How Much Does Turf Cost for a Soccer Field?
I was peering into the open abyss of turf fields last weekend and was wondering to myself, “How much does turf cost for a soccer field”? Legit…is it a few thousand, hundreds of thousands, or millions of dollars to lay down turf?
My curiosity is your gain. As you probably guessed, I have zero experience with building turf fields but here’s what I found in my research.
Key Takeaways From This Article:
- Turf fields can cost from around $420,000 to $700,000. This excludes preparation, installation, and maintenance.
- There are many factors that go into the cost including size, installation method, type of material, location, and quality.
- You can build your own turf field but it can be complicated. This might be best left to the experts.
Typically, the cost of turf for a soccer field can range from $7.15 to $15.71 per square foot. For a standard soccer field size of around 70,000 square feet, the cost of turf can be around $500,000 to $1,100,000. Keep in mind that this is just the turf cost and not prep, labor, etc.
In this article, we’ll dig into the factors affecting turf costs and other things that go into it.
If you’re a soccer club reading this, the research below will help provide you with a ballpark estimate of building new turf fields for your facility.
Factors Affecting Turf Cost
When it comes to installing turf for a soccer field, several factors can affect the total cost of the turf. Here are a few factors to consider:
Size of the Soccer Field
The size of the soccer field is one of the most significant factors affecting the cost of turf installation. The larger the field, the more turf you will need, and the more expensive the installation will be.
A typical soccer field is 100 yards by 50 yards, but some fields may be smaller or larger.
The size of the field will determine the amount of turf needed, and therefore, the overall cost.
Quality of the Turf
The quality of the turf is another critical factor affecting the cost of installation.
Higher-quality turf will also last longer and require less maintenance. In the long run, this could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Turf is nothing to skimp out on if you are a soccer club or starting a soccer training facility. I’ve seen cheap turf really worn out in a couple of years. On the other hand, I’ve seen ten year old turf in relatively good shape.
Type of Turf in Soccer
The type of turf you choose can also affect the cost of installation.
There are several types of turf available, including polyethylene, nylon, and polypropylene.
Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the cost will vary depending on the type you choose.
Installation Method for Soccer Fields
The way the turf is installed can affect the overall costs.
Every turf field needs infill granules which can affect the way the field plays. Most synthetic fields use systems comprised of sand and rubber granules. These are the pellets that fall out of your child’s cleats every evening.
The most common infills are SBR recyclate, PUR-coated SBR, TPE, and EPDM. Infill with cork or another natural substance is also becoming popular in sports fields.
Also, some installation methods require a multi-step process that includes preparing the surface by removing everything from it, relocating wires or pipes that could be damaged during installation, and placing a base material made of gravel and sand to encourage natural draining
Another thing to consider during installation is the options including turfing multiple fields side-by-side, adding logos, and choosing colors for the turf.
Location
The location of the field can also affect the cost of installation.
The cost of labor and materials can vary depending on the location of the field. For example, if the field is located in a remote area, the cost of transportation and delivery of materials may be higher. In less populated areas, there might be fewer companies or contractors who will do the work so you’ll have to pay for their extra travel.
Breakdown of Costs
When considering the cost of installing a turf soccer field, it’s important to break down the expenses into three main categories: turf material cost, installation cost, and maintenance cost.
Turf Material Cost
When installing a soccer field, the cost of the turf is one of the biggest expenses.
Again, according to my research and sources, the price can vary depending on the type of turf you choose, but generally, you can expect to pay between $7.15 to $15.71 per square foot.
For a standard-sized soccer field, this can add up to anywhere from $500,000 to $1,100,000.
Installation Cost
The installation cost will depend on several factors, including the size of the field, the condition of the ground, and the amount of preparation work that needs to be done before the turf can be installed.
On average, soccer clubs and organizations can expect to pay between $20,000 and $40,000 in labor costs.
The cost to replace a turf field should be about 60% of a new one so you may be looking at $300,000 to $660,000.
