How to Lay Artificial Grass

Did you know you can lay your own artificial grass? It’s true! Installing your own artificial turf is a great way to save money and, with a little guidance from Artificial Grass London, you can have a professional looking artificial grass garden in no time flat.

Want to know how to lay artificial grass in your garden? Scroll down to find out how. Worried about installing artificial grass in your home? We answer some of your most frequently asked DIY installation questions below. Once you’re feeling confident why not order a free sample from us today?

What Tools Do I Need to Install Artificial Grass?

Alongside your artificial grass you will need the following fixings, accessories, and tools:

• Multipurpose Adhesive
• Weed Membrane
• Jointing Tape
• Fixing Pins
• Sand (enough to cover your desired area in a 35mm layer)
• A shovel or builder’s plank to compact sand (or a vibrating plate compactor for larger gardens)
• Craft knife
• Trowel

Where Can I Install Artificial Grass?

You can install artificial grass anywhere you want! In your garden, on a deck or rooftop, even inside the home on the floor or walls. The video below is a guide to installing artificial grass in the garden but can be used to help you install it elsewhere with slight alterations to the steps you take.

How Long Does It Take to Install Artificial Grass?

This will depend upon the size of your garden. After laying your artificial grass (without fixing it) we do recommend leaving it to settle overnight to avoid creasing and wrinkling. In terms of actual labour time, the installation can take anything from a few hours to a full day, depending upon the area you are trying to cover.

How Do I Install Artificial Grass?

Step One: Measurements

Work out the size of the area you want to cover with artificial grass in square meters and remember to leave space for garden features like ponds. Make sure to allow some extra lawn length for a small amount of wastage depending on the design of your garden and how the rolls are laid.

Step Two: Preparation

Never lay your artificial grass on top of natural grass as this can cause rot and leave you with an uneven artificial lawn! For best results, lay your artificial grass on a layer of compacted sharp sand. In smaller gardens, sand can easily be compacted with the back of a shovel or a builder’s plank. For larger areas try using a vibrating plate compactor (available to rent at most garden equipment hire centres).

Step Three: Weed Membrane

Lay a layer of weed membrane over the sand to stop any pesky seeds finding their way in whilst you continue your installation. This will prevent any new vegetation growing underneath your artificial grass and ruining your garden. Overlap the weed membrane by at least 100mm and take right to the edge of the area to ensure full coverage.

Step Four: Let it Settle

Lay your artificial grass on top of the weed membrane and leave it overnight. You’ll want to allow 50mm of artificial grass on all sides to trim for the perfect edge. Letting the artificial turf settle helps avoid creasing and wrinkling.

Step Five: Joining

Now your artificial grass has had a chance to settle, make sure you’re satisfied the lay by butting any edges together for the perfect fit. Next, peel the grass back and lay the fibreglass backing tape under the join. Apply the adhesive to the tape using a spreader before folding the grass back into place. Take care not apply too much pressure so you don’t accidentally squeeze the adhesive up on to the grass strands.

Step Six: Trimming & Fixing

Using a sharp craft knife, cut and trim your artificial grass, making sure there are no gaps between the walls and grass. Make sure you change your blades regularly as blunt blades can cause accidents. Once you’ve trimmed your grass, secure the perimeter using ground pins nailed into the ground at an angle, spaced out at intervals of roughly 200mm.