Artificial Turf Cost Per Square Foot: What Is in the Quote?
There is no single cost per square foot for every turf yard.
Size, base work, access, and layout all change the quote.
Outside cost guides can help you plan, but they are not TurfMastro prices or an offer for your yard. Here is how to compare them before you sign.
What published cost guides say
As checked on October 10, 2026, these guides listed different installed ranges:
| Outside source | Published installed range |
|---|---|
| SitePrep artificial grass guide | $12–$22 per square foot |
| HomeGuide artificial grass guide | $10–$25 per square foot |
Both describe installed turf, not just a roll of grass. Their estimates may use different locations, products, and job assumptions.
These are guide ranges, not a proven Houston average. Do not choose an installer based only on which number looks lowest.
Turn square feet into a rough budget
Start with the area that will actually get turf. Do not include a patio or a bed that is staying.
For a simple rectangle, multiply length by width. A space that is 20 feet by 25 feet has 500 square feet.
Using SitePrep's published range gives these examples:
| Turf area | At $12 per square foot | At $22 per square foot |
|---|---|---|
| 300 square feet | $3,600 | $6,600 |
| 500 square feet | $6,000 | $11,000 |
| 1,000 square feet | $12,000 | $22,000 |
These totals are simple math, not quotes. They do not prove that a small job costs the same per foot as a larger one.
For an odd shape, split the area into smaller rectangles. Let the installer confirm the area, cuts, and waste before you rely on a total.
What moves the quote up or down?
The turf product
Products differ in blade type, backing, intended use, and warranty terms. A dog run and a putting green do not call for the same surface.
Ask to see the product sheet and a sample. Heavier or taller grass is not always the best choice.
Ground preparation
The old lawn must come out, and the new base must support the turf. Poor support can lead to dips and loose areas.
TurfMastro includes base preparation, drainage, and old-grass haul-away in its standard turf job. Ask for the scope for your site in writing.
Access and shape
A wide gate makes work easier than a narrow route beside the house. Curves and small strips can require more fitting and cutting.
Get those details checked before comparing the final price.
The intended use
Pet care, sports, and play can call for different product systems. Some designs may need a pad or other work beyond a standard lawn job.
Ask what is necessary for your use and what is optional. Do not assume an extra item is included.
Compare complete jobs, not bare numbers
A materials-only rate is not the same as an installed rate. One quote may include work another leaves out.
Use this checklist on each quote:
- Turf product and amount.
- Old lawn removal and haul-away.
- Base preparation and drainage.
- Seams, borders, and infill where required.
- Any agreed extra work.
- Cleanup and written warranty terms.
Ask about exclusions too. A cheap-looking quote may leave out work, but a low price alone does not prove poor quality.
How to save without skipping the basics
Start with the part of the yard you use most. A dog area or play zone may matter more than a full front-and-back conversion.
Keep the layout simple where you can. Many small cuts can take more time than one open area.
Compare products by use, not by the biggest list of features. Spend on a system that fits the space.
Do not remove needed base or drainage work to force a lower price. Ask how the installer would change the scope without weakening the job.
Remember the cost of care
Turf needs no mowing, but upkeep is not zero. You may need water, cleaner, brushing, and later repairs.
For a pet area, plan for waste removal and regular cleaning. Those costs belong in your budget too.
Whether turf pays for itself depends on your current lawn costs and how long you keep it. There is no payback date that applies to every home.
Frequently asked questions
How much does artificial turf installation cost per square foot?
Outside guides list different ranges. The two checked here list $12–$22 and $10–$25 installed. Your site's quote can differ.
What would a 1,000-square-foot yard cost?
Using SitePrep's range gives $12,000–$22,000 as a math example. It is not a TurfMastro quote or a guaranteed local price.
Does a quote include old grass removal?
Ask for it in writing. TurfMastro's standard turf job includes base preparation, drainage, and old-grass haul-away.
Is more expensive turf always better?
No. The right product depends on use, care, and the site. Compare the system, not just the rate.
Can you price a yard from a photo?
A photo can start a discussion. Measurements and site conditions are needed for a reliable written scope and quote.
Get a quote for your actual space
A free on-site estimate and 3D design can help you compare the plan with what you want from the yard.
Book your free on-site estimate and 3D design »Sources
- SitePrep: artificial grass cost guide. Its headline installed range was $12–$22 per square foot when checked October 10, 2026. The page includes other ranges elsewhere, so the headline figure is not treated as a universal market average.
- HomeGuide: artificial grass cost. Its published installed range was $10–$25 per square foot when checked October 10, 2026.
- These are third-party commercial guides, not independent market surveys or TurfMastro quotes. Recheck them before publishing.