How Much Does Artificial Grass Cost in 2026?
The average artificial grass installation cost is £60 to £100 per square metre fully installed. For a typical 30m² garden, that works out at £1,800 to £3,000. The cost of artificial grass itself is only part of the bill - base preparation and professional laying make up most of the total cost to install artificial grass. Here is the full breakdown.
£60/m²
Installed from
£1,800+
30m² garden
£10–£30/m²
Supply only
8–15 yrs
Lasts
Prices updated April 2026 · Based on industry data and contractor submissions.
Artificial Grass Cost per m²
A breakdown of supply and installation costs. How much does it cost to lay artificial grass? Most quotes bundle supply, base preparation, and laying together - here is what each element costs per square metre.
Budget grass (supply only)
20–25mm pile, basic density, light use areas
£12/m²
£8 – £15/m²
Mid-range grass (supply only)
30–37mm pile, good density, most popular choice
£20/m²
£15 – £25/m²
Premium grass (supply only)
35–40mm pile, multi-tonal, thatch layer, UV stabilised
£28/m²
£25 – £35/m²
Base preparation
Excavation, MOT Type 1 aggregate, sharp sand
£25/m²
£20 – £30/m²
Professional laying
Cutting, joining, securing edges, infill sand
£20/m²
£15 – £25/m²
Artificial Grass Installation Cost by Garden Size
The average cost of artificial grass varies by garden size. These totals are based on mid-range grass and professional installation, including all materials and labour.
| Garden Size | Supply | Installation | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small garden (15m²) | £180 – £450 | £525 – £825 | £700 – £1,275 |
| Average garden (30m²) | £360 – £900 | £1,050 – £1,650 | £1,800 – £3,000 |
| Large garden (50m²) | £600 – £1,500 | £1,750 – £2,750 | £3,000 – £5,000 |
| Front garden (10m²) | £120 – £300 | £350 – £550 | £500 – £850 |
Artificial Grass Costs by Region
Average installed cost per m² (mid-range grass) by UK region.
| Region | Average Cost | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| London | £95/m² | +19% |
| South East | £88/m² | +10% |
| South West | £82/m² | +3% |
| Midlands | £80/m² | Average |
| East of England | £83/m² | +4% |
| Yorkshire | £72/m² | -10% |
| North West | £74/m² | -8% |
| North East | £68/m² | -15% |
| Scotland | £70/m² | -13% |
| Wales | £73/m² | -9% |
How to Get Your Artificial Grass for Less
Do the base preparation yourself
The biggest labour cost is digging out the old turf and laying the aggregate base. If you are reasonably fit and have a couple of weekends free, doing this yourself saves £20 to £30 per m². Hire a skip for the spoil (£200 to £250) and a plate compactor (£30 to £50 per day) to firm up the aggregate properly. If using a professional, look for a TrustMark-registered installer.
Buy grass from an online specialist
High-street garden centres mark up artificial grass significantly. Online specialists like Artificial Grass Direct, Grass Direct, and Great Grass offer better prices because they buy in bulk and cut to order. You can order free samples to check the quality before committing. Buying online typically saves 20 to 30% on the grass itself.
Combine with other garden work
If you are also having fencing, decking, or paving done, ask the landscaper to include the artificial grass in the same job. They are already on site with the right tools, and you save on mobilisation costs. Many landscapers offer a discount for combined projects.
Buy end-of-roll offcuts
Artificial grass suppliers often have end-of-roll pieces at 30 to 50% off. These are full-quality grass in odd sizes - sometimes enough for a small garden or a section of a larger project. Ask suppliers for their offcuts list, or check their clearance section online. You might need to compromise on the exact shade or pile height.
What to Expect: The Installation Process
- 1
Remove existing turf and topsoil
The old lawn is stripped out to a depth of 75 to 100mm. This removes organic material that would decompose under the grass and cause unevenness. The spoil is taken away - for a 30m² garden, this is roughly 2 to 3 tonnes of soil, so a skip or van is needed. If you are replacing a front garden lawn, check whether you need planning permission - hard surfacing over 5m² at the front of a property requires either permeable materials or drainage to a lawn or border.
- 2
Lay and compact the aggregate base
A layer of MOT Type 1 (crushed stone) is spread and compacted with a plate compactor or roller. This creates a stable, free-draining foundation. A weed membrane goes on top to prevent anything growing through.
- 3
Add the levelling layer
A thin layer of sharp sand or granite dust is spread and screeded level over the compacted aggregate. This gives a smooth, even surface for the grass to sit on. Getting this layer flat is the key to a professional-looking finish.
- 4
Lay, cut, and secure the grass
The grass rolls are unrolled and left to settle for an hour or two. They are then cut to shape, joined using adhesive and joining tape, and secured around the edges with galvanised nails or pins. Kiln-dried sand is brushed into the pile to help the blades stand upright and add weight. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends keeping at least some real planting around artificial grass to support pollinators and garden wildlife.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does artificial grass cost per m²?
Artificial grass costs £60 to £100 per m² fully installed, including supply, base preparation, and laying. The grass itself costs £10 to £30 per m² depending on quality, pile height, and density. Base preparation adds £20 to £30 per m², and professional laying adds £15 to £25 per m². A typical 30m² garden costs £1,800 to £3,000 all in.
How long does artificial grass last?
Good-quality artificial grass lasts 8 to 15 years. Budget grass (under £15/m²) tends to flatten and fade within 5 years, especially in high-traffic areas. Mid-range and premium products with higher pile density and UV stabilisation hold up much better. The base preparation also affects longevity - a properly compacted aggregate base prevents the grass from developing bumps and dips over time.
Can I lay artificial grass myself?
Yes, and it can save you £30 to £50 per m² on labour and base preparation. The main challenge is getting the base right - you need to dig out 75 to 100mm of topsoil, lay and compact MOT Type 1 aggregate, then add a layer of sharp sand or granite dust. If the base is not level and well-compacted, the grass will develop bumps and drainage problems. For small areas (under 20m²), DIY is very achievable. For larger or more complex gardens, professional installation is worth the money.
Does artificial grass get hot in summer?
Yes. Artificial grass can reach surface temperatures of 50 to 70°C in direct sunlight on a hot day - significantly warmer than real grass. This is uncomfortable for bare feet, children, and pets. Some premium products include heat-reducing technology that lowers surface temperature by 10 to 15°C. You can also spray the grass with water to cool it down quickly.
Is artificial grass bad for the environment?
Artificial grass is made from plastic (polypropylene or polyethylene) and does not support biodiversity the way a real lawn does. Insects, worms, and birds lose a food source and habitat. On the other hand, it eliminates the need for petrol mowers, weed killers, pesticides, and watering - all of which have their own environmental costs. The honest answer is that real grass is better for nature, but artificial grass is better than paving over your garden entirely. The RHS has published useful guidance on maintaining wildlife-friendly gardens.
Reviewed by Chris Ward, Less.co.uk Home Improvement Costs Specialist
Last updated: April 2026 · Pricing based on industry data and verified contractor submissions · Methodology
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