How to Lay Artificial Grass: Full DIY Guide for Laying Fake Grass at Home
UK Premium Grass – The #1 Choice for High-Quality Artificial Grass and Pet Friendly lawns
Whether you’re transforming your garden, replacing a muddy lawn, or creating a dog-friendly outdoor area, this comprehensive guide shows you how to lay artificial grass the right way. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a professional-looking finish that lasts for years.
STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO LAY ARTIFICIAL GRASS
The following is our recommended method for laying artificial turf, based on years of experience. There are other ways to install it, which can depend on ground conditions and materials available, but these steps will give you a reliable, durable result.
If you are comparing DIY fitting with professional fitting, see our artificial grass installation cost guide for typical UK pricing.
This guide covers everything from laying fake grass on soil to how to put artificial grass over concrete or decking.
Step 1 Preparing the Area
First, remove all old turf, weeds, and debris. If your area is larger than a few square metres, hiring a turf cutter is well worth it. It saves time, effort, and makes it easier to create a flat surface for laying fake grass.
Want to know how to put artificial grass on a bumpy surface? The secret is preparation. The more time you spend here, the better your artificial lawn will look and perform.
Step 2 Fitting the Edge
To keep your new artificial lawn looking great for years, install a neat, secure edge around the area. Choose from timber, metal, concrete, or composite edging. Artificial grass comes in a range of pile heights (from 12mm to 50mm), so make sure your edge matches the grass depth for a flush finish.
Pro Tip: After installing the edge, take a well-earned tea break. You’ll need your energy for the next stage!
Step 3 Laying the Base
A solid base is essential when laying artificial turf. Start by adding a sub-base layer of Type 1 aggregate, typically around 50–70mm thick. If you’re laying artificial grass for dogs, be sure to install the weed membrane at this stage — not later — to avoid smells caused by pet urine.
Top the base with 20mm of Grano Dust . This material compacts well and helps you achieve a smooth finish. Your local builder’s merchant can help calculate how much material you need — bring your area size and required depth.
Next, another trip to the hire shop for a compacter which is needed to compress the material and provide a firm base. Depending on the artificial grass you choose, keep the base layer roughly 20mm below the top of your edging. Remember to form a slight camber so the base slopes towards the edges, this will help accommodate any settlement over time.
On a summers day It’s a good idea to spray the area with water to keep the dust down and help the aggregate to bind. Then it’s time for another cup of tea. Finally, (phew!) cover the base layer with a weed membrane, ( IGNORE IF LAYED ON STEP 3 ) pinning it close up to the edging.
Step 4 Installing The Grass
Now for the satisfying bit — laying your artificial grass!
Roll out the grass across the area, overlapping the edges slightly. If your area needs more than one piece of turf, unroll them all now and ensure the pile direction matches. Most artificial grass looks best when the pile faces towards the house or main viewpoint.
Let the grass settle for an hour or two, especially on warm days. Use a sharp utility knife to carefully trim the edges for a snug fit.
Optional: Sand Infill or ZeoLite
While not essential, infill can improve the stability and longevity of your lawn. Spread approx. 5kg/m² of kiln-dried sand for added weight and to help the blades stand upright. This is something we would only recommend in very high traffic areas like schools of MUGA pitches
Pet owners can opt for ZeoLite infill, or ENVIRO FILL which reduces odours and keeps the lawn fresher for longer.
If you have dogs, consider skipping sand altogether — less mess, and it helps prevent smell build-up.
Finish by brushing the surface to lift the fibres and settle the infill. One last cup of tea? You’ve earned it.
HOW TO JOIN TWO LENGTHS TOGETHER
Depending on the size and shape of your garden you may well need to join Two sections together. Our top tip here is to take your time. To make sure you get a professional finish, follow these simple instructions.
Step 1 Cutting the Lengths
Line up the two lengths ensuring the pile runs in the same direction. Fold back the edges of the first length and locate the third and fourth rows of stitching. Using a sharp knife (change the blade it will be blunt by now), cut through the latex, between the rows of stitching, all the way along. Take care not to cut the blades of grass. Remove the excess strips and repeat the process on the other length. Time for tea, and have a Hob-Nob too, you’ve earned it.
Step 2 Joining the lengths
Line up the cut lengths and fold back the edges, holding them back all along the join. Roll out the joining tape, shiny side down, on the ground between the two lengths of Namgrass. Use a cartridge gun (and spreader if you like) to apply the adhesive evenly along the tape. Starting at one end, fold the two lengths of Grass back over so they stick to the tape. Take care not to get grass fibres stuck in the glue. Not long now, think of all the grass cutting you won’t have to do! Once both edges are folded over, walk gently along the joint to firm it down. If you can see the join, make small adjustments until it disappears. Leave at least two hours for the glue to go off, or up to a day if it is below freezing.
Maintenance Tips After Laying Artificial Turf
Brush regularly to keep blades upright
Rinse down occasionally to remove dust, pollen, or pet waste
For pet owners, apply enzyme cleaners to manage odours take a look at some on Amazon
Refill sand/ZeoLite as needed every Two years
FAQs: How Do You Lay Artificial Grass?
Ready to Lay Artificial Grass?
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to lay artificial turf like a pro. Whether you’re installing a new pet-friendly lawn, transforming a tired garden, or creating a no-mow zone, following the right steps makes all the difference.
Need tools, infill, or advice? Get in touch — we’re happy to help.