How to Read an Artificial Turf Quote: What's Included and What's Missing

You've decided you want artificial turf. You've called a few companies. Now you're sitting with two or three quotes that all look different, use different terminology, and come in at different price points. How do you compare them? How do you know what's a fair price and what's a lowball quote that's going to surprise you with add-on charges?

After 20+ years in this business, I've seen every kind of quote—from the detailed proposals that spell out every nail and every square foot of weed barrier, to the napkin estimates that say "$6 per square foot, installed." Let me walk you through what a legitimate quote should include and the red flags that should make you ask more questions.

What Every Turf Quote Should Include

1. Site Preparation and Demolition

This is the work that happens before any turf gets laid. It includes removing existing grass, sod, weeds, or landscaping material; excavating to the proper depth; and hauling away the removed material. In Georgia, this often involves dealing with red clay that needs to be dug out deeper than in other states.

A quote that doesn't mention demolition and haul-away is either including it without saying so (ask to confirm) or planning to charge you extra when they show up and realize there's existing material that needs to be removed.

2. Base Preparation

This should specifically state what base material is being used (typically Class II road base or decomposed granite), how deep it will be installed (2-3 inches minimum in Georgia), and that it will be compacted. The base is the most critical component of a lasting installation—it's where corners get cut most often.

If a quote just says "base preparation included" without specifying the material type and depth, get that clarified in writing. The difference between 2 inches of properly compacted crushed stone and 1 inch of loosely spread gravel is the difference between a 15-year installation and a 3-year problem.

3. Weed Barrier

Commercial-grade weed barrier fabric beneath the base layer. This should be specified as heavy-duty landscape fabric, not lightweight garden-center weed cloth. Some quotes bundle this into "base preparation" without explicitly calling it out. Make sure it's included.

4. Turf Material

The quote should name the specific turf product—not just "premium turf" or "high-quality artificial grass." You should be able to look up the exact product. Key specs to look for:

• Face weight: 60-80 oz per square yard for quality residential turf
• Pile height: 1.5-1.75 inches for residential, shorter for pet turf or putting greens
• Manufacturer: Who made it? Is it a known brand or a generic import?
• Warranty: What's the manufacturer warranty on the turf itself?

5. Infill

The type and amount of infill should be specified. Standard silica sand, cooling infill, antimicrobial pet infill, and putting green infill are all different products at different price points. "Infill included" doesn't tell you what kind.

6. Perimeter Securing and Edging

How will the turf be secured? Professional installations use galvanized landscape spikes every 4-6 inches around the perimeter, plus adhesive where turf meets hardscape. Some quotes omit edging materials (like bender board or steel edging) that may be needed at the turf/landscape border.

7. Seaming

If your project requires multiple pieces of turf (most do), seam tape and adhesive should be included. This seems obvious, but I've seen quotes that charge separately for "seam work" as an add-on.

8. Cleanup and Haul-Away

Will the installer remove all debris, leftover materials, and the old landscaping material? This should be included. Some companies leave the haul-away to the homeowner, which means you're renting a dumpster or making multiple dump runs.

9. Warranty Details

Both the product warranty (from the turf manufacturer) and the installation/workmanship warranty (from the installer) should be specified. These are different warranties. A company that's confident in their work will warranty the installation for at least 5 years. We warranty ours for 15.

Red Flags in a Turf Quote

No site visit. If a company gives you a price without visiting your property, they're estimating based on square footage alone. They haven't assessed drainage, soil conditions, access for equipment, slope, obstacles, or any of the factors that affect the actual installation. These quotes almost always change once the crew shows up.

Significantly cheaper than competitors. If you get three quotes and one is 30-40% lower than the other two, something is being excluded. Usually it's base preparation quality—the most expensive and most important component. Ask specifically: What base material? How deep? Compacted how?

Large deposit required upfront. Industry standard for deposits ranges from 10-50% of the project cost. A company asking for 75-100% upfront before any work begins is a risk. If they take the money and disappear—or do substandard work—you have no leverage.

Verbal-only quote. If the installer walks your property, gives you a number verbally, and says "we can start next week"—get it in writing. Every item, every material, every cost, and the full warranty terms. A handshake agreement is worth exactly nothing if something goes wrong.

Pressure to sign today. "This price is only good for 48 hours" or "I have another customer interested in this slot" are sales tactics. A legitimate installer gives you a fair price and lets you take the time you need to decide.

How to Compare Quotes Apples to Apples

When you're comparing multiple quotes, create a simple checklist:

1. Does the quote include demolition and haul-away?
2. What base material is specified, and at what depth?
3. Is weed barrier included?
4. What specific turf product is being used? (Face weight, pile height, manufacturer)
5. What type of infill is included?
6. Is perimeter edging included?
7. Is cleanup and debris removal included?
8. What's the installation warranty length?
9. What's the payment schedule?

If you can fill in every item for each quote, you can compare them fairly. If one quote has blanks because the details weren't provided, contact that company and ask. If they can't or won't give specifics, that tells you something.

What About "Free Estimates"?

Every reputable turf installer offers free estimates and site assessments. This is standard for the industry. Be cautious of anyone who charges for an estimate—that's unusual and potentially a sign they're more interested in the estimate fee than earning your business.

During a site assessment, a good installer will measure the area, evaluate drainage and soil, discuss your goals and concerns, show you product samples, and provide a written quote within a few days. If you're getting a quote on the spot during the site visit, that's fine as long as it's detailed and in writing.