Canadians have adopted artificial turf from sports grounds. If you’re a homeowner, it is likely that you are wondering how much this will set you back. But it isn’t as easy as you might think.
Let’s begin with the base synthetic turf prices. Most people think “artificial” turf costs between CAD 5-CAD 18 a square foot. What a difference! In a similar way to shopping at a bargain store, it’s important to consider the type of product, its brand or location. One standard 500 square feet of lawn material could range anywhere between CAD 2,500 and CAD 9,000
It gets more interesting here. It is no easy task to do the installation. That’s the point where your quote starts to go up. We all know that unless Bob The Builder is in your life, it’s not something you want to do yourself. Professional installation costs between CAD 3 – CAD 10. It is possible to get your original calculation up to anywhere between CAD 4,000 and CAD $20,000.
Let’s make a big deal out of the cost of labor. Teams are usually available to take on the job from start-up through final deployment. It’s possible to pay more for the expertise of these professionals than you would have paid for turf. Imagine Simon Garfunkel lulling your lawn into shape–that’s worth every penny!
What about those sneaky, hidden fees? Like ordering a Burger, fries and a soft drink adds up fast. A good foundation preparation is vital. For a firm foundation you may need additional drainage systems, weed fences, or even leveling. These costs can range from 1 to 3 CAD per square foot. Remember to also include the costs of infill–the tiny granules necessary to hold up grass. Rubber or Silica sand Infill can be priced between CAD $0.50 and CAD $1.50 per square feet.
We’ll talk about taxes. You know, the taxman loves to snare us. You can expect to pay an extra 5% – 15% in taxes, depending on the province or territory you reside. While we enjoy our maple products, the taxes that come with them are a real burden.
Your sparkling new garden won’t take care of itself. While artificial turf is low-maintenance compared to natural grass, it’s not set-it-and-forget-it. Maintaining its appeal can be achieved by brushing regularly and occasionally rinsing it to keep the blades looking vibrant. If raccoons have made your garden their favourite hangout, you may need professional cleaning.
Seeking aesthetic additions? Some want “turf that has benefits”. This is because adding extras such as custom-designed puttinggreens or playground padding, along with other features can cause costs to rise. You can customize your lawn to make it look just like the carpet at a high society gala. But, you will pay more for this.
You may think it expensive up front, but compare that to natural grass care costs. This includes fertilizers, lawn mowing fees, water bill, and the odd garden gnome. Long-term, an artificial lawn can prove to be more affordable and green.
It doesn’t matter if you have the money to spend or not, when it comes to artificial turf planning in Canada you can experience a rollercoaster. Before you invest, remember to look at all these aspects. A lawn that is lush and green throughout the four seasons will be yours with just a little investment.
Hey, why not throw in a couple garden gnomes?