Canadian homeowners are now enjoying the benefits of artificial turf. The perpetually-green yard is a dream for many homeowners. But how expensive will it be? You'll need to buckle up because the answer isn't simple.
We'll start by looking at the basic fake grass prices. If you hear the term "artificial lawn", people are usually thinking of a price range between CAD 5 to 18 per square feet. This is a pretty big gap. Just like in a Canadian discount store, the range of products is influenced by the brand name, your location, or even the quality. Just the cost of a typical 500 square foot grass, for example, can vary from CAD 2,500 to CAD 9,000, depending on its brand and location.
This is where things start to get interesting. Installing a new turf is not a simple task. Here's when the quote for that dream turf begins to skyrocket. If you don't have the skills of Bob, you probably won't be able to install artificial turf perfectly. Installing artificial grass professionally can cost anywhere from CAD3-CAD10/square foot. If you use this method, your initial calculations will go from CAD 400 to CAD 20.000.
Let's talk about labor costs. There are teams in most companies that can take care of the finer details from excavation through to final implementation. This can often cost you more than just the turf. Imagine Simon Garfunkel serenading you into putting your turf in place.
You may be wondering about any hidden charges. You can easily spend a lot of money on a meal like a burger. The fries, drinks and other items add up quickly. It is important to prepare the ground. If you want a good foundation, it may require extra drainage or weed barrier systems. You can expect to pay an extra CAD $1 to $3 per square foot. In addition, you should also consider the cost of infill - those tiny granules to maintain grass height. Costs for rubber and silica sand fill can vary from CAD 0,50 to CAD 1,50 per sq. foot.
Ah, taxes. It's true, tax collectors love to sneak us. If you are in Canada, provincial or federal taxes could add an additional 5% to a 15% to the total cost of your purchase. Although we may love our maple sugar, it's no surprise that our taxes pile up.
It's not possible to keep up a sparkling, new yard. While artificial turf is low-maintenance compared to natural grass, it's not set-it-and-forget-it. Brushing the grass regularly to keep it looking fresh and rinsing occasionally can maintain its beauty. It may also be worth hiring specialized cleaners, especially when raccoons decide to make your grass their preferred hangout.
You want aesthetic extras. People want a "turf" with added benefits. Extras like custom design, putting gardens, and integrated padding can increase costs. Your turf may look as luxurious as the high-society ball, but customizing it can be expensive.
Even though it seems expensive initially, you need to compare the price with natural grass costs. These include fertilizers and mowing as well water bills. The long-term cost of artificial turf can save money and be environmentally friendly.
If your bank account is tight, you may find that planning to install artificial turf can be an emotional rollercoaster. Be sure to think about all the elements involved in your decision before investing. This will ensure that you get a lawn which looks great throughout all seasons.
Also, throw in two garden gnomes as a good measure.