Artificial Grass Cost UK: Price Per m2 and Fitting
What fitting artificial grass typically costs in the UK per square metre, what the price includes, and the groundwork that decides how long it lasts.
Artificial grass is sold on the promise of a green lawn all year with no mowing. The sticker price per square metre is only part of the story: the base preparation is where most of the cost, and most of the quality, sits.
Typical installed prices
Fitted prices vary with the product, the depth of excavation and access. Typical UK ranges for a professionally installed lawn are:
| Item | Typical price |
|---|---|
| Installed, per square metre | around £40 to £90 |
| Small garden (about 20m2) | around £800 to £1,800 |
| Medium garden (about 50m2) | around £2,000 to £4,000 |
| Grass supply only, per m2 | around £10 to £35 |
Prices tend to be higher in London and the South East, and lower for very large areas. Premium products with a denser pile and a more natural look can cost significantly more.
Where the money goes
Groundwork
This is the part you do not see. The existing lawn or soil is dug out, a sub-base of compacted stone (often type 1 MOT or similar) is laid, and a finer layer such as sharp sand or granite dust is levelled on top. A weed membrane usually goes beneath. Cutting corners here leads to dips, puddles and weeds.
Edging and fixing
Treated timber or plastic edging stops the grass lifting at the border, and pins or adhesive hold the surface in place. Joins between rolls need careful seaming.
The product
Pile height, density, colour blend and backing all change the price. Cheaper products can look flat and shiny, and tend to wear faster in high-traffic areas.
Waste disposal
Removing the old turf and soil is a large share of the cost. A typical lawn dig-out produces several tonnes of waste.
Think about the downsides
Artificial grass is not suited to every garden:
- It gets hot in direct summer sun and may be uncomfortable for bare feet or pets.
- It does not support the soil life and wildlife that a natural lawn does.
- It can need rinsing and brushing, and pet waste needs cleaning.
- Drainage depends on the base and the ground beneath; heavy clay may need extra care.
- It is hard to repair seams and edges neatly later.
For a balanced look at this decision, see artificial grass vs a real lawn.
What to ask installers
- What depth of sub-base will you use, and what material?
- How will you deal with drainage on my soil?
- What pile height and density is the product, and can I see a sample outdoors?
- How are the edges and joins fixed?
- What does the quote say about waste removal and levelling?
- What guarantees exist on the product, and who provides them?
Ask to see photographs of previous work, and ask for samples to be left with you so you can judge colour in your own light.
Cheaper alternatives
- Replace only the worn areas of lawn with new turf. See laying turf step by step.
- Reseed bare patches rather than starting again; look at overseeding your lawn.
- Use paving or gravel for a small high-traffic zone and keep natural lawn elsewhere.
Finding an installer
On Compito you can search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers and send a request that includes measurements and photos. Providers reply with offers that you can accept and pay online, and you can message them to ask about base depth and finish. See how it works.
Worked example: a 30m2 back garden
Imagine a 30m2 rectangle of worn lawn in the Midlands. An installer excavates around 75 to 100mm, lays a compacted sub-base, adds a thin levelling layer and a membrane, rolls out the grass, seams it and fixes edges with treated timber. At roughly £50 to £75 per square metre fitted, a project like this might come to about £1,500 to £2,250 before any extras. Add disposal of several tonnes of soil if it is not already included, an awkward side-access route, or a raised timber border, and the total can rise. The same job in London or the South East could reasonably sit above that range.
Quote comparison checklist
| Item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Excavation depth | Too shallow means poor drainage |
| Sub-base material and thickness | Affects settling and longevity |
| Membrane type | Controls weed growth |
| Edging style | Neatness and lifting at edges |
| Seaming method | Visible joins are a common complaint |
| Waste removal | A significant cost if left out |
| Pile height and density | Look and wear |
Hidden costs and savings
- Access. If materials have to go through the house, expect higher labour.
- Trees and roots. Large roots near the surface complicate excavation.
- Pets. A pet-friendly infill or a pet-specific product may be needed.
- Slopes. Extra care with the base and fixing adds time.
- Savings. Combine with other groundwork such as paths so the contractor mobilises once.
Rentals and leases
Do not lay artificial grass in a rented property without written permission from the landlord. In some leasehold flats and estates, the lease or estate rules restrict changes to a garden. Check before you pay a deposit.
Maintenance costs to remember
Brushing, rinsing, occasional weed treatment and, with pets, regular cleaning are part of the picture. Heavily used areas may need a top-up of infill. A sensible plan includes an allowance for these things over the life of the surface.
Frequently asked questions
How long does artificial grass last?
Good quality grass on a well-built base typically lasts around 10 to 15 years, though use, sun and care affect this. Cheaper products may wear in a shorter time.
Do I need planning permission?
Usually not for a garden lawn, but check if your property is in a conservation area or has restrictive covenants. Rental properties may require landlord consent.
Can I put artificial grass on top of my existing lawn?
It is not recommended. Without removing the turf and building a proper base, you get uneven settlement, drainage problems and weeds pushing through.