If you’re a school, nursery, or childcare provider exploring artificial grass, one of the first questions you’ll ask is simple:
Most school or nursery installations cost between £80 and £120 per square metre, fully installed. That includes the artificial grass itself, groundwork preparation, and professional installation.
Costs can vary depending on safety surfacing, access, and the type of turf you choose – but this guide breaks down what to expect, what affects pricing, and how to keep costs under control.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- Most school and nursery installations cost between £80–£120 per sqm, including groundwork and installation.
- Example projects: Playgrounds from £4,500, Nursery areas from £2,500, and MUGA pitches from £9,000.
- Key price factors: ground conditions, safety pads, access, and turf type.
- Combine Daily Mile Tracks and Playground Turf in one install to reduce costs.
- All AGAG systems are CFH-tested, child-safe, and built for year-round play.
🧭 Jump to:
| 💰 Example Prices for Schools & Playgrounds | 💷 What Affects Playground Turf Costs? |
| 💡 How to Reduce Installation Costs | ❓ Playground Turf FAQs |
| 📞 Get a Quote for Your School |
💰 Example Artificial Grass Prices for Schools & Playgrounds
To help you plan your project, here’s a breakdown of typical artificial grass installation costs for schools, nurseries, and sports facilities. Prices include materials, groundwork, and professional fitting – but exact costs vary depending on access, site size, and safety requirements.
| Application | Example Size | Estimated Installed Cost | Recommended Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| Playground Surfacing | 100m² | From £4,500 (≈ £45/m²) | Play Care or Play Care Extreme (with shock pads for fall safety) |
| Nursery Outdoor Area | 50m² | From £2,500 (≈ £50/m²) | Eden — softer pile for younger children |
| Multi-Sports Pitch (MUGA) | 200m² | From £9,000 (≈ £45/m²) | Play Care Extreme — durable, CFH-tested for multi-sport use |
| Daily Mile Track | Variable | Typically £80–£120/m² installed | All-weather Daily Mile Tracks — CFH-tested, mud-free circuits |
💡 Tip: The bigger the area, the lower the cost per square metre. Schools often combine Daily Mile Tracks and Playground Turf during the same install to reduce overall costs.
🛒 Supply-Only Turf Prices (for DIY or Small Areas)
Prefer to buy turf and handle installation in-house? Our online shop offers quality artificial grass by the metre — ideal for small school corners, sensory paths, or indoor play zones.
| Product | Price (per m²) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Play Care Artificial Grass | £19.50 | Child-friendly lawns and small play areas |
| Play Care Extreme | £24.50 | High durability for schools and sports zones |
| Sol Artificial Grass | £18.50 | All-rounder turf for playgrounds and gardens |
| Eden Artificial Grass | £16.99 | Soft, realistic turf for nurseries and early years |
All turf ranges are EU-manufactured, UV-stabilised, and child-safe – designed to handle heavy footfall and year-round play.
💷 What Affects Playground Turf Costs?
No two playgrounds are the same – and that’s why there’s no single fixed price. These are the most common factors that influence project cost:
1️⃣ Surface Type: What Are We Installing Onto?
Installing over grass or soil usually requires excavation, a sub-base (MOT Type 1), a laying course, and a membrane – all of which add labour and materials cost.
If your playground already has tarmac, concrete, or paving, you’re in luck. As long as it’s stable and drains well, artificial grass can often be installed directly on top – sometimes with a thin foam underlay for comfort and safety. This can dramatically lower installation costs.
2️⃣ Safety Surfacing & Shock Pad Requirements
Most school playgrounds must meet Critical Fall Height (CFH) standards – especially beneath climbing frames or raised play equipment.
This is where a foam shock pad underlay comes in. These safety pads absorb impact and reduce injury risk – though they do add to overall cost.
Expect to pay:
- +£15–£25 per sqm extra for a standard 25mm pad
- More if deeper padding is required for 2m+ fall zones
Not every area needs padding – our team can advise what’s essential during a free site assessment.
3️⃣ Access for Machinery & Materials
Can our team get a mini digger into the site? Can aggregates be tipped close to the area, or do they need to be barrowed through corridors or across fields?
Access directly affects labour time – and therefore total project cost. Sites with good access (wide gates, hardstanding, clear routes) usually benefit from faster, more affordable installs.
4️⃣ The Size & Shape of Your Playground
Larger areas often benefit from lower cost per sqm due to bulk material savings. However, irregular shapes or lots of cut-outs (around existing play frames or planters) can increase wastage and slow down installation.
That’s why accurate measurements and photos are invaluable during the quoting stage.
5️⃣ Type of Artificial Grass
Artificial turf for schools and playgrounds is engineered to be soft, safe, and durable – but pricing varies by quality.
- Pile height: Shorter = easier to clean, longer = softer feel
- Yarn type: Nylon is most durable but slightly higher cost
- Density: Thicker turf offers more cushioning and longevity
Entry-level play turf starts around £18–£25 per sqm, while premium CFH-tested systems can reach £35–£45 per sqm (before installation).
👟 Also worth exploring: Daily Mile Tracks for Schools – all-weather running routes designed to complement artificial grass playgrounds.
💡 How Can Schools & Nurseries Reduce Installation Costs?
Here are practical ways to keep your project within budget without compromising on safety or quality:
- Install over existing tarmac or concrete if it’s already level and well-drained.
- Limit shock pads to specific fall zones instead of covering the full area.
- Choose a non-infill grass to simplify maintenance and save on materials.
- Reuse offcuts for sensory paths, benches, or small play corners.
- Book installation during school holidays for minimal disruption and faster scheduling.
Our experienced team offers honest advice and flexible options to help schools achieve the best results for their budget — from small nursery corners to full primary playground transformations.
❓ Playground Turf FAQs
Still have questions about playground surfacing, safety, or costs? Here are the ones we’re asked most often:
Can artificial grass go straight over tarmac?
Yes – in most cases, turf can be installed directly over tarmac with a thin underlay. It’s one of the easiest and most cost-effective install types.
Do all playgrounds need a foam shockpad?
Not always. Shock pads are only required under play equipment where fall height regulations apply.
How long does artificial grass last in schools?
Typically 10–15 years, depending on usage and upkeep. All our playground grasses are built for durability and include long-term warranties.
What’s the cheapest way to install artificial grass for schools?
Install over an existing hard surface, limit foam pads to key zones, and keep the design simple to reduce offcuts and waste.
📞 Get a Quote for Your School Playground
Every playground is unique – but our goal is always the same: creating safe, fun, and low-maintenance spaces that stand the test of time.
Learn more about our school and playground turf installation services or book your free site assessment today.
Thinking about a full-sized pitch? Read our detailed guide to artificial sports pitch costs.
Plan Your Playground Project with Confidence
From Daily Mile Tracks to impact-tested playground turf, our team designs, installs, and maintains safe, durable surfaces across UK schools. Request a free site visit or call 0161 207 3007 to speak with our installation team.
