September 16, 2026 | Last Updated: September 16, 2026
In This Guide
Synthetic Turf Cost by Yard Size
Here is what a finished synthetic turf lawn typically costs at North County’s starting range of $15 to $19 per square foot. Quotes vary with site conditions, but this gives you a starting point for budgeting.
| Lawn Size | Typical Dimensions | Installed Cost Range | What It Fits |
| 200 sq. ft. | 10 x 20 ft. | $2,800 to $4,200 | Pet run, small side yard, or play nook |
| 500 sq. ft. | 20 x 25 ft. | $6,500 to $8,500 | Front lawn or compact backyard |
| 750 sq. ft. | 25 x 30 ft. | $9,750 to $12,750 | Standard family backyard |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | 25 x 40 ft. | $13,000 to $17,000 | Full backyard with room to play |
| 1,500 sq. ft. | 30 x 50 ft. | $19,500 to $25,500 | Large yard, or a combined front and back |
What Goes Into the Per-Square-Foot Price
That $15 to $19 covers a full system, not a bare roll of grass. A synthetic turf installation includes:
- Clearing and grading the area
- Laying, compacting, and sculpting the base
- Adding drainage (so water moves through instead of pooling)
- Seaming and securing the turf
- Adding proper infill sand to keep the blades upright. (At North County, we use a specialized tool for this process that most contractors won’t have in their kit.)
The base highlights the price gap between a cheap lawn and one that lasts 15 to 20 years. In Whatcom County, the ground can stay saturated for months. Turf laid over a thin or poorly compacted base will ripple, hold water, and settle unevenly. North County installs a deeper, properly compacted base with drainage sized for our rainfall, so the surface remains flat and drains quickly through even the wettest winters.
Product grade matters just as much. Heavier, higher-grade turf resists matting and holds its color for 15 to 20 years. Lighter, cut-rate turf looks similar on day one, then flattens and fades. North County was founded on using the best materials we can source and not cutting corners to hit a lower number, which is why our starting range comes in above the bargain quotes you will find.
What Makes the Price Go Up or Down
| Factor | Effect on Price |
| Turf type | All-purpose and summer blends cost less. Plush, pet, and putting-green turf cost more. A backyard putting green is about $22 to $35 per square foot. |
| Base and drainage | Wet, sloped, or slow-draining sites require more base material and grading, which adds to the total cost |
| Removing the old lawn | Tearing out sod, concrete, or overgrown beds before installation adds labor and disposal costs. |
| Yard shape and access | Curves, tight gates, and hard-to-reach yards take more time and material. |
| Project size | Larger lawns lower the per-square-foot rate. Small areas cost more per foot. |
| Infill and add-ons | Pet-friendly infill, odor control, and cushioned pads for play areas add to the base price. |
Synthetic Turf vs. a Natural Lawn Over Time
Synthetic turf costs more upfront than a natural lawn. Fresh sod is about $3 to $6.50 per square foot installed, and seed costs less than that. The gap closes once you look past year one.
A living lawn needs water all summer, weekly mowing, seasonal fertilizer, aeration, and moss control, year after year. Synthetic turf needs none of that. Across a 15-to-20-year lifespan, the water and upkeep you skip can offset a good share of the higher installation cost, especially on smaller lawns that are expensive to keep green through the summer.
Turf is not the right call for every yard. To compare the trade-offs in detail, our guide on the pros and cons of synthetic turf walks through where it can be a good fit and where a natural lawn still wins.
Where We Install Synthetic Turf
North County installs synthetic turf across Whatcom County, including Bellingham, Ferndale, Blaine, Birch Bay, Lynden, and Everson, and throughout Skagit County, including Anacortes, Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Sedro-Woolley.
Not in your area? Call 360-510-6890 to check whether your location is within reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does synthetic turf cost in Whatcom County?
Synthetic turf starts at about $15 to $19 per square foot installed. A small 200-square-foot area comes to roughly $2,600 to $3,400, while a 1,000-square-foot backyard lands around $13,000 to $17,000. Site conditions and turf type shift the final number.
Is synthetic turf cheaper than a natural lawn?
Not upfront. Synthetic turf costs more to install than sod or seed. Over its 15-to-20-year life, the savings on water, mowing, and fertilizer can make up much of the difference.
Does synthetic turf get hot?
In some environments, yes, it can. However, we offer a heat-resistant type of turf that is proven to retain less heat than the standard type.
How long does synthetic turf last?
Most installations last 15 to 20 years with light upkeep. Occasional rinsing and brushing keep the blades standing and the color fresh.
Does synthetic turf drain well in our rainy climate?
Yes, when it is installed right. A properly graded base with drainage lets rain and pet waste pass through instead of pooling on the surface. Base work is where quality installs earn their price in the Pacific Northwest.
Is artificial grass the same as synthetic turf?
Yes. The two terms describe the same product. North County uses “synthetic turf” to reflect the natural look and feel of today’s materials.
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Get a Free Synthetic Turf Estimate
The best way to know your price is a free estimate. Many lawns can be measured remotely, so you will not always need a site visit to get started. Tell us about your space, and we will put together a proposal for your project.
Request a free synthetic turf estimate, learn more about our synthetic turf installation service, or call 360-510-6890 to talk with our team.
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