Thinking of getting fake grass? Take it from me, it's not just about putting down a green mat. Sure, buying from Artificial Grass Wholesale or Artificial Grass Bradford may seem like a good deal, but hidden costs can creep up like a weed. You'll deal with groundwork, disposal fees, and those annoying joining strips. The real cost of your dream grass might be hiding. In this blog, I'm sharing the Top 7 Hidden Costs of Putting in Fake Grass You Need to Know— because if you love your yard, you should know everything before you jump into this easy-care grass world.
1. Getting the Ground Ready and Digging Out:
It is necessary to remove the existing dirt, weeds, roots, and occasionally even concrete or old paving before your turf ever touches down. An uneven lawn that floods, dips, or bulges can be the result of ignoring or underestimating this phase.
• Mini-diggers and other excavation gear can be rented for between £150 and £300 per day.
• Disposal fees for green waste and other stuff to a recycle spot usually cost £50–£100 for each tonne.
• If you pay people to work for you, skilled yard workers might cost £200–£400 each day.
Pro-Tip: Have someone check the site first. They can figure out how much stuff you need to move, which makes it easier for you to figure out the cost of renting equipment and throwing out the old stuff.
2. Compaction and Sub-base Material:
A firm layer of broken stone or MOT Type 1 is key for water run-off and firmness. Don't just go for turf quotes; you will need:
• Aggregate: Roughly 75–100 mm deep, costing £20–£30 for each ton sent.
• Sharp sand: A 25 mm top layer to make level, at £15–£20 for each ton.
• Compaction rent: You can rent plate pressers for about £50–£70 each day.
• Leveling and surveying: Pro laser tools and work can cost you more, around £100–£200.
Pro-Tip: Get base-layer rocks in big amounts from builders' stores to save on delivery fees—these rocks are heavy, so costs for each ton brought can add up fast.
3. Ground Protection and Weed Membrane:
Even a well-made base can grow weeds if you don't use a good cover. Costs for materials and putting them down:
• Geotextile membrane: £1–£2 per square meter for good, sun-proof fabric.
• Pins or staples for ground: £5–£10 per pack to hold the fabric down.
• Pay for work to lay and fix the membrane: add £50–£100 per day if you hire someone.
Pro-Tip: Use two layers of membrane in places with lots of weeds. A second layer can cut down the time you spend weeding by half, and you'll be glad each spring.
4. Edging Material, Adhesive & Seaming Tape:
Fake grass comes rolled up; to make it look like one piece, you need stuff and know-how. Don't miss:
• Seam tape: £5–£8 each metre.
• Glue for joining (two-part polyurethane): about £40 to £60 per box (it covers 10–15m).
• Borders (made of plastic or wood): £10 to £20 for each metre.
• Fixing spikes or brackets: £0.50–£1 each for edges and sides of grass.
Pro-Tip: Pick glue that stays good in the sun and bends well to stop cracks with the UK's temperature changes. Less costly glues may rip or turn yellow as time goes on.
5. Handling, Delivery & Waste Disposal:
These costs, often just called "logistics," change a lot:
• Turf delivery: Think it'll be £50–£150, in how far it comes and how much you get.
• Handling fees: Some sellers put on an extra £20–£50 for taking things off the truck or for part loads.
• Disposal of Offcuts: Extra turf might not meet green throw-away rules—getting rid of it as other waste may cost £80–£120 each ton.
Pro-Tip: Try to get the turf on the day you put it down. This cuts out extra fees and keeps the turf safe from harm or theft if it waits out for the night.
6. Infill Materials and Application:
Infills like sand, small rubber bits, or special tiny rocks help the fake grass stand up, let water flow, and soften falls. But, watch out for hidden costs:
• Silica Sand: You need 4–6 kg for each square meter, costing £15–£20 per 25 kg bag.
• Rubber crumbs or TPE choices: A bag costs £50–£80 (15–20 kg).
• Tools for spreading and brushing: You pay £30–£60 for a good spreader and tough brush.
• Paying someone to spread the stuff well: £100–£150 per day if you don't do it yourself.
Pro-Tip: Mix the infill with stuff that has anti-microbial properties. They cost more, but they keep away bad smells and green gunk, cutting down on what you spend to clean later.
7. Professional Setup vs. DIY:
A great DIYer can cut down on paying for work—but slips might cost a lot:
• Pro setup: £20–£35 for each m² with everything (stuff, work, end touch).
• DIY: Just the turf might be £5–£15 for each m², yet add all not-seen add-ons and tool rent, and you might pay almost the same.
• Warranty terms: Lots of turf promises need pro fitting; DIY fails could kill these guarantees.
Pro-Tip: If you're a fixer, handle small base jobs on your own (put down membrane, basic groundwork). Then, call the pros for detailed work (putting edges, pressing down). This mixed method cuts costs while keeping your warranty safe.
FAQs:
1. How much does it cost for each square meter of fake grass put in by pros?
You might pay around £40 to £70 for each m², but it changes with the turf type and how hard the place is to work on. The very best kind used in sports may cost about £80 to £100 per m².
2. Can I use the same dirt or stuff from before to save money?
You can if the dirt is hard, flat, and lets water flow through. If not, the old, bad base might make the grass bumpy, cause water problems, and cost more to fix.
3. How can I figure out how much infill I need?
Take the size of the grass in m² and times it by the fill rate you want (often 4–6 kg/m²). For instance, a 20 m² grass area with 5 kg/m² needs 100 kg of sand or four 25 kg bags.
