Quick Cost Summary
- Supply Only: $20-$75 per m² (Australian-made: $30-$49/m²)
- Complete Installation: $60-$120 per m² (including labour)
- Average Backyard (100m²): $6,000-$12,000 fully installed
- Premium Installation: Up to $300/m² for superior quality
Artificial Turf Supply Costs Australia
The cost of artificial turf in Australia varies significantly based on quality, origin, and specifications. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of current pricing for 2025:
Material-Only Pricing by Quality
| Quality Level | Price Range (per m²) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Basic/Entry Level | $12-$25 | Imported, basic feel, limited warranty |
| Mid-Range | $25-$45 | Good durability, realistic appearance |
| Australian-Made Premium | $30-$49 | Superior quality, local manufacturing |
| Ultra-Premium | $50-$75 | Luxury feel, advanced UV protection |
Complete Installation Costs
Professional installation involves ground preparation, base laying, turf installation, and finishing. Here's what you can expect to pay for complete installation across Australia:
Installation Pricing Structure
- Standard Installation: $60-$100 per m² (including mid-range turf)
- Premium Installation: $100-$150 per m² (Australian-made turf)
- Luxury Installation: $150-$300 per m² (top-tier materials and complex sites)
Project Size Cost Examples
Typical Installation Costs by Area
- Small Front Yard (30m²): $1,800-$3,600
- Medium Backyard (75m²): $4,500-$9,000
- Large Backyard (150m²): $9,000-$18,000
- Full Property (300m²): $18,000-$36,000
Regional Pricing Variations Across Australia
Artificial turf costs vary by location due to labour rates, transport costs, and local competition:
Major Cities Comparison
Sydney & Melbourne
$70-$120/m² installed (20% premium due to higher labour costs)
Brisbane & Adelaide
$60-$100/m² installed (standard rates)
Perth
$55-$95/m² installed (competitive local market)
Regional Areas
$65-$110/m² installed (transport costs offset lower labour)
Factors Affecting Artificial Turf Costs
Site Preparation Requirements
Ground preparation is crucial for a quality installation and significantly impacts total costs:
- Basic Levelling: $5-$15/m² (existing lawn removal, basic levelling)
- Excavation & Base Preparation: $15-$30/m² (significant earthworks)
- Drainage Installation: $20-$40/m² (poor drainage areas)
- Retaining Walls: $200-$600/linear metre (sloping sites)
Turf Specifications Impact
Different turf specifications affect both supply and installation costs:
| Specification | Cost Impact | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Pile Height (20-40mm) | +$5-$15/m² | More realistic appearance |
| Density (High) | +$10-$25/m² | Better durability and feel |
| UV Protection | +$5-$10/m² | Extended lifespan |
| Drainage Backing | +$3-$8/m² | Improved water flow |
Australian-Made vs Imported Artificial Turf
The choice between Australian-made and imported artificial turf significantly impacts both cost and quality:
Australian-Made Advantages
- Quality Standards: Manufactured to Australian UV and weather conditions
- Warranty Support: Local warranty service and support
- Delivery Times: Faster delivery and availability
- Environmental Impact: Reduced transport emissions
- Price Premium: Typically $10-$20/m² more than comparable imports
Cost Comparison Example
100m² Backyard Installation
Imported Turf: $6,000-$8,000 total project cost
Australian-Made Turf: $8,000-$10,000 total project cost
Premium Difference: $2,000-$2,500 for Australian quality
DIY vs Professional Installation
While DIY installation can reduce costs, it requires specific skills and tools:
DIY Installation Costs
- Turf Supply Only: $20-$75/m² (depends on quality chosen)
- Base Materials: $10-$20/m² (sand, crusher dust, roadbase)
- Tools & Equipment: $200-$500 (hire or purchase)
- Total DIY Cost: $30-$95/m² (excluding your time)
Professional Installation Benefits
- Proper ground preparation and drainage
- Warranty on both materials and workmanship
- Professional finishing and edge details
- Access to trade pricing on materials
- Insurance coverage during installation
Hidden Costs to Consider
Several additional costs can arise during artificial turf installation:
Common Additional Costs
- Site Access: $500-$2,000 (crane hire for difficult access)
- Waste Removal: $300-$800 (disposal of excavated soil)
- Permit Fees: $100-$500 (council approvals if required)
- Utility Relocation: $200-$1,000 (moving sprinklers, lighting)
- Edge Restraints: $15-$40/linear metre (concrete or timber edges)
- Infill Material: $3-$8/m² (silica sand or rubber crumb)
Seasonal Pricing Trends
Artificial turf installation costs fluctuate throughout the year:
Best Times to Install
Winter (June-August)
- • 10-15% lower prices
- • Better availability
- • Faster booking times
Peak Season (Oct-Mar)
- • Premium pricing
- • Limited availability
- • Longer wait times
Money-Saving Tips for Artificial Turf Installation
Smart Shopping Strategies
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least 3-5 detailed quotes
- Off-Season Installation: Schedule installation during winter months
- Bulk Purchasing: Coordinate with neighbors for volume discounts
- Partial DIY: Handle site preparation yourself if capable
- Material Selection: Balance quality needs with budget constraints
- Local Suppliers: Source from regional suppliers to save on transport
