A guide of the process of hiring a tradesman to lay artificial grass, including the costs of labour and materials.
Artificial grass is an alternative homeowners might be contemplating if they’ve had to deal with dead-grass, mulch, and weeds, one too many times. If you are at this tipping point, it is important to consider potential issues which may arise, who the right tradesmen are to install, and how long the project will take.
Of course, the size of your yard will have a major bearing on overall cost. Further, the quality of the artificial grass, who you hire, and additional services you might want performed, will also increase/decrease overall cost. These are a few general factors to consider, if you have decided to install artificial grass in your yard.
When laying down artificial turf, a tradesman will obviously have to initially remove the current lawn/grass. This includes removing weeds, dead grass, rocks, and other landscaping pieces which are currently installed where the artificial turf will go.
The artificial grass, which is typically a plastic-base, is quite costly. So, tradesmen will first have to measure and cut the grass to fit your yard. On the lower end, you can expect to pay about £10 per sq/metre, so depending on the size of your lawn, the cost can rise quickly.
Once measured and cut, the tradesmen must even out the area where the new grass will be installed. Level divots, remove rocks, debris, and other clutter from the area. A top layer of sand will also be placed below the artificial grass, to help level/maintain its structure. The grass will be rolled out, onto an adhesive base, and laid out to form your new lawn/garden area.
Many homeowners might be considering additional landscaping and design elements. A new fountain, garden ornaments, rocks, or even installing new fencing. Consider the fact that these additional features and design elements will hike up the cost. Further, you might have to hire a different tradesperson for the job, if it requires a high degree of specialization.
In certain instances, you must also consider additional costs for moving items. If you have a play-pen set up for the kids, a swing set, or other outdoor furniture, prior to installing the new artificial lawn, these items must be removed. If you wish to reduce costs of the project, you can do this yourself. Otherwise, keep in mind the tradesperson you hire, is going to charge you an additional fee for such projects.
New fencing is often installed when doing lawn and garden work. If you seek additional security, or simply want something new to go along with your new lawn, make sure you set aside additional funds for the increased budget of this project.
You could always do it yourself. If you are handy, and if you have the time/resources at your discretion, you can buy the sheets of artificial grass and install it yourself. Ranging anywhere from £10 up to about £25 per roll, you could order these sheets in bulk and lay them down yourself.
In most instances, all you need is the artificial sand, and of course you’ll have to remove the current grass, sand, and other items which are in your way prior to installing the artificial grass. For a lawn which is about 10 x 5 sq metres in size, it should take anywhere from 2-3 days. And, with the sheets of grass measuring about 25 sq metres each, you will need about 2-3 rolls. So, bear in mind it will be far cheaper, but it is extensive physical labour you will be performing.
Also remember to use double-sided backing joints when laying down the grass. This will help maintain its stability/placement, and eliminate damage to the grass prematurely.
In some instances, you might want to keep the real grass/lawn you have in place. If this is the alternative you are choosing, make sure you purchase the best lawn and garden feeders. Choose the best fertilizers, weed killers, and other gardening supplies, to help improve the appearance of the lawn, and try to maintain it for another season.
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Here is a list of commonly asked questions in regards to having artificial grass layed in your garden.
The artificial grass will range from £10 - £25/26 per roll.
Yes. However, it won’t look as good, and it might end up costing more in the long run, as it must be replaced more frequently.
Higher quality artificial grass will last up to 15 years if properly maintained and cared for.
One of the beauties of choosing an artificial lawn is there is virtually no upkeep. No mowing, lawn work, removing weeds, or dead grass.
Most artificial grass is made of lightweight, plastic polymers. It is safe for kids to play on. It is soft, and feels like normal/live grass feels, when it is properly installed.
When hiring tradespeople who specialize in this work, they can typically finish a job in 2-5 days depending on the size of the lawn. For those who wish to do the job themselves, it will typically take anywhere from 5-10 days, depending on experience, and how much help you have present.
