How do you lay artificial grass on a budget?

Creating a beautiful outdoor lawn that's perfect for relaxation and entertaining guests doesn't have to cost thousands. Many people think that "saving money by laying artificial turf equals poor quality," but if you find the right methods, you can significantly reduce costs while ensuring the lawn's durability and aesthetics.

1. Choose the right materials, not the most expensive ones

Don't focus solely on high-end lawns; choosing materials based on your intended use can save you a significant amount of money.

Grass material: PE grass is a good choice for small family yards or balconies. It is soft, sun-resistant, and cheaper than nylon. For hot pots, which are low-flow areas, PP grass is more cost-effective and is perfectly adequate for everyday decoration.

Grass height selection: Short grass of 20-35mm is about 30% cheaper than long grass of 40mm or more, and also saves on filler material - short grass does not require much quartz sand, and may even be omitted in decorative areas, making it suitable for those with limited budgets.

Scavenging leftover turf: Suppliers often have leftover scraps of turf from previous projects, which they sell at a discount. You can check with the supplier online to see if they still have stock. However, be aware that different production batches of turf may have color variations. If you don't mind, you can store them in different areas to make the color difference less noticeable.

2. Borrowing or replacing tools

Professional tools, whether bought or rented, can be quite expensive. It's better to use what you already have at home or cheaper alternatives.

• No need to rent a turf cutter: a utility knife and a ruler are enough. When cutting, lay the turf flat and cut along the ruler. If you go slowly, you can cut neatly. Be careful not to cut the grass fibers.
• Compaction without a flatbed compactor: For small areas, use a handcart loaded with heavy objects to roll back and forth; for large areas, use "hand-push compaction rollers", which are more cost-effective.
• Use a broom instead of an electric lawnmower: After filling the lawn with quartz sand, use a stiff-bristled broom to comb the grass fibers in the opposite direction. Although it takes a bit of effort, it saves you the money of renting a machine and can also comb the sand into the grass roots.

3. Low-cost foundation

Many people mistakenly believe that "a completely new foundation must be built," but in fact, existing foundations should be utilized whenever possible.

• If the ground was originally cement/asphalt: as long as there are no large cracks and no water accumulation, just clean it up and fill the cracks with repair agent. There is no need to re-lay the base layer, which saves on the base cost.
• If it is an earthen ground: do not lay the whole thing with gravel. First, compact the soil (by treading it down with your feet or by rolling it back and forth with a wheelbarrow full of things) , then lay a 10cm thick layer of 3 parts lime and 7 parts soil, and compact it again . This saves half the material cost compared to laying the whole thing with gravel, and can also ensure that the foundation does not collapse.
• Allow 5% for waste when measuring: For example, if the actual area is 10㎡, buying 10.5㎡ is enough. Don't buy more "just in case". The leftover scraps can actually fill small gaps. Buying more is just a waste.

4. Simplified drainage solution

For small areas, a professional drainage system is unnecessary; this approach will suffice:

• Foundation slope: Use a level to ensure the ground has a slope of 0.5%-0.8% so that rainwater can flow away naturally.
• For water accumulation points on cement floors: Drill several 5mm holes at the lowest points, fill the holes with gravel, and the water will seep down, saving money compared to a professional drainage system.

5. Simplify the Installation Process

Professional installers often add optional items, increasing costs. Therefore, omitting unnecessary steps can minimize costs while maintaining quality.

(1) Eliminate Unnecessary Layers

Simplifying the installation process by omitting non-critical layers can reduce costs without sacrificing functionality. Weed control layers like weed control fabric are only needed in areas prone to invasive weeds or uneven soil, and are unnecessary in urban environments with controlled substrates.

Similarly, foam mats are designed to add cushioning in children's play areas or high-traffic areas. They are unnecessary for ordinary residential lawns, as a well-compacted substrate provides sufficient support.

(2) Secure the Lawn Without Adhesives

Avoiding adhesives and special tapes not only reduces costs but also simplifies the installation process. Instead, use U-shaped nails spaced 4-6 inches along the lawn edge to secure the lawn firmly.

At seams, overlap adjacent sections by 1-2 inches, secure with nails, and then carefully comb the fibers in the same direction for a seamless, natural look. This method ensures stability without compromising aesthetics, making it both practical and economical.

(3) Minimize Infill Material

Infill is crucial for stabilizing turf fibers and enhancing durability, but excessive use increases costs, especially for lawns with low foot traffic. Choose silica sand, as it is the most economical infill material. Using a small amount maintains elasticity without waste.

Spread the sand evenly on the lawn surface, then brush the lawn vertically with a stiff brush to allow the sand to penetrate deep into the turf roots, ensuring stable support and a natural fiber arrangement. This precise application method maximizes cost-effectiveness while maintaining the lawn's functionality and aesthetics.

6. DIY Installation

The labor cost for installation might be more expensive than the turf itself. However, with basic DIY skills and by following the supplier's step-by-step installation guide , you can easily do it yourself: 

Site preparation: Remove debris from the site surface, compact the soil, level the ground, and maintain a slope of 0.5%-0.8% for drainage.

Base layer installation: Lay a layer of crushed stone and compact it to ensure stability.

Lawn installation: If you have a limited budget, you can omit the installation of the shock-absorbing pads and lay the lawn directly. Spread the lawn out in the same direction and trim it as needed.

Seam treatment: Use special glue to firmly bond the turf seams together and press them down to remove air bubbles.

Final inspection: Check the flatness of the site and the joints, clean up the debris, and you're all done!

7. Achieve Long-Term Savings Through Durability

Purchasing high-quality turf and employing precise installation techniques can significantly extend the lifespan of artificial turf, minimizing long-term replacement costs.

For example, a compacted subgrade prevents displacement and uneven wear, ensuring the turf remains stable for years to come. Similarly, choosing UV-resistant turf for outdoor spaces helps maintain vibrant color in sunny climates, delaying fading and reducing the need for premature replacement.

These choices solidify artificial turf as the most economical option in the long run, making it an essential choice for cost-conscious, durability-conscious installations.

Summarize

The key to saving money is avoiding waste and blindly following trends, not cutting corners. Spend your money where it counts: accurate measurements prevent waste, use leftover materials or buy high-quality turf during promotional periods, and avoid excessive work in the foundation and installation stages. Even with a limited budget, you can create a durable and beautiful lawn using these methods. After all, the core of a garden is "functionality and aesthetics," not "how much money was spent."

If you're unsure which type of turf to choose or how to plan the layout, consider consulting the supplier's professional team. Free advice can often help you avoid major budget pitfalls and ensure that every penny is well spent.