If you’re installing artificial grass and need to join two or more pieces together, getting the seam right is essential. A well-executed join will be almost invisible, leaving you with a smooth, natural-looking finish. Get it wrong, and the join can become the first thing you (and everyone else) notices.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know: From trimming and alignment to adhesives and finishing. Whether you’re a first-time installer or just brushing up your technique, these are the steps to follow for a professional result.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the right tools and materials:
• Utility knife with fresh blades
• Joining tape
• Artificial grass adhesive (single or two-part)
• Trowel or glue gun
• Tape measure
• Chalk or marker
• Seam roller or heavy weights
• Stiff brush or power broom
• Gloves (trust us, adhesive doesn’t wash off easily)
Getting set up properly at the start will save time and stress later.
Step 1: Let the Turf Relax
Unroll your artificial grass and allow it to settle for at least 24 hours before installation. This helps the backing flatten out after being tightly rolled in storage or during delivery.
It’s also the perfect time to double-check pile direction. Every piece of artificial grass has a direction. To get a clean join, both sections must face the same way. If they don’t, the light will catch them differently and the join will always be noticeable, no matter how well you glue it.
Step 2: Dry-Fit the Pieces
Before reaching for the glue, do a dry run. Lay both sections side by side, making sure the pile direction aligns and the join is in the right position.
Aim to leave a small, even gap between the edges — usually around 2 to 3 millimetres. This space mirrors the tuft gauge and ensures the fibres blend neatly across the seam. Too big a gap and the join becomes visible. Too small and you risk the turf bunching or lifting later.
Step 3: Trim the Edges for a Clean Seam
Most rolls of artificial grass come with a factory edge, but these aren’t designed to be joined straight out of the wrapper. The stitch lines can be uneven or slightly distorted.
To get a tidy, natural-looking join, carefully trim back two or three rows of stitching on each edge. Use a sharp utility knife and cut between the tufts, not through them, to avoid damaging the blades.
Keep your cuts as straight and consistent as possible. And don’t forget to change blades regularly. A dull knife can drag the backing and lead to messy cuts.
Step 4: Position the Joining Tape
Once the grass edges are trimmed, fold them back to expose the surface beneath the join. Roll out your joining tape down the middle, ensuring the shiny (plastic) side is facing down and the fabric side is facing up.
Secure the tape at either end with something heavy or a few pins to stop it from shifting while you apply the adhesive.
This is where the seam comes together so make sure everything’s lined up before you move on.
Step 5: Apply Adhesive Carefully
Apply a zigzag line of adhesive directly onto the top side of the joining tape. A notched trowel or glue gun helps you control the flow.
Then spread the adhesive out evenly across the tape. Make sure it’s not too thick or not too thin. The goal is full coverage without excess glue squeezing up through the backing. If adhesive gets into the fibres, it can clump them together and leave a hard, visible line through the turf.
Always follow the drying and working time guidelines on the adhesive packaging, especially in cooler weather.
Step 6: Bring the Turf Together
With your adhesive down, gently fold both pieces of turf back over the tape. Take your time and work from one end to the other, making sure the blades don’t get trapped in the seam.
When the grass is in position, apply firm pressure along the join to set it in place. A seam roller gives the most even finish, but anything heavy (and flat) will help the adhesive bond properly.
If needed, you can use a few nails or pins along the seam to hold the turf down while the glue cures, especially in high-traffic areas.
Step 7: Let the Seam Cure
Once the turf is down and aligned, leave the join to cure. This can take anywhere from 2 to 24 hours depending on the adhesive and the weather.
Don’t walk on the join or brush it until the adhesive has fully set. If rain is expected, cover the area with a breathable tarpaulin or similar material to keep the moisture out while still allowing air to circulate.
Step 8: Brush and Blend
Once cured, use a stiff broom or power brush to lift the fibres along the seam and blend the join into the rest of the lawn. If you’re using infill, now’s the time to spread it and brush it in thoroughly.
Stand back, view the join from different angles, and check that everything sits flush. A properly done seam should be almost impossible to spot.
FAQs: Common Questions About Joining Artificial Grass
How far apart should the turf edges be when joining?
Leave a consistent 2–3 mm gap between trimmed edges. This allows the fibres to knit together visually and helps the seam disappear.
Is self-adhesive joining tape enough?
Self-adhesive tapes can be handy for small or temporary installs, but for a long-term solution, always use proper joining tape with glue.
Why is my join still visible?
This can happen if the pile is facing the wrong way, if you haven’t trimmed the edges properly, or if glue has got into the fibres. Brushing and infill can help, but prevention is best.
Which adhesive should I use?
One-part adhesives are easier to use and suitable for most standard jobs but two-part polyurethane adhesives offer the strongest bond and are best for high-use areas.
Can I join artificial grass on a hard surface like concrete?
Yes. Just make sure the surface is clean, dry, and dust-free. You might need to use a primer for better adhesion, depending on the product.
How long does the adhesive take to dry?
Drying time varies. On a warm day, it can cure in a few hours. In colder or wetter conditions, it might take 24 hours or more. Always check the label.
Final Thoughts
Joining artificial grass is one of those tasks where preparation really pays off. With the right tools, a careful approach, and a little patience, you’ll achieve a clean, seamless join that looks just like a single roll of grass.
If you need help choosing the right adhesive or tape, or you’re not sure which type of grass will work best for your space, we’re always happy to advise. Explore our full range of installation accessories or get in touch with our team for expert guidance.
Good grass. No gaps. Just how it should be.
