The cost of artificial grass installation in Ontario ranges from $8 to $18 per square foot, including materials and labour. Material costs alone run $2 to $6 per square foot, while professional installation adds $3 to $10 per square foot depending on site complexity.
Several key factors affect artificial turf costs:
Grass material type (polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon)
Pile height and density
Project area size
Site preparation needs
Drainage requirements
Infill material type
Labour and installation complexity
Types of Artificial Grass and Costs
Polyethylene is the most popular choice for residential lawns. It offers a soft, natural feel and realistic appearance.
Cost: $2.00 to $4.50 per square foot (material only)
Pros
Soft and comfortable underfoot
Natural look and feel
Resistant to water absorption
Excellent for pet areas (doesn’t hold odors)
Mid-range durability
Cons
Less durable than nylon
Can mat down in high-traffic areas
Higher cost than polypropylene
Polypropylene is the most affordable option. It has a fine texture that creates a realistic appearance.
Cost: $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot (material only)
Pros
Lowest cost option
Fine texture looks realistic
Good for low-traffic areas
Resistant to stains
Cons
Least durable material
Poor UV resistance
Not suitable for high-traffic areas
Shorter lifespan
Nylon is the premium option. It offers superior strength and maintains its shape under heavy use.
Cost: $3.00 to $6.00 per square foot (material only)
Pros
Highest durability
Maintains shape and color
Excellent for high-traffic areas
Best heat resistance
Longest lifespan
Cons
Most expensive material
Stiffer feel than polyethylene
Less natural appearance
Infill Options and Costs
Infill fills gaps between grass blades, provides cushioning, and keeps blades upright. Different infill types suit different needs.
Infill Top-Up Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Professional Infill Service: $300 to $800 per application
Most common and affordable option. Provides good support and drainage.
Cost: Most affordable infill option
Best for: General residential use, landscaping
Pros: Low cost, excellent drainage, readily available
Cons: Can feel rough, heats up in sun, needs regular top-ups
Made from recycled rubber. Provides cushioning and bounce.
Cost: Mid-range pricing
Best for: Sports fields, play areas, high-traffic zones
Pros: Soft and cushioned, durable, good shock absorption
Cons: Can retain heat, rubber odor in hot weather
Treated sand that prevents bacterial growth. Ideal for pet areas.
Cost: Higher than standard silica sand
Best for: Pet areas, families with children
Pros: Odor control, antimicrobial properties, safer for pets
Cons: More expensive, covers less area than silica sand
Natural materials like coconut fiber or cork. Environmentally friendly.
Material choice is the primary cost driver. Nylon costs double what polypropylene costs. Higher-quality polyethylene with UV protection and realistic appearance commands premium prices.
Grass density impacts cost. Higher stitch rates create fuller, more realistic lawns but increase material expenses. Face weight (ounces of fiber per square foot) directly correlates with price and durability.
Pile Height
Pile height is the length of grass blades. Residential turf typically ranges from 1 to 2 inches.
Longer blades require more material and infill to stay upright, increasing overall project cost.
Area Size and Complexity
Large, simple areas cost less per square foot than small, complex installations. Projects under 300 square feet face higher per-square-foot costs due to minimum labour charges and equipment costs.
Complex layouts increase costs:
Multiple sections or levels
Curved edges and custom shapes
Cutting around obstacles (trees, gardens, patios)
Multiple seams requiring precision joining
Installers charge more for difficult access. Properties with limited entry points or steep slopes require additional time and effort.
Infill Selection
Infill choice impacts both initial cost and long-term maintenance expenses. Basic silica sand costs least. Antimicrobial or organic infills cost 2-3 times more but provide benefits like odor control and cooler surfaces.
Higher-quality infill reduces replacement frequency, potentially saving money over the artificial grass lifespan.
Site Preparation and Base Costs
Proper base preparation is critical for artificial grass longevity and drainage. This work accounts for a significant portion of total project cost.
Base Preparation Costs: $3 to $12 per square foot
Site preparation involves:
Removing existing grass and vegetation
Excavating soil (typically 3-4 inches deep)
Grading and leveling the ground
Installing weed barrier fabric
Adding crushed stone base (3/4″ to 1/4″ drain rock)
Compacting the base layer
Adding fine gravel or decomposed granite top layer
Gravel and Stone Costs: $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot
Poor drainage areas require additional work. Clay soil needs a thicker stone base. Uneven terrain increases labour time and material needs. Steep slopes may need terracing or retaining walls.
Artificial Grass Lifespan and Warranty
Quality artificial grass lasts 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. Lifespan depends on material quality, usage intensity, and maintenance practices.
