When planning a landscaping project for your yard, one of the biggest decisions is choosing the right surface material. Pavers have long been a popular choice for driveways, walkways, and patios, but they come with a hefty price tag. Natural turf and artificial grass offer a cheaper, more versatile alternative that many homeowners overlook.
Whether you want a lush green lawn for the kids to play on or a low-maintenance surface that looks great year-round, understanding the turf vs pavers cost comparison can save you thousands of dollars on your next project.
Quick Cost Comparison: Turf vs Pavers Per Square Metre
| Surface Type | Material Cost/m² | Installed Cost/m² | Maintenance |
| Pavers | $50 – $150 | $100 – $300 | High |
| Artificial Grass | $25 – $75 | $55 – $135 | Low |
| Natural Turf | $7.90 – $15.50 | $20 – $45 | Moderate |
How Much Do Pavers Cost Per Square Metre?
Pavers are one of the most expensive landscaping materials you can install. The cost of pavers generally ranges from $50 to $150 per square metre for materials alone. Once you factor in installation costs including excavation, sand base preparation, compacting, and labour, the total cost of a paved area can reach $100 to $300 per square metre.
For a typical 50 square metre backyard space, paving can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000. Natural stone pavers sit at the premium end and can exceed $200 per square metre installed. Even basic concrete pavers require a significant upfront spend compared to other options.
The initial cost of pavers is only the beginning. Over time, pavers can shift, crack, and develop weeds between the joints. You will need to regularly re-sand joints, seal the surface, and replace broken pavers. These maintenance costs add up significantly over the life of the project.
Artificial Grass and Artificial Turf Costs Per Square Metre
Artificial grass has become an increasingly popular alternative to pavers in Australian yards. Also known as fake grass or synthetic turf, artificial turf provides a consistently green surface without the need for mowing, watering, or fertiliser.
The cost of artificial grass typically ranges from $25 to $75 per square metre for the materials. Installation costs for artificial turf add another $30 to $60 per square metre, bringing the total installed cost to around $55 to $135 per square metre. While that is not exactly cheap, it is still generally cheaper than pavers in most cases.
One major advantage of artificial grass is the low maintenance requirement. Once installed, fake grass requires minimal upkeep. You do not need to mow it, water it, or spend money on fertiliser. Over the long term maintenance savings alone can recoup the initial cost compared to both pavers and natural turf.
Artificial turf is ideal for areas that receive limited sun, high foot traffic zones, or spaces where you want a clean, mud-free surface for kids and pets. Modern artificial grass products look remarkably realistic, with varied blade heights and colour tones that mimic natural turf.
Natural Turf Compared to Pavers: Cost Per Square Metre
Natural turf is by far the most affordable ground cover option available. In South East Queensland, quality turf from Australian Lawn Concepts starts from just $7.90 per square metre for Wintergreen Couch, with premium varieties like Sir Walter Buffalo Grass, Palmetto Buffalo, and Sapphire Buffalo available at $15.50 per square metre.
Even with professional installation, the total cost of a natural lawn typically comes in at $20 to $45 per square metre. That includes soil preparation, delivery, and laying. For a 50 square metre area, you could have a beautiful new lawn installed for as little as $1,000 to $2,250, a fraction of what you would spend on pavers.
Natural turf also offers environmental advantages that pavers and artificial grass cannot match. A real lawn absorbs heat rather than radiating it, reducing surface temperatures by up to 12 degrees compared to hard surfaces. It filters stormwater, prevents soil erosion, and improves air quality around the home.
The trade-off is that natural turf does require regular mowing, watering, and occasional fertiliser applications. However, the ongoing maintenance costs for a natural lawn are generally modest, especially when you choose a hardy variety suited to your environment and climate.
Turf vs Pavers: Long Term Maintenance and Costs
When comparing turf vs pavers cost, it is important to look beyond the upfront price and consider the long term maintenance expenses.
Pavers require regular sweeping, weed removal, re-sanding, and occasional sealing. If pavers crack or shift, you may need to hire landscapers to lift and relay sections. Stains from oil, food, or organic matter can be difficult to remove. Over 10 years, maintenance costs for a paved area can add $2,000 to $5,000 or more depending on the size and condition.
Artificial grass requires occasional brushing to keep the blades upright, hosing to remove dust and debris, and checking for damage in high traffic areas. You may need to install infill material and ensure drainage is working properly. The long term maintenance cost of artificial turf is generally lower than pavers but higher than natural turf.
Natural turf requires mowing every one to two weeks during the growing season, regular watering, and fertiliser two to four times per year. However, these are low-cost tasks that most homeowners can do themselves. A quality lawn mower and basic garden tools are all you need to maintain a healthy, lush green lawn.
Why Fake Grass and Natural Turf Are Low Maintenance Alternatives
Both fake grass and natural turf offer significantly less maintenance hassle than pavers. You will never need to worry about weeds growing between joints, uneven surfaces from ground movement, or expensive resurfacing work.
With artificial grass, the surface stays consistent regardless of weather or traffic. With natural turf, regular mowing and watering keeps your yard looking its best. Either option gives you a softer, more inviting outdoor space that is easier and cheaper to maintain than paving.
Best Turf Varieties as Alternatives to Pavers in Brisbane
If you decide that natural turf is the right choice for your landscape project, selecting the right variety makes all the difference. Australian Lawn Concepts offers several options that cover a range of budgets and conditions.
ALC Natural Turf Pricing
| Turf Variety | Price/m² | Best For |
| Wintergreen Couch | $7.90 | Budget-friendly, large areas, full sun |
| IronCutter Elite Bermudagrass | $14.75 | Full sun, high traffic, sports-field quality |
| Sir Walter Buffalo | $15.50 | Shade, sun, heavy foot traffic |
| Palmetto Buffalo | $15.50 | Fine-textured, drought-tolerant |
| Sapphire Buffalo | $15.50 | Shade-friendly, soft leaf |
Sir Walter Buffalo Grass at $15.50 per square metre is the most popular choice for residential lawns. It handles shade, sun, and heavy foot traffic with ease. Palmetto Buffalo and Sapphire Buffalo are also available at $15.50 per square metre for homeowners who want fine-textured, drought-tolerant, or shade-friendly alternatives.
For full sun areas and high-traffic spaces, IronCutter Elite Hybrid Bermudagrass at $14.75 per square metre delivers a dense, sports-field quality surface. Wintergreen Couch at $7.90 per square metre is the most budget-friendly option and ideal for covering large areas where you want to spend less money without sacrificing quality.
Compared to pavers at $100 to $300 per square metre installed, any of these turf varieties represent a massive saving. Even the premium options are a fraction of the cost of paving, and the end result is a soft, natural ground cover that enhances your outdoor space rather than baking it in heat.
Ready to Ditch the Pavers? Get a Free Turf Quote
Whether you choose artificial grass for a zero-mowing solution or natural turf for a living, breathing lawn, both are smarter investments than paving when you consider the total cost. Artificial turf and fake grass give you a permanently green surface with virtually no upkeep. Natural turf provides a cooler, softer, and more environmentally friendly yard that adds real value to your property.
Australian Lawn Concepts supplies and installs premium turf varieties across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and South East Queensland. Their team can help you choose the right variety for your space and provide a complete preparation and laying service.
To get a free quote on your next landscaping project, contact Australian Lawn Concepts on 07 4439 8897 or book online. Stop paying more for pavers when a beautiful lawn gives you a better result for less money.