Quick Answer: Artificial grass in the UK typically costs £12.50–£27.99/m² supply-only, or £45–£85/m² fully installed. A 40m² garden usually costs £1,800–£3,400 including groundwork, delivery, and fitting.
If you’ve been shopping around for artificial grass, you’ll know one thing already: prices are all over the place. Some suppliers shout about cheap roll-ends, others bury the true cost of installation, and a few push premium lawns that look great on day one but don’t last.
So, how much does artificial grass really cost? At As Good As Grass, we believe in straight answers:
- Supply-only turf starts from £12.50 per m²
- Fully installed lawns usually cost £45–£85 per m²
- Event hire starts from £4.50 per m² per day
But the right figure for your garden, school, or event depends on size, groundwork, access, and the product you choose. Let’s break it down properly.
Jump to:
- Supply-Only Prices
- Full Installation Costs
- DIY Installation Savings
- Event Hire Costs
- Extra Costs & Hidden Charges
- Is Artificial Grass Worth It?
- Cost Per Year: Why Artificial Grass Pays for Itself
- UK Average Costs
- FAQs
Supply-Only Prices: Buy Turf Direct
With our new online shop, you can order artificial grass by the metre, with options for every budget and application:
| Product | Price (per m²) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Artificial Grass | £12.50 | Budget-friendly, DIY projects |
| Lux Artificial Grass | £15.99 | General use, good value |
| Eden Artificial Grass | £16.99 | Family gardens |
| Sol Artificial Grass | £18.50 | Schools & play areas |
| Arcadia Artificial Grass | £19.99 | Stylish, realistic finish |
| Play Care Artificial Grass | £19.50 | Child-friendly lawns |
| Play Care Extreme | £24.50 | High durability, schools |
| Elite Artificial Grass | £24.90 | Premium, soft finish |
| Lush Artificial Grass | £27.99 | Luxury look & feel |
Example: A 25m² garden (5×5m) would cost from £312.50 (Economy) to £699.75 (Lush) supply-only.
Artificial Grass Cost Per m² (Supply vs Installed)
| Type | Supply-Only Price | Installed Price |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Turf | £12.50–£15 per m² | £45–£55 per m² |
| Mid-Range Turf | £16–£20 per m² | £55–£70 per m² |
| Premium Turf | £25–£28 per m² | £70–£85 per m² |
This table helps compare supply-only artificial grass prices against fully installed costs, giving you a realistic idea of what to expect per square metre.
Full Installation Costs: Supply + Fit
Most homeowners prefer a full install — and this is where quotes vary the most. At As Good As Grass, we install lawns from £45–£85 per m², including all groundwork and materials.
What affects the cost?
- Groundwork: Excavation, MOT base, sharp sand or limestone fines.
- Access: Narrow alleys and limited access add labour.
- Grass type: Longer, denser piles usually cost more.
- Extras: Edging, skip hire, and drainage fixes where needed.
Examples:
- Small 20m² garden = £900–£1,700 installed
- Average 40m² garden = £1,800–£3,400 installed
- Large 100m² lawn = £4,500–£8,500 installed
While real turf can be cheaper upfront, the lifetime cost of mowing, watering, fertiliser, and re-turfing soon adds up. A well-installed synthetic lawn keeps those ongoing costs in check for years.
Learn more about professional installation
Typical Installation Cost Breakdown
- Excavation & waste disposal: £10–£15 per m²
- MOT Type 1 base layer: £8–£10 per m²
- Sharp sand or grano dust levelling: £5–£8 per m²
- Weed membrane: ~£4 per m² (or £95 per roll)
- Adhesives, tape & fixings: £2–£4 per m²
- Grass supply & fitting: £12–£20 per m²
When combined, these elements explain why a professional install typically totals £45–£85 per m² – transparent and inclusive of everything from groundwork to finishing.
DIY Artificial Grass: Save with Self-Install
If you’re handy and on a budget, DIY is possible. Buy your turf supply-only, then add:
- MOT Type 1 hardcore (~£35–£45 per tonne)
- Sharp sand (~£50 per bulk bag)
- Membrane (~£95 per roll)
- Glue & tape (£7.50 per stick, ~£1 per metre)
Realistic saving: 25–30% vs professional install.
Beware though: poor base preparation leads to sinking, weeds, or drainage issues. Many DIYers end up calling us to rescue jobs — which costs more in the long run.
Hire for Events: Short-Term Costs
We’re one of the UK’s only companies to offer artificial grass hire — perfect for exhibitions, parties, weddings, and festivals.
- From £4.50–£7.50 per m² per day
- Installation/removal: £2.50 per m²
- Delivery/collection: from £200
Example: A 100m² wedding hire is typically around £1,100 for one day including fit and removal.
