Artificial grass gives you a neat, low-maintenance lawn all year round. In this guide, we break down the average artificial grass cost in the UK, including price per m², installation costs, and what affects your quote.

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How much does artificial grass cost in the UK in 2026?

Artificial grass supply and fit price ranges between £45/m² and £80/m² all-in (including the sub-base).

But when it comes to artificial grass costs, prices also depend on the quality and pile height.

Keep reading to find out what the average cost of artificial grass is in the UK by quality, type and size.

Artificial grass prices

Artificial grass prices by quality

If you're new to artificial grass, you may not realise there is a range of quality levels and types to choose from. Let's break it down:

1. Standard artificial grass:

• Budget artificial grass will cost around £9 to £14 per m² (supply only)

• Suited to garden areas that you're not overly precious about, or that will be well-used by children or animals

2. Mid-range artificial grass:

• A mid-range artificial grass price is between £14 and £24 per m² (supply only)

• You'll pay more for a thicker and more realistic weave

3. Luxury level artificial grass:

• Premium range artificial grass typically costs between £25 and £45 per m² (supply only)

• It's longer-lasting and has the feel of real grass

Artificial grass prices by type

Just as with quality levels of fake grass, there are also different types of artificial grass, each made from a different base material.

1. Nylon artificial grass cost:

• Nylon is a strong type of plastic fibre, ideal for heavy-use lawns

• The complicated manufacturing process and expensive materials mean it's one of the most expensive types

• Nylon artificial grass costs between £10/m²- £40/m²

2. Polypropylene artificial grass cost:

• Polypropylene artificial grass has a realistic appearance and a medium to high level of resilience to wear and tear

• Coming in mid-range on the fake lawn cost scale, polypropylene artificial grass costs between £10/m²- £30/m²

3. Polyethylene artificial grass cost:

• Fast becoming the luxury fake grass material, polyethylene artificial grass offers ultra-realism and strong resistance to damage

• Polyethylene fake lawns cost between £20/m²- £50/m² depending on realism, length and thickness.

Artificial grass installation cost

As well as the cost of the artificial grass itself, you should factor in installation costs.

The average artificial grass installation cost is £600.

How long does it take to lay artificial grass?

How long an install takes ultimately depends on the size of your garden and the level of prep work needed to get a level finish:

• A small 40m² garden might take one to two days

• A larger 70m² area could take three to four days

These times may go up if your lawn needs more work, though, such as drainage.

For an exact idea of timescales, speak to an artificial grass installer local to you.

Factors affecting the average cost of artificial grass installation

Several factors can influence the total cost of installing artificial grass, beyond just the price of the turf itself and garden size:

• Garden shape – Irregular layouts can increase cutting time and waste

• Additional groundwork – Levelling, excavation, or drainage work

• Access to the garden – Limited access can increase labour time

• Waste removal – Removing turf, soil, or debris may cost extra

What’s included in an artificial grass installation quote?

Most artificial grass installation quotes will include the core steps needed for a professional, long-lasting finish:

• Removal of existing lawn or surface – Turf, soil, or old materials cleared

• Excavation and ground preparation – Digging and levelling the area

• Sub-base installation – Compacted aggregate (e.g. MOT Type 1) for stability

• Weed membrane – Helps stop weeds growing through

• Artificial grass supply and fitting – Cut to size, positioned, and secured

• Joining and fixing materials – Seaming tape, adhesive, and pins (key if you want to avoid seeing any joins in the turf)

• Edging installation – To secure the perimeter and keep the lawn in place (vital step to keep it bubble-free)

• Brushing and finishing – For a natural, even appearance

• Waste removal and clean-up – Garden left tidy and ready to use

What’s not included in the price?

It’s also helpful to know what’s not typically included in a quote, so there are no surprises later:

• Fixing drainage problems – Such as installing soakaways or drainage systems

• Major levelling work – For heavily sloped or uneven gardens

• Removal of large obstacles – Tree roots, concrete, or existing structures

• Optional extras – Shock pads, decorative borders, or landscaping

• Difficult access costs – Limited access may increase labour time and cost

• Skip hire or permits – For large-scale waste removal

Artificial grass cost calculator UK

To get an estimate of how much you'd spend on artificial grass costs, why not try our interactive cost calculator? You can tailor the quote to the exact size and quality.

