The short answer
Artificial grass typically costs £25–£45 per square metre supplied and fitted in the UK. A small front garden of 20–30m² often runs £800–£1,500; an average rear lawn of 40–60m² is commonly £2,000–£6,000. Supply-only grass is usually £8–£35 per m² depending on quality, but the installation and sub-base materials are where most of the cost sits.
It helps to separate three things: the grass, the materials underneath it, and the labour. Cheap quotes almost always cut the second one — and that is the part you cannot see once the job is finished.
Typical UK costs
- Supply-only grass£8–£35 / m²
- Supplied & fitted£25–£45 / m²
- Small front garden (20–30m²)£800–£1,500
- Average rear lawn (40–60m²)£2,000–£6,000
- Sub-base materials£10–£18 / m²
Where the money goes
On a fitted quote, the grass is often only 20–30% of the total. The rest covers excavation and waste removal, a compacted MOT type-1 stone sub-base, a sharp-sand or granite-dust screed, weed membrane, jointing tape and adhesive, edging, and labour. A larger team and proper plate compactor cost more than two people with a shovel — and it shows in how the lawn ages.
| Element | Share of a typical fitted price |
|---|---|
| Artificial grass | 20–30% |
| Groundwork & sub-base materials | 30–40% |
| Labour | 30–45% |
| Waste removal & sundries | 5–10% |
Indicative split for a standard UK domestic install. Source: Checkatrade / MyJobQuote cost guides.
What makes a quote go up
- Access: no side access means barrowing spoil through the house or skip hire.
- Old surface: lifting slabs or decking costs more than removing turf.
- Shape: curves, borders and obstacles mean more cutting and waste.
- Grass spec: denser, more realistic yarns cost more per m² but look better for longer.
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Frequently asked questions
Is artificial grass cheaper than a real lawn over time?
Upfront it costs more, but it removes mowing, watering, feeding and re-turfing. Over a 15–20 year lifespan many homeowners find the running cost lower, though the initial outlay is significant.
Why are some quotes half the price of others?
Usually because the sub-base is thinner or the compaction step is rushed. The grass may look identical on day one, but a weak base is the main reason lawns sink or ripple later.
Does the price include removing the old lawn?
A proper fitted quote should. Always check whether excavation, waste removal and a new sub-base are included, or whether the grass is simply laid over the existing ground.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published cost guides and are intended as guidance, not a quotation.