How Much is Artificial Grass?
Artificial grass has seen a surge in popularity among UK homeowners looking for a low-maintenance, drought-resistant alternative to natural lawns. With so many benefits, it's no wonder more and more people are opting for fake grass in their gardens. But with so many options on the market, how much does artificial grass cost?
In this article, we'll break down the factors that influence artificial grass pricing so you can determine the right budget for your project.
The Cost of Artificial Grass
The cost of artificial grass varies depending on several factors such as quality, size, and type. Across the UK, most garden artificial grass rolls are 2 or 4 metres wide, and they typically cost between £20 and £60 per square meter installed.
Budget artificial grass can cost as little as £10 to £20 per square meter depending on the material. Medium artificial grass is estimated to cost between £16 and £25, while premium or luxury garden artificial grass is estimated to cost between £25 and £45, depending on the brand. Our artificial grass is all ISO 9001 certified and comes from Namgrass, a reputable manufacturer of high-quality artificial grass.
Basic DIY artificial turf can be found for as little as £12/m², while premium landscaper-installed grass with all the bells and whistles can cost more than £60/ m².
The full installation price typically ranges from £30/m² to £50/m². It’s important to keep in mind that ongoing maintenance is also required to keep your artificial grass looking great.
Artificial Grass Cost Considerations
When it comes to artificial grass, there are several factors that can affect the cost of purchasing and installing astro turf. Here are some of the key considerations:
Grass quality
Better materials, such as Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP), as well as an ISO certification, are more expensive.
PE fibres are known for their resilience and strength, while PP fibres are known for their durability, softness, and resistance to UV rays.
The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) issues ISO certificates to certify that a product or service meets specific quality standards. An ISO certificate, in the case of artificial grass, indicates that the product has been tested and meets certain quality standards.
Pile height
The price of artificial grass can be affected by the length and plushness of the grass blades, also known as pile height. Longer and plusher blades are more expensive, but they can provide a more realistic appearance.
The ideal pile height for artificial grass is between 30-37mm, which helps to keep your lawn looking natural 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The pile height, however, can vary depending on the intended use of the outdoor space. Shorter pile heights, for example, are recommended if you intend to place furniture or décor items on your lawn.
Infill type
The type of infill used can also have an effect on the price of artificial grass. Rubber crumb is a popular and inexpensive infill material, but it has some disadvantages. It can retain heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on in hot weather.
Another popular infill option that drains better than rubber crumb is silica sand. It is made of quartz and is frequently intended for use with artificial grass. Because silica sand helps to protect against UV rays, your turf will look great for longer.
Other types of infill include Durafill sand, which is an artificially manufactured type of sand infill that can be combined with other types of infill, and acrylic sand infill, which is another popular choice for artificial grass.
Backing system
The backing system is an important factor that can influence the cost of artificial grass. The backing is made up of two layers: the primary backing and the secondary backing. The primary backing is made of woven or non-woven fabric made of high-strength polyester or polypropylene. It serves as a foundation for tufting synthetic grass fibres into rows and facilitates seaming between panels.
The secondary backing is used to permanently secure the tufts and increase the stability of the artificial turf system. Latex and polyurethane are the most commonly used coating materials.
Double backing is a secondary backing that adds stability to an artificial turf system. It is made up of two layers of secondary backing material that are applied in opposite directions to the primary backing. This produces a more stable and durable artificial grass product, but it also increases the cost.
Site prep needs
When it comes to installing artificial grass, site preparation is a crucial step that can affect the cost. Levelling bumpy ground requires extra work and can increase costs. The ground should be cleared of any debris, rocks, or vegetation.
The next step is to level the ground and remove any uneven areas that would be unsightly after the turf has been laid. If you're laying artificial grass on top of concrete, you can skip this step. If you are installing artificial grass on soil, a sub-base layer of crushed stone or gravel will be required to provide a stable foundation for the artificial turf which leads to increased cost.
To find the ideal artificial grass in your garden, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, you’ll want to gather information about the fitting process, site preparation, disposal, and maintenance. Secondly, consider your garden size, access, existing features, and desired grass specifications. By taking these factors into account, you can find the ideal artificial grass for your unique garden!