How to Lay an Artificial Grass Lawn

How to Lay an Artificial Grass Lawn

Artificial grass has become a popular alternative to natural turf, offering a green, tidy surface with low maintenance demands all year round. Whether you're transforming a tired lawn, covering a shaded patch where real grass won’t grow, or creating a child-friendly play space, proper installation is key. Done right, artificial grass can last for years, but cutting corners will show up quickly in creases, sinking spots or weed growth. Here’s how to get it right.

Planning and Measuring the Space

Before anything else, take accurate measurements of the area you’re covering. Plan the layout carefully, factoring in the direction of the pile for a consistent finish. Artificial grass usually looks best with the fibres leaning towards the main viewpoint, such as a patio or seating area. If your lawn shape is irregular or has curves, sketch it out and note down the longest and widest points to ensure you order enough grass and materials.

Preparing the Ground

The groundwork is what makes or breaks an artificial lawn. First, remove all existing turf, weeds, roots and debris. The surface should be cleared to a depth of around 75 to 100 millimetres. This allows space for a stable sub-base, which is essential for drainage and to prevent sinking over time.

Once the area is clear, compact the soil using a vibrating plate compactor. Then install a weed membrane to stop growth beneath the artificial lawn. This is especially important if you’re laying on previously planted soil or ground prone to weed return.

Installing the Sub-Base

A solid base starts with a layer of MOT Type 1 or crushed stone. Spread it evenly across the area and compact it thoroughly. This provides a stable foundation and promotes drainage. On top of that, apply a layer of sharp sand or granite dust to create a smooth, level surface. Again, compact this layer well and use a screeding bar to ensure the surface is flat with a slight gradient if needed for water runoff.

Laying the Grass

Once the base is ready, roll out the artificial grass and leave it to settle for a few hours. This allows creases from packaging to ease out. Make sure the pile is facing in the same direction across all sections. If you need to join multiple rolls, align them carefully and use joining tape and adhesive for a seamless finish. Avoid overlapping or forcing edges togetherthis causes bumps and uneven joints.

Trim the edges with a sharp knife for a tight, accurate fit against borders, paving, or timber edging. Take your time on this step; clean cuts make all the difference to the final look.

Securing the Grass

Once positioned, the grass needs to be fixed in place. Around the perimeter, use galvanised pins or landscaping nails every 20 to 30 centimetres to secure it to the ground. On harder surfaces or concrete, apply adhesive. Take care not to over-tighten or stretch the grass while securing, as this can distort the surface.

If you’ve used joining tape, give the adhesive time to set properly before applying weight or brushing the area.

Brushing and Finishing

Once the grass is installed, use a stiff broom to brush the pile upright. This helps the fibres stand naturally and improves the appearance. It’s also common to apply kiln-dried sand as an infill, which weighs the grass down, helps support the fibres and improves durability. Spread the sand evenly and brush it in well, ensuring the lawn feels firm but springy underfoot.

Final Word

Laying artificial grass is a job that rewards attention to detail. From the base layers to the finishing touches, each step plays a role in creating a lawn that looks great and performs over time. When installed correctly, artificial grass delivers a clean, soft, and durable surface that needs little more than occasional brushing and cleaning to stay in top condition. Take the time to do it properly, and your artificial lawn will keep its looks for years.