How to Lay Artificial Grass

Whatever the size of your plot, artificial grass is a cost-effective, durable and easy-to-maintain alternative to a natural lawn. Half of artificial lawn owners lay it themselves so read on for tips on doing it right...

Step 1
In square metres, calculate the size of the area you want to lay with artificial grass. Then use these measurements to help you work out how many rolls of artificial grass you’ll need, allowing extra for a small amount of wastage depending on the design of your garden.

Step 2
For the best results, clear any vegetable matter from the ground, level it out (this may mean adding top soil), then add a 35mm layer of sand and compact using the back of a shovel, or, for larger areas, a vibrating plate compactor (which can be hired).

Step 3
Lay Groundtex Membrane on top of this base to stop any weeds growing through your new lawn. Overlap the membrane by at least 100mm as you lay it down and take it right to the edge of the area.

Step 4
Lay the artificial grass on top, ensuring it's laid in the same direction to give the best look. Allow approximately 50mm of artificial grass to trim off to create that perfect edge. As you lay the artificial grass, butt any edges together then stick it down using  artificial grass tape used in conjunction with adhesive. Then simply place the grass back into place, taking care not to squeeze the adhesive up onto the grass strands.

Step 5
Cut and trim your artificial grass, using a sharp craft knife, making sure there are no gaps between walls and grass. Then use fixing pegs, nailed into the ground at an angle every 200mm to secure the grass in place.
It’s a good idea to leave the grass for a day to settle. This helps to stop any creasing or wrinkling.

Laying artificial grass on decking or for temporary use

Step 1
Lay the artificial grass out and trim to size. It will stay flat under its own weight. Garden furniture or planters can be used to hold it down in areas that are exposed to wind.

Step 2
To provide a softer feel underfoot, loose lay a 12mm exterior underfelt under the grass, ensuring any joints are neatly butted together. Use Aqua Bond Adhesive, staple gun or tacks to fix directly to the wood.

Laying artificial grass on concrete or a patio base

Step 1
Firstly, make sure the surface you're covering is clean and smooth. To provide a softer more absorbent feel, loose lay under the grass a 12mm exterior under felt available from our store. Ensure that any joints are neatly butted together.

Step 2
Lay, join and trim the artificial grass, as detailed above.

Laying artificial grass on flat roofs
It's important that the roof will weight bear so ask a local contractor to check this out beforehand. To avoid the roof being punctured, loose lay the grass and use our Aqua Bond adhesive to fix it in place.

How do I look after my new lawn?
You don’t need to water your artificial grass, but soak it with warm, soapy water every six months to keep it looking fresh. A quick brush with a stiff-bristled broom every month or so will stop it looking tired and brushing in sand to keep the strands upright is also a good idea.