Measure & Plan Your Area
Before you start, take the time to measure the space where your new lawn will go. Use pegs, string and a tape measure to mark out the area clearly. If your space has curved edges or an irregular shape, use a hose or rope to create a smooth outline before you mark it with chalk or spray paint.
It’s best to break large or uneven areas into smaller sections so your measurements stay accurate. Avoid laying artificial grass directly over natural turf, as it can lead to drainage issues and an uneven surface.
order your grass
Once you know your measurements, you can choose your turf. At Artificial Grass Direct, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit every space and budget:
Classic Artificial Grass: For everyday use and affordable quality
Premium Artificial Grass: For a soft, natural look and feel
Luxury Artificial Grass: For the thickest, most realistic finish
You can order free artificial grass samples to compare texture and colour before you buy.
Before you start installing, make sure you also have everything you need, including:
- Geo-Textile weed membrane
- Fixing nails
- Joining tape
- Your chosen underlay
- Sand infill or Envirofill
- Artificial grass adhesive, like Aquabond or Wet-Fix
- Adhesive comb
- Stone aggregate
- Granite dust or sharp sand
- A sharp knife or folding knife
- A hammer or compactor
- Shovel
- Scissors
Remove The Existing Grass & Soil
To create a solid base, you’ll need to dig out your existing grass and top layer of soil. Remove around 10 to 15 cm of material to make space for your new sub-base.
If the soil underneath is clay or compact, dig slightly deeper and add a layer of small stones. This helps drainage and stops water pooling beneath the surface. The area should be flat and even before you move on.
COMPACT THE GROUND
Use a hand tamper or plate compactor to firm up the ground. This prevents your lawn from sinking or becoming uneven over time.
Walk across the area to check that it feels level. If you find any soft patches, fill them with more soil or aggregate and compact again until the surface feels solid and consistent.
Learn more: How to Level a Garden Without a Digger
APPLY GEO-TEXTILE WEED BARRIER
A weed membrane stops plants from growing through your new lawn. Roll out the Geo-Textile weed membrane over the compacted surface and cut it to size. Leave a small overlap between sheets if you’re covering a large area.
Secure the membrane with fixing nails or grass pins every 50 to 60 cm. Trim any excess material around the edges so it fits neatly.
LAY THE SUB BASE
The sub-base allows rain water to drain properly and helps keep the grass level for years to come. A gentle slope away from your house or patio will help water flow naturally.
Add a layer of crushed stone or aggregate to create a strong base. Make sure the sub-base isn’t piled higher than the final grass line, as this could negatively impact water run-off.
SPREAD AND COMPACT THE SUB BASE
Spread the material evenly to around 5 to 7.5 cm deep, then compact it thoroughly.
Check for any dips or gaps and fill them in, even small spaces will become noticeable once your fake turf is laid.
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.
LAY THE BASE MATERIAL
Add a thin layer of granite dust or sharp sand, around 1.5 to 2.5 cm deep. This creates a smooth surface for your artificial grass to rest on.
Spread it out evenly with a rake and compact it again until firm. It should feel flat and stable underfoot, with no dips or raised areas.
LAY ARTIFICIAL GRASS ON TOP
Unroll your turf carefully and position it so the pile all faces the same way. Leave it to settle for a couple of hours so any creases relax and the fibres sit naturally.
Try not to drag the grass across the surface, as this can stretch or damage the base layer. Once settled, it’s ready to be cut and joined.
CUT AND TRIM YOUR ARTIFICIAL GRASS
Once the settling time is over, use a sharp knife or folding knife to trim the grass neatly around the edges and fit it perfectly to your space.
When joining two pieces, leave a small gap of 1-2mm between them to allow for expansion and prevent the risk of bunching.
JOIN WITH SEAMING TAPE AND GLUE
It’s important you use both joining tape and adhesive to make your joins invisible to the naked eye and improve the durability of your artificial turf.
Lay joining tape along the join line and apply artificial grass adhesive evenly. Press both sides of the turf into place so the edges meet neatly, then leave the adhesive to set for 24 to 48 hours, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
ADD SAND INFILL (OPTIONAL)
A sand infill isn’t essential, but it helps keep your turf in place and makes the fibres stand upright. It’s especially useful in busy gardens or for families with pets.
Apply the sand evenly with a brush or rake. If you prefer, use Envirofill, which contains Microban technology that helps prevent bacteria and odours.
Learn more: How to Sand Infill an Artificial Lawn
ENJOY YOUR REFRESHED OUTDOOR SPACE
By following these steps, you can install your artificial grass with confidence and enjoy a garden that stays green, clean, and low-maintenance all year.
We have a full range of artificial grass in roll widths including 2m, 4m and 5m wide artificial grass, and grass sizes from 20mm to 50mm artificial grass to suit all purposes.
If you have any questions, give us a call on 01772 629654 or get in touch through our contact form. Our team will be happy to help you plan your project.