One of the most common questions we’re asked is how long artificial grass installation actually takes. The short answer? Between 1 and 3 days — depending on the size of your garden, how much groundwork is needed, and whether you’re doing it yourself or bringing in professionals.
At As Good As Grass, we’ve been fitting lawns across Greater Manchester and the North West for over 20 years. Here’s what really decides the installation timeline, and how to plan for it.
The Quick Answer
- Small garden (20–30m²): usually 1 day with a professional team.
- Medium garden (40–70m²): 2 days.
- Large/complex garden (100m²+): 3+ days.
Thinking about a full garden makeover? Book our artificial grass installation service.
What Affects the Installation Time?
Several factors can speed up — or slow down — your artificial lawn project:
- Ground preparation: Removing turf, levelling soil, and compacting a sub-base is the biggest time factor.
- Size of the area: Larger lawns naturally take longer to dig out, base, and finish.
- Shape & access: Curved edges, slopes, or tight garden access points mean extra cutting and manoeuvring.
- Weather: Heavy rain delays base prep and adhesive curing.
- Extra features: Dog-proofing, foam underlay, or safety shockpads for schools all add time but improve performance.
Got pets? See our dog-friendly artificial grass.
DIY vs Professional Installation Times
How long the job takes often depends on who’s doing it. A DIY install can drag into days or even weeks, while a professional crew with the right tools will usually finish in a fraction of the time.
DIY Installation
Most homeowners take 2–4 times longer than a professional crew. A small lawn might stretch into a whole weekend, while a medium garden could run over a week once excavation, base layers, and joins are factored in. Mistakes with compaction or joins can mean redoing whole sections.
Professional Installation
Our teams use plate compactors, specialist turf cutters, and power brushes. That means consistent results, invisible joins, and drainage that lasts. Most lawns are finished within 1–3 days, depending on size.
For a breakdown of prices, see our artificial grass costs guide.
Step-by-Step Timeline (Typical Professional Install)
Here’s how a standard 40–70m² garden installation usually runs:
Day 1 – Excavation & Base Build:
- Remove existing turf/soil (to ~75mm depth).
- Install perimeter edging (timber or concrete).
- Lay and compact MOT Type 1 hardcore in layers.
Day 2 – Levelling & Turf Laying:
- Spread sharp sand or grano dust (10–15mm).
- Compact and screed level.
- Install weed membrane.
- Roll out turf, cut to fit, align pile direction.
Day 3 – Finishing Touches (if required):
- Join turf sections with seaming tape & adhesive.
- Add kiln-dried sand infill.
- Brush pile upright for a natural finish.
Smaller jobs may be finished in 1–2 days, while large or complex gardens take longer.
FAQs About Installation Time
Still not sure how the timing works? Here are the most common questions homeowners ask us about how long it takes to lay artificial grass — with straight answers based on 20+ years of installs.
Can artificial grass be laid in a single day?
Yes — for small, straightforward lawns with good access.
Does weather affect the timeline?
Definitely. Rain delays excavation and stops adhesive curing properly.
How long before I can use my new lawn?
Light use is fine straight away, but we recommend waiting 24–48 hours for adhesive and infill to settle.
Can you walk on artificial grass straight away?
Yes, but avoid dragging heavy furniture until it’s fully bedded in.
Want it done once, done right? For most homes, artificial grass installation takes 1–3 days with a professional team. The size of your lawn, site conditions, and weather play the biggest roles — but the groundwork is what makes a lawn last 10+ years. Request your free survey and let As Good As Grass handle the heavy lifting.
