How to lay fake/Artificial grass?

Laying fake grass on dirt: A step-by-step guide

Whether you’ve removed an area of turf or vegetation, or are starting with a blank canvas for your garden design, fake grass will prove the ideal solution to transform your outdoor space.

Looking to lay fake grass on dirt? You must prepare the ground sufficiently ahead of starting the fit so that your new artificial lawn gives you years of maintenance-free pleasure.

Laying fake grass over any type of soil is no problem at all, but you must follow the groundwork rules. A level, the well-drained surface is a must. Preparing to lay fake grass on dirt? Read on for all the advice you need.

Materials checklist:

  • Weed membrane
  • Type 1 aggregate
  • Sharp sand for fine levelling
  • Metal or timber surround (optional)
  • Your chosen artificial grass
  • 18mm shock pad underlay
  • 40mm x 2.5mm carpet tacks
  • Artificial grass glue
  • Jointing tape (if joints are required)
  • Kiln-dried sand (for your fake grass infill – around 4-5Kg per square metre)

Tools checklist:

  • Shovel
  • Wheelbarrow
  • Wacker plate
  • Screed bar
  • Stiff broom
  • Tape measure or straight edge
  • Sharp knife and spare blades
  • Spatula or filling knife (to spread the glue)

Before you start:

Do the groundwork

Groundwork is possibly the most important stage in laying artificial grass on dirt.

Before you start, check for cables or pipes. You won’t want to damage anything and prevent crucial services from reaching your property. Next, confirm that the area to be fitted with synthetic grass has adequate drainage.

Next, treat the area with a strong weed killer. Allow plenty of time, at least a few days, for this to work.

Now you can move on to the next stage. Remove the soil down to a depth of 75-100mm. Clear any dead vegetation, then level the area so you achieve an even surface. Be aware that discrepancies are likely to show through your newly laid artificial grass. A slight gradient though is acceptable as this will aid drainage.

Now you have your flat dirt surface, you are ready to fit your weed membrane. This will avert vegetation from spoiling the visual appeal of your lawn.

Now you can fit your optional edging. We recommend a wood or metal surround if you intend to border the synthetic lawn with plants. Make certain it doesn’t sit above the final grass line.

Lastly, fill the area with type 1 aggregate to an approximate level of 60mm. Use a wacker plate to compact the aggregate, then apply a layer of sharp sand. Use a screed bar to even it all out.

Your step by step guide to installing fake grass on dirt

Check the weather forecast and make sure you choose a dry day for your fake grass installation.

Step 1: Install your shock pad underlay

Underlay helps lengthen the life of your artificial lawn and gives it more of a natural feel when walked on.

Begin at one end of the space to be laid, pushing the underlay roll right up against the edging or perimeter. Roll it out and cut it to the desired shape. Continue until the whole area is covered.

Top tip: Underlay will naturally try to roll itself back as you lay it. Placing a heavy object on each end will prevent this.

Use jointing tape to fix any separate pieces of underlay together. Aim to create a single sheet that you can fix down around the perimeter of your dirt area. Use tacks to secure them in place, setting them every 10-20cm.

Step 2: Install your synthetic grass

Roll out your fake grass across the area to be covered. Allow 5cm extra around all the edges so you get a neat edge when you trim to size. Leave the synthetic turf to rest for at least 2 to 3 hours so that the wrinkles drop out. Once it’s crease-free, you are ready to start cutting it to size ahead of securing it down.

Top tip: Trim the synthetic grass with the back facing towards you. Follow the stitch lines to avoid cutting through the stitches to gain the smoothest possible edge.

Sometimes it may be necessary to join pieces of artificial grass. Never glue separate pieces directly onto the underlay. These will move independently when walked on and lead to the joints showing through. Instead, follow these jointing instructions.

How to join synthetic grass

Always make certain that the pile of each piece of fake grass runs in the same direction.

Set the two pieces beside each other, pile upwards, and line up the edges.

Fold the edges of both pieces back on themselves about 25cm to reveal the back of the grass and the stitch lines. Cut 2-3 stitch lines down each edge. Now turn the two sections over and check how they look on the upper side. If it looks acceptable then you can proceed and seal it with the jointing tape. Apply pressure evenly along the seam so the adhesive sticks all the way along.

Now it’s time to fix the artificial grass to the underlay.

Fold the turf back and apply a generous layer of glue directly to the entire perimeter edge of the underlay. Be aware that you will have only around 30 minutes to work with the glue before it goes off. This time will be reduced in warm weather.

To allow the artificial grass and underlay to fully bond, do not walk or place anything on the lawn for at least two hours.

Step 3: Sand and brush the synthetic grass

We recommend infilling a newly laid synthetic lawn with kiln-dried sand. It is a procedure that helps to keep the fake turf in place, minimising the chance of ripples appearing. It also protects the fake grass fibres and keeps them upright. Choose weed-free sand to keep vegetation at bay. Simply sprinkle over the grass then brush with a stiff or motorised broom in the direction of the pile to give the fibres a good lift.

Following fitting:

  • Brushing a fake lawn with a stiff brush or plastic rake will help maintain its appearance.
  • Use a leaf blower, broom or leaf rake can to clear debris. Flush any spillages with water.
  • When placing garden furniture or children’s play equipment on the fake lawn, try to spread the load as much as possible to reduce indentations.
  • Always keep barbeques and other hot objects away from any artificial lawn.

