Cost breakdown for a 500 sq ft putting green

Installed price per square foot typically falls between 18 and 35 dollars for a 500 sq ft backyard putting green. Here is the math and what it includes.

What drives the price

  • Site access and prep: Easy access and shallow dig keep labor low. Tight access, roots, or large haul off raise time and disposal fees.
  • Base construction: Quality subbase and fines make or break ball roll. Depth and compaction level affect labor and materials.
  • Contours and shaping: More undulation means more base work and hand finishing.
  • Fringe and chipping areas: Extra square footage and different turf types add material and install time.
  • Cup count and placement: More cups and precise locations add cutting and finishing time.
  • Edging and borders: Bender board, pavers, or mow strips add materials and linear foot costs.
  • Drainage upgrades: French drains or channel drains add components and labor where needed.
  • Regional labor rates: Higher wages and disposal fees in some metros push totals upward.

Typical line item ranges for 500 sq ft

  • Design and layout: 300 to 800 dollars
  • Excavation, haul off, and base aggregate: 4 to 8 dollars per sq ft
  • Compaction and laser grading: 2 to 4 dollars per sq ft
  • Putting turf material: 7 to 14 dollars per sq ft
  • Seaming tape and adhesive: 0.75 to 1.50 dollars per sq ft
  • Infill for putt speed tuning: 1 to 3 dollars per sq ft
  • Cups, sleeves, and flags: 50 to 120 dollars each, 3 to 5 cups typical
  • Edging or bender board: 5 to 10 dollars per linear foot
  • Fringe turf (optional): 12 to 22 dollars per sq ft of fringe area, or 18 to 30 dollars per linear foot for a 2 ft band
  • Drainage upgrades as needed: 8 to 20 dollars per linear foot

Scenario estimates for 500 sq ft

  • Essential practice green: Minimal contour, 2 cups, no fringe, easy access. Typical total about 9,200 to 10,200 dollars.
  • Balanced play green: Moderate contours, 4 cups, 2 ft fringe around most edges, standard access. Typical total about 12,800 to 15,200 dollars.
  • Premium performance green: Advanced contours, 5 cups, 2 to 3 ft fringe, precision finishing. Typical total about 16,500 to 17,500 dollars.

Installed price formula

Quick estimate method you can run in seconds:

  • Green area cost: 500 sq ft multiplied by 18 to 35 dollars per sq ft
  • Plus optional fringe: fringe sq ft multiplied by 12 to 22 dollars per sq ft
  • Plus drainage or special access if applicable

This yields a reliable ballpark before a site visit dials it in.

DIY vs professional installation

DIY can be rewarding if you have grading skills and the right tools. A professional crew delivers truer roll, cleaner seams, and faster completion.

  • DIY materials for 500 sq ft: roughly 6,500 to 10,500 dollars, including turf, cups, adhesive, infill, base rock, and rentals.
  • Tool needs: plate compactor, hand tamp, laser level or screed guides, turf cutter, seam tools, drop spreader, power broom.
  • Why pros are worth it: consistent stimp speeds, tight seams, dialed contours, and solid warranties.

Timeline and process

  1. Design and layout: choose shape, cup count, and fringe plan.
  2. Excavation and base: remove sod, place aggregate, compact in lifts, set grades.
  3. Lay and seam turf: dry fit, seam, trim edges, and set cups.
  4. Infill and roll tuning: add infill, power broom, and speed tune.
  5. Final detail: edge work, cleanup, and walkthrough.

Most 500 sq ft greens install in 1 to 3 days depending on access and contours.

Maintenance, speed, and lifespan

  • Routine care: quick debris blow off, light brushing to keep fibers upright, occasional infill touch ups.
  • Speed control: infill amounts and brushing set stimp to your preference.
  • Lifespan: quality putting turf commonly lasts 10 to 15 years with proper care. UV stable fibers and a stable base protect performance.
  • Operating costs: near zero water, no fertilizer, no mowing. Occasional grooming keeps it game ready.

How to get a precise quote

  1. Measure your target area and note access width for equipment.
  2. Decide on cup count, desired stimp speed, and contour level.
  3. Choose whether you want fringe or a chipping lane and approximate its width.
  4. Share site photos that show slopes, trees, and drainage paths.

Ready to price your green with certainty? Contact FusionTurf to schedule a site assessment and get a firm written quote.