The average cost of artificial turf in Las Vegas ranges from $5 per sq. ft. up to $20 per sq. ft. Estimated cost greatly depends on factors such as the type of turf material used, turf brand, area shape and size, and other fees.
For a 500 sq. ft yard, the average cost of artificial turf installation would be $6 – $15 per sq. ft. The total amount includes materials, labor, and other incidental cost for installation.
The Rise of Artificial Turf Installation in Las Vegas
Artificial turfs are known for use in sports complexes where games are held on large field grasses. Typical because of its convenience and low maintenance. Since then, synthetic grass has moved rapidly beyond athletic fields to commercial establishments and even residential homes.
According to Las Vegas Review Journal, much of the demand for artificial turf installation is driven by the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s Smart Landscapes rebate. The program started in 1999 and has tremendously attracted more clients each month. Landscape developers also started to multiply in numbers because of the wide market coverage.
Factors That Determine the Cost of Artificial Turf
It is undoubtedly costly to install artificial turf in your yard. However, it is considered to be a smart investment. Aside from providing curb appeal, it also increases home value and generates a lot of savings from low maintenance. There are factors that will determine its installation cost. So before you rant to your contractor about the estimated cost, here are some facts you ought to know.
Turf Material
It helps to know that there are three types of artificial turfs that vary in durability and price. Meaning, if you opt for a durable turf material then expect a higher price for that. Remember to identify the areas in your yard where turf may be installed. That way you can decide what type of turf material will be best for your yard.
Nylon
This is the most expensive of the three types. The price of Nylon turf ranges from $5 – $6 per sq. ft. Nylon is commonly used in sports arenas as it is a highly durable material. It does not wear out easily even with prolonged exposure to high-traffic areas.
Polyethylene
This turf material resembles that of natural grass ideal for your home. It has a soft texture that feels good on the soles of your feet. It is also durable and can withstand foot traffic. Price ranges from $3 – $4 per sq. ft.
Polypropylene
The cheapest turf material is polypropylene. Among the three types, this is the least durable one. Price ranges from $2 – $3 per sq. ft. Polypropylene can enhance the aesthetic of your yard due to its decorative feature. However, it is not recommended to be used in high-traffic areas and to where constant exposure to the sun is inevitable.
Turf Brand
It can be overwhelming for Las Vegas homeowners to choose the perfect artificial turf. With the growing industry and increasing demand for turf installation, the market for the sale of artificial turf has also become extensive.
With the presence of social media, manufacturers producing high-quality turfs can increase brand integrity making it a factor in price determination. Proportionately, these industries can charge higher than their competitors.
Blade Shape
The different blade shapes are designed for special purposes. Blade shapes also determine how they can withstand constant pressure and sun exposure. All of that factor affects the costs of artificial turf. Read along to get to know what type of blade shape will be perfect for your yard.
Flat Shape
Artificial turfs with flat blades are best designed for aesthetics. They are the least durable among any other blade shapes and are not ideal for areas where people pass through very often.
Diamond Shape
These types of blades are soft to the touch and have a silky-smooth texture. They are comfortable to the feet looking very much like natural grass. They are best for areas with low to medium foot traffic.
S-Shape
Exposure to sunlight can have an effect on the physical look of artificial grass. S-shape blades with reduced flat surface area create a natural grass look under the sun. An artificial turf with an even flat surface reflects a whitish color on the surface rather than a natural green.
V-Shape
In terms of durability, V-shape blade holds more tolerance than other shapes. They also stand more erect and have the ability to recover fast from being stamped on.
U-Shape
This blade shape is the toughest choice among all blade shapes. It can last longer and stand the test of time. It is ideal for heavy foot traffic areas and is usually used in sports complexes because of its resiliency.
W-Shape
If you are living in areas where the weather is consistently hot, then a W-shape blade would be a good option. They do not retain the same level of heat the other blades do making them perfect for hot places like Nevada.
Pile Height
Simply speaking, pile height is the height of artificial grass from the bottom (backing) up to the tip of the blade. The average height is 10mm to 50mm. Choosing pile height depends on the usability of your lawn. Longer pile heights are more flexible but are less resilient. They easily bend but you may find them difficult to straighten up, unlike shorter pile heights. In terms of aesthetics, shorter pile heights create an illusion of tidiness and appear to be more appealing.