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Excellent, I would recommend them, they are very helpful, so happy with the work they have done. Staff are very hardworking.

google

A huge thank you to Nithi and his team. Was a smooth process from start to finish , great support and information given. The team showed up at 10am and worked non stop all day! They finished around 5pm. The garden is amazing and totally unrecognisable! All my neighbours are commenting on it and considering using the company themselfs. It’s really made the world of difference for our family already. Thanks so much guys you have been amazing! Pictures of before and after

google

What fantastic service from the team. Punctual, professional, and very tidy. Fantastic installation - very pleased with the result. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone thinking of installing artificial grass

google

I have had problems with my turf for the last 4 years and been laid three times found no solution but to look at the option of astroturf. Having 5-6 different surveys, Saygrass was the most consultive understanding and understanding of my concerns having two dogs. From completing the survey I managed to receive a quote within 15 minutes. After booking installation was complete in 2 weeks. The team were friendly experienced knowledgeable and complete the job in less than half a day. There was no mess and advised me on maintenance and aftercare. Can 100% highly recommend Saygrass, fantastic service .

google

Saygrass did a great job. Nitii and team were professional , on time and friendly. Fully recommend this company. Happy with our new garden - Amazing work - 5 star

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The Saygrass team were extremely professional from start to finish, and I am very impressed by the quality of the work carried out, and the short duration it took them to accomplish this. The price was also considerably favourable.

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Fantastic job from start to finish - highly recommended!

google

From start to finish the process was hassle free. Very well priced. Lads very good and very quick at their job. Very pleased.

google

Amazing work highly professional workers good materials with incredible result I am recommending the company

google

I would not hesitate in recommending this company. I never do reviews but these guys more than deserve a glowing review. Process was really clear from the start. The guys worked so hard and I couldn't believe how much they got done on day one. Great value for money and super quality work. Can't wait to enjoy my new garden!

google

Saygrass did a great job in my garden at a good price. Elly provided the best customer service - she was available to help throughout the entire process. I would recommend being present from start to finish to ensure things are being done exactly to your liking as there were a couple of things I wished were done a little differently - but nothing that has impinged on my enjoyment of the garden. I would use this company again.

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Good pre service , excellent work on the ground. Finish looks great

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Did a amazing job very happy

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I had my garden done in fake grass and my slabs done at my front and so happy with it

google

We had our artificial grass done couple of years ago. It was great, they did a great job at a competitive price. We had maintenance service afterwards, again it was well done and efficient, at a reasonable price. 5 star and trustworthy. Thank you!

google

So pleased with our new grass. The work and preparation put in before they laid the grass was amazing. The guys worked really hard throughout. Highly recommended.

google

Extremely grateful for the service we have had from you has been impeccable from receiving the free samples right through to your help and advice with installation.Excellent customer service, we couldn't be more pleased with the results. Will most definitely recommend you.Thanks ones again for all your help.

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Genuinely I cannot make one single complain about this company. Genuine, honest, and professional people from start to the end. The quality of the grass is just outstanding, and the customer service went far and beyond to ensure I got what I asked for, I cannot recommend you enough. Amazing work, thank you so much Neeru for your hospitality throughout. Very helpful !

google

Elly came round and done some measurements and explained everything with great detail. I'm a very visual person and elly took her time to help me understand what could be done and the potential my garden has. I had absolutely no knowledge in landscape,patios and artificial grass but now I feel so comfortable with garden being handed over to say grass :)

google

Very friendly and professional

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5.0

This company is amazing. They go above and beyond your expectations. They are just too good.They laid my grass very very nicely and properly levelled the ground and everything else connected with the job was done to a very high standard. After completion they swept my garden and left everything very neatly. They are very polite and explain everything in detail. Owner and his team are genuine nice people.

google

I've only used the service for a free quote for a start and I very certainly will recommend it. I chanced on to the site while I was surfing the net for an artisan service. Now, I can gauge if I'm offered value for my money. More people need to know about this type of service. And also, the rep that came over to guage the job was very professional and represented well. Good job 👏 👍🏾 👌

google

Turned my nightmare mess of a garden into a dream garden! I can’t stop looking at it!

google

Had a maintenance clean for my artificial lawn. The guys were very thorough, patient and professional. They didn’t complain or rush the job even though the work took longer than anticipated as I hadn’t had a maintenance service for a long while. I will use SayGrass annually going forward.

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At a little loss for words, spoke with a lovely person call Neeru. The initial conversation was positive, great phone etiquette. Was given an immediate price point as a reference. Upon searching around, they were the cheaper deal by at least 1k! I needed a quick turnaround too, Neeru was able to organise and get everything sorted within a week! Honestly shocked at the incredible speed of service, the people who came to complete the job were cordial, laid floor covers down to protect my floors and even swept up after they were done. Some things are expected, but this whole process has shown me that there are just some bits of class and customer service you can’t put a price on. Will be using them for every bit of Garden work from here on out!

google

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google

Saygrass provided me with garden fencing and clearance. I was told that it would take two days and they kept their word. I am pleased and happy with the outcome and would gladly use them again as well as recommend them to family and friends.

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These guys were incredible! They did the whole job in a day, were very communicative and reliable. They have got to be the go-to company for artificial turf. With over 7 years in the industry they know what they are doing.

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I would really recommend this service. Friendly staff .Very helpful. I will definitely use this company again :)

google

The team were attentive to detail, friendly, and efficient. The installation was completed by day 2 and the team was very proficient. I am very pleased with the end outcome, and the soft grass that was chosen looks excellent. I would like to thank Saygrass for transforming the garden and to give them the highest recommendation. Overall, it was a great experience with top service and installation.