Artificial Turf Cost in Toronto
Real, no-nonsense pricing for synthetic grass in Toronto: what you pay per square foot, what changes the number, and a free calculator to size up your own yard.
Artificial turf in Toronto costs about $12 to $20 per square foot installed. That all-in figure covers the turf itself, the base underneath it, infill, edging, and professional labour, and it is where most residential lawns, pet runs, and putting greens across the GTA land. If you are pricing turf on its own, the material is roughly $2 to $8 per square foot, and a full materials package (turf, infill, and base aggregate) usually runs $8 to $15 per square foot before anyone installs it.
Every yard is a little different, so treat these as planning numbers rather than a fixed quote. Below you will find a clear price breakdown, the factors that move the total up or down, typical costs by application and by project size, and how synthetic grass compares to sod over the long run. For a deeper written walkthrough, see our guide on how much artificial turf costs, and when you are ready, we will measure your space and give you an exact figure for free.
Artificial Turf Prices Per Square Foot
| Cost component | Price per square foot | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Turf material only | $2 to $8 | The synthetic grass roll on its own, varying by pile height, fibre type, and backing. |
| Professional installation | $5 to $10 | Labour to prep the ground, lay and seam the turf, add infill, and finish the edges. |
| Materials only (turf, infill, base) | $8 to $15 | A full materials package delivered, before any installation labour. |
| Total installed (typical) | $12 to $20 | The complete, done-for-you cost most Toronto homeowners pay. |
Figures are typical ranges for the Toronto and GTA market. Premium turf, difficult access, or heavy base work can push a project toward the upper end.
Artificial Grass Cost Calculator
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What Drives the Cost of Artificial Turf
Turf quality and pile
Denser fibres, taller pile, and better backing look and feel more like real grass and last longer, but they cost more per square foot. This single choice is the biggest swing in your material price.
Area size
Bigger jobs spread fixed costs across more square footage, so the per-square-foot rate usually drops as the project grows. Very small areas often price near the top of the range.
Base preparation
Removing an old lawn, excavating, grading, and compacting a proper stone base is where a lot of the labour goes. Poor drainage or soft ground adds material and time.
Site access
A wide-open backyard is quick to service. Narrow side gates, stairs, or a downtown lot with no laneway means hauling material by hand, which adds labour hours.
Edging and features
Custom borders, curves, mow strips, cups for a putting green, or blending around trees and patios all add finishing work on top of the base install.
Infill and drainage
Pet installations and high-traffic areas may use specialty infill and extra drainage layers, which raise both the materials and the labour on the job.
Turf Cost by Project Type
Backyard lawn
A standard landscape lawn is the most affordable choice, generally $12 to $17 per square foot installed. It is the go-to for families who want a green, low-maintenance yard without watering or mowing.
Pet turf
Pet-friendly turf uses tougher fibres, antimicrobial infill, and extra drainage for easy cleanup, so it runs about $14 to $19 per square foot installed for dog runs and pet-heavy yards.
Putting green
A backyard putting green uses dense, short-pile golf turf plus contouring and cups, which places it at the top end, roughly $16 to $20 per square foot installed depending on the design.
Pool surround
Turf around a pool needs a stable base, clean edging, and good drainage against splash and traffic. Expect standard-to-pet pricing, around $12 to $19 per square foot installed.
Artificial Turf Cost by Yard Size
Small yard, 200 to 500 sq ft
Think a front lawn, side yard, or compact city backyard. At the typical installed rate, budget roughly $2,400 to $10,000. Small jobs tend to sit nearer the higher per-square-foot end.
Medium yard, 500 to 1,000 sq ft
A common suburban backyard. Plan for about $6,000 to $20,000 installed, with the exact figure driven by turf grade and how much base work the space needs.
Large yard, 1,000+ sq ft
Big lots, multi-use spaces, or full property conversions start around $12,000 and up. Larger areas usually earn the best per-square-foot rate thanks to volume.
Artificial Turf vs Sod: The Long-Term Cost
Sod is cheaper to lay than synthetic turf, so on day one a natural lawn wins on price. The gap closes once you add up what a real lawn costs to keep alive. Watering through a Toronto summer, fertilizer, weed control, gas or electricity for mowing, aeration, and reseeding bare patches all add up year after year, and that spending never stops.
Artificial turf flips the math. You pay more upfront, then your ongoing cost drops to the occasional rinse and brush. There is no water bill for the lawn, no mower, and no seasonal repairs. Quality turf is built to last many years, so most homeowners recover the price difference through lower maintenance over time, while enjoying a lawn that stays green and usable in every season. For a fuller comparison, read our artificial turf cost guide, or explore what a full installation looks like on our Toronto home page.
Artificial Turf Cost FAQs
How much does artificial turf cost in Toronto?
Artificial turf in Toronto typically costs $12 to $20 per square foot fully installed, including materials, base preparation, and professional labour. Turf material on its own runs about $2 to $8 per square foot, and a full materials package is roughly $8 to $15 per square foot before installation.
How much does it cost to install turf in a 500 square foot backyard?
A 500 square foot backyard usually costs about $6,000 to $10,000 installed at the typical Toronto rate of $12 to $20 per square foot. The final figure depends on turf quality, how much base preparation is needed, and access to the yard.
Is artificial turf cheaper than sod or a natural lawn?
Artificial turf costs more upfront than sod, but it is usually cheaper over its lifespan because you stop paying for water, mowing, fertilizer, and seasonal repairs. Many Toronto homeowners recover the difference within several years of lower maintenance spending.
What is included in the installed price per square foot?
The installed price covers removing the old surface, grading and compacting a base, laying the turf, adding infill, securing the edges, and labour. Turf-only or materials-only pricing is lower because it leaves out base preparation and installation.
Does the type of turf change the price?
Yes. A standard landscape lawn is the most affordable option at roughly $12 to $17 per square foot installed, pet-friendly turf runs about $14 to $19, and dense putting green or sports turf is usually $16 to $20 per square foot installed.