Typical Warranty Period: 8 to 15 years
Expected Lifespan: 15 to 25 years
Factors affecting lifespan:
Material type (nylon lasts longest)
Installation quality
Traffic levels
Climate exposure
Maintenance frequency
UV protection in the material
Nylon grass can exceed 20 years in residential settings. Polyethylene typically lasts 15-20 years. Polypropylene has the shortest lifespan at 10-15 years.
Professional installation with proper drainage extends artificial grass life. Poor installation leads to premature wear, drainage issues, and material degradation.
Most manufacturers offer 10-year product warranties covering material defects, backing issues, and fiber loss. Some premium brands provide up to 15-year warranties. Labour warranties typically cover 5 years of installation-related issues.
Municipal Bylaws by Town
Artificial grass regulations vary significantly across Ontario municipalities. Many cities have specific rules about front yard installations. Always verify current bylaws before installing artificial grass.
Toronto has strict limitations on artificial grass in front yards.
Front Yard Rules: Minimum 75% of front yard must be soft landscaping (natural grass, plants, trees, or mulch). Artificial turf does not count as soft landscaping.
Rear Yard Rules: For lots with frontage over 6.0 meters, 50% of rear yard must be soft landscaping.
Backyard Use: Artificial grass allowed in backyards with proper soft landscaping percentage.
Toronto’s bylaws aim to preserve permeable surfaces and green space. Violations result in orders to remove artificial grass or reduce coverage.
Contact:
Phone: 311
TTY: 416-338-0889
Website: toronto.ca/311
Mississauga has property standards bylaws but no specific artificial grass prohibition.
Requirements: Grass and weeds on private property must be maintained at maximum 20 centimeters height. This applies to natural grass only.
Soft Landscaping: Zoning bylaws require certain percentages of soft landscaping depending on property type and location. Check specific zoning requirements for your address.
Artificial Grass Status: No explicit ban on artificial grass. Installation should comply with general landscaping and drainage requirements.
Contact:
Phone: 311
Email: public.info@mississauga.ca
Website: mississauga.ca
Oakville regulates lot maintenance but has no blanket artificial grass ban.
Requirements: Grass and weeds cannot exceed 20.33 centimeters (8 inches) in height. This applies to natural vegetation.
Front Yards: Check with planning department about soft landscaping requirements for front yard installations.
Backyard Use: Generally permitted with proper drainage and maintenance.
Contact:
Phone: 905-845-6601
Email: serviceoakville@oakville.ca
Website: oakville.ca
Markham focuses on property maintenance standards. No specific artificial grass restrictions exist.
Property Standards: Keep property well-maintained and free of nuisances.
Drainage Requirements: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water runoff onto neighboring properties.
Verification Recommended: Contact planning department to confirm current regulations for your specific property.
Contact:
Phone: 905-479-7782
Email: customerservice@markham.ca
Website: markham.ca
Vaughan has property maintenance bylaws but no outright artificial grass ban.
Requirements: Grass, ground cover, and weeds must be maintained at less than 20 cm in height. This standard applies to natural vegetation.
The cost of artificial grass installation in Ontario ranges from $8 to $18 per square foot, including materials and labour. Material costs alone run $2 to $6 per square foot, while professional installation adds $3 to $10 per square foot depending on site complexity.
Several key factors affect artificial turf costs:
Grass material type (polyethylene, polypropylene, or nylon)
Pile height and density
Project area size
Site preparation needs
Drainage requirements
Infill material type
Labour and installation complexity
Types of Artificial Grass and Costs
Polyethylene is the most popular choice for residential lawns. It offers a soft, natural feel and realistic appearance.
Cost: $2.00 to $4.50 per square foot (material only)
Pros
Cons
Polypropylene is the most affordable option. It has a fine texture that creates a realistic appearance.
Cost: $1.00 to $3.00 per square foot (material only)
Pros
Cons
Nylon is the premium option. It offers superior strength and maintains its shape under heavy use.
Cost: $3.00 to $6.00 per square foot (material only)
Pros
Cons
Infill Options and Costs
Infill fills gaps between grass blades, provides cushioning, and keeps blades upright. Different infill types suit different needs.
Infill Top-Up Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Professional Infill Service: $300 to $800 per application
Most common and affordable option. Provides good support and drainage.
Cost: Most affordable infill option
Best for: General residential use, landscaping
Pros: Low cost, excellent drainage, readily available
Cons: Can feel rough, heats up in sun, needs regular top-ups
Made from recycled rubber. Provides cushioning and bounce.
Cost: Mid-range pricing
Best for: Sports fields, play areas, high-traffic zones
Pros: Soft and cushioned, durable, good shock absorption
Cons: Can retain heat, rubber odor in hot weather
Treated sand that prevents bacterial growth. Ideal for pet areas.
Cost: Higher than standard silica sand
Best for: Pet areas, families with children
Pros: Odor control, antimicrobial properties, safer for pets
Cons: More expensive, covers less area than silica sand
Natural materials like coconut fiber or cork. Environmentally friendly.
