How Much Does Artificial Grass Installation Cost?
Professional artificial grass installation typically costs £45 to £85 per m² + VAT in the UK, or £54 to £102 per m² including VAT. For a typical 40m² lawn, that means £2,160 to £4,080 inc VAT fully installed. Supply-only turf starts from around £12.50 per m², with installation labour adding £25 to £60 per m².
| Option | Typical price per m² | 40m² garden total |
|---|---|---|
| Budget turf, professionally installed | £30 to £50 | £1,200 to £2,000 |
| Mid-range turf, professionally installed | £50 to £70 | £2,000 to £2,800 |
| Premium turf, professionally installed | £70 to £100 | £2,800 to £4,000 |
| Supply-only turf (DIY) | £12.50 to £40 | £500 to £1,600 |
What’s Included in Professional Installation?
The headline per-m² rate covers far more than rolling out turf. A proper installation includes:
- Removal of existing turf and soil, plus waste disposal
- Excavation to around 75-100mm depth
- MOT Type 1 sub-base (compacted hardcore for drainage and stability)
- Sharp sand or limestone fines levelling layer
- Weed membrane (£0.50 to £1 per m²)
- Premium turf cut, joined and fixed with adhesive and edging
- Sand infill brushed in to keep fibres upright
Skipping the groundwork is the classic cheap-quote trap: turf laid straight onto soil without a sub-base will dip, puddle and weed within a year or two.
Worked Examples by Garden Size
| Garden size | Budget installed | Mid-range installed | Premium installed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20m² (small courtyard) | £600 to £1,000 | £1,000 to £1,400 | £1,400 to £2,000 |
| 40m² (typical lawn) | £1,200 to £2,000 | £2,000 to £2,800 | £2,800 to £4,000 |
| 60m² (large garden) | £1,800 to £3,000 | £3,000 to £4,200 | £4,200 to £6,000 |
| 100m² (very large) | £3,000 to £5,000 | £5,000 to £7,000 | £7,000 to £10,000 |
What Drives the Price Up or Down?
- Access: narrow side passages mean everything carried by hand; expect a premium.
- Ground condition: heavy clay, tree roots or poor drainage add excavation work.
- Turf quality: pile height, fibre density and UV stabilisation separate £12/m² rolls from £40/m² ones.
- Shape complexity: curved beds and multiple joins waste more turf and take longer.
- Edging: block paving, timber or composite edging is often quoted separately.
- Region: London and the South East run 15 to 25% above national rates.
DIY vs Professional Installation
DIY saves the £25 to £60 per m² labour cost, bringing a 40m² project down to roughly £800 to £2,000 in materials. But groundwork is heavy, physical work: excavating 3-4 tonnes of soil, compacting sub-base in layers, and cutting joins invisibly takes skill. Poor DIY groundwork is the number one cause of failed installations. If you DIY, don’t skimp on the sub-base or membrane. For garden upkeep ideas, see our patio cleaning guide.
Artificial Grass vs Real Turf
| Artificial grass | Real turf | |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost (40m²) | £2,160 to £4,080 | £400 to £1,000 |
| Lifespan | 10 to 20 years | Indefinite (with care) |
| Maintenance | Occasional brushing | Mowing, feeding, watering |
| Best for | Shade, pets, heavy use, low maintenance | Budget, natural look, wildlife |
Artificial Grass FAQs
How much does artificial grass cost per m² in the UK?
Typically £45 to £85 per m² + VAT professionally installed (£54 to £102 inc VAT). Supply-only turf starts from £12.50 per m².
How much to artificial grass a 40m² garden?
Around £2,160 to £4,080 inc VAT professionally installed, or £800 to £2,000 DIY in materials.
Is artificial grass worth it?
For shaded gardens, pet owners and heavy-use lawns, yes: no mowing, no mud, 10-20 year lifespan. The upfront cost is 3-5x real turf.
Can you lay artificial grass on soil?
Not directly. Proper installation needs excavation, a compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base, sand levelling and a weed membrane. Turf on bare soil fails quickly.
How long does artificial grass last?
Typically 10 to 20 years. UV stabilisation and fibre quality are the main determinants; cheap turf flattens and fades faster.
Does artificial grass drain well?
Yes, when installed on a proper permeable sub-base. The turf backing is perforated; drainage problems come from poor groundwork, not the grass.
Can I install artificial grass myself?
Yes, and save £25-£60/m² labour. But don’t skip the groundwork: excavation, sub-base compaction and invisible joins are where DIY installations fail.
Is artificial grass safe for dogs?
Yes. Choose a pet-friendly turf with good drainage, rinse regularly, and use an enzyme cleaner for odours. It eliminates muddy paws entirely.
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