Budget is another important factor to consider. While artificial turf has a higher upfront cost due to materials and installation, it can save you money in the long run due to its low maintenance requirements. You won’t need to invest in a lawnmower, sprinkler system, fertilizers, or weed killers, and you’ll save on your water bill as well.
Sod, on the other hand, is cheaper to install but requires ongoing maintenance, which can add up over time. The cost of watering, regular lawn care products, and potential re-sodding should be factored into the long-term maintenance costs. You can read our article on “Artificial Grass vs Real Grass: What is Cheaper” to understand more about this!
Desired Features
Finally, think about what you want most from your new lawn. If you prioritize a lush, natural aesthetic and don’t mind the maintenance, sod could be the way to go. There’s something undeniably appealing about the look, feel, and smell of real grass.
As homeowners seek modern, low-maintenance alternatives for their outdoor spaces, artificial grass lawns have emerged as a popular choice. Known for their year-round green appeal and durability, synthetic grass lawns offer a practical solution for those who want a beautiful lawn without the constant upkeep associated with natural grass. They were initially used in sports fields but are now being designed for residential lawns and commercial applications as well. However, choosing artificial lawns is not without its considerations. They come with a higher initial cost compared to sod, and there are potential environmental considerations to think about. Despite these, many homeowners find the benefits of artificial grass lawns outweigh the downsides.
While a sod lawn can contribute positively to the local ecosystem, it also has potential environmental drawbacks. These lawns require substantial water, contributing to higher water bills and potential water waste. Using fertilizers and pesticides can lead to chemical runoff, affecting local water sources. Additionally, when sod lawns are replaced, the old grass often ends up in landfills, contributing to waste.
Benefits
Despite these considerations, sod lawns have undeniable benefits. The natural beauty and feel of real grass lawns are often seen as unmatched. Walking barefoot on a soft, green lawn on a warm day is a simple pleasure many homeowners cherish. Moreover, sod lawns have a cooling effect on the surrounding area, making your outdoor space a comfortable retreat during hot summer days. They also contribute to a healthy ecosystem, providing habitat for beneficial insects and improving air quality.
When it comes to creating a beautiful outdoor space, many homeowners opt for the classic choice: a sod lawn. Known for its natural beauty and traditional appeal, sod, or natural grass, offers a sense of instant gratification and a lush green look. It’s the image that often comes to mind when we think of a perfect home with a perfect lawn – children playing, pets frolicking, and adults relaxing and soaking in the beauty of nature right in their backyard. But as idyllic as this image may be, maintaining a sod lawn requires a significant investment of time and resources. Here is more information related to Sod Lawns:
In conclusion, whether you’re planning a DIY project or considering professional installation, accurate measurement, and calculation are the first steps toward a successful artificial grass installation. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for a pet-friendly turf for your furry friends, or a business owner planning to install a synthetic lawn in a sports field or playground, you would need to do this.
Remember, every square foot counts. Overestimating can lead to unnecessary expenses, while underestimating can result in an incomplete grass lawn. So, take your time, measure carefully, and don’t hesitate to double-check your calculations. With the right preparation, you can ensure a successful artificial grass installation. Say goodbye to mowing and fertilizing, and say hello to a lush, green, and low-maintenance lawn that will last for years to come.
Once you’ve calculated the total amount of artificial grass you need, you can start to estimate the cost of your project. The cost of artificial grass can vary widely depending on the quality, brand, and type of grass you choose. High-quality turf products are more durable and have longer lifespans while lesser-quality turf products are cheaper but might not look or feel like natural grass.
Here’s how you can estimate the cost of synthetic turf :
Find the Price per Square Foot: Check the price of the artificial grass per square foot. This information is usually available on the product label or the retailer’s website.
Calculate the Total Cost: Multiply the price per square foot by the total square footage (including the extra 10% for cutting and shaping) to get the total cost of the fake grass.
Remember, this is just the average cost of the artificial grass itself. You should also consider other costs associated with the artificial turf installation, such as the cost of any necessary tools, infill material, and potentially hiring a professional installer if you’re not planning a DIY installation. Don’t forget to get free quotes from synthetic grass retailers and landscaping professionals. You can also refer to our blog on artificial grass costs to understand how much artificial turf costs.
Artificial grass typically comes in 12-foot and 15-foot wide rolls. When determining how much artificial grass you need, keep this in mind to minimize the number of seams.
For example, if your space is 20 feet wide, you would need two 12-foot wide turf rolls, resulting in a total of 24 feet in width. With the right preparation and high-quality turf rolls, you can transform your space into a lush, green, and low-maintenance haven.
Artificial grass installation is not always a straightforward process. Depending on the shape and size of your space, you may need to cut and shape the turf to ensure it fits perfectly. This could be the case if your space has curved edges, unusual angles, or if it’s divided into different sections.
Cutting and shaping the turf can lead to some wastage. For instance, if you have to cut a circular area out of a square piece of turf, you’ll be left with some leftover material that might not be usable elsewhere.
To account for such scenarios, it’s a good idea to add an extra 10% to your total square footage. This buffer ensures you won’t run out of material in case of any miscalculations or unexpected challenges during the installation process. It’s a small step that can save you from a lot of stress and help keep your project on track.
Accurate measurement is crucial when planning for artificial grass installation. Here are some reasons why:
Avoid Unnecessary Expenses: Overestimating the amount of artificial grass you need could result in unnecessary expenses. You don’t want to end up paying for more grass than you need.
Prevent Incomplete Projects: On the other hand, underestimating could leave you with an incomplete project. It’s frustrating to run out of material midway through installation.
Better Price Comparison: Knowing the exact square footage of your space can help you better compare prices and options when shopping for artificial grass products. It allows you to get a more accurate estimate of the total cost.
Efficient Installation Process: Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast taking on the installation process yourself or considering professional installation, having a clear idea of the amount of artificial grass required can make the process smoother and more efficient.
Optimal Use of Space: Accurate measurement ensures that every square foot of your space is optimally used. This is especially important for complex landscapes with unique shapes.
