A green, tidy lawn looks great. Right? However, keeping natural grass that way is another story. It requires mowing, watering, and weeding, which does take a lot of time and energy. 

That’s why more Melbourne homeowners are looking at artificial grass. You get a neat, green yard without dragging the mower out every weekend. But before you buy, one big question comes up. How much does artificial grass cost in Australia?

The answer depends on more than the grass. Your yard size, turf type, ground condition, and whether you install it yourself all play a part.

Planning to update a backyard, courtyard or play area? This guide explains what you’re paying for and how to plan your budget.

What is the Average Artificial Grass Cost in Australia?

There is no single price that suits every project. Some people only need to buy turf because the ground is already prepared. Others need old grass removed, the surface levelled, and a new base put in first. 

So it helps to split the cost of buying turf from the cost of installing it. Here is what each part covers.

Cost Component	What you are paying for
Artificial grass supply	The turf itself
Site Preparation	Removing old grass, soil or rubbish and getting the ground ready
Base Material	Crushed rock or similar material to make a firm surface
Installation accessories	Joining tape, adhesive, fixings and edging
Professional Installation	Labour to cut, position, join, and secure the turf
Delivery and waste removal	Delivering materials and removing unwanted soil or rubbish.

The artificial grass cost per m² also depends on the product you choose and how much you need. For a realistic budget, add up all of these costs. Comparing turf prices alone won’t give you the full picture.

What Factors Affect the Cost of Artificial Grass?

Two gardens can be about the same size and still cost very different amounts. One might have flat ground and easy access. The other might need digging out, drainage work, and a few joins. Here’s what moves the price.

1. Quality and Type of Artificial Grass

Not all turf looks or feels the same. Some has short, thin blades. Other turf is thicker and softer. When you compare products, look at:

• Pile height – How long the blades are. It changes the look and feel.
• Density – How tightly the blades are packed together.
• Colour – Different greens give different finishes.
• Backing – The layer that holds the blades in place.
• Drainage – How well water passes through the turf and the base below.

Titan Trade Centre supplies Terra Turf in Natural Green (40 mm pile) and Forest Green. Choose based on how you will use the space, not only on how it looks in a photo.

2. Size and Shape of Your Yard

A bigger area needs more turf and more materials. Shape matters just as much. A simple rectangle is easy to measure and cover. Curved edges, garden beds, steps and narrow corners mean more cutting, more joining and more offcuts.

That’s also why synthetic grass cost can differ between two yards of similar size.

3. Ground Preparation

Artificial grass needs a solid surface underneath. If your soil is uneven, or there are weeds or old lawn, we sort that out first. The work can include:

• Removing existing grass and weeds
• Digging out soil to the right depth
• Levelling the ground
• Adding suitable base material
• Compacting the base so it’s firm

Skipping the prep might look like a shortcut. But a weak base can cause bumps, movement and drainage problems later.

4. Drainage

When it rains, water has to go somewhere. Even if the turf has drainage holes, the ground underneath still needs to let water move away.

A yard that already drains well may need little extra work. A spot where water pools after heavy rain may need more preparation. That matters in Melbourne, where the weather can change fast.

5. Access to the Area

This one often gets missed. If workers can bring equipment straight in, the job is easier. But what if the only way in is a narrow side gate?

Soil, base material and heavy turf rolls then have to be carried through, which takes longer. Slopes, stairs and tight spaces can add more work. Mention these when you ask for a quote.

DIY vs Professional Artificial Grass Installation

DIY installation can be appealing, especially if you enjoy weekend projects. But you should know what the job involves before you decide. 

DIY Installation	Professional Installation
You do all the work yourself.	An installer does the agreed work.
You need the right tools and equipment.	The installer usually brings the equipment.
You measure, cut and join the turf.	The installer plans and fits it.
You may avoid labour charges.	Labour adds to the project cost.
Best for manageable jobs with good ground.	Often worth it for complex layouts or tricky sites.

When Does DIY Make Sense?

DIY works best on a small, flat courtyard that’s easy to get into. You’ll still need to prepare the ground, measure carefully, cut the turf and fix it down properly. Hiring tools or buying extras adds to the budget too.

On bigger or trickier jobs, a professional can be worth the money. Bad prep and visible joins are a pain to fix once the turf is down.

Why Can Similar-Sized Backyards Have Different Costs?

Two backyards can be the same size and still cost very different amounts. Here’s an example with two Melbourne homeowners.

The first has a rectangular courtyard with level ground and a wide side entrance. Materials come in easily, and the simple shape means very little cutting or joining.

The second has a backyard of a similar size, but the ground is uneven. It has curved garden beds, poor drainage, and only a narrow path in. That job could need digging out, extra base work, drainage fixes and more joins.

Both yards cover about the same area, but the final bills could differ widely. So measuring your lawn is only the first step towards an accurate quote.

How Do You Calculate How Much Artificial Grass You Need?

Before you ask for pricing, work out the rough size of your space. For a rectangle, the maths is easy:

Length × Width = Area in square metres

A courtyard that’s 5 metres long and 4 metres wide is 20 square metres. That doesn’t mean you should order exactly 20 square metres of turf, though.

Turf comes in rolls of a set width, so think about how the pieces will fit together. You’ll also need a little extra for corners, edges and anything in the way.

If your garden has an odd shape, split it into smaller sections. Work out each one, then add them up. Before you order, check the roll sizes with your supplier. It helps you waste less turf and avoid awkward joins.

How to Get an Accurate Artificial Grass Quote

A quote should tell you more than how much turf you need. The more details you give up front, the better a supplier or installer can understand the job. Have these ready before you call:

1. Measurements: Roughly how long and wide the area is.
2. Photos: The ground, the edges and the way in.
3. Current surface: Soil, natural grass, concrete or something else.
4. Drainage: Any spots where water collects.
5. How you’ll use it: Kids, pets, entertaining or just a tidy yard.
6. Access: Narrow gates, stairs or anything else that makes it hard to get in.

Ask what the quote covers, too. For installation work, check whether digging out, base materials, waste removal, edging and delivery are included or priced separately. Get it in writing so you can compare quotes fairly.

Is Artificial Grass Cheaper Than Natural Grass in the Long Run?

Not always, and it depends on how you look at it. A natural lawn costs you over time. You’ve got the mower, the water bill, and often fertiliser, weed killer, and patching up bare spots.

Artificial grass costs more at the start. After that, you skip the mowing, but you’ll still need to rake off leaves, brush up flattened patches and hose it down now and then. If you’ve got a dog, you’ll probably need to clean it more often. It can also get hot on a sunny day, and it won’t last forever.

So the answer comes down to what you spend on installation, how much time you put into upkeep, how much water you save and how long your turf holds up.

Choose the Right Artificial Grass for Your Outdoor Space

You want a lawn that makes your yard nicer to spend time in, not one that leaves you with an unexpected bill.

So before you compare prices, look at the turf itself, what’s under it, how water will drain and what the job involves. Once you understand those factors, the total cost of artificial grass will make a lot more sense.

At Titan Trade Centre, we supply Terra Turf artificial grass to Melbourne homeowners, renovators and tradies. Our team can help you look through the range and confirm roll sizes, pricing and availability.

Planning an artificial grass project? Call us on 1800 084 826 or email sales@titantradecentre.com.au and let’s talk through what you need.

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