Artificial Grass Cost Calculator
Estimate the total cost of laying artificial grass in the UK. Calculate fake lawn materials, base preparation, and professional labour instantly.
Artificial Grass Cost Estimator
Calculate materials, base preparation, and labour for your lawn
The total horizontal length of the area to be turfed.
The total width of the area to be turfed.
Premium grass looks more natural and feels softer but costs more.
Professional base includes digging out soil, weed membrane, and compacted stone.
Professional costs include average UK day rates for excavation and fitting.
Artificial Grass Estimate
Materials, Base & Labour Breakdown
Enter your lawn dimensions and click Calculate Lawn Cost to see your estimated project total.
Average Artificial Grass Costs by Quality
Typical fully fitted costs per square metre for laying artificial grass in the UK. Includes grass materials, base preparation, and professional labour based on 2026 average rates.
| Grass Quality | Average Fitted Cost per m² |
|---|---|
| Budget (Standard / Short Pile) | £40 – £55 |
| Mid-Range (Realistic / Medium Pile) | £60 – £80 |
| Premium (Luxury / Long Pile) | £85 – £100+ |
Artificial Grass Costs & Installation FAQ
Everything you need to know about planning, materials, and costs for laying a fake lawn in the UK.
The cost of artificial grass in the UK typically ranges from £40 to £100 per square metre fully installed. Budget artificial grass costs around £40 to £55 per m2, mid-range realistic grass costs £60 to £80 per m2, and premium luxury grass costs £85 to £100+ per m2. For a standard 30m2 medium-sized garden, expect to pay between £1,200 and £3,000 fully fitted by a professional.
Artificial grass has a higher upfront cost than laying turf, but it is often considered a worthwhile investment. A real lawn requires ongoing costs for mowing, watering, feeding, and treating moss or weeds, which can cost hundreds of pounds annually. Artificial grass requires virtually zero maintenance, saving you money and time over its 15 to 20-year lifespan, while providing a perfect green lawn year-round.
No, you generally do not need planning permission to lay artificial grass in your garden under permitted development rights. However, if you are replacing a front garden lawn with artificial grass (or paving) and it covers an area larger than 5 square metres, you must ensure the surface is permeable or directs runoff to a permeable area to comply with sustainable drainage regulations.
High-quality artificial grass typically lasts between 15 and 20 years, depending on the amount of foot traffic and UV exposure. Premium artificial grass comes with UV-stabilised fibres that resist fading and can withstand heavy use from children and pets without flattening or degrading significantly over time.
Yes, installing artificial grass yourself is a manageable DIY project that can save you roughly 40% to 50% on the total cost. However, proper preparation is crucial. You must excavate the existing grass, lay a compacted sub-base (like MOT Type 1), add a weed membrane, and a layer of sharp sand or granite dust to ensure proper drainage and a smooth, long-lasting finish.
While artificial grass requires significantly less maintenance than a natural lawn, it is not entirely maintenance-free. You should occasionally rinse it with water, remove debris like leaves with a plastic rake or leaf blower, and brush it against the pile to keep the fibres upright. If you have pets, you will need to hose down the area and use an artificial grass cleaner to prevent odours.
The best base for artificial grass involves excavating about 100mm to 150mm of existing soil, laying a geotextile weed membrane, and then adding a compacted sub-base of MOT Type 1 stone (about 50mm to 80mm thick). Finally, a laying course of sharp sand or granite dust (about 20mm to 30mm) is screeded level to provide a smooth, free-draining surface for the grass to sit on.