If you’re comparing DIY vs professional artificial putting green installation, you’re likely trying to answer one important question:
“Is it worth paying for professional installation, or can I do it myself?”
The short answer?
It depends on what you expect from your putting green.
If you want a decorative feature, DIY might work.
If you want consistent ball roll, realistic speed and long-term durability — professional installation almost always delivers better value.
Let’s break it down properly.
The Real Difference Between DIY and Professional Installation
The difference isn’t just labour.
It’s engineering.
A putting green is not standard artificial grass. It’s a performance surface that relies on:
- Ground stability
- Sub-base compaction
- Drainage control
- Contouring precision
- Turf specification
- Infill calibration
Miss one of these and performance suffers.
What DIY Putting Green Installation Involves
Excavation
You must remove:
- Existing turf
- Organic matter
- Topsoil
Depth: Typically 100–200mm depending on soil type.
Common DIY issue:
Insufficient excavation leading to sinking and uneven surfaces.
Sub-Base Installation
Professionals use:
- MOT Type 1 aggregate
- Layered compaction
- Mechanical plate compactors
- Moisture control
DIY risk:
Poor compaction causes dips and inconsistent ball roll within months.

Contouring & Design
Professional installers:
- Create engineered slopes
- Shape subtle undulations
- Position holes strategically
- Control green speed
DIY kits often produce flat, unrealistic surfaces.
Drainage Management
Without correct drainage:
- Water pools
- Sub-base shifts
- Turf separates
- Edges lift
Professionals design for heavy UK rainfall conditions.
The True Cost Comparison
DIY Installation Costs
- DIY kit: £1,000–£4,000
- Aggregate & materials: £500–£2,000
- Tool hire: £200–£600
- Waste removal: £300–£800
- Your time: Significant
Total potential spend: £2,000–£7,000+
But this excludes performance correction if mistakes occur.
Professional Installation Costs
- Small greens: £3,000–£6,000
- Medium greens: £6,000–£12,000
- Larger bespoke: £12,000+
Includes:
✔ Ground engineering
✔ Drainage control
✔ Performance shaping
✔ Speed-rated putting turf
✔ Structural edging
✔ Longevity
See our guide about artificial putting green installation prices here.
Performance: Where DIY Usually Fails
Ball Roll Consistency
Even slight unevenness affects:
- Pace control
- Break reading
- Practice quality
Professionally installed greens are calibrated for predictable roll.
Longevity
DIY greens often require:
- Re-levelling
- Edge repairs
- Drainage correction
Professional installations are built to last 15+ years.
Drainage in the UK Climate
Clay-heavy soils require:
- Deeper excavation
- Proper base layering
- Water flow management
Ignoring this leads to premature failure.
When DIY Might Make Sense
DIY can work if:
- You want a small decorative area
- Performance is not critical
- Budget is extremely limited
- You accept potential long-term issues
For serious golfers, DIY is rarely satisfactory.
Why Professional Installation Is an Investment, Not an Expense
With professional installation you get:
- Consistent performance
- Structural integrity
- Proper contour shaping
- Warranty protection
- Higher property appeal
- Peace of mind
Instead of wondering if it was installed correctly, you focus on improving your short game.
For more detail, see our guide to Artificial Putting Green Installation.
The Hidden Risk: Doing It Twice
Many DIY projects end up being professionally corrected later.
This means:
DIY spend + Professional correction
= More than installing properly from the start.
The Bottom Line
If your goal is:
✔ Professional practice quality
✔ Long-term durability
✔ No drainage issues
✔ Strong resale appeal
Professional installation wins almost every time.
If you’re still weighing costs, review our detailed pricing breakdown before deciding.
FAQs – DIY vs Professional Artificial Putting Green Installation
1. Is DIY artificial putting green installation cheaper?
It can be initially cheaper but often leads to long-term correction costs.
2. How long does professional installation last?
Typically 15+ years with proper groundwork.
3. What is the biggest DIY mistake?
Insufficient sub-base compaction.
4. Can I achieve professional ball roll with DIY?
It is difficult without specialised equipment and experience.
5. Does drainage matter?
Yes, especially in the UK climate.
6. Are DIY kits suitable for large greens?
Not typically. Larger surfaces increase risk of uneven settling.
7. Does professional installation increase property appeal?
Yes, especially for golf enthusiasts.
8. Can professionals add contours and bunkers?
Yes, custom shaping is part of professional design.
9. Is maintenance different for DIY vs professional?
Professional groundwork reduces ongoing maintenance issues.
10. Is a professional installation worth the extra cost?
For performance and longevity, yes.
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