Is this a reasonable price for artificial grass?

[Motherofdragons24]

Asked for opinions on this quote, I have no experience in this so really unsure if this is a reasonable price or not as it seems a lot to me!

we’ve sectioned off a bit of our garden to be the kids area, it’s a flat bit of land about 35sqm, it’s already flat and just has mud in it at the minute so no need to dig up or clear anything away. No patio or anything required, that’s already been done but our builder. So just a flat bit of land that they need to put some drainage in and put the artificial grass down. We’ve been quoted £3200. We’re in Scotland is that makes a difference. We’ve been told they can do it over 2 weekends so 4 days work. Does that seem reasonable. I’ll be honest I was a bit shocked but happy to be told this is just the going rate and I need to pay up.

I should add that they provided samples of the grass and the one we have picked, when I looked online is £22sqm so total off £770 plus whatever the sand and drainage stuff costs for supplies. So presumably it’s about 2k for labour.

Just use turf.

I laid my own turf and it was really cheap and not tricky to do at all. It cost a tiny tiny fraction of the amount you’ve been quoted, plus I don’t have to hose it down to keep it clean

Wouldn't it be a better example for your kids to use something that isn't artificial grass?

The reason I wanted the artificial grass is because this area is primarily for the kids we have a very large mature garden with trees and lots of grass but it’s down a flight of stairs. This area is to the side of the house and more accessible for the kids (4&2). I don’t want to have to be cutting round about a swing set, trampoline and mud kitchen and grass under toys will inevitably die and get destroyed wounded the swing etc so lots more maintenance. Plus it would be nice for it to be less muddy!

Have you got several quotes?

I understand why you want the cleanliness of artificial grass however it does shed little bits. Your children will be breathing in microplastics every time they go outside to play which will lodge inside their lungs. They are starting to do proper studies on how harmful microplastics are. It also gets extremely hot in summer and will burn them so they wouldn't be able to use it as often as you would think. If they advise dog owners not to let their dogs out on artificial lawns due to burnt paws then just think what it will do to your children.

It is also not environmentally friendly.

No admittedly this is the one and only quote we have so far. It’s just so difficult to get traces people at the minute, no one has any availability and this is part of a larger house renovation which is now going on two years and I’m so worn down by it now, I just want it done! These guys said they would do it over the weekend so would be able to sqeeze it in asap which is appealing! I suppose I was hoping people would say yes this is reasonable and expected and I would just go ahead but obviously don’t want to get ripped off. I’ll try and contact a few more suppliers.

We’re in Scotland so very very few days when it’s very hot. My parents have it and even in the absolute height of summer burns have never been a problem. No dogs here. Like I said we have a very large garden with lots is trees, plenty of bees and flowers which we maintain well, hopefully doing our part for the environment there. Tbh I wasn’t really looking for opinions on the use of artificial grass just the price.

What about bark chippings instead? You could just lay weed membrane and them get lots of these. Soft landings for kids on climbing frames etc and less maintenance than artificial grass which goes manky quite quickly I believe.

I have put a section of artificial grass down (similar reasons - also have a beautiful mature garden - required a non muddy area for dogs) - I can't remember how much we paid, but it was a lot and worth it for good quality grass laid well - it really doesn't get too hot in summer unless it's a Scottish heatwave (which happens maybe once a century), hardly needs any maintenance, just the occasional sweep for fallen leaves.

Came on here to say that getting it laid properly is worth its weight in gold so it's worth checking with your installers in advance exactly what they plan to do as not all installations are equal. The way we had ours laid was 1. weed membrane first then 2. permeable sub base (granite usually) 3. granite dust (better than sharp sand which is sometimes used) then 4. grass 5. secure edge restraints

Thank you this is something to think about.

If they have availability at short notice when no one else in your area does that’d make me wonder why, but I’m a suspicious person generally

Have you seen any reviews for them?

Thank you this is really helpful. I’ll ask about their installation process.

Well they don’t have availability until July but because it’s a small job compared to their other jobs they would do it over the weekend so would be able to squeeze it in. Yes seen lots of reviews and evidence of other work which I’m happy with.

@Motherofdragons24 have you thought about rubber chips instead of astroturf??
https://safetyplay.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/SP-BLUE-scaled.jpg

Please don't lay plastic in your garden. I thought we were more environmentally aware of the damage of this now in 2025.

If you do plan to sell your house it does decrease the property value. I would personally never buy a house with fake grass in it, it will cost a fortune to rip up.

I can't believe people are still buying plastic grass.

I second bark chips, is a really good alternative. Plus when your neighbours cats pee on it you won’t be out scrubbing at your artificial grass so your child has somewhere to play that isn’t a marsh of cat wee! (Which is why I changed to bark!)

Fair enough. Thought you might not have realised that your children would be breathing microplastics into their tiny lungs though and that alone would make you reconsider your choice. Guess not.

Unbelievable isn’t it?
Microplastics seeping into the earth, killing insects and plastic being breathed in by young children Vs neatness 🙄

I'm a gardener. I can't comment on the cost of the artificial grass as I don't lay it but can comment on labour costs. Hubby and I work together and charge £200 a day for labour for the two of us. So, 4 days work for 2 people would be £800.
I'd also consider bark. Any builders merchant can deliver dumpy bags of it. You'd need a membrane but it's a cheap and quick option.

Bark can attract neighbouring cats to use as a toilet which unfortunately might not be seen by children scampering about in.