Artificial grass is an increasingly popular option for homeowners and businesses all over Australia, for more than a few great reasons. We’re often bouncing between blistering heatwaves and heavy downpours (depending on where you live!), which makes maintaining a pristine lawn a pretty tough ask… and a costly one at that.
Modern synthetic turf presents a low to no maintenance option that looks great, and still feels soft underfoot for the whole family, two legs or four. Naturally, the biggest question on everyone’s mind before making the switch from natural grass to artificial turf is how much artificial grass costs.
At Premier Grass, we’re here to answer all of your questions about astroturf pricing, along with the different factors that make an impact. Find out more below, or click here to speak to our team today.
Average Cost of Artificial Grass in Australia
Getting a good idea of the average cost of artificial grass in Australia, it’s important to take into account both the sticker price of the turf, and the total price including installation.
Price per square metre
The average cost of artificial grass per m2 ranges from about $25 to $100 or more for the product alone, depending on the quality, brand, manufacturer and more. You should also expect to pay between $75 and $160 per square metre for professional installation, depending on the site (we’ll look closer at that later in the article).
Material vs installation cost
There are three main categories when it comes to breaking down the total cost of artificial grass. Materials usually account for approximately 40% of the cost, while base preparation and labour each account for around 30% of the total price.
- Materials – this includes the turf, along with other materials for installation like joining tape, pins, and infill sand where required.
- Base preparation – removing old grass, and soil or sand, rock etc, and compacting so that the base is flat.
- Labour – this usually includes cutting and trimming the astroturf, as well as joining, securing, and grooming it once laid.
2026 price range
The last couple of years saw global supply chains impacted, which then affected the price of artificial grass. However, supply has now stabilised and costs are around $30 to $100 or more for artificial turf in 2026. While astroturf requires a savvy upfront investment, the ROI is usually seen within 3-5 years.
Artificial Grass Cost Per Square Metre Breakdown
The price range provided above includes a few different options in terms of quality, which we’ve broken down below to provide some more accurate figures.
Budget turf pricing
$25-40 per square metre
Budget artificial turf is great for low-traffic areas and temporary displays, where it won’t be impacted too much by general wear and tear or weather conditions. These more affordable options often have a lower density and shorter pile height. Budget astroturf is great for rental properties, side paths, pop up displays (ie trade shows).
Mid-range turf pricing
$40-60 per square metre
Mid-range turf is the most common option for Aussie backyards and commercial landscaped areas. They provide a surface that feels good underfoot, stands up to weather conditions, and looks great. It’s durable and usually comes with a realistic, multi-tone appearance that blends well with the rest of your garden or terrace.
Premium turf pricing
$60+ per square metre
The highest quality synthetic turfs come with high-density fibres, heat-block and cooling technology (like our HydroChill range) and excellent drainage systems. These options are super durable and look exceptional in any setting – certainly worth the additional investment in our opinion!
Cost comparison
|
Turf Grade |
Material Only (per m²) |
Installed (per m²) |
Expected Lifespan |
|
Budget |
$25 – $40 |
$75 – $95 |
5–8 Years |
|
Mid-Range |
$40 – $60 |
$95 – $130 |
10–15 Years |
|
Premium |
$60 – $100+ |
$130 – $160+ |
15–20+ Years |
Artificial Grass Installation Cost in Australia
There are a number of factors that can impact the cost of your artificial grass, both in terms of the product and the installation process. The process itself is about a lot more than just laying a carpet over your yard, as we’ll look at below.
Factors That Affect Artificial Grass Pricing
Turf quality
High-quality artificial turf will carry a higher price tag than lower quality grasses, thanks to features like UV fading resistance. However, they will last longer than cheaper alternatives, and will likely feel better underfoot.
Pile height
The height of the pile can bring about that lush look that imitates real grass. This look requires a height of approximately 35-45mm and more blades of grass per square metre takes more raw material, thereby increasing the cost.
Area size
The size of the area is often the biggest factor that impacts the price of artificial grass. More metres squared means more grass required, which increases the bill. However, larger projects such as commercial spaces can benefit from economies of scale – discounts might be applied to the product for orders over a certain metreage.
Accessibility
If the site is difficult to access, additional labour or equipment hire costs might be applied to the bill. For example, if the area needs to be cleared of soil or rock first and a bobcat can’t fit, it’ll need to be done by hand, thereby increasing the cost.
Site preparation
Similar to the above, extensive site preparation will see your final bill increase. If existing soil or grass needs to be removed, this process will incur additional pricing.
Location in Australia
The price of astroturf installation can fluctuate depending on where you are located in Australia. These differences in pricing won’t be major, but some cities may charge different fees for disposal of waste (soil, rock etc). Delivery fees may also increase in more isolated locations.
Cost of Artificial Grass for Different Areas
The installation location can also impact the overall cost of your artificial grass project.
Residential lawns
$85-140 per square metre, installed.
Laying artificial grass on residential lawns is generally affordable, depending on they type of grass chosen. However, if extensive preparation is required and the ground is uneven or on an incline, this can lead to a more expensive project. The ultimate focus here should be foot feel and aesthetics, and mid-range grasses are often the preferred choice.
Commercial spaces
$75-110 per square metre, installed.
Large commercial spaces might prioritise durability over foot feel. While these areas may experience heavy foot traffic from employees or customers, it’s important they maintain their integrity and aesthetic for many years to come. The best options for this kind of application include a shorter, denser pile that doesn’t flatten easily.
Balconies & rooftops
$90-150 per square metre, installed.
Installing artificial turf on balconies and rooftops requires precision, as there will be a waterproof membrane to consider. Specialised drainage cells are often require, along with premium adhesives that don’t compromise the integrity of the waterproof membrane, and keep water from pooling under the turf. This leads to a higher installation cost.
Pet areas
$100-145 per square metre, installed.
Pet owners usually require high-permeability or liquid flow backing, and antimicrobial infills like ZeroFill are also advised. These help to neutralise the odours caused by urine, keeping the space sanitary.
Sports fields
$110-180 per square metre, installed.
Sporting fields that choose to utilise astroturf require additional shock absorption, along with precise levelling to ensure the field is ready for performance. These are highly specialised surfaces that need stronger, shorter yarns that are specifically designed for bouncing balls, and player safety.
How to Save Money on Artificial Turf Installation
The best way to save money on your artificial grass installation is to do thorough research on the product, getting to know each of your options. Understanding the various factors that can impact pricing is important too, to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible in terms of both pricing and quality.
Explore artificial grass at premiergrass.com.au
At Premier Grass, we stock a range of high-quality turfs for all kinds of projects. Choosing the right supplier and installation partner for your fake grass project is critical – the good news is that we ensure you receive the best price in 2026 for your artificial grass, without compromising on quality or workmanship during installation.
Our award-winning team provides tailored support throughout your project journey, helping bring your original vision to life. We have more than a decade of expertise in artificial turf, and we’re entirely Australian-owned. We’re committed to adhering to strict Australian and International Synthetic Turf Council standards on every project.
Speak to our team today for a quote on your artificial turf project.
FAQs
Most Australian home owners spend between $90-130 per square metre for artificial turf, including the product and installation costs.
Artificial turf is more expensive than real grass when comparing upfront costs. However, when you factor in maintenance costs for natural lawn over time, artificial grass usually pays for itself over a period of about 3-6 years.
High-quality fake turf from Premier Grass is designed to last 15-20 years, and is made specifically to handle the harsh Aussie sun.
Yes, you can buy the grass only and install it yourself. However, DIY installation often fails at the base preparation stage, which can lead to sagging issues later on. This is why professional installation is recommended.
