How To Lay Artificial Grass Guide

To ensure accurate application and a seamless look, you’ll need to measure the area where you’ll be placing your artificial grass. To do this, you’ll need a measuring tape, chalk, string, wooden stakes or pegs, and a hammer.

The next step is to define the area, giving you a better idea of its shape and size. You can install artificial grass in various shapes, including rectangles, circles, and even irregular designs. Insert your wooden stakes or pegs into the corners of the area, then use the string to create a perimeter, making sure the string is pulled tight between the stakes for better accuracy.

Then, it’s time to grab your chalk (but you can also use marker spray if you have some) to create the boundary of your desired space. You can use a rope, hose, or string as a guide if the area has curved edges.

Next, measure the length and width of the marked area using a measuring tape to confirm the exact dimensions. We recommend breaking the area down into smaller sections for more irregular shapes.

If you’re wondering how to lay artificial grass on grass, it’s important to note that we usually don’t recommend this. This is because it may cause the turf to be uneven, potentially encouraging weed growth and drainage problems.

  order your grass

We’re proud to be the UK’s number-one supplier of quality artificial turf across the UK. With this in mind, we offer a huge variety of artificial grass types to suit your property and needs. 

Why spend time shopping in person when you can get exactly what you need online? You can even order free artificial grass samples to experience the quality for yourself before you decide.

Choose from our budget-friendly Classic artificial grass options starting at just £4.99 per square metre or our Premium turf starting at £11.99 per square metre. If you’re looking for the top of the range, our Luxury artificial grass range offers the thickest options for the best style and appearance.

We also stock artificial grass in varying thicknesses, including 30mm, 35mm, and 40mm, with some specialist synthetic turfs being even thicker!

If you’re looking to upgrade your commercial space, whether it be a kennel or a sports ground, we have artificial grass for sports (including artificial golf grass) and artificial grass for dogs to provide a safe and supportive outdoor space.

For those looking to really push the boat out, why not explore our coloured artificial grass range? Choose from white and black to blue and pink.

Before you order your artificial grass, make sure you’ve got all the necessary tools and equipment you need for the installation process, including:

• Fixing nails
• Your chosen underlay
• Geotextile weed membrane
• Sharp Stanley knife or folding knife
• Artificial grass adhesive, like Aquabond or Wet-Fix
• Adhesive comb
• Joining tape
• Stone aggregate
• Granite dust or sharp sand
• Sand infill or Envirofill
• Shovel
• Hammer
• Scissors

  DIG OUT THE GRASSED AREA

While waiting for your delivery to arrive, it’s time to remove as much grass and soil as possible. This will help you achieve your desired height once the synthetic turf is installed.

Depending on the thickness of your existing grass, you may need to dig at least 100-150mm below the level of your wooden pegs or stakes. If you find the soil beneath the grass has a clay-like consistency, you may want to dig down a bit further to apply a layer of stones for better drainage. 

This process creates an even, level surface for the next steps of laying artificial grass on soil.

  COMPACT THE GROUND

Compacting and levelling the ground creates a firm foundation so you can enjoy proper drainage and prevent areas from sinking over time. 

To compact the soil, pound the surface firmly, starting at one corner and working your way towards the other. Make sure to apply consistent pressure and go over any areas that aren’t level. You can do this using a shovel or plate compactor. Alternatively, you could use a vibrating plate, which can be hired at an equipment hire centre.

Check your levelling by walking over the surface — it should feel stable, firm, and level.

Learn more: How to Level a Garden Without a Digger

  APPLY GEO-TEXTILE WEED BARRIER

Weed barriers help prevent grasses and unwanted plants from growing up through your artificial lawn. While they’re not essential for laying artificial grass, they can be extremely useful for keeping your space weed-free.

At just £1 per square metre, and available in lengths of up to 100m, our Geo-Textile Weed Membrane is an ideal option.

All you need to do is roll it out over your compacted ground and cut it to size using scissors, leaving around 10 to 15cm of overlap between sheets if you’re covering an extensive area. You can then use a hammer and small nails to secure the membrane to your freshly levelled soil, placing the nails around the edges and across the middle. We suggest keeping 50 to 60cm gaps between each nail where possible. Finally, trim any excess fabric for a neat finish.

  LAY THE SUB BASE

Stone aggregate is the perfect sub-base to lay under your artificial lawn. It helps level the area even more while leading to effective drainage. 

When filling the area with aggregate — whether it’s our recommended stone aggregate or another material — make sure it isn’t piled higher than the final grass line, as this could negatively impact water run-off.

  SPREAD AND COMPACT THE SUB BASE

Grab the tool you used in step five, and ensure your aggregate is spread evenly. Go through the same process of pounding the surface and spreading any loose stones or particles until the area is nice and even. 

Check for any dips or gaps at this point and fill them in — even small spaces will become noticeable once your fake turf is laid.

  LAY THE BASE MATERIAL

The next step is to add a base material. We recommend 15 to 25mm of granite dust, as it provides a firmer base and is the preferred artificial grass base for landscapers. If you can’t source granite dust, then sharp sand is a good alternative. 

You will need to repeat the compacting process from steps five and eight — this time, however, you want there to be a slight slope on the base to aid drainage.

  LAY ARTIFICIAL GRASS ON TOP

It’s finally time to get your artificial grass involved in the laying process! It’s best to gently lay the synthetic turf directly on top of the granite dust or sand instead of dragging it over.

If you’re wondering how long it takes for artificial grass to settle, the answer is usually around two to three hours. The settling process reduces any wrinkling or creasing, resulting in a firm and even appearance.