Cost: Highest cost option
Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners, pet areas
Pros: Natural, biodegradable, cool surface temperature, odor resistant
Cons: Most expensive, may decompose over time
Factors Affecting Price
Grass Type and Quality
Material choice is the primary cost driver. Nylon costs double what polypropylene costs. Higher-quality polyethylene with UV protection and realistic appearance commands premium prices.
Grass density impacts cost. Higher stitch rates create fuller, more realistic lawns but increase material expenses. Face weight (ounces of fiber per square foot) directly correlates with price and durability.
Pile Height
Pile height is the length of grass blades. Residential turf typically ranges from 1 to 2 inches.
Shorter Pile (0.5-1 inch): Lower cost, easier maintenance, better for putting greens
Medium Pile (1-1.5 inches): Mid-range cost, natural appearance, popular for yards
Longer Pile (1.5-2+ inches): Higher cost, luxurious look, needs more maintenance
Longer blades require more material and infill to stay upright, increasing overall project cost.
Area Size and Complexity
Large, simple areas cost less per square foot than small, complex installations. Projects under 300 square feet face higher per-square-foot costs due to minimum labour charges and equipment costs.
Complex layouts increase costs:
Multiple sections or levels
Curved edges and custom shapes
Cutting around obstacles (trees, gardens, patios)
Multiple seams requiring precision joining
Installers charge more for difficult access. Properties with limited entry points or steep slopes require additional time and effort.
Infill Selection
Infill choice impacts both initial cost and long-term maintenance expenses. Basic silica sand costs least. Antimicrobial or organic infills cost 2-3 times more but provide benefits like odor control and cooler surfaces.
Higher-quality infill reduces replacement frequency, potentially saving money over the artificial grass lifespan.
Site Preparation and Base Costs
Proper base preparation is critical for artificial grass longevity and drainage. This work accounts for a significant portion of total project cost.
Base Preparation Costs: $3 to $12 per square foot
Site preparation involves:
Removing existing grass and vegetation
Excavating soil (typically 3-4 inches deep)
Grading and leveling the ground
Installing weed barrier fabric
Adding crushed stone base (3/4″ to 1/4″ drain rock)
Compacting the base layer
Adding fine gravel or decomposed granite top layer
Gravel and Stone Costs: $1.50 to $3.00 per square foot
Poor drainage areas require additional work. Clay soil needs a thicker stone base. Uneven terrain increases labour time and material needs. Steep slopes may need terracing or retaining walls.
Artificial Grass Lifespan and Warranty
Quality artificial grass lasts 15 to 25 years with proper maintenance. Lifespan depends on material quality, usage intensity, and maintenance practices.
Typical Warranty Period: 8 to 15 years
Expected Lifespan: 15 to 25 years
Factors affecting lifespan:
Material type (nylon lasts longest)
Installation quality
Traffic levels
Climate exposure
Maintenance frequency
UV protection in the material
Nylon grass can exceed 20 years in residential settings. Polyethylene typically lasts 15-20 years. Polypropylene has the shortest lifespan at 10-15 years.
Professional installation with proper drainage extends artificial grass life. Poor installation leads to premature wear, drainage issues, and material degradation.
Most manufacturers offer 10-year product warranties covering material defects, backing issues, and fiber loss. Some premium brands provide up to 15-year warranties. Labour warranties typically cover 5 years of installation-related issues.
Municipal Bylaws by Town
Artificial grass regulations vary significantly across Ontario municipalities. Many cities have specific rules about front yard installations. Always verify current bylaws before installing artificial grass.
Toronto has strict limitations on artificial grass in front yards.
Front Yard Rules: Minimum 75% of front yard must be soft landscaping (natural grass, plants, trees, or mulch). Artificial turf does not count as soft landscaping.
Rear Yard Rules: For lots with frontage over 6.0 meters, 50% of rear yard must be soft landscaping.
Backyard Use: Artificial grass allowed in backyards with proper soft landscaping percentage.
Toronto’s bylaws aim to preserve permeable surfaces and green space. Violations result in orders to remove artificial grass or reduce coverage.
Contact:
Phone: 311
TTY: 416-338-0889
Website: toronto.ca/311
Mississauga has property standards bylaws but no specific artificial grass prohibition.
Requirements: Grass and weeds on private property must be maintained at maximum 20 centimeters height. This applies to natural grass only.
Soft Landscaping: Zoning bylaws require certain percentages of soft landscaping depending on property type and location. Check specific zoning requirements for your address.
Artificial Grass Status: No explicit ban on artificial grass. Installation should comply with general landscaping and drainage requirements.
Contact:
Phone: 311
Email: public.info@mississauga.ca
Website: mississauga.ca
Oakville regulates lot maintenance but has no blanket artificial grass ban.
