 500-square-foot lawn. The cost of labor for a professional installation could range from $1,000 to $2,500, depending on the labor rate and site-specific requirements.
Although this may add to the initial expense, professional installation ensures longevity and optimal performance of the turf, reducing the likelihood of future issues such as uneven surfaces or poor drainage.
Several additional expenses might be necessary depending on your site’s condition. These can include removing existing grass, leveling the ground, and installing a drainage system. These steps are crucial for a successful installation, and their costs should be factored into your overall budget.
For a 500-square-foot lawn, the cost of removing existing grass might range from $500 to $1,500. If ground leveling and drainage system installation are also required, these could add $500 to $1,500 to the project, bringing the total site preparation cost to between $1,000 and $2,500.
While the initial cost of artificial turf is typically higher than natural grass, the long-term savings are substantial. Natural grass requires ongoing maintenance, including watering, mowing, fertilizing, and pest control, which can add up significantly over time.
Artificial Turf vs. Natural Grass
Initial Cost:
Annual Maintenance Costs:
Example:
For a 500-square-foot lawn, the initial cost of artificial turf might range from $5,000 to $10,000. In contrast, the initial cost of natural grass might be between $1,000 and $2,000. However, when you factor in the annual maintenance costs of natural grass, the long-term savings with artificial turf become apparent.
Understanding the ROI of artificial turf involves calculating the initial installation cost against the savings from reduced maintenance and water usage over time. Typically, homeowners see a return on investment within a few years.
To calculate the ROI, consider the initial cost of installation, the annual savings on maintenance, and the lifespan of the turf. High-quality artificial turf can last 15-20 years with minimal upkeep, providing substantial savings compared to the ongoing costs of maintaining natural grass.
For a 500-square-foot lawn, the initial cost of artificial turf might be $7,500. If the annual maintenance costs for natural grass are $1,000, the ROI can be calculated as follows:
In this example, the homeowner would see a return on their investment within 7.5 years and save a total of $15,000 over the lifespan of the turf.
Maintaining natural grass involves purchasing equipment like lawnmowers and trimmers, buying gasoline, and using fertilizers and pesticides. Artificial turf eliminates these recurring expenses.
A homeowner might spend $300 annually on a lawn mower, trimmer, and gasoline, plus $100 on fertilizers and pesticides. Over 15 years, these costs add up to $6,000. With artificial turf, these expenses are virtually eliminated.
Natural grass lawns require significant water, especially in arid regions. Artificial turf, on the other hand, needs no watering, which can lead to considerable savings on water bills.
A typical lawn requires about 20,000 gallons of water per year, costing approximately $200 to $500 annually, depending on local water rates. Over 15 years, this could amount to $3,000 to $7,500 in water savings with artificial turf.
Artificial turf is highly durable and designed to withstand heavy use, weather conditions, and time. High-quality artificial turf can last 15-20 years.
Even in high-traffic areas, it remains resilient and retains its aesthetic appeal, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This durability ensures a long lifespan, further enhancing the ROI.
Artificial turf is a safer option for children and pets, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals used in fertilizers and pesticides. Providing a consistent and even playing surface, reduces the risk of trips and falls. It also eliminates the need for chemical treatments, creating a safer environment for children and pets to play.
Investing in artificial turf offers significant long-term benefits that outweigh the initial costs.
With minimal maintenance, substantial water savings, and a long lifespan, artificial turf is a wise investment for any homeowner, business, school, or sports facility.
Are you ready to stop guessing your ROI!?
Get your precise estimates today with Ideal Turf’s experienced team by calling # or clicking HERE!
Artificial turf typically lasts 15-20+ years, depending on the quality and maintenance. High-quality materials and professional installation can extend the lifespan, ensuring your investment lasts for decades.
Yes, artificial turf is safe for pets and children. It’s commonly used in playgrounds, dog parks, and daycares due to its safety features and non-toxic materials. Artificial turf eliminates the need for harmful chemicals, providing a safe, clean, and durable play surface.
No, artificial turf should not be installed over existing grass. Proper site preparation, including removing the grass and leveling the ground, is essential for optimal turf performance and longevity. Installing turf over grass can lead to poor drainage, uneven surfaces, and reduced lifespan.
Artificial turf is eco-friendly, reducing carbon emissions from gas-powered landscaping equipment, conserving water, and eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Environmental Benefits:
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