What turf costs per square foot
SitePrep's 2026 guide sorts installed turf into three tiers. Budget turf sits at the low end, premium turf at the top, and most yards land in between.
| Tier | Installed price | Typical project |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $12 to $15 | Small yards, light use |
| Mid-range | $15 to $18 | Most family yards |
| Premium | $18 to $22 | Heavy use, longer warranties |
Run the numbers on your own space. A 500 sq ft yard at $12 to $22 runs $6,000 to $11,000. The same guide gives $3,600 to $6,600 for a 300 sq ft backyard.
Where the money goes
Turf is only part of the bill. Ground work often costs as much as the grass. These are the base-prep line items the same guide lists.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation and soil removal | $0.75 to $2.50 |
| Base material | $0.50 to $1.50 |
| Compaction and grading | $0.25 to $1.00 |
| Drainage, when needed | $2 to $5 |
| Removing existing grass | $0.50 to $2.00 |
What changes your price
- Turf grade. Premium fiber costs more and often comes with a longer warranty.
- The base. Thornton's permit rules call for at least 3 inches of compacted aggregate. A thin base costs less today and can cost you later.
- Removal. Old sod, rock or worn turf has to go first. See turf removal and replacement.
- Pets. Pet turf runs about $3 to $5 more per square foot than regular turf, according to SitePrep's pet turf page. Read the pet turf cost guide.
- Slope, access and size. Tight gates, steep grades and lots of seams add labor.
- Extras. Borders, pavers, a putting contour or a dog-run enclosure each add scope.
Why two quotes can differ by thousands
Two quotes for the same yard rarely cover the same job. One may include a deep base, glued seams and drainage. The other may skip all three.
Compare the contents before the totals. Ask each installer for base depth and material, the turf product, infill, how seams and edges are done, PFAS-free documentation and warranty terms. Our installer checklist walks through it.
Rebates will not lower the bill
Water rebates are built for living landscapes. Resource Central's lawn replacement program requires at least 50% plant material, so turf does not qualify. Plan your budget without one, and read turf rebates in Colorado for the details.
Cost over the years
Turf needs no mowing and far less water. It does need brushing, rinsing and, on pet yards, a cleaning routine. It also has a lifespan, so the real comparison runs over a decade or more.
See artificial turf vs sod for that side-by-side, and how long turf lasts for what to expect.
Get a real number
Send us your city, rough yard size and what the space is for. Photos help. We look at slope, drainage, access and what is under the surface, then write up the scope and price. We also check your city and HOA rules first, because they can change the plan.
Common questions
What is the average cost of artificial turf per square foot?
SitePrep's 2026 guide gives $12 to $22 per square foot installed. Budget runs $12 to $15, mid-range $15 to $18 and premium $18 to $22.
Is artificial turf cheaper than sod?
Not up front. Turf costs more to install, and you save on water and mowing later. The turf vs sod guide lays out the trade-offs.
Does removing my old lawn cost extra?
Yes. SitePrep lists $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot for removing existing grass. Rock and old turf can run higher.
Sources
- SitePrep: artificial grass cost guide (2025)
- SitePrep: pet turf cost guide (August 2025)
- City of Thornton: Minor Planning Permit, Artificial Turf
- Resource Central: Lawn Replacement FAQs
Checked November 11, 2026. Laws, programs and prices change, so confirm with the source before you decide.