Pile Density
Density affects the face weight and durability of artificial turf. Pile density is the number of fibers stitched to its backing. The higher the density or Dtex (a measure of weight) of synthetic grass, the more materials are used to produce it. The denser it becomes to touch and the more expensive its cost will be. This also means that they are more durable and of premium-grade quality.
Backing Material
Artificial grass backing is used to provide support to grass blades. It is important to have strong backing to maintain stability and withstand pressure from foot traffic.
A turf made of poor-quality backing can result in detached fibers or even crack into two separate layers in a short amount of time. Good quality backing has a higher quantity of latex or polyurethane in its secondary layer.
Infill
Like backing, infill adds support to grass blades. They prevent artificial grass from matting and damaging. Also, infills protect artificial grass from water elements that can result in puddling by allowing water to drain through. There are different types of infill materials. We have listed some of these types to help you decide which infill material to use for your artificial grass.
Silica Sand
This is the most common grass infill as they are very economical. They are made of eroded quartz and are effective in providing support to artificial grass. But this type of infill material is not recommended for high-traffic areas as they are abrasive and could hurt your feet. Also, they retain odors and are not ideal for households with pets.
Crumb Rubber
As the name suggests, this infill mainly uses crumbed rubber material from tires. It gives a bouncy feel to the synthetic grass and also adds face weight. Your lawn will look fuller and it provides support so that the blades will bounce back tall even after heavy foot traffic.
Antibacterial Coated Sand
If you have kids, then an antibacterial-coated sand infill is perfect for you. This type of infill is safe because it has anti-microbial properties that can kill germs and bacteria. Also, it does not absorb liquid which is perfect if you have pets. Lastly, it feels cooler than silica sand and crumb rubber.
Zeofill
Zeofill is an all-natural organic infill that is best for households with pets. They eliminate foul smells brought about by animal urine because of their ability to suppress these odors. Additionally, they are one of the coolest infill materials as they retain more water than others.
HydroChill
We want our grass to stay cooler even on a sunny day. But how do we do that? HydroChill is scientifically designed to absorb less heat compared to other infill materials. They are pre-coated and their special feature is activated by adding some water. Water stored in the infill is then released when the turf is heated by the sun. HydroChill may be pricey, but the comfort they can give us will definitely be worth it.
Area
Labor costs will vary depending on the area of your yard. A larger area either needs more time to finish or extra manpower to accomplish. Additionally, areas with uneven or steep terrain can add up to cost as it requires more time for preparation.
Labor
Artificial turfs are not only suited to create a beautiful lawn. It can also be installed on large patios, around pool areas, and even indoors. In some cases, the installation of synthetic grass in these areas is complex and your professional installer may opt for additional charges. Areas with curved edges also need precise fitting. To do that requires cutting synthetic grass according to the shape of your yard for proper placement.
Other Materials and Supplies
Artificial turf installation does not involve the use of synthetic grass alone. We make use of various tools to be able to properly install grass on your lawn. For example, an adhesive is used to join two or more blocks of synthetic grasses. Another is a weed barrier, which is used to clear the soil before putting the grass to prevent future problems.
These materials also add to the cost of installation.
Rebate Program for Decorative Grass Replacement
The Southern Nevada Water Authority is encouraging homeowners to ditch decorative grass and replace it with artificial turf. The program offers a cash rebate of $3 per sq. foot by converting non-functional grass to a water-smart landscape.
The total rebates could reach up to $500,000 for large projects. To know more about the program, you can visit SNWA’s website and apply online.
The Cheapest Way to Install Artificial Turf
The installation of artificial turf is expensive because of a lot of factors. If you are after quality, keep in mind that the best turfs are never cheap. It will require you to shred some money in your bank account. But you can always opt to Do-It-Yourself if you want to drastically cut costs. Just be ready for the repercussions especially if it’s a first-time experience.
Conclusion
You might think that it may be a good idea to Do-It-Yourself. But artificial turf installation is no easy task. It might also cause you trouble in the future if you singlehandedly do the job. It is recommended that you hire a contractor so that everything will run smoothly and a lot of time can be preserved since these professionals are already experts in their own field.