How to lay artificial grass: a step-by-step guide
Laying artificial grass yourself is very doable over a weekend and saves a lot versus hiring a fitter. Here's the whole process, from working out quantities to the finishing brush.
Start with the right amount →Work out exactly how much grass and materials you need before you begin.Open the calculator1. Measure and order
Work out your area and the best roll width first (the calculator does both). Order the grass plus weed membrane or foam underlay, kiln-dried sand, joining tape, outdoor adhesive and galvanised U-pins. For soil installs you'll also need sub-base aggregate (MOT type 1) and sharp sand, usually from a local builders' merchant.
2. Clear and prepare the ground
On soil/old lawn: dig out the turf and topsoil to around 50–75mm. On a hard surface (concrete, patio, decking): clean it and you can skip the groundwork — a foam shockpad underlay goes straight down.
3. Lay the sub-base (soil installs)
Add and compact MOT type 1 aggregate, then a blinding layer of sharp sand, raking it level and firm. A whacker plate (hireable cheaply) makes this much easier and gives a flat, lasting finish.
4. Membrane and grass
Lay a weed-control membrane over the base. Then roll out the grass, making sure every piece faces the same pile direction. Let it settle for an hour or two so it relaxes flat, then trim the edges to fit.
5. Join, pin and infill
Where two pieces meet, fold them back, lay joining tape (shiny side down), apply adhesive and press the edges together — keeping the pile out of the glue. Secure the perimeter with galvanised pins every 20–30cm. Finally, brush in kiln-dried sand to weigh the grass down and keep the pile standing upright.
6. The finishing brush
Give the whole lawn a stiff brush against the pile direction to lift it and work the sand in. That's it — a lawn that stays green all year with no mowing.
Get your shopping list →The calculator turns your garden size into exactly what to buy.Work out what I needDo I need a sub-base on a patio?
No — on a solid, level hard surface you lay a foam shockpad underlay instead of groundwork.
How long does it take?
A typical garden is a one to two day DIY job; the groundwork is the most time-consuming part.
Do I really need sand infill?
For most lawns, yes — it weighs the grass down, protects the backing and keeps the pile upright.