How to measure up for artificial grass.
A guide to ordering the correct amount of artificial grass.
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How To Lay Artificial Grass | Measuring & Fitting Guide
A full, in-depth guide to preparing the ground and installing artificial grass.
Download .pdfPreparing the area
Artificial grass can be fitted on a multitude of substrates, including concrete, patio stones or tiles, decking and soil. Each substrate requires a different level of preparation. We will cover each step in this guide.
For help and guidance on how to measure up and order your artificial grass see our quick-start guide:
How to measure-up
Fitting on a soil sub-base
This is the most common surface to install on, so we will cover this first.
Removing Existing Turf
Existing grass and soil should be removed to a depth of at least 100mm.
For smaller areas, use:
A half-moon edging tool
A garden spade
For larger areas, a turf cutter (available from most tool hire centres) will make removal much easier.
Avoid rotavating or digging over the remaining soil, as this can create voids that may settle later and cause uneven areas.
Removed turf can be stacked and composted to create useful loam-based soil for future garden projects.
Preparing the Sub-base
Once the turf has been removed:
1. Remove any large stones, rubble, or debris.
2. Level the area carefully.
3. Compact the ground using a vibrating compaction plate, or a heavy duty tamper.
Any slopes or falls should direct water away from buildings or towards suitable drainage areas.
Additional Ground Stabilisation
If your soil is heavy clay, unstable, or drainage is a concern, install a ground stabilisation and drainage membrane (often known as geotextile membrane) directly onto the subsoil.
Where required:
1. Lay the stabilisation membrane.
2. Add a layer of coarse aggregate or crushed limestone, sometimes called ‘MOT’ type 1.
3. Level and compact thoroughly.
4. Apply a thin layer of grit sand or granite dust (maximum particle size 5mm).
5. Level and compact again.
Some installers use a weed membrane above the grit/sand layer, however, we recommend using a multi-purpose weed-proof drainage and stabilisation membrane, as it:
• Provides greater strength
• Improves drainage
• Prevents weed growth from below
• Helps prevent disturbance of the sand layer during fitting
Completed Base Preparation
A correctly prepared installation area should consist of the following layers, from top to bottom:
- Artificial grass / outdoor carpet
- Multi-purpose weed-proof drainage and stabilisation membrane
- Grit sand or granite dust
- Coarse aggregate (where required)
- Ground stabilisation drainage membrane (where required)
- Compacted subsoil
Preparing for fitting on decking, concrete, patios etc.
Artificial grass can be fitted directly onto timber decking, provided the surface is stable and level. It can also be laid on patios and concrete surfaces with ease.
For all of these surfaces, give the surface thorough clean. Remove dirt, moss, loose stones and level any uneven areas. A smooth and stable base helps the grass sit flat and prevents bumps from showing through. If the concrete has large cracks fill them with exterior filler, or an exterior levelling compound and let them dry fully.
Check Drainage. Artificial grass needs good drainage. If puddles form on your surface, you may need to drill small drainage holes or add a slight slope using an outdoor self levelling compound.
Underlay. For hard surfaces, including decking, you may wish to add a cushion underlay to add softness and help to level out minor imperfections in the surface, or fill in the gaps. This is also important for comfort and added safety, particularly for children’s play areas. We have several options available, from budget to luxury:
See our eco-cushion artificial grass underlay.
Securing the grass on decking, concrete, patios etc.
Secure the grass using galvanised nails or grass pins. Adhesive may also be used, although this creates a permanent bond and may damage the decking if removed.
If the decking has large gaps, or is particularly uneven, fit an exterior-grade plywood or timber board first to create a smooth surface. Trim any excess using a sharp craft knife or carpet scissors.
Fitting the artificial grass
The following section details how to lay the grass, orientation, pile direction and how to make joins for larger areas.
After delivery...
After being rolled up tightly on a cardboard tube, you’ll need to unroll the artificial grass across your new lawn and leave it for a minimum of 24 hours to ‘acclimatise’. The acclimatisation process will make the grass far easier to install.
