Typical prices
| Area | Size | Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Side yard or dog run | 200 sq ft | $2,000–$3,200 |
| Small backyard | 500 sq ft | $5,000–$8,000 |
| Medium backyard | 800 sq ft | $8,000–$12,800 |
| Large yard | 1,000 sq ft | $10,000–$16,000 |
| Putting green | 200 sq ft | $4,000–$7,000 |
Turf runs $10–$16 per sq ft installed, and a putting green $20–$35 per sq ft.
These are rough ranges before HST. The free on-site estimate gives you the real number, in writing, the same day.
How much does 500 sq ft of artificial turf cost?
About $5,000–$8,000 installed, before HST, including the dig-out and the base. A 1,000 sq ft yard is about $10,000–$16,000.
What's included
Digging out the old lawn and soil, a compacted gravel base, a weed barrier, the turf itself, infill and secured edges. The base is most of the work, and it's what keeps turf flat and draining for years.
What moves the price
The ground underneath
Soft ground, low spots and clay that holds water need more digging and more gravel before the turf goes down.
The turf you pick
Thicker, softer, more natural-looking turf costs more than basic turf. Turf made for dogs drains faster and costs a little more.
Shape and edges
Curves, narrow strips and long edges along beds, pools and walkways take longer to cut and secure than one open rectangle.
Getting into the yard
A backyard reached through a narrow side yard means moving soil out and gravel in by hand or with small machines.
Turf or sod?
Turf costs more up front than sod, which runs about $1.50–$2.00 per sq ft with the old lawn taken out. Turf saves on water, mowing and fertilizer every year after that.
Is artificial turf worth it?
It usually pays off in small yards, shady spots, side yards, pool areas and dog runs, where grass struggles anyway. You stop paying for water, mowing and fertilizer. On a big, open, sunny lawn, sod is usually the better value.
What is the downside to artificial turf?
It costs more up front than sod, it gets warm in full sun, and it doesn't last forever. It still needs a rinse now and then, especially with dogs. If those are deal-breakers, sod is the better fit.
Artificial turf for dogs
Turf works well with dogs: no mud, no dead patches, and it rinses clean. Ask for turf made for pets, which drains faster, and rinse the spots they use.
How long does artificial turf last?
Good turf usually lasts 15 years or more, depending on the product and how much traffic it gets. Ask what warranty comes with the turf you choose.
Why does turf cost more than sod?
Most of the price is the base. The old lawn and soil have to be dug out and hauled away, then gravel goes in and gets compacted before the turf goes down. Sod goes onto levelled soil, so there's a lot less digging and material.
Can you install turf yourself?
You can, but the rolls are heavy, the dig-out is real work, and seams and edges show if they aren't done well. A thin base shows up later as dips. A small dog run can be a fair weekend project. For a full yard, the base is worth paying for.
What about a putting green?
Putting greens use a shorter, denser turf so the ball rolls true, and they run about $20–$35 per sq ft. They can go in on their own or with the rest of the yard.
Getting a real number
We come out, measure, look at the ground and the access, and give you a written quote the same day. The estimate is free anywhere in Windsor-Essex.
Want a real number for your yard?
Free on-site estimate anywhere in Windsor-Essex, with a written quote the same day. One-year warranty, fully insured and WSIB covered. Call or text 519-567-4724.
