To compare artificial grass installation cost per m², divide the complete installed quote by the finished lawn area—and compare prices on the same VAT basis. A low rate is only useful if the groundwork, waste removal, edging and fitting scope are equivalent.
This guide focuses on per-m² calculations and comparing fitted quotations. For supply-only prices and the wider installation budget, use our master artificial grass cost guide.
Quick Answer: AGAG’s published full-installation range is £54–£102 per m² including 20% VAT (£45–£85 + VAT). It covers groundwork, premium turf and fitting, subject to the project scope. Difficult or complex sites may sit outside this range.
Artificial Grass Installation Cost Calculator
To estimate your fitted artificial grass cost:
- Finished lawn size (m²) × £54–£102 including VAT = illustrative installed budget
Worked example: 40 m² × £65 + VAT per m² = £2,600 before VAT + £520 VAT = £3,120 including VAT. This is an arithmetic example, not a fixed quote.
This is only a guide. Access, excavation depth, waste removal, drainage, edging and turf choice can all change the final price.
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Artificial Grass Installation Cost Per m²
Quick Answer: At AGAG, professional artificial grass installation is listed at £54–£102 per m² including 20% VAT (£45–£85 + VAT). 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 Should Be 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 | Pricing Basis | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation & Waste Disposal | Volume, handling and disposal | Removing old turf, soil, and levelling the ground |
| MOT Type 1 Sub-Base | Specified aggregate and compacted depth | A compacted structural layer; drainage depends on the complete build-up |
| Sharp Sand / Grano Dust | Area and finishing specification | Levelling layer for a smooth finish |
| Weed Membrane | Specified membrane and area | A suitable separation layer where specified; not a guarantee against all weeds |
| Adhesives & Fixings | Perimeter length and joins | Glue, tape, pins, or timber edging |
| Grass Supply & Labour | Chosen turf and fitting layout | Cutting, joining, and securing your chosen turf |
These are quote components, not an AGAG itemised rate card. Ask which items are bundled into the total and which are separate. Compare the final price including VAT, rather than adding unrelated estimated allowances together.
Illustrative Installation Cost Examples
To make the per m² figures easier to picture, here are some typical fitted totals for different garden sizes:
- 20 m² lawn: £1,080–£2,040 including 20% VAT, calculated from AGAG’s published range
- 40 m² lawn: £2,160–£4,080 including 20% VAT, calculated from AGAG’s published range
- 100 m² lawn: £5,400–£10,200 including 20% VAT, calculated from AGAG’s published range
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.
Artificial Grass Installation Cost Near Me
If you are searching for artificial grass installation cost near you, make sure you compare quotes on what is actually included. A cheaper local quote may only include the turf and fitting, while a proper installation should include excavation, waste removal, sub-base, levelling layer, membrane, joins, fixings and final brushing.
As Good As Grass installs artificial grass across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and the North West, with clear quotes based on garden size, access, groundwork and turf choice.
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?
AGAG’s published range is £54–£102 per m² including 20% VAT (£45–£85 + VAT) for full installation. The final quote depends on the site, product and agreed scope.
How much does it cost to lay artificial grass?
The total depends on the finished area, access, chosen turf and groundwork. Start with the published range, but use a site-specific quote for a decision; larger or more complex works can sit outside it.
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?
Compare quotations for the work your garden actually needs. Natural turf and artificial grass have different installation and maintenance costs; neither gives every household a guaranteed financial saving.
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.
What should be included in the best artificial turf installation packages?
The best artificial turf installation packages should include excavation, waste removal, a compacted sub-base, a suitable levelling layer, weed membrane where needed, turf supply, joins, fixings, edging and final brushing. Always check whether groundwork and disposal are included before comparing quotes.
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.
Updated 10 September 2026. Examples are illustrative, not fixed quotations.
