Start with a realistic baseline
Typical professional artificial turf installs for residential landscapes land around 8 to 20 dollars per square foot in the US. Play areas with shock pad or specialty systems can run 15 to 35 dollars per square foot. The biggest swings come from site conditions and layout, not just the turf roll price.
Ranges are typical, not promises. Actual pricing varies by region, access, project size, and installer.
Site conditions that move price the most
Access and logistics
- Limited access like narrow side yards or stairs adds labor for hand carry or wheelbarrow. Expect roughly 1 to 4 dollars per square foot impact.
- Rooftops or cranes can add 3 to 8 dollars per square foot depending on equipment and building rules.
- Staging and parking limits extend time on site and fuel small but real cost increases.
Demolition and haul-off
- Sod and soil removal commonly adds 0.50 to 1.50 dollars per square foot for cutting, loading, and disposal.
- Concrete or asphalt demo often adds 3 to 8 dollars per square foot.
- Export fees increase with distance and dump rates. Heavy clay or wet soils cost more to move.
Excavation and base depth
- Standard base is often 3 to 4 inches of compacted aggregate. Each extra inch typically adds 1.50 to 3.50 dollars per square foot for materials and labor.
- Poor soils, freeze-thaw, or vehicle loads require deeper base and more compaction time.
Drainage requirements
- French drains or pipe run about 10 to 25 dollars per linear foot, plus tie-ins.
- Drainage mat or shock pad adds about 1.50 to 5.00 dollars per square foot depending on performance rating.
- Flat yards may need subtle grading to move water away from structures.
Slope, trees, and utilities
- Steep slopes require more base, pins, and labor.
- Tree roots force selective excavation and root bridging which slows production.
- Marking and working around irrigation, lighting, or gas lines adds care and time.
Product and system choices that change price
Turf grade and specs
- Face weight and pile height impact cost and performance. Premium landscape turf can add 1 to 4 dollars per square foot over value grades.
- Backing technology for drainage or durability can add 0.50 to 2.00 dollars per square foot.
Infill type and amount
- Silica sand is the baseline and most economical.
- Premium infills like TPE, EPDM, coated or cooling infills run about 1.50 to 5.00 dollars per square foot depending on depth.
- Pet deodorizing infills add roughly 1 to 3 dollars per square foot but boost odor management.
Shock pad and safety performance
- Playground or sport systems often require shock pad to meet fall or performance targets. Expect an additional 2 to 5 dollars per square foot.
Design and layout complexity
Edging type and linear footage
- Bendable metal or bender board typically 3 to 8 dollars per linear foot installed.
- Concrete curb about 15 to 30 dollars per linear foot.
- Paver or stone mow strip about 20 to 40 dollars per linear foot.
- More linear feet means more cost. Tight curves increase labor.
Curves, cutouts, and small pieces
- Organic shapes look great but increase cutting time and waste.
- Multiple tree rings, stepping stone cutouts, or islands add hours fast.
Seams and roll layout
- Most rolls are 13 to 15 feet wide. Designs that force long seams increase labor and tape or glue cost.
- Seam materials commonly add 1 to 2 dollars per linear foot. Installed, seams can add 2 to 6 dollars per linear foot in labor.
- Good layout planning minimizes seams and waste which protects your budget.
Regional and labor variables
- Labor rates and aggregate pricing vary by market.
- Union rules, prevailing wage, or night work can raise costs.
- Remote sites add travel. Peak season scheduling may carry premiums.
Quick scenario examples
- Urban backyard, tight access, sod removal, pet infill: 400 square feet. Add 1 to 3 dollars per square foot for access, 0.50 to 1.50 for sod, and 1 to 3 for pet infill.
- New build with open access, straightforward rectangle: 800 square feet. Minimal demo and strong layout can shave 1 to 3 dollars per square foot compared to average.
- Play area with shock pad and drainage mat: 1,000 square feet. Add 3 to 6 dollars per square foot over a basic landscape system.
How to control costs without sacrificing performance
- Share clear site photos, dimensions, and access notes to prevent surprise labor.
- Value-engineer the layout to align with 13 to 15 foot roll widths and reduce seams.
- Use straight edges where possible and limit tight curves and small islands.
- Pick a turf grade that matches use case rather than chasing maximum face weight.
- Choose infill by performance need. Use premium or pet infill only where it adds value.
- Plan drainage early. Simple grading now is cheaper than fixes later.
- Consider DIY demolition where safe and allowed, then let pros handle base and install.
What a transparent quote should include
- Demolition and haul-off quantities and disposal fees.
- Base depth, aggregate type, compaction spec, and geotextile if used.
- Turf product name, face weight, pile height, backing type, and warranty.
- Infill type and pounds per square foot.
- Edging type and linear footage.
- Seam count and method, plus any adhesives or tape.
- Drainage components and locations.
- Access assumptions, staging, and schedule.
- Exclusions, permits, and change order process.
Why FusionTurf
We spec it right, price it straight, and install systems that perform. FusionTurf dealers bring proven methods, transparent line items, and products built for real-world use. You get clear choices and zero gimmicks.
Find a FusionTurf dealer to get a spec-driven quote.
