Original research
Questions to ask an artificial turf installer before you sign
The turf is the part you see. The base, drainage and seams are what you are really hiring for.
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Written by HyreYard Research Desk Research and fact checking
The short answer
The most important questions for an artificial turf installer are about what goes under the turf: how deep the compacted base is, what it is made of, how water drains out, how seams are joined, and what infill is used. Most turf failures that show as ripples, puddles or open seams start there, not in the product.
Then confirm the business side: a contractor license where your state requires one, liability and workers’ compensation insurance, separate warranties for the material and the workmanship, and a written, itemized proposal. Some cities set their own standards.
Newport Beach, California, for example, requires sod removed first and a compacted, porous base at least two inches deep. If you plan to claim a turf rebate, ask before work starts; many programs require pre-approval. See our turf rebate programs research.
Ask every installer the same questions and compare the answers side by side in the table below.
Questions about the installation
Ask for the depth after compaction and the aggregate type. Base specs vary by soil, use and local rule.
A plate compactor or roller, in lifts, is the usual answer.
Water drains through the turf backing into the base, then must leave the site. Ask about slope and any drains. See drainage and grading.
Sod and roots left in place decay and settle.
Ask whether fabric goes under or over the base, and why.
Seams should run with consistent grain direction and away from high-traffic lines where possible.
Silica sand, coated sand, rubber and organic infills behave differently with heat, pets and odor. The Synthetic Turf Council publishes separate environmental guidance on infill.
Ask about the edge restraint or nailing method along beds, walks and fences.
Questions about the company
Verify a license number with your state board where one is required; see landscaping licensing by state. Ask for liability and workers’ compensation certificates.
If subcontracted, ask how long they have worked together and who guarantees the work.
The manufacturer warrants the product; the installer warrants the installation. Get both in writing, with what voids them.
Older jobs show how the base and seams held up.
Removal, base, turf, infill, edging, disposal and warranty listed separately make quotes comparable. See how to compare landscaping estimates.
Rebates often need pre-approval and photos before removal; HOAs may need design approval.
Answers worth comparing between installers
| Topic | Installer A | Installer B | What to look for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base depth and material | A stated compacted depth and named aggregate, meeting any city minimum | ||
| Drainage plan | Where water exits; slope; drains if the yard ponds | ||
| Lawn removal | Sod and roots removed and hauled away | ||
| Seams | Seam layout drawn; joining method named | ||
| Infill | Type and amount, suited to pets or play use | ||
| Edges | Restraint or fastening method along each edge | ||
| Warranties | Product and workmanship, each in writing | ||
| License and insurance | License number checked; certificates received |
Print or copy this table and fill it in for each quote. Blank cells mean a question still to ask.
Check local turf rules first
Some cities limit where turf may go or set installation standards, and some water-district rebates exclude artificial turf entirely. Read your city and water district rules, and run the numbers in our turf rebate tool. Call 811 before excavation.
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Questions
How deep should an artificial turf base be?
Do artificial turf installers need a license?
What warranty should artificial turf have?
Is a per-square-foot turf quote a red flag?
Can turf go over existing grass?
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HyreYard Research Desk
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