DIY Artificial Turf Installation: Materials Cost

Installing artificial turf yourself saves thousands in labor costs—you only pay for materials. Use NailIt to estimate the exact materials you'll need: turf, base layers, infill, adhesive, and tools. Get a free cost breakdown for your yard size today.

Typical DIY cost$800 – $3,500
Time2–5 days
DifficultyIntermediate
Cost typeMaterials only
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Low$800
Average$1,800
High$3,500

Estimated DIY materials cost for total materials for typical 200–400 sq ft yard — you supply the labor. Prices vary by region and brand.

Artificial Turf Installation cost per square foot

$6.00per sq ft — typical, materials only

Across the full range this works out to $2.00–$18 per sq ft, depending on material grade and how much waste you plan for.

Here is the arithmetic, so you can redo it with your own numbers: a typical project here is 200–400 sq ft and runs $800–$3,500 in materials. Divide the middle of that cost range by the middle of the area range ($1,800 ÷ 300 sq ft) and you get $6.00 per sq ft. Measure your own space, multiply, and you have your materials budget.

Materials only — labour is not included. See what a contractor charges below.

DIY vs. hiring a pro

DIYPRO45
DIY or contractor?Skilled DIYTypical for artificial turf installation. Your own scope, local codes, and permits can move this either way — run a free estimate for a score on your exact project.
Do it yourself$800 – $3,500Materials only — you supply the labor
Hire a pro (rough est.)$1,600 – $12,250Materials + labor, installed

A handy DIYer can usually take this on; if it needs permits or systems you are unsure about, get a pro quote first. The pro figure is a rough rule of thumb (labor on jobs like this often runs 1–2.5× the materials) — always get real quotes. It is not a NailIt estimate.

What a contractor charges for artificial turf installation

NailIt estimates materials only, so here is the honest version of the labour question rather than a number we cannot stand behind. Installed, this job commonly lands somewhere around $1,600–$12,250 — that is the materials range above with labour applied at the rough 1–2.5× multiplier trades typically work to on jobs like this. It is a sanity check for reading a quote, not a NailIt estimate and not a substitute for a real one.

What actually moves that number: your region and local labour rates, access and prep work, whether a permit and inspection are involved, disposal of the old material, and how much the crew has to work around your schedule. For this project the DIY route is realistic for most homeowners, and the labour saving is the whole point. Always collect three written quotes from licensed, insured contractors and compare what each one includes — how we handle pricing.

Shop materials on Amazon

Bakulyor 50pcs Green Artificial Turf Stakes Staples + 50pcs Buffer Washer, 6 Inch 11 Gauge Landscape Staples, Galvanized Lawn Spikes, Heavy Duty Yard Ground Pin for Grass Weed Barrier Sod Fabric$15.99Artificial Turf Stakes, 35 Count 6-Inch - Galvanized Metal Spiral Landscape Spikes, Heavy-Duty Rust Resistant Anchoring Spikes for Fake & Artificial Grass Landscaping$16.95Garden Pegs Pins Gardening Stakes Landscape Staples Ground Anchor Peg U Shape Steel Nail Pins for Artificial Grass Sod Weed Membrane Grass Fabric Netting, 15 Pack$6.92

More on Amazon →

DIY how-to videos

HOW TO INSTALL SYNTHETIC GRASS // DIY Artificial GrassBYOTDIY: How To Install Artificial Turf – Master GuideArtificial Turf SupplyHow to Install Artificial Turf for Beginners DIYOdell Complete Concrete

More artificial turf installation videos on YouTube →

Frequently asked questions

Does NailIt include labor costs?

No. NailIt estimates materials only, since you're doing the work yourself. Labor costs are not included in any estimate.

What factors affect the total materials cost?

Yard size, turf quality/brand, base depth, infill type, and whether you rent tools all impact your final materials cost. Larger yards and premium turf increase expenses.

Can I reduce materials costs?

Yes. Choose mid-range turf ($3–$4/sq ft), use crushed stone instead of premium base, DIY tool prep instead of renting, and buy infill in bulk to save money.

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Estimates are AI-generated 2026 US DIY materials costs (labor not included); actual prices vary by region, brand, and size. · All 141 projects