With artificial grass, the turf is the smaller part of the bill. The bigger cost is the groundwork: excavating the old lawn, laying and compacting a sub-base, adding a weed membrane, and joining and pinning the grass. Skimp on groundwork and the lawn will sink, ripple or drain poorly, so this is where the real value lies.
Typical UK prices
| Grade / type | Material (per m²) | Fitting (per m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget grass | £12 – £18 | — |
| Mid-range grass | £18 – £28 | — |
| Premium grass | £28 – £40 | — |
| Full installation (turf + groundwork) | — | £40 – £80 total/m² |
Remember: material and fitting are separate costs. A low material price with high fitting can total more than a mid-range product fitted simply.
What changes the price
- Groundwork is the largest cost — excavation, sub-base and compaction.
- Access to the garden affects how easily materials are moved.
- Removing an existing lawn or hard surface adds labour and disposal.
- Edging and joining around curves and borders takes more time.
- Sand infill and quality membrane are small but important extras.
A worked example
For a 30m² back garden, premium grass at £30/m² is about £900. Full groundwork and installation at £50/m² adds £1,500, so the project totals around £2,400, or roughly £80/m² all-in. A simpler, well-drained plot with easy access would sit lower.
Estimate your project: Use the matching calculator to turn your room size into a materials estimate, then request a quote to get real local prices.