The Hidden Costs of DIY Turf Installation: Don’t Forget About Infill!

artificial turf infill

Taking on a do-it-yourself turf installation can seem like a great way to save money while upgrading your yard. Many homeowners in Dallas and Colorado Springs are tempted to go the DIY route, but they often overlook a critical part of the installation process: infill. While the cost of turf might be front and center in your budget, many people don’t realize that the price of infill can be as much—or even more—than the turf itself.

If you’re considering buying turf from a big-box store or other retail supplier, keep in mind that infill costs are often separate, and high-quality infill is essential for a durable, long-lasting installation. Once you factor in these hidden costs, you might find that hiring a professional service like Dominion Turf, which serves Dallas and Colorado Springs, is actually a smarter and more cost-effective solution.

What is Infill, and Why Do You Need It?

Infill is a key component in artificial turf installations. It’s the material spread between the blades of grass that helps maintain the turf’s shape, improves drainage, and adds weight to keep the turf in place. Here’s why infill is crucial:

  1. Durability: Infill protects the turf’s backing and helps the blades stand upright, making the lawn look more realistic and last longer.
  2. Stability: It adds weight to prevent the turf from shifting or wrinkling over time.
  3. Comfort and Safety: High-quality infill can soften the surface, reduce heat absorption, and provide a safer surface for kids and pets.
  4. Drainage: Infill assists with proper drainage, preventing puddles and standing water after rain.

Without high-quality infill, your artificial turf won’t look or perform its best. It’s a critical step that many DIYers underestimate, both in terms of importance and cost.

price of infill

The True Cost of Infill

When you shop for turf at big-box stores, the price of the turf may seem reasonable at first glance, but infill is typically sold separately, and that’s where the costs can add up quickly. Depending on the type of infill and the size of your yard, you could end up spending as much on infill as you did on the turf itself.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Artificial Turf: Prices typically range from $2 to $5 per square foot for mid-grade turf, with high-end options going even higher.
  • Infill: High-quality infill, such as silica sand or rubber, costs between $0.50 and $2 per pound. Depending on the size of your project, you may need hundreds of pounds of infill.

For a standard residential lawn, it’s not uncommon for infill costs to reach several hundred to over a thousand dollars. When you add these costs to the price of turf, DIY installations start looking a lot more expensive than they might initially seem.

Hidden Costs of DIY Turf Installation

In addition to the price of infill, there are several other hidden costs that come with DIY turf installation—especially if you’re trying to install turf yourself in Dallas or Colorado Springs.

  • Tools and Equipment: Turf installation requires specialized tools like turf cutters, compactors, and spreaders for the infill. If you don’t already own these tools, renting or purchasing them will add to your project’s cost.
  • Base Materials: A successful installation requires a proper base, typically made from gravel or crushed stone, to ensure the ground is level and stable. These materials need to be purchased and installed before laying the turf.
  • Delivery Fees: Turf, infill, and base materials are heavy and bulky, and transporting them can be a challenge. Delivery fees from big-box stores can add a significant cost, depending on your location and the amount of material you need.
  • Time and Labor: Installing turf is a labor-intensive project that requires careful attention to detail. From preparing the ground to laying the turf and spreading infill, the process can take far longer than expected—especially if you’re unfamiliar with the steps involved.

Why It’s Worth Hiring a Professional Like Dominion Turf

While do-it-yourself turf installation may seem appealing at first, many homeowners quickly realize that the hidden costs, like infill and equipment, make DIY projects less budget-friendly than they initially thought. That’s where Dominion Turf comes in. Serving both Dallas and Colorado Springs, we offer professional installation services that take all the guesswork—and unexpected expenses—out of the equation.

Here’s why hiring Dominion Turf is a smart investment:

  • All-Inclusive Pricing: When you hire a professional, the costs of the turf, infill, base materials, and labor are bundled into one clear price. There are no hidden fees or surprises, and you won’t have to worry about buying or renting extra equipment.
  • High-Quality Materials: We use only top-tier materials, ensuring that your artificial turf looks great, drains well, and lasts for years. With professional installation, you can be confident that the right amount of high-quality infill will be used, avoiding common DIY mistakes.
  • Expert Installation: Turf installation requires careful ground preparation, precise cutting, and seaming, along with the proper spreading of infill. Our experienced team knows exactly how to handle each step, ensuring a smooth, long-lasting result that will enhance your outdoor space.
  • Time-Saving: A professional team can complete the job quickly and efficiently, freeing up your time for more enjoyable activities. Instead of spending days or weeks on a difficult DIY project, you can relax and enjoy your new yard.

Why Infill Matters in Dallas and Colorado Springs

In both Dallas and Colorado Springs, climate and weather conditions can add challenges to any turf installation. Hot summers in Dallas make heat absorption a concern, and high-quality infill can help keep your turf cooler, making it more comfortable for your family and pets. In Colorado Springs, fluctuating weather conditions require durable materials that can withstand freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall, making proper drainage all the more important.

Professional turf installation services from Dominion Turf ensure that your turf is installed with the ideal infill for your region’s specific conditions. Our team understands the local climates and will make sure your turf performs well, regardless of the weather.

Don’t Overlook the Cost of Infill

When budgeting for do-it-yourself turf installation, many homeowners in Dallas and Colorado Springs are shocked by the cost of high-quality infill. While turf prices are usually front and center, the hidden expenses of infill, tools, and base materials can make DIY installations far more expensive than expected.

In many cases, hiring a professional company like Dominion Turf is a more cost-effective option. Not only do we bundle all necessary materials and services into one competitive price, but we also provide expert installation to ensure your turf looks great and lasts for years. With our professional installation services in Dallas and Colorado Springs, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance yard without the stress or unexpected costs of a DIY project.

Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Contact Dominion Turf today for a quote and see how we can help you transform your yard with high-quality, professionally installed turf.