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Supply & fit vs. supply & DIY

If you are looking to reduce your fake grass cost, you might be thinking about installing it yourself. Let's compare costs per m² :

• Supply & fit artificial grass price ranges between £45/m² and £80/m² all-in (including the sub-base)

• Supply only artificial grass price ranges between £14 for budget turf and £50/m² for a premium turf

Don't forget those extra costs, though, if taking on the job yourself. Such as skip hire to get rid of existing grass, weed membrane, and sub-base materials.

When you start to add up each cost, you find may your DIY artificial grass cost works out more expensive than hiring a professional.

Is professional installation for artificial grass worth it?

Laying artificial grass yourself can be tempting if your DIY skills are up to scratch and you already have the tools.

However, many homeowners choose to hire a specialist artificial grass installer, and for good reason:

• Risk of costly mistakes – Poor ground preparation can lead to sinking areas, uneven surfaces, and visible joins

• Gathering and bubbling – Incorrect fitting often causes the turf to wrinkle, lift, or develop air pockets over time

• Drainage issues – Without the right sub-base, water can pool or fail to drain properly

• Finish quality – Professionals use specialist tools to achieve a smooth, seamless, and realistic finish

• Durability – Professional installations are more likely to stay secure, level, and long-lasting

How to save on artificial grass installation

There are a few simple ways to keep costs down without compromising on quality:

• Get multiple quotes – Aim for at least three quotes from local installers, and ask if your preferred company can price match

• Ask for itemised quotes – Helps you compare like-for-like costs for materials, labour, and extras

• Check guarantees and warranties – Many suppliers offer product warranties (often 5–10+ years to protect against UV fading), and some installers guarantee their workmanship

• Choose the right grass for your needs – Mid-range options can offer great value without the premium price tag

• Prepare the area yourself (if suitable) – Removing old turf or clearing the space can reduce labour costs

Artificial grass pros and cons: is it right for your garden?

Artificial grass offers plenty of benefits, but it’s not the perfect solution for every home. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Where else can you use artificial grass?

Artificial grass isn’t just for gardens – it’s a versatile option for a range of spaces where durability, safety, and low maintenance are key:

• Nurseries and schools – Soft, mud-free surfaces ideal for play areas and outdoor learning spaces

• Sports pitches and training areas – Hard-wearing and reliable for football, rugby, and multi-use games areas

• Putting greens – Perfect for creating a low-maintenance golf practice area at home

• Balconies and roof terraces – Adds greenery to small or urban spaces where real grass isn’t practical

• Playgrounds – Can be combined with shock pads for extra safety underfoot

• Commercial spaces – Offices, showrooms, and events benefit from a clean, consistent look

• Pet areas – Easy to clean and resistant to wear from active dogs

For best results, it’s worth hiring a professional installer with experience in your specific type of project.

Find artificial grass installers near me

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Artificial grass cost checklist

• Speak to your local fake grass installers to decide on the quality and pile height of your artificial lawn

• Shop around for fair and competitive fake grass prices

• Always hire a tradesperson with experience and top-rated reviews

• Don't forget to ask exactly what’s included in the quote – checking whether prep work and sub-bases are included to help avoid unexpected extra costs

• Laying an artificial lawn yourself is doable for small gardens

• For larger garden projects, a professional installer is a safer bet for a bubble and seam-free finish that lasts

FAQs about artificial grass

How to tell if artificial grass is good quality?

High-quality artificial grass feels soft underfoot, has a natural mix of fibre tones, and a realistic pile height (usually 25–40mm). You can also look for:

• Grass with UV protection to stop fading

• Strong backing that allows for drainage

• A warranty of at least eight years

• Good-quality product that bounces back after being walked on and doesn’t flatten easily

Can I lay artificial grass on soil?

Yes, you can lay your artificial grass on the soil. The caveat is that you'd need to ensure there is adequate drainage and a weed suppressant membrane in place.

Is there a difference between artificial turf and artificial grass?

While it’s common to interchangeably use the terms ‘artificial turf’ and ‘artificial grass, ' they’re not the same. Here's why:

• Artificial grass is made up of synthetic blades of grass that are designed to look and feel as close as possible to the real thing

• Artificial turf is primarily designed for playing sports on. It’s much shorter than artificial grass and offers less cushioning

Artificial grass is the better option if you’re looking for a low-maintenance but realistic alternative to natural grass.

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