🧭 Jump to:
- Why Installation Matters
- Tools & Materials
- How Long Does Installation Take?
- Step-by-Step Guide
- How Much Does Installation Cost?
- Extra Tips from the Pros
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Aftercare & Settling In
- FAQs
Why Installation Matters
Artificial grass isn’t just rolled out like a carpet. The groundwork is what decides whether it drains properly, stays stable, and looks natural. Proper installation means:
- ✅ Stable ground – no dips or ripples.
- ✅ Drainage – water runs away, no mould or smells.
- ✅ Weed prevention – a weed membrane stops regrowth.
- ✅ Comfort – a smooth, cushioned finish that feels real.
👉 Planning a full project? See our artificial grass installation service.
Tools & Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, get your kit together:
- Turf cutter or spade (for soil removal)
- Wheelbarrow, shovel, rake
- Vibrating plate compactor (hire)
- Timber or steel edging
- Weed membrane (permeable)
- MOT Type 1 hardcore (sub-base)
- Sharp sand or grano dust (levelling layer)
- Artificial grass rolls (cut to size)
- Joining tape & outdoor adhesive
- Galvanised nails or U-pins
- Kiln-dried sand for infill
- Stiff broom or power brush
👉 Not got the tools? Our teams handle over 500 installs a year – ask us for a free survey.
How Long Does Installation Take?
Most professional installations take 1–3 days depending on the size and complexity of your garden. Small lawns (20–30m²) can often be finished in a single day, while medium-sized gardens (40–70m²) usually take two. Large or intricate projects with curves, slopes, or dog-proofing features can take three or more. DIYers should allow at least twice as long. For a full breakdown, see our guide to installation times.
Step-by-Step: How to Install Artificial Grass
Installing artificial grass isn’t complicated, but each stage has to be done properly if you want a lawn that drains well and lasts for years. Here’s the exact process our fitters use on every project – broken down so you can follow along at home.
- Excavate & Clear – Remove the existing turf or soil to a depth of around 75mm. Use a turf cutter for speed. Clear stones, roots, and debris.
- Install Edging – Create a secure perimeter with treated timber, steel, or concrete edging. This holds the base and gives you something to fix the grass to.
- Lay Weed Membrane – Roll out permeable weed membrane across the area. Overlap edges by 100mm and pin it in place.
- Build the Sub-Base – Spread MOT Type 1 hardcore to 50–60mm depth. Compact in 2–3 layers with a plate compactor until firm. This creates stability and drainage.
- Add Laying Course – Top with 10–15mm of sharp sand or grano dust. Screed level and compact again for a smooth finish.
- Roll Out Grass – Unroll your turf with