When first unrolling your artificial grass it’s perfectly normal for there to be minor ridges and ripples. (This is due to the stiffness of the hard-wearing backing holding its shape).After leaving the grass unrolled for 24 hours these ridges or bumps will naturally fall out, making it far easier to lay the grass without any undulations.
Lay the artificial grass onto the prepared surface, ensuring the pile runs in the same direction on every piece. For the most natural appearance, installers generally position the pile so it faces towards the house or primary viewing area. If multiple sections are required, position them all before trimming or fixing.
Joining Multiple Pieces
Careful joining is essential for an invisible seam. Turn the grass over and carefully trim both edges close to the stitched backing. Position the pieces so the edges meet neatly without overlapping. Use joining tape and joining tape adhesive to secure the pieces together.
• Check that the pile direction falls the same way for both pieces and the stitch rows line up correctly.
• Fold back both edges.
• Position the joining tape centrally beneath the seam.
• Apply joining tape adhesive evenly to the tape using a notched spreader.
• Fold both edges back into position.
• Ensure no grass fibres become trapped in the adhesive.
• Press the join firmly together.
• Place a flat board with light weight over the join while the adhesive cures.
Always follow the adhesive manufacturer’s instructions regarding:
• Mixing • Coverage • Curing times
• Minimum installation temperatures
Some adhesives require a hardener to be mixed before use. Low-temperature adhesives are available for installation below 5°C.
Avoid applying excessive pressure, as this may force adhesive through the seam and onto the grass fibres.
Avoiding Visible Joins
To achieve the best possible finish:
• Ensure all pile runs in the same direction.
• Match the stitch pattern across each piece.
• Trim edges accurately.
• Keep fibres clear of the adhesive.
Incorrect trimming or mismatched pile direction can make the seam much more noticeable.
Securing the Grass
Once positioned correctly, secure the grass around the perimeter.
Use steel ground pins, or galvanised nails. Green powder-coated grass pins are less noticeable, particularly on shorter pile grasses.
Fixings should be spaced approximately 200mm apart around the edges.
Many installers also fit treated timber edging to provide a solid fixing point.
Trimming
Trim using a sharp craft knife or carpet scissors.
Artificial grass fibres are stitched into rows, so cutting from the underside between the stitch rows usually provides the cleanest finish.
Take particular care when trimming around:
• Patios • Paths • Decking • Flower beds • Posts and other obstacles • Edging
Artificial grass can be finished using a variety of edging systems. Where grass meets concrete or masonry, it can be secured using a suitable adhesive.
Planning the edging before installation will help achieve the neatest finish...
Treated timber
Steel edging
Existing paving/blocks
Composite edging
Finishing
Many installers apply a light dressing of silica sand, which is widely available from builders’ merchants.
Benefits of Silica Sand
A light application can help:
• Support the grass fibres
• Keep the pile standing upright
• Improve stability in high-use areas
• Reduce heat build-up during hot weather
Applying the Sand
Spread a light, even layer across the surface and brush it thoroughly into the pile using a stiff broom or power brush. If you don’t brush the turf, then the sand infill will sit on top of the fibres, flattening them down. Bonus tip: make sure you don’t use a brush with metal prongs, as this will damage the fibres.
Aftercare
Artificial grass requires very little maintenance, but regular care will help keep it looking its best.
• Routine Maintenance
• Brush the pile every few weeks to maintain its natural appearance.
• Remove leaves and garden debris regularly.
• Treat any weeds that appear using a diluted weed killer suitable for artificial grass. Used correctly, this will not damage the grass.
Enjoy Your New Lawn!
With a properly prepared base and correct installation, artificial grass provides a beautiful, practical, low maintenance lawn that can be enjoyed all year round.
Whether it’s for family gardens, play areas or simply creating a greener outdoor space, your new lawn should provide many years of excellent performance with only minimal upkeep.
Don’t forget accessories!
We stock every accessory you may need, from joining tapes, adhesive, weedproof membranes, underlays for cushioning (eg for children’s play areas), plus fixing pins and more.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you aren’t sure which materials to use for your installation. See Accessories.
And remember... our lowest price guarantee, means you’ll always pay the lowest price!
See our other quick guides for more information:
