If you’re researching how much artificial grass costs for dogs in the UK, you’re likely close to making a decision.
You want:
- A clean, mud-free garden
- No yellow patches
- No ongoing lawn repairs
- No lingering odours
- Something safe for pets and children
- And a realistic idea of what it will cost
In this guide, we break down:
- Material costs
- Installation costs
- What affects the price
- The difference between budget and premium systems
- Whether it’s worth the investment
This is written specifically for UK dog owners.
How Much Does Artificial Grass for Dogs Cost in the UK?
Fully Installed Cost (2026 UK Averages)
For a professionally installed, dog-friendly artificial lawn:
£60–£120 per m² fully installed
The range depends on:
- Ground preparation required
- Type of artificial grass selected
- Drainage requirements
- Garden access
- Waste removal
Materials Only (Supply Only)
If purchasing the turf without installation:
£20–£45 per m²
Premium eco-backed systems may sit slightly higher.
But materials alone are only part of the total cost.
Typical UK Garden Cost Examples
Here’s what real-world pricing often looks like:
Small Garden (30m²)
- £1,800 – £3,600 fully installed
Medium Garden (50m²)
- £3,000 – £6,000 fully installed
Larger Garden (75m²+)
- £4,500 – £9,000+
Smaller gardens often cost more per m² due to fixed labour and prep costs.
What Affects the Cost of Artificial Grass for Dogs?
1. Ground Preparation (The Biggest Cost Factor)
For dog-friendly installations, ground prep is critical.
This includes:
- Excavation
- Removing existing turf
- Waste removal
- Installing a compacted sub-base
- Installing permeable membranes
- Creating proper fall for drainage
Poor prep leads to:
- Standing water
- Odour issues
- Uneven surfaces
- Early failure
If you’re concerned about smells, see our guide on
How to Stop Artificial Grass Smelling of Dog Urine
Ground preparation is not where you cut corners.
2. Type of Artificial Grass Selected
There is a major difference between:
- Budget latex-backed turf
- Mid-range pet turf
- Premium recyclable bio-backed systems
You can see a full breakdown here:
ARTTRAGrass® vs Standard Artificial Turf
Premium systems cost more upfront — but often last longer and reduce environmental impact.
3. Pile Height Choice (25mm vs 35mm)
Pile height slightly influences price due to fibre volume.
25mm:
- Slightly more practical
- Often marginally lower cost
35mm:
- More natural aesthetic
- Slightly more fibre
If you’re unsure which suits your home, read:
25mm vs 35mm Artificial Grass for Dogs
4. Drainage Requirements for Dog Owners
Dog gardens require:
- Permeable sub-base
- Proper fall gradient
- Correct compaction
- Quality backing
If drainage is wrong, you’ll experience odour problems regardless of grass type.
Drainage is installation-driven, not marketing-driven.
5. Garden Access
Limited access:
- Terraced houses
- No side entrance
- Manual waste removal
This increases labour time and cost.
Why Dog-Friendly Artificial Grass Costs More Than Decorative Turf
Dog installations must withstand:
- Repeated urine exposure
- High traffic paths
- Turning stress
- Claw pressure
- Localised wear areas
This means:
- Stronger backing
- Higher density fibres
- Better sub-base
- Proper drainage compatibility
Cheap turf designed purely for appearance often fails under dog use.
Is Cheaper Artificial Grass a False Economy?
This is where many homeowners make the mistake.
Budget artificial turf often:
- Uses petroleum-heavy latex backing
- Has lower fibre density
- Degrades faster
- Flattens quickly
- Is difficult to recycle
- Ends up in landfill
It may cost less initially.
But if replaced after 5–7 years, total ownership cost rises significantly.
Premium systems like ARTTRAGrass® are engineered with:
- 100% recyclable bio-backed green backing
- Reduced fossil fuel dependency
- Non-toxic construction
- Long-term durability
Over 10–15 years, the cost difference narrows dramatically.
