Artificial Turf Installation Cost: What to Expect
- Briana Johnson
- May 21
- 4 min read
Artificial turf has become one of the most requested features in landscape construction projects across Sonoma and Napa County—and for good reason. Property owners want clean, low-maintenance landscapes that maintain their beauty through every season. Artificial turf delivers that.
Still, once you start exploring artificial turf installation, it’s easy to run into confusing—and often conflicting—information about pricing. Why do some estimates seem so high? Are all turf products the same? And what’s really included in the quote?
This guide walks you through what affects artificial turf installation costs and what experienced contractors like Gardenworks, Inc. consider when building a reliable, all-in estimate.
Table of Contents
Why Artificial Turf Is a Great Investment
In a region where water use is tightly regulated and appearances matter, artificial turf offers a practical, long-term solution for outdoor spaces that need to look sharp year-round. Whether it’s a high-visibility entrance, a frequently used courtyard, or an open lawn area that can’t keep up with the weather, turf provides consistent, low-maintenance greenery without the usual upkeep.
Always Green: No brown patches, drought stress, or seasonal thinning.
Water-Smart: Reduces usage and may qualify for local conservation rebates.
Low Maintenance: Eliminates the need for mowing, irrigation, and chemical treatments.
Built to Last: Designed to handle foot traffic, pets, and day-to-day wear without compromising appearance.
Over time, artificial turf can lower your total landscape costs while keeping your property clean, attractive, and functional.
The Basics: What Goes Into the Cost of Artificial Turf Installation?
Installing artificial turf isn’t just about rolling out green carpet. Each step in the process affects the longevity, appearance, and performance of the final result.
Site Preparation
This foundational step ensures the long-term success of the installation. It typically includes:
Removing Grass or Old Turf: Existing materials must be cleared before a new base can be created.
Grading and Leveling: Creates a flat, even surface for laying the turf while promoting proper water drainage.
Base Construction: Crushed stone or aggregate is compacted to form a stable layer underneath the turf.
If this foundation isn’t done right, the turf won’t perform well—no matter how good the product is.
Materials
The artificial turf costs rise or fall based on the materials selected. You’ll find a wide range of turf products on the market, including:
Basic Turf: Ideal for low-traffic areas with limited visual demand.
Premium Turf: Designed for durability, natural appearance, and comfort underfoot.
Infill Options: Materials like silica sand, rubber, or organic compounds help keep turf blades upright and improve drainage.
Edging: Secures turf edges and creates a neat, finished appearance.
The artificial turf price per sq ft can range from $1.50 to $10 or more, depending on the product chosen.
Labor
Installing artificial turf correctly takes experience and precision. From compacting the base to seaming turf sections and grooming the surface, every step affects how the final product performs over time.
Specialized equipment ensures precise grading and thorough compaction for a stable foundation.
Seams must be aligned and secured with care so they remain invisible even under close inspection.
Infill is distributed evenly to support blade structure and provide proper drainage.
The surface is brushed and groomed for a clean, natural finish that looks polished from day one.
At Gardenworks, Inc., our licensed landscape contractors manage each phase of the install using trusted techniques and tools. It's not just about laying turf—it's about delivering long-term performance and visual impact that matches the rest of your landscape.
Square Footage Matters: Size Drives Price
When it comes to artificial turf cost, square footage is one of the biggest factors—but it's not always linear.
Smaller Spaces (under 500 sq ft): The total cost per square foot tends to be higher, often $10 to $15, is due to fixed labor and material minimums.
Mid-Size Areas (800–1,200 sq ft): Generally fall between $6 and $10 per square foot.
Larger Installations: Bigger jobs may qualify for reduced per-square-foot rates.
That said, more square footage also means more base material, more time, and more crew hours. The key is finding the right balance between scale and value.
Additional Features That Can Affect the Budget
Turf installation isn't always straightforward. Certain site conditions and upgrade choices may increase the cost to lay artificial turf:
Drainage Systems: Especially important in areas with clay soil or poor runoff.
Weed Barriers: Extend the life of your turf and reduce long-term maintenance.
Decorative Edging: Stone, concrete, or metal borders enhance function and style.
Difficult Site Access: Locations that are hard to reach may require more time or manual labor.
Special Features: Pet-friendly turf, cooling infill, or integrated putting greens can all raise the total artificial turf prices.
During a consultation, expect to go over these details to receive an accurate, tailored quote.
Realistic Budgeting: What You Might Expect to Spend
So what’s the bottom line?
Here are some common project ranges based on real installs:
400–600 sq ft: $6,000–$9,000
800–1,200 sq ft: $9,000–$15,000
1,500+ sq ft or custom features: $15,000+
These estimates include site prep, materials, and full installation. Depending on your location, you may also qualify for local water conservation rebates, which can offset a portion of your investment.
At Gardenworks, Inc., we don’t do one-size-fits-all estimates. Every proposal is built around your site conditions, long-term goals, and how this turf installation fits into your larger landscape vision. That way, you know exactly what you’re investing in—and what to expect at every step.
Why Professional Installation Is Worth It
Artificial turf is a long-term investment—and how it’s installed makes all the difference.
Precision grading. Seam alignment. Compaction and drainage. These are not just line items; they’re make-or-break decisions that shape how the turf performs over time and how it fits into the landscape as a whole.
That’s why it’s essential to work with licensed professionals who treat turf installation as part of a larger construction strategy—not a standalone product. Every step, from subgrade prep to final grooming, is handled with intent and accuracy.
At Gardenworks, Inc., artificial turf installations are designed to last, perform, and align with the broader goals of your outdoor space. Whether turf is the centerpiece or one element of a more complex design, we install it with the same focus and precision we bring to every part of the project.
Contact Gardenworks, Inc. at (707) 857-5020 for a personalized estimate.
