How Much Does Turf Cost for a Soccer Field?

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.

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

Not every turf field is made equal.

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
• Polypropylene.

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, and the cost will vary depending on the type you choose.

Installation Method for Soccer Fields

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 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:

1. Turf material cost
2. Installation cost
3. Maintenance cost

Turf Material Cost

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.

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.

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.