Installing artificial turf has become one of the most in-demand outdoor services in the United States. From homeowners seeking low-maintenance yards to commercial properties looking for clean, green spaces year-round, the demand continues to grow. If you’re in the landscaping or construction business and thinking about offering turf services, one of the most important questions you’ll need to answer is: How much should I charge to install artificial turf?
Pricing this service right requires a careful look at labor, materials, location, job complexity, and even regional expectations. This blog will walk you through everything you need to know—clearly, simply, and with real-world terms—so you can set your turf installation rates with confidence.
What’s Included in Artificial Turf Installation?
Before deciding how much to charge, you need to understand what the full installation process involves. A proper artificial turf installation isn’t just about rolling out some green carpet—it takes planning, labor, tools, and technical skill.
Standard Turf Installation Steps:
- Site clearing and removal of old sod or debris
- Excavation of the existing soil
- Grading and leveling for proper drainage
- Installation of base material (e.g., crushed stone or decomposed granite)
- Compaction of the base
- Laying a weed barrier fabric
- Rolling out and shaping the artificial turf
- Seaming and joining turf sections
- Securing edges with nails, staples, or bender board
- Infill application (e.g., sand, rubber, or organic)
- Brushing and final grooming
Each step adds time and cost, so knowing the details helps in setting a price that’s both fair and profitable.
National Average Pricing – What Others Are Charging
Across the U.S., artificial turf installation typically costs anywhere from $5 to $18 per square foot, depending on various factors. This wide range accounts for the differences in labor costs, turf quality, terrain complexity, and local market expectations.
Typical Price Breakdown:
- Low-end installs (basic turf, simple layout): $5 – $8 per sq. ft.
- Mid-range (moderate prep work, quality turf): $8 – $12 per sq. ft.
- High-end (complex shapes, premium turf, detailed prep): $12 – $18+ per sq. ft.
For example, installing 1,000 square feet might cost between $5,000 and $18,000, depending on what’s involved. Keep in mind—this is not just material cost; it includes everything from prep to finishing touches.
How to Calculate Your Rate as a Contractor
When setting your pricing as a service provider, break it down into categories. This helps you stay competitive while covering all your expenses.
1. Material Costs
- Artificial turf rolls (prices vary by type and brand)
- Base material (crushed stone or DG)
- Weed barrier fabric
- Nails, staples, adhesive, and seaming tape
- Infill materials
2. Labor Costs
- Number of crew members required
- Hours to complete the job
- Type of machinery or equipment used
A good rule is to estimate your crew’s hourly labor rate (per worker), then multiply that by the number of labor hours required for a typical job. Always include setup and cleanup time.
3. Equipment and Tools
- Turf cutter or sod remover
- Plate compactor
- Power broom
- Dump trailer (for hauling debris)
- Trucks for transportation
You might already own some tools, but wear and tear should still be factored into your overall cost.
4. Travel and Location
If you’re working in or around cities like Galloway or greater New Jersey, your pricing may need to reflect regional cost differences. In high-demand zones like artificial turf installation NJ, local pricing often leans toward the higher end because of labor rates, urban accessibility challenges, and demand for year-round curb appeal.
Location-Specific Pricing: Artificial Turf Installation NJ
Let’s focus for a moment on what to expect if you’re offering services in New Jersey. Turf jobs in NJ typically cost a bit more than the national average, often falling between $9 to $15 per square foot. Here’s why:
- Dense urban neighborhoods: Limited access to backyards may require extra labor or small-scale equipment.
- Climate conditions: NJ weather shifts from snowy winters to humid summers, which means drainage and base work must be done right.
- Soil types: Some areas have rocky or clay-heavy soil that takes longer to prep.
As a contractor, knowing these local issues helps you justify your rates and build trust with clients.
Factors That Affect How Much You Should Charge
Setting a fair but profitable price isn’t just about checking market averages. Here are specific factors to think about for each job:
1. Job Size
Larger jobs allow you to lower your per-square-foot rate because the fixed costs (like transportation and setup) are spread out over a bigger area. Small backyards may cost more per square foot.
2. Access to Site
If your crew has to hand-carry materials down a narrow side yard or through a gate, it takes longer. Hard-to-access sites should be priced higher.
3. Turf Type and Design
More advanced turf types, such as pet-friendly or heat-resistant varieties, cost more per square foot. Complex patterns, curved edges, or turf around planters also add time and difficulty.
4. Base and Drainage Work
If the site has poor drainage, needs extra excavation, or requires grading, your labor and material cost will rise. Always inspect the site before finalizing your quote.
How to Stay Competitive Without Undercutting
It’s tempting to charge less just to land more jobs, but doing so can hurt your bottom line. Instead, build your pricing around real numbers:
- Track how long each job takes.
- Record how much material you use on average.
- Factor in travel, fuel, and tool maintenance.
- Adjust for seasonal slowdowns or high-demand months.
If you’re new to turf, start with small jobs and use those as learning experiences to fine-tune your pricing. Once you get familiar with typical job challenges and your crew’s pace, it becomes easier to quote accurately.
Pricing Example for a 1,000 Sq. Ft. Job
Let’s break down a simple price structure for a mid-range install:
| Item | Estimated Cost |
| Turf (at $3/sq. ft.) | $3,000 |
| Base material and weed fabric | $800 |
| Infill | $250 |
| Labor (2 workers, 2 days) | $1,200 |
| Equipment costs | $300 |
| Travel and cleanup | $200 |
| Total | $5,750 |
To stay profitable, you might charge $6 to $7 per square foot, bringing the total to $6,000–$7,000. This gives you room for profit while staying competitive.
Final Tips for Turf Installers
- Do site visits before quoting. Every job is different.
- Be transparent with your customers about what’s included.
- Offer detailed quotes with line-item breakdowns to build trust.
- Keep track of costs so you don’t underquote future projects.
Wrapping Up
So, how much should you charge to install artificial turf? There’s no one-size-fits-all number, but if you account for labor, materials, site conditions, and your local market—especially if you’re offering artificial turf installation NJ—you can set fair, competitive rates that support your business.
The goal is to cover your costs, pay your team fairly, and deliver a solid, professional job every time. With good planning and the right pricing structure, turf installation can become a steady and rewarding part of your landscaping services.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your pricing model, using these real-world guidelines will help you grow with confidence in the turf installation business.
