If you’ve been searching for artificial grass installation cost, you’ve probably seen a lot of broad price ranges with very little explanation behind them. One quote might sound cheap until you realise it excludes excavation, waste removal, edging, or the sub-base. Another might include everything but never properly break the total down.
At As Good As Grass, we prefer to be upfront about where the money actually goes. This guide breaks down artificial grass installation cost per m², typical UK fitted prices, itemised expenses, and example garden totals so you know what to expect before you book.
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Artificial Grass Installation Cost Per m² (Quick Answer)
Quick Answer: In the UK, professional artificial grass installation typically costs £45–£85 per m². That usually includes excavation, sub-base, levelling layer, membrane, fixings, turf supply, and fitting. Supply-only grass often starts from around £12.50 per m², but the final fitted price is much higher once groundwork and labour are included.
What’s Included in an Artificial Grass Installation Quote?
When people search for artificial grass installation cost, they are often trying to work out whether a quote includes just the turf or the full job. That distinction matters.
A proper fitted quote will usually include:
- Removal of the existing lawn, soil, or surface
- Waste disposal
- MOT Type 1 sub-base
- Sharp sand, grano dust, or limestone fines for levelling
- Weed membrane
- Artificial grass supply
- Joining, securing, trimming, and finishing
If a quote looks unusually cheap, it is often because one or more of these stages have been excluded.
Itemised Artificial Grass Installation Cost Breakdown
Here’s how a professional installation is usually priced, based on the stages involved in preparing the ground and fitting the turf properly:
| Stage | Typical Cost (per m²) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation & Waste Disposal | £10–£15 | Removing old turf, soil, and levelling the ground |
| MOT Type 1 Sub-Base | £8–£10 | Compacted hardcore layer for stability and drainage |
| Sharp Sand / Grano Dust | £5–£8 | Levelling layer for a smooth finish |
| Weed Membrane | ~£4 | Prevents weeds from growing through the turf |
| Adhesives & Fixings | £2–£4 | Glue, tape, pins, or timber edging |
| Grass Supply & Labour | £12–£20 | Cutting, joining, and securing your chosen turf |
Add these up and you get a realistic installed price of £45–£85 per m² – depending on garden size, access, and extras.
Real Installation Cost Examples
To make the per m² figures easier to picture, here are some typical fitted totals for different garden sizes:
- Small garden (20m²): £900–£1,700 installed
- Medium garden (40m²): £1,800–£3,400 installed
- Large garden (100m²): £4,500–£8,500 installed
These examples include all groundwork, materials, and fitting – not just the turf itself.
Factors That Affect Artificial Grass Installation Cost
Every garden is different, so no two quotes are ever exactly the same. These are the main things that usually push artificial grass fitting costs up or down:
- Access: Narrow alleys, steps, or awkward routes increase labour time and waste handling
- Drainage: Poorly draining soil may need a deeper sub-base or additional drainage measures
- Borders and edging: Timber, metal, or concrete edging adds both materials and fitting time
- Waste removal: Skip hire and disposal for old turf or excavated soil can add noticeably to the total
- Garden shape: Curves, tight corners, and cut-ins around features take longer to fit neatly
- Turf choice: More premium grass ranges cost more per m² than entry-level products
Supply-Only vs Professional Installation
Going DIY can reduce the total cost if you are confident with excavation, compaction, levelling, and drainage prep. But the reason fitted installation costs more is that most of the work sits in the groundwork rather than the grass itself.
Many DIY jobs go wrong because the base is too shallow, poorly compacted, or not level enough. That is what leads to dips, ripples, drainage problems, and a lawn that never quite looks right. That’s why most homeowners still prefer to hire a professional installer.
If you’re tempted by DIY, check our step-by-step self-install guide – and remember, we offer reduced rates if you prepare the sub-base yourself.
FAQs About Installation Costs
Got questions about artificial grass installation costs? These are some of the most common things homeowners ask us before booking.
How much does artificial grass cost per m² installed?
In the UK, a realistic fitted price is usually around £45–£85 per m² including groundwork, materials, and fitting. Smaller gardens are often dearer per m² than larger, simpler spaces.
How much does it cost to lay artificial grass?
That depends on the size of the garden, the access, the turf chosen, and how much groundwork is needed. For most domestic installs, the fitted cost normally falls within the same £45–£85 per m² range.
What is included in an artificial grass installation quote?
A proper quote should usually include excavation, waste removal, sub-base, levelling layer, membrane, fixings, grass supply, and labour. If the quote looks very cheap, check what has been left out.
Is artificial grass more expensive to install than real turf?
Yes upfront. Real turf is cheaper to lay initially, but artificial grass lasts much longer and needs far less ongoing maintenance.
Can I save money by doing the groundwork myself?
Yes. If you are confident with excavation and sub-base prep, doing part of the groundwork yourself can reduce the final fitted cost.
How long does artificial grass installation take?
Small to medium gardens often take around 1–2 days. Larger or more complex projects can take 3–4 days or more depending on access and preparation work.
Get a Clear, Honest Installation Quote
No vague estimates – we’ll survey your garden and give you a transparent breakdown of all costs. From groundwork to finishing, everything is included upfront.
