Turf vs artificial grass: which costs less?
Real turf is cheaper to install on these guide rates: £10 to £30 per m² supplied and laid, against £40 to £90 per m² for artificial grass. Artificial grass avoids mowing but still needs cleaning and eventual replacement. Whether that convenience is worth the higher price depends on how you use and maintain the garden.
Turfing vs Artificial grass: the cost
| Option | Range | Typical | Priced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turfing | £10 to £30 | £18 | per m² |
| Artificial grass | £40 to £90 | £65 | per m² |
Costwise guide prices, reviewed June to July 2026, not quotes.
Turfing vs Artificial grass: the difference
| Factor | How they compare |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Turf about £10 to £30 per m² laid; artificial grass £40 to £90 per m² installed. |
| Upkeep | Turf needs mowing, feeding and watering; artificial needs brushing, cleaning and eventual replacement. |
| Lifespan | A turf lawn lasts indefinitely if maintained; artificial grass lasts around 15 years then needs replacing. |
| Best for | Turf: lowest cost and a real lawn. Artificial: low maintenance, deep shade, or where grass will not grow. |
A 40 m² lawn: compare installation on the same site
The guide rates give £400 to £1,200 for 40 m² of real turf supplied and laid, against £1,600 to £3,600 for artificial grass installed. Heavy ground work is separate where needed. Ask both installers to specify removal, levelling, drainage and waste disposal before treating the difference as the finished saving.
Artificial grass needs a suitable constructed base; real turf needs suitable growing soil. Those are different systems, so identical surface areas do not mean identical preparation. Ask for ordered material quantities as well as the final lawn area.
How to compare maintenance without inventing a saving
For real turf, list actual spending on mowing, water, feed and any lawn service. For artificial grass, list cleaning, brushing, repairs and eventual removal and replacement. Give your own time a separate line rather than presenting it as a cash bill you will avoid.
For an arithmetic example only, an extra £2,000 upfront would take 20 years to recover at a verified £100 annual net saving, or 10 years at £200. That ignores the time value of money and any replacement during the period. It does not establish that either annual saving or payback will occur on your lawn.
Check how the surface will be used
For pets, ask about drainage, cleaning and odour management. For children or sunny gardens, ask the product supplier about surface temperature and suitability. Artificial grass still collects dirt and leaves; it is not a no-maintenance garden.
Real turf provides a living surface but needs conditions and care that let it grow. Artificial grass is a plastic product with a finite service life. Ask about disposal or recycling options for the specific product instead of accepting a broad environmental claim either way.
Common questions
No, artificial grass costs several times more upfront: £40 to £90 per m² installed against £10 to £30 per m² for real turf laid. There is no guaranteed financial payback: artificial grass still needs cleaning and eventual replacement.
It is worth it where a real lawn struggles or maintenance is the problem you are solving: deep shade, heavy use, pets, or simply no time to mow. If you want a genuine lawn and can maintain it, turf is much cheaper and greener in every sense. The decision is really about maintenance, not just cost.
These are independent guide prices based on typical UK jobs in 2026. Your actual cost depends on your property, spec, access and where you live. Always get at least three written quotes before committing.