Artificial turf is a beautiful and low-maintenance alternative to natural grass. Millions of people take full advantage of its benefits, including aesthetic appearance, low maintenance, and durability. In fact, by 2025, the artificial turf market is expected to reach an impressive $7 billion.
Artificial grass is excellent for a wide range of surfaces from sports fields and playgrounds to lawns. However, it's not always budget-friendly. That's why many property owners choose a cost-effective option - repurposed artificial grass.
While used turf maintains high quality, it costs up to 75% less than the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your project.
Factors Influencing the Cost of Repurposed Artificial Turf
The price of used artificial grass can depend on several factors.
Age and Wear
With the proper maintenance, new artificial turf can last over 20 years. The older it is, the fewer years it has left, hence the lower price. At the same time, used artificial turf may require some repairs, so the price goes down according to its condition.
The best part about used artificial turf is that if you buy durable synthetic grass that has only been used for a few days, the quality remains high while the price still decreases significantly.
Stadium vs. Festival Turf
The type of used artificial grass you buy can also influence its price. The most common types of turf that can be repurposed are:
- Grass from the sports field – stadiums and sports centers have to replace their turf every few years regardless of its quality.
- Turf from a festival or other events – festvial turf is removed as soon as the event is over, so it only serves for a few days.
Since festival turf is almost as good as new, it costs more than sports turf that has been used for several years.
Transportation and Delivery
Depending on the location of the used artificial turf, you may incur additional transportation costs. You can find a site closest to your location to decrease the delivery expenses.
Installation Costs
When you decide to install used synthetic grass, you usually have two options: do it yourself or hire professional installers. In both situations, you are likely to face additional costs.
DIY
If you don't already have installation tools, you must buy or rent them. You also need to be ready to invest plenty of free time in the project. People without experience may need several weekends to finish the installation, depending on the size.
Professional Installation
The cost of hiring professional installers depends on your location. For example, in California, installation prices vary from $7.04 per square foot for larger rectangular projects to $14.45 per square foot for backyard putting greens.
The more complex the installation project is, the more professional installation is likely to cost you.
Infill
Repurposed artificial turf can come with or without infill. If the infill is still inside, the turf cost is lower, and you avoid buying a new infill. However, the increased weight can impact delivery costs.
Artificial grass with professionally removed infill is costlier. However, it's lighter and easier to transport. It also allows you to choose the infill that suits your needs. For example, if you have pets, you can purchase an odor-absorbent artificial grass infill.
Benefits of Investing in Used Artificial Turf
Used artificial turf comes with all the benefits of new synthetic grass. It's durable, long-lasting, and natural-looking. In addition, you can save up to 75% on purchasing the materials.
That's not all. By reusing synthetic turf, you are:
- Using less water since artificial lawns just need an occasional rinse
- Preventing used turf from going to landfills
- Spending less time on lawn maintenance each month
Overall, an investment in artificial turf is a smart decision. It allows you to save money while taking full advantage of numerous synthetic grass benefits.
Potential Drawbacks of Repurposed Stadium Turf
Sports type turf, also called stadium turf, is typically a more economical option. However, there are a few things you should know:
- Shorter lifespan – New high-grade turf from the stadium can last up to 20 years. After it's removed from the field, it's around five years old, so it can potentially serve you 10 – 15 years.
- Limited choice – You may be limited to the type, color, and size of the turf you can buy.
- Potential wear and tear – Depending on the traffic on the stadium turf of your choice, it can have some wear, or even markings or painted lines, that require repair during installation.
These problems can be avoided by choosing festival turf instead of stadium turf. Festival turf is usually only a few days old, so it's almost as good as new.
Repurposed Turf Works
The cost of repurposed artificial grass is much lower than the new synthetic turf's price tag. Repurposed artificial grass remains highly cost-effective even when you factor in the turf type, condition, transportation, and installation.
If you want a high-quality artificial grass lawn, field, or playground that looks natural without breaking the bank, repurposed turf is an excellent option.
Read more about the cost of artificial turf in these posts:
The Cost of Artificial Turf: A Closer Look at Artificial Turf vs Natural Grass
The Cost of Artificial Turf and How to Save Big with Cheap Artificial Turf
Cost of Artificial Turf for Playgrounds
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Artificial Turf ProductsOctober 14, 2016