Requirements: Grass and weeds cannot exceed 20.33 centimeters (8 inches) in height. This applies to natural vegetation.
Front Yards: Check with planning department about soft landscaping requirements for front yard installations.
Backyard Use: Generally permitted with proper drainage and maintenance.
Contact:
Phone: 905-845-6601
Email: serviceoakville@oakville.ca
Website: oakville.ca
Markham focuses on property maintenance standards. No specific artificial grass restrictions exist.
Property Standards: Keep property well-maintained and free of nuisances.
Drainage Requirements: Ensure proper drainage to prevent water runoff onto neighboring properties.
Verification Recommended: Contact planning department to confirm current regulations for your specific property.
Contact:
Phone: 905-479-7782
Email: customerservice@markham.ca
Website: markham.ca
Vaughan has property maintenance bylaws but no outright artificial grass ban.
Requirements: Grass, ground cover, and weeds must be maintained at less than 20 cm in height. This standard applies to natural vegetation.
Installation Considerations: Ensure artificial grass installation meets property standards and doesn’t create drainage issues.
Zoning Compliance: Check if your property’s zoning requires specific landscaping ratios.
Contact:
Phone: 905-832-2281
Email: bylaw@vaughan.ca
Website: vaughan.ca
Richmond Hill regulates grass and weed height but has no specific artificial grass prohibition.
Requirements: Grass and weeds cannot exceed 20 cm in length year-round. This applies to natural grass.
Property Standards: Maintain property in good condition according to property standards bylaw.
Front Yard Considerations: Verify any soft landscaping requirements before front yard installation.
Contact:
Phone: 905-771-0198
Email: bylaw@richmondhill.ca
Website: richmondhill.ca
Ajax follows regional Durham bylaws and local property standards.
Property Maintenance: Keep property well-maintained and free from nuisances.
No Specific Ban: No explicit prohibition on artificial grass found in current bylaws.
Regional Coordination: Some bylaws coordinate with Durham Region standards.
Contact:
Phone: 905-619-2529 ext. 3370
Email: bylawservices@ajax.ca
Website: ajax.ca
Pickering maintains property standards bylaws as part of Durham Region.
Property Standards: Maintain property according to local standards.
Drainage: Ensure proper drainage and grading to prevent neighbor impacts.
Verification Recommended: Contact bylaw department for current regulations on artificial grass.
Contact:
Phone: 905-420-4660
Website: pickering.ca
Oshawa has municipal law enforcement covering property standards.
Property Maintenance: Keep property maintained to local standards.
Natural Grass Standards: Municipal bylaws regulate natural grass height, not artificial alternatives.
Check Requirements: Verify any landscaping requirements for your specific property zone.
Contact:
Phone: 905-436-3311
Website: oshawa.ca
Whitby maintains property standards as part of Durham Region municipalities.
Property Standards: Follow local maintenance requirements.
No Explicit Ban: No specific prohibition on artificial grass in current bylaws.
Installation Standards: Ensure proper installation with adequate drainage.
Contact:
Phone: 905-430-4300
Website: whitby.ca
Newmarket has clean yards bylaws focusing on property maintenance.
Yard Maintenance: Keep yards free of waste and excessive growth.
Natural Landscape Standards: Bylaws define managed landscapes including perennials and ornamental grasses.
Artificial Grass Status: No explicit prohibition found. Contact planning department to confirm.
Contact:
Phone: 905-895-5193
Website: newmarket.ca
Aurora maintains property standards and yard maintenance bylaws.
Property Maintenance: Keep property in good condition.
Natural Vegetation Standards: Bylaws regulate natural grass and weed height.
Artificial Grass: Contact municipal office to verify current regulations.
Contact:
Phone: 905-727-3123
Website: aurora.ca
Milton has lot maintenance bylaws but no specific artificial grass restrictions.
Boulevard Maintenance: Property owners responsible for maintaining grass areas including boulevards.
Standards: Keep property maintained to municipal standards.
Front Yard Installation: Verify any soft landscaping requirements before installation.
Contact:
Phone: 905-878-7252
Website: milton.ca
Burlington updated lot maintenance bylaws in recent years with naturalized landscape provisions.
Naturalized Landscapes: Bylaws permit naturalized gardens with proper buffer zones.
Artificial Grass: No explicit prohibition but check soft landscaping requirements for your property zone.
Buffer Requirements: Some properties require buffer strips of cut grass along property lines.
Contact:
Phone: 905-335-7600
Website: burlington.ca
Halton Hills maintains property standards and enforcement bylaws.
Property Maintenance: Keep property maintained according to local standards.
Grass Height: Natural grass regulations exist; artificial grass not specifically addressed.
Verification: Contact enforcement services for current artificial grass policies.
Contact:
Phone: 905-873-2600
Website: haltonhills.ca