If you’re a school, nursery or childcare provider considering artificial grass, one of the first questions you’ll ask is simple:
How much does artificial grass for playgrounds cost?
Most school or nursery installations cost between £80 and £120 per square metre, fully installed. This includes the artificial grass itself, groundwork preparation, and professional installation.
Costs can vary depending on access, safety surfacing, base materials, 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.
What Affects the Cost of Artificial Grass for Playgrounds?
No two playgrounds are exactly the same — and that’s why there’s no fixed price. Below are the most common cost factors we see when quoting for school or nursery installations.
1. Surface Type: What Are We Installing Onto?
Installing over grass or soil usually requires excavation, a sub-base (MOT type 1), laying course and a membrane — all of which add to the labour and materials cost.
If you already have a tarmac, concrete or paving surface, you’re in luck. As long as it’s stable and drains well, artificial grass can be installed directly on top — often with a thin foam underlay to soften the feel. This can dramatically reduce costs.
2. Sub-Base & Safety Requirements
Most school playgrounds need to meet certain critical fall height standards — especially around climbing frames or raised play equipment.
That’s where a foam shockpad underlay comes in. These safety pads absorb impact and help reduce injury risk — but they do increase installation costs.
Expect to pay:
- +£15–£25 per sqm extra for a standard 25mm foam pad
- More if deeper padding is needed for 2m+ fall heights
Not every area needs a pad — we can advise what’s essential during a site visit.
3. Access for Machinery & Materials
Can we get a mini digger into the site? Can aggregates be tipped nearby, or do they need barrowing across a school field?
Access has a huge impact on labour time — and therefore on overall cost. Sites with easy access via wide gates or playground entrances often benefit from lower install prices.
4. The Size & Shape of Your Area
Larger areas may benefit from lower cost per square metre, especially when materials can be bought in bulk.
But irregular shapes, tight corners or lots of cut-outs (e.g. around existing play equipment) can increase wastage and slow the install. That’s why it’s helpful to provide accurate site measurements early on.
5. Type of Artificial Grass
Artificial turf designed for schools is built to be soft, safe, and hard-wearing. But there’s still variation in:
- Pile height (shorter = easier to clean, longer = softer)
- Yarn type (nylon is most durable but more expensive)
- Density and recovery (affects appearance over time)
Basic play turf starts around £18–£25 per sqm, while more premium, shock-absorbent options can go up to £35–£45 per sqm before installation.
How Can Schools & Nurseries Reduce Installation Costs?
- Install over tarmac or concrete if it’s already in place and level
- Limit foam pads to fall zones or key impact areas only
- Choose a non-infill product to avoid sand or rubber maintenance
- Reuse offcuts for bench surrounds, pathways, or sensory zones
- Book installs during holidays to reduce disruption and sometimes secure better availability
Our team can offer honest advice and flexible options to help you achieve the best results for your budget. From small nursery corners to full primary school playgrounds, we’ve installed surfaces of every shape and size.
See our full range of school and nursery artificial grass solutions
Playground Turf FAQs
- Can artificial grass go straight over tarmac? Yes — in most cases, we can install turf 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. Pads are usually only needed under equipment where fall height regulations apply.
- How long does artificial turf last in schools? Typically 10–15 years, depending on usage and upkeep. Our products come with long-term guarantees.
- What’s the cheapest way to install fake grass for schools? Install over an existing hard surface, limit foam pads, and keep the design simple with minimal offcuts.
Final Word: Get a Quote for Your School Playground
Every playground is different — but we’re here to help you find the best value, safest, and most fun surface for your pupils.
Learn more about our school playground turf installation service.
Contact us for a free site assessment and quote
Thinking about a full-sized MUGA or sports pitch? Check out our detailed guide to artificial sports pitch costs