So, go grab a cup of coffee or a cold drink and be proud of your artificial grass installation so far!

  CUT AND TRIM YOUR ARTIFICIAL GRASS

Once the settling time is over, use your knife to cut the grass around the perimeter for a tight fit, ensuring clean, straight edges in preparation for the next step.

It’s always best to create a small gap of 1-2mm when joining two pieces of turf, preventing the risk of bunching and allowing for any expansion that may occur in hot weather.

  JOIN WITH SEAMING TAPE AND GLUE

Make your joins using joining tape and adhesive. This will make your joins invisible to the naked eye and also improve the durability of your artificial grass turf. 

When applying the joining tape, ensure it runs the entire length of the join, positioning it centred under the gap between the two pieces of artificial grass. 

Next, apply an even layer of adhesive onto the tape with a spreader or adhesive applicator. Then, press the edges of the artificial grass into the adhesive-covered tape, ensuring the edges meet without overlapping or gapping.

You will then need to let the adhesive cure for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.

  ADD SAND INFILL (OPTIONAL)

Not everyone opts for a sand infill, but we recommend using one if you have a high-traffic garden area. Remember that it’s best to apply your sand infill on a dry day. 

You may also add Envirofill at this point by raking and spreading the infill evenly over the grass surface. Envirofill is developed with Microban® antimicrobial innovation and helps keep your lawn clean and odour-free — an excellent option for pets using your outdoor space!

The infill will eventually compact, so you should consider adding a final layer once it’s settled.

Learn more: How to Sand Infill an Artificial Lawn

ENJOY YOUR REFRESHED OUTDOOR SPACE

All that’s left to do is enjoy your outdoor space! Give yourself a pat on the back for upgrading your space with an artificial grass installation.

Don’t forget to take a look at our expert-backed resources and FAQs, including tips on how to maintain your artificial grass

Got any questions? Our team is more than happy to help. Just give us a call at 01772 629 654 or use our contact form.

Can You Lay Artificial Grass On Stones And Gravel?

Yes, you can install artificial grass on stones and gravel, but the installation process differs slightly from the most common method above.

One of the benefits of installing synthetic turf on top of stones or gravel is that it provides an effective base for draining; however, you will need to take extra care to make sure the base is level and even.

1. Check that the existing gravel layer is compacted. Follow steps five and eight for advice on levelling the aggregated surface.
   
2. Add a thin layer (around 15-25mm) of granite dust or sharp sand over the gravel. This will help fill in any gaps or dips, creating a smooth surface for laying artificial grass.
3. Repeat the advice from steps five and eight to compact the granite dust or sharp sand.
   
4. Apply a weed barrier over the surface, following advice from step six in our above instructions.
5. Continue with the rest of the steps as described.

Can You Lay Artificial Grass On Slabs?

Yes, artificial grass can be installed directly and easily onto concrete slabs, but the method slightly differs again.

1. Clean the slabbed surface, removing any debris, dirt, and moss.
2. Apply a foam artificial grass underlay using joining tape and adhesive.
3. Lay your artificial grass over the top, aligning it with the edges of the slabs.
4. Secure the edges using adhesive or fixing nails.
5. Brush the grass with a stiff broom or brush for a natural look.

How To Lay Artificial Grass On Sand

If you want to lay artificial grass on sand, you will need to ensure the surface is prepared correctly to prevent sinking and shifting.

1. Spread sharp sand (around 15-25mm) over the existing surface.
2. Use a rake to spread the sharp sand, and follow step five to compact the surface.
3. Install a weed barrier over the new surface.
4. Lay the artificial grass directly onto the weed membrane, following the advice in our instructions above from step 13 onwards.

How To Lay Artificial Grass On Decking

There are two ways to lay artificial grass on decking. The first method is stapling or nailing the artificial grass down, and the second uses an adhesive.

How To Staple Or Nail Artificial Grass To A Deck

1. Check that your decking is free from rot and damage before proceeding. Replace any compromised boards and ensure that the surface is clean.
2. Roll your artificial grass over the decking area, leaving it to settle for a few hours.
3. Use galvanised staples or nails to secure the edges of the artificial grass onto the decking. Make sure to space the fasteners every 6 inches along the perimeter.
4. Trim any excess turf using a sharp utility knife. Prioritise neat and precise cuts for the best appearance.
5. Use a stiff brush to sweep the grass fibres, helping them stand upright to give a natural appearance.

How To Glue Artificial Grass To A Deck

1. Check that your decking is in good condition, ensuring it is clean before proceeding. Replace any damaged boards if necessary.
2. Apply the adhesive using a notched trowel, spreading it evenly across the decking surface. We recommend working in small sections to ensure the adhesive doesn’t dry before laying the synthetic turf.
3. Place the grass onto the adhesive, smoothing it out as you go to ensure there are no wrinkles or bubbles.
4. Use joining tape if you’re connecting multiple pieces for a seamless joint.
5. Trim the excess using a sharp utility knife, focusing on precise, straight cuts.
6. While you wait for the adhesive to dry, secure the edges of the grass with heavy objects so there is a secure bond between the grass and the deck surface.

Find The Best Artificial Grass For Your Project

Now you know how to lay your synthetic turf on a variety of bases, it’s time to shop our range of high-quality artificial grass products.

If you’ve already chosen your artificial grass, why not browse our accessories to make your installation as smooth and stress-free as possible?

For any questions about our artificial grass products or installation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. Give us a call on 01772 629 654, or use our simple contact form.