How Much Does It Cost to Install Instant Turf? | 2025 Cost Guide

Instant turf is comparatively easy to install, and as the name suggests, you don't have to start right from the beginning. All you need to do is just prepare the soil, unroll the turf, and voila — you have a beautiful new lawn! It's the perfect way to makeover your backyard. However, before laying instant turf, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. We'll jump into the costs, but let's first discuss the installation.

How much does instant lawn cost in 2025?

On average, for an area of 50 square metres, you should expect to pay around $500 for the new grass itself. This amount of turf can cost from $375 to $625, depending on which type of grass you choose. However, this price does not include turf delivery, soil preparation, or laying.

The cost of turf laying is an investment that will pay for itself over time. Having maintained turf is known to increase property value. Apart from adding a touch of natural beauty to your house, one of the other key benefits of instant turf is that it is a much cooler option than pavers, synthetic lawn, or concrete.

What are the different types of instant lawn turf?

• Buffalo Grass
  Low maintenance, child and pet friendly, soft, loves sun and shade — great for homes.
• Kikuyu Grass
  Wear-resistant and self-repairs quickly, fast-growing — great for open spaces.
• Couch Grass
  Wear-resistant and self-repairs quickly, fine blades, loves full sun — great for sports.
• Zoysia Grass
  Low maintenance, resistant to cold and drought, loves shade and sun.

Average Instant Turf Costs

• Buffalo Grass: $12 per square metre
• Kikuyu Grass: $8 per square metre
• Couch Grass: $8 per square metre
• Zoysia Grass: $13 per square metre

The turf you choose will depend on the environmental conditions in your location, the degree of shade and sun in the area, and the purpose of the turfed area.

Why natural lawn can be more costly

While many homeowners love the look and feel of natural turf, it is worth knowing why maintaining a natural lawn can sometimes be more costly than you first expect. The upfront instant turf prices only covers the grass itself and the installation. Over time, the real expenses come from maintenance.

Natural lawns need regular watering, mowing, and fertilising to stay healthy. In hotter climates, certain warm season grass varieties like kikuyu lawn grass or couch grass may require additional irrigation to prevent the lawn from drying out. This means higher water bills and more time invested in care.

Another factor is wear and tear. A family-friendly surface like buffalo grass is tougher than most, but all lawn turf is susceptible to damage from pests, disease, or heavy foot traffic. Repairing patches with new turf adds to the overall lawn cost.

By comparison, alternatives such as synthetic lawn or paving have higher upfront costs but fewer ongoing maintenance expenses. For those who enjoy the cooling effect, natural beauty, and environmental benefits of instant lawn, the investment is often worthwhile, but it pays to budget for these hidden costs before committing.

Instant Turf Installation Costs

• Under 150 square metres = $400 flat rate
• 150–500 square metres = $2.50 per square metre
• 501–1000 square metres = $2.00 per square metre
• Over 1000 square metres = $1.75 per square metre

This is just an estimate of the costs of turf installation by a professional, but it's best to get several quotes for turf installation prices from Service.com.au for an accurate price.

Turf Installation Process

1. Measure
2. Dig up and turn soil
3. Turf delivery
4. Lay turf immediately
5. Top dress
6. Turf takes seed and settles

Instant turf is comparatively easy to install, and as the name suggests, you don't have to start right from the beginning.

The first thing you need to do is to inspect the area you want the instant turf to be laid on and ensure you have proper measurements of the area. Consider any edges, trees or curves and add 10% extra on top of your total surface area to adjust for any gaps or edges. This will allow you to calculate more accurately the costs involved with the turf installation.

Another thing to consider before purchasing instant turf is the maintenance requirements involved with laying fresh grass. Your current soil needs to be dug up and turned over; you may also need to add new soil.

Once delivered, the grass will need to be laid straight away so that it does not dry out. Furthermore, the first few weeks after installation is very important, as your new grass will need to be well-watered and allowed to settle.

The grass roots of the new turf need to take seed and this can take three to four weeks. A way to test this is by trying to lift it. If this is difficult, then all is good. The new turf will also need to be top-dressed after laying. It will take about six months to really settle, after a few mows. It will lose some colour during the first Winter but will adjust for the coming seasons. It's just one of many great landscaping ideas (including garden beds and trees) that you can enjoy all year round.

Which type of turf is best for my yard?

Not all grass is the same. You really need to consider the type of grass you want for your lawn. The general rule of thumb is to take into account the soil type, shade, moisture content, and drainage to get the right choice of grass for your area. Just because you love how great the grass on television may look at your favourite golf tournament doesn't mean it may be right for you.

There are many grass types to choose from; Buffalo, Kikuyu, Couch and Zoysia are just a few examples that are popular in Australia. Each grass has its own characteristics and environmental resistance. For example, Buffalo grass can handle shade a lot better than, say, Couch grass or Kikuyu grass. Each type of grass is priced differently.

Who to Hire to Install Instant Turf

It's best to hire a landscaper or turf installation business that is experienced with your type of job and capable of working with your particular needs. The landscaper should be able to assist you with the planning process right through to the instant turf installation.

When hiring a landscaper for artificial turf installation, check out their online reviews and ask for proof of insurance and licensing. Public liability insurance is very important if you're going to hire a tradie to help to work on your property. This will prevent major problems down the track.

Choosing a trustworthy landscaper is much easier once you've received several quotes from Service.com.au.

Turfing professionals charge differently and they might not include these factors in their quote. Therefore get two or three quotes, to be on the safe side. We always recommend asking your turf laying professional to outline every item within the quote. This way you can rest assured that there will be no unexpected costs when the project is completed.

Final thoughts

Instant turf cost will vary depending on the size of your project, the turf variety you choose, and installation complexity. Whether you go for buffalo grass, kikuyu grass, or couch grass, you are investing in a long-term natural lawn solution that adds value and enjoyment to your home.

Get multiple quotes to ensure you are paying a fair price for your instant lawn cost. With the right care, your new turf will thrive and keep your outdoor space looking vibrant for years.