Avoiding Common Costly Mistakes
- Inadequate ground preparation (leads to drainage issues)
- Choosing cheapest quote without quality consideration
- Skipping proper edge restraints (causes lifting and gaps)
- Not accounting for site access difficulties
- Ignoring local council requirements
Long-Term Cost Considerations
While artificial turf has higher upfront costs, it offers long-term savings:
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
- Annual Cleaning: $200-$500 (professional cleaning)
- Infill Top-ups: $100-$300 every 2-3 years
- Minor Repairs: $50-$200 per incident
- Total Annual Maintenance: $300-$800
Comparison to Natural Lawn
10-Year Cost Comparison (100m²)
Artificial Turf
- Installation: $8,000
- Maintenance: $5,000
- Total: $13,000
Natural Lawn
- Installation: $2,000
- Water/maintenance: $15,000
- Total: $17,000
Financing Options for Artificial Turf
Several financing options can help manage the upfront investment:
- Interest-Free Periods: Many suppliers offer 12-24 month interest-free terms
- Personal Loans: $8-15% interest rates for home improvements
- Home Equity Options: Leveraging property equity for better rates
- Payment Plans: Staged payments aligned with installation milestones
Quality Indicators to Look For
Ensure value for money by checking these quality indicators:
Material Quality Checklist
- UV Rating: Minimum 3,000 hours UV testing
- Backing Material: Latex or polyurethane (not PVC)
- Pile Weight: Minimum 1,500g/m² for residential use
- Warranty: Minimum 8-10 years for quality products
- Fire Rating: Australian Standard AS/NZS 3837 compliance
Installation Quality Signs
- Proper site drainage and fall
- Consistent base compaction
- Neat edge restraints and joining
- Adequate infill distribution
- Professional finished appearance
Environmental and Health Considerations
Modern artificial turf addresses traditional environmental concerns:
Environmental Benefits
- Water Conservation: Save 40,000-60,000L annually per 100m²
- Chemical Reduction: No fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides required
- Carbon Footprint: Reduced mowing and maintenance emissions
- Recyclability: Modern turfs are increasingly recyclable
Health and Safety Features
- Non-allergenic materials reduce hay fever triggers
- Consistent surface reduces trip hazards
- Heat reduction features in premium products
- Antimicrobial treatments available
Why Choose Mates Rates for Your Artificial Turf Project?
0% Service Fees for Tradies
Unlike Airtasker's 10-20% fees, our landscapers keep 100% of their quoted price, meaning better value for your artificial turf installation.
10% Service Fee Capped at $60
You'll never pay more than $60 in service fees, compared to Airtasker's uncapped percentage-based fees that can cost hundreds.
Australian-Owned & Operated
Local expertise and understanding of Australian conditions, regulations, and quality standards for artificial turf installation.
Verified Local Landscapers
All landscapers are verified, insured, and experienced with Australian artificial turf products and installation techniques.
Getting Started with Your Artificial Turf Project
Ready to transform your outdoor space? Here's how to begin:
Step-by-Step Process
- Measure Your Area: Calculate total square metres required
- Set Your Budget: Determine budget range including contingencies
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare detailed quotes from verified landscapers
- Check References: Review previous work and customer feedback
- Confirm Details: Finalize materials, timeline, and payment terms
- Schedule Installation: Book your preferred installation date
Ready to Get Quotes for Your Artificial Turf Installation?
Connect with verified local landscapers specializing in artificial turf installation. Get detailed quotes with no hidden fees and transparent pricing.
✓ Compare quotes from verified landscapers ✓ 0% fees for tradies ✓ Maximum $60 service fee for you
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does artificial turf cost per square metre in Australia?
Artificial turf costs range from $60-$120 per square metre installed, depending on quality and location. Supply-only prices range from $20-$75 per square metre.
Is artificial turf worth the investment in Australia?
Yes, artificial turf typically pays for itself within 5-7 years through water savings and reduced maintenance costs, while providing year-round green coverage despite Australian weather conditions.
How long does artificial turf last in Australian conditions?
Quality artificial turf lasts 10-15 years in Australian conditions with proper installation and maintenance. Premium products with superior UV protection can last up to 20 years.
What's the difference between cheap and expensive artificial turf?
Expensive artificial turf typically offers better UV protection, higher density, more realistic appearance, longer warranties, and superior durability in harsh Australian conditions.
Do I need council approval for artificial turf installation?
Generally no, but check with your local council if significant earthworks or drainage changes are required. Most residential artificial turf installations don't require permits.
How much can I save using Mates Rates vs Airtasker?
With Airtasker's 10-20% uncapped fees, you could save $800-$2,400 on a $12,000 artificial turf installation by using Mates Rates' low 10% service fee capped at maximum $60.