Long-Term Cost vs Upfront Cost
Let’s compare realistically.
Budget Turf
- Lower upfront price
- Possible replacement within 5–7 years
- Disposal costs
- Environmental impact
Premium Recyclable Turf
- Higher upfront investment
- Longer lifespan
- Recyclable pathway
- Reduced fossil fuel reliance
- Stronger resale appeal
When viewed over 10–15 years, the premium option often provides better overall value.
Is Artificial Grass Worth It for Dog Owners?
Let’s look beyond price.
Dog owners save money on:
- Lawn reseeding
- Turf repairs
- Mud management
- Cleaning costs
- Time spent maintaining grass
- Lawn treatments
Benefits include:
- No muddy paws
- No brown patches
- All year round usability
- Cleaner patios and interiors
- Consistent appearance
For many UK dog owners, it’s a quality-of-life investment.
Cost Comparison: Natural Lawn vs Artificial Grass (Dogs)
Natural lawn (over 10 years):
- Fertiliser
- Reseeding
- Lawn repair
- Turf replacement
- Water usage
- Time investment
Artificial grass:
- Higher upfront cost
- Minimal ongoing expense
- Occasional rinse
- Periodic brushing
The long-term cost comparison often surprises homeowners.
Why Premium Dog-Friendly Artificial Grass Costs More
Advanced systems incorporate:
- Recyclable backing innovation
- Reduced fossil fuel manufacturing
- Safer materials
- Higher fibre density
- Enhanced drainage compatibility
This is not simply “grass”.
It is engineered surfacing.
For a complete overview of choosing the right product, see:
Best Dog Friendly Artificial Grass in the UK (Buyer’s Guide)
How to Get an Accurate Quote
To receive an accurate cost estimate, installers typically assess:
- Garden size
- Current surface condition
- Drainage requirements
- Access constraints
- Waste disposal volume
- Desired pile height (25mm or 35mm)
The most accurate pricing comes from a site visit.
Can You Install Artificial Grass for Dogs Yourself?
DIY is possible — but dog installations require:
- Proper excavation depth
- Compacted aggregate sub-base
- Weed membrane
- Correct joining methods
- Secure edging
- Adequate fall
Mistakes commonly lead to:
- Odour retention
- Uneven settling
- Visible seams
- Premature wear
Professional installation reduces risk.
Financing and Budget Planning
If budgeting is a concern:
- Spread the cost over time
- Plan installation during landscaping upgrades
- Install in stages if necessary
Remember: artificial grass is a long-term investment.
When Is the Best Time to Install?
Artificial grass can be installed all year round in the UK.
Autumn and winter installations are common and often more flexible for scheduling.
There is no need to wait for summer.
Summary: What Should You Budget?
For a typical UK dog-owning household:
Plan for:
£60–£120 per m² fully installed
The key variables are preparation and product quality.
Cutting corners in either area usually leads to regret.
Get some more info by visiting our service page: Artificial Grass for Dogs
FAQs: How much does artificial grass cost for dogs UK
1. How much does artificial grass cost for dogs in the UK?
Typically £60–£120 per m² fully installed depending on preparation and product quality.
2. Is artificial grass cheaper than replacing natural lawn?
Over the long term, it can be, especially for dog owners.
3. Does premium artificial grass cost more?
Yes, due to advanced backing, durability, and sustainability features.
4. Is 25mm cheaper than 35mm?
Slightly, but the difference is usually minor.
5. Can artificial grass increase property value?
Well-installed landscaping can improve appeal and buyer perception.
6. Is cheap artificial grass worth it?
It may cost less initially but often requires earlier replacement.
7. Does installation cost more for dog owners?
It can if enhanced drainage is required.
8. How long does artificial grass last with dogs?
Typically 10–15+ years with quality installation.
9. Does size affect cost per m²?
Yes. Smaller gardens often have higher per m² rates.
10. What is the biggest cost factor?
Ground preparation and sub-base installation.
GET IN TOUCH
