If you’re deciding between natural grass and synthetic turf, it’s tough to go past the durability, year-round aesthetic, and low-maintenance product that is artificial turf.
You probably know that you want to avoid the water consumption, maintenance, and upkeep of natural grass – but you don’t know if you can afford an artificial lawn installation.
Well, it’s important to note that, while artificial grass installation cost can be a bigger up-front than natural grass, it will help you save money, and time, in the long run. That said, you should know exactly what you’re in for before you make any significant investment.
Here’s everything you need to know about artificial grass installation costs.
Is artificial grass worth it?
For most people, artificial turf can definitely be worth it. Here are some fast facts to help you determine if synthetic grass is right for you.
What is artificial grass made from?
Synthetic turf is usually made from polypropylene, nylon, or polyethylene. Polyethylene is usually the most popular type of synthetic grass thanks to its softness, durability, and aesthetics.
At Evergreen Synthetic Grass, we offer eight types of synthetic grass so you can always find one that meets your needs. These include:
- Coolgrass 40 mm
- Royal 15 mm
- Oasis 40 mm
- Lawn 19 mm
- California 30 mm
- Emerald 40 mm
- Autumn 37 mm
- Coloured grass
What are the differences between artificial grass types?
Each different type has its own pile length and colour differences – which means that each type is suitable for a particular application. Longer pile synthetic grass, for example, is ideal for mimicking the look and feel of a real lawn. Shorter pile astro turf, on the other hand, is generally used for sports, like on tennis courts, on hockey pitches, or even on putting greens.
What are the benefits of artificial grass?
Whichever variation you choose, synthetic lawn across the board is known to be:
- Exceptionally tough, particularly when compared to natural grass
- Easy to maintain, particularly when compared to natural grass, as you never have to cut or weed your yard. To maintain it, all you have to do is remove leaves and debris, keep the area tidy, and make sure that weeds don’t ever get a foothold.
- Long lasting, as properly installed grass can actually last for years or even decades.
- Easy to clean, requiring nothing more than for you to simply hose it down regularly.
- Great for people with allergies, as you don’t have to deal with grass or pollen allergies
- Always green and beautiful, with little-to-no maintenance
- Kid and pet friendly, particularly if it is high-quality and lead-free synthetic grass
- Environmentally friendly, as there is no need for an irrigation system or a sprinkler system non-toxic
That said, it’s important to remember that quality always matters when it comes to synthetic grass. For one, lower quality grass is known to be stiffer and harsher on the feet than high quality options. What’s more, low quality grass won’t hold up as well to everyday activities, which means that it will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
That’s why you don’t want to skimp when it comes to your installation (even though the up-front costs might be more expensive than you’d expect).
Are there any disadvantages to artificial grass?
Not if you choose a high-quality option! Low-quality brands can have many drawbacks. Specifically, low-quality grass can:
- Get hot under direct sunlight: Low-quality synthetic grass will get hot under direct sunlight. Quality manufacturers, on the other hand, contain a solution that will help your grass remain cool and usable all year round.
- Deteriorate over time: Low quality grass is also much less strong and durable than high-quality alternatives, and it will deteriorate over time.
- Contain lead: Lead is very unsuitable for human consumption. It is also dangerous for chldren and pets. You’ll want to make sure that the grass you choose is certified lead free.
- Covered by warranty: If your grass is high-quality, the installer and manufacturer will offer significant warranties and guarantees (at EverGreen Synthetic Grass, we offer up to a 7 year warranty). This is an important indication of quality, so you’ll want to be sure that you do have warranty options.
That said, a high-quality synthetic grass will not come with any of these drawbacks. Instead, it will be your trouble-free answer to a high-maintenance lawn.
Factors that determine artificial grass installation cost
Many factors will contribute to the overall costs of synthetic grass, including:
- The size of the area
- The qualities you’re looking for in the turf, meaning its shape, density, color, and complexity
- The type of pile you want
- The amount of work the site needs before laying can begin
- Whether you want it professionally installed or DIY
That said, the average artificial grass installation cost generally falls between:
- $50-$75 per square metre for mid-priced synthetic grass options
- $47-$100 per square metre for the highest quality synthetic grass, or for a complex installation
Is it worth getting synthetic grass professionally installed?
Yes.
Why?
Installing synthetic grass is actually a fairly complicated process. To get it right, you must:
- Excavate and level the soil to the correct depth
- Fill the laid space with crushed rock as a base
- Level and compact the rocks
- Cut and lay rolls of grass
- Nail the grass in place
- Scatter dry sand and brush it over the entire surface
And doing this on your own will likely lead to an uneven, obviously underprepared surface. That’s why we recommend professional installation.
Final thoughts and what to do next…
Overall, high quality synthetic grass can be a durable, long-lasting, and cost-saving option for any outdoor space. It’s important that you find the synthetic grass type that makes the most sense for you, and choose a dedicated team of professionals that can help you with all aspects of synthetic grass installation, including base building, screeding, and paving.
Ready for more information on your synthetic grass options and costs? Feel free to call us directly on (08) 9303 2130. You can also contact us directly with any questions here.