Learn more about artificial grass hire
Extra Costs & Hidden Charges
When comparing quotes, don’t forget the “extras” some suppliers gloss over:
- Delivery: typically £45–£75 for rolls
- Glue, tape, and adhesives
- Shock pads for play areas: see our Safety Flooring & Shock Pads
- Skip hire for old turf/soil: typically £150–£250
We’re upfront about these costs from the start — no nasty surprises.
Is Artificial Grass Worth the Money?
For most of our customers, yes. Here’s why:
- Lifespan: 10+ years with our 10-year product guarantee and 3-year groundwork guarantee.
- Maintenance: Just brush, rinse, and enjoy — no mowing, no mud.
- Value: Improves kerb appeal and keeps outdoor areas usable in all seasons.
- Use cases: Perfect for shaded gardens, dogs, or schools where real turf struggles.
Downsides exist: it’s not natural, it can feel warm in direct sun, and it won’t suit wildlife-led gardens. If you want a clean, green, low-upkeep lawn, synthetic turf is hard to beat.
Cost Per Year: Why It Pays for Itself
Artificial grass isn’t just about saving time — it can work out cheaper than natural turf in the long run.
- Example: A 40m² lawn, professionally installed at £3,000, with a 15-year lifespan = ~£200 per year.
- The same lawn in real turf can cost £250–£400 per year once you factor in mowing, watering, fertiliser, re-turfing, and lawn care.
This is why more homeowners, schools, and landlords view artificial grass as an investment — you pay once and enjoy for a decade or more.
UK Average Artificial Grass Costs
If you’re shopping around, here’s what the wider UK market looks like:
| Type | Typical UK Price Range (per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Supply-Only | £9 – £14 | Thin pile, shorter lifespan |
| Mid-Range Supply-Only | £14 – £24 | More realistic look & feel |
| Premium Supply-Only | £25 – £45 | Luxury lawns, soft fibres |
| Full Installation | £45 – £80 | Includes groundwork & fitting |
At As Good As Grass, our supply-only range runs £12.50–£27.99/m², and full installations average £45–£85/m² depending on groundwork. That puts us firmly in the national bracket — with premium EU-made turf, robust guarantees, and decades of experience.
FAQs: Common Questions About Artificial Grass Costs
Buying artificial grass is a big decision — and most people have the same questions before they commit. We’ve pulled together the most common queries and given you clear, honest answers:
How much does artificial grass cost to lay?
Supply-only starts from £12.50/m². Installed lawns average £45–£85/m².
Is artificial grass cheaper than paving?
Yes — paving typically costs £80–£120/m², making synthetic turf a lower-cost alternative.
How long does artificial grass last?
With proper installation and care, 10–20 years.
Does artificial grass add value to a house?
Often, yes. Buyers appreciate low-maintenance gardens and year-round usability, which can boost kerb appeal.
Do weeds grow through artificial grass?
Not when installed correctly with a membrane and proper base. Poor groundwork is the usual cause of weeds in synthetic lawns.
Is it good for dogs?
Yes — it’s soft, non-toxic, and easy to clean. Many of our installations are for dog owners.
Can I install it myself?
Yes, but it’s physical work and precision matters. We offer supply-only and can assist with part-install options.
Is artificial grass expensive to maintain?
No. There’s no mowing or fertilising. Routine upkeep is occasional brushing, rinsing, and pet clean-up as needed.
Does artificial grass go mouldy?
Not if drainage is correct and debris is kept in check. A periodic rinse or light pressure wash helps.
How long does it take to install artificial grass?
Small gardens (up to 30–40m²): 1–2 days. Larger or complex spaces: 3–4 days, depending on prep.
Can artificial grass be laid on soil or concrete?
Yes. On soil we build a solid MOT base with membrane; on concrete we usually recommend a shock pad for comfort and drainage.
How much does artificial grass installation cost in the UK?
On average, full installation costs £45–£85 per m². A 40m² garden usually totals £1,800–£3,400 depending on access, groundwork, and turf choice. Learn more about professional installation.
What is the cheapest price for artificial grass?
Budget turf starts from just £12.50 per m² supply-only. However, cheaper imports often fade or flatten quickly — our EU-made range is designed to last, even at entry-level prices.
Is artificial grass expensive in the UK?
Not compared with alternatives like paving (£80–£120/m²). Artificial grass offers better value long-term thanks to low maintenance and 10–20 year lifespans.
How much does it cost to maintain artificial grass?
Artificial lawns need very little upkeep. Expect ~£50–£100 per year for occasional brushing, rinsing, and optional professional cleaning. That’s far less than mowing, watering, and re-turfing a natural lawn. See our maintenance guide for more tips.
Artificial Grass Costs Made Clear
Upfront costs are higher than real turf, yet the long-term value is stronger if you want it done properly. Whether you’re ordering turf online, booking a full install, or hiring for a one-off event, we’ll give you a clear, honest price.