This is a very rough estimate as there are many important factors to consider. You can try out this calculator.
Maintenance Cost
Once your turf soccer field is installed, you’ll need to budget for ongoing maintenance costs.
This includes ongoing items like cleaning, grooming, patching holes, adding infill, unclogging the drainage, and removing debris.
Depending on the size of your field and the amount of use it gets, you can expect to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 per year on maintenance.
Luckily, one of the big benefits of installing a turf field is the low upkeep. It doesn’t need to be replanted, fertilized, lined, or mowed every week as natural grass does.
Ways to Save Money on Turf Fields
If your budget is tight but you want or need to install a turf field, here are some ways to reduce costs without sacrificing quality:
DIY Installation
One way to save money on turf is to install it yourself.
While this may seem daunting, there are plenty of resources available to help you. You can find online tutorials, instructional videos, and even classes that will teach you how to install turf.
By doing it yourself, you can save money on labor costs and also ensure that the job is done right.
If this is a normal-sized field and you run a soccer club, we suggest NOT going the DIY route. But, if this is a small youth field or backyard, doing it yourself may be an option.
Negotiating with Contractors
If you decide to hire a contractor to install your turf, you can still save money by negotiating.
Be sure to get multiple quotes and compare them. Ask the contractors if they offer any discounts or promotions.
You can also negotiate the price based on the size of your field or the amount of turf you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal – the worst they can say is no!
Buying in Bulk
Another way to save money on turf is to buy in bulk.
If you have multiple fields to cover or if you’re working with a team or organization, you may be able to get a discount for buying a large amount of turf at once.
You can also look for deals on discontinued or overstocked turf. Just be sure to check the quality before you buy.
Benefits of Turf Fields in Soccer
When considering the cost of installing a soccer field, it’s important to weigh the benefits of turf versus a natural grass field. Here are a few advantages of choosing turf:
- Low Maintenance: Turf requires less maintenance than a natural grass field. You won’t need to mow, water, or fertilize it, which can save you time and money in the long run.
- Durability: Turf is more durable than grass, especially in high-traffic areas. It can withstand heavy use and inclement weather without becoming damaged or worn down.
- Consistency: Turf provides a consistent playing surface, which can improve player safety and performance. With a grass field, the surface can vary depending on weather conditions, maintenance, and other factors.
- Versatility: Turf can be used for a variety of sports and activities, not just soccer. This can make it a more versatile investment for your facility. My son’s soccer club facilities are used for soccer, lacrosse, and field hockey.
- Cost-Effective: Although turf can be more expensive to install initially, it can be a more cost-effective choice in the long run due to its low maintenance requirements and durability.
Overall, choosing turf for your soccer field can provide many benefits that make it a worthwhile investment.
Final Thoughts on Turf Fields
In conclusion, determining the cost of turf for a soccer field can be a complex process.
Several factors can influence the price, including the size of the field, the type of turf, and the installation method.
When it comes to the cost of turf, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, by researching and considering all the factors involved, you can get a better idea of what to expect.
Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:
- The cost of turf can range from $6 to $10 per square foot, depending on the type of turf and installation method.
- Additional costs to consider include land, labor, equipment rental, and site preparation.
- It’s important to work with a reputable turf supplier and installer to ensure you get a high-quality product and professional installation.
- Finally, keep in mind that investing in quality turf can save you money in the long run by reducing maintenance costs and extending the life of your soccer field.
By taking the time to consider all of these factors carefully, you can make an informed decision about the cost of turf for your soccer field.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a turf soccer field can be around $500,000 to $1,100,000.
Typically, a turf field lasts 8-10 years. Replacing it during this time time depends on several factors including the previous maintenance and frequency of usage.
It depends. Some players prefer grass fields because it reduces the risk of injury compared to turf. There is more give with grass fields. On the other hand, many players in the U.S. prefer turf fields because the speed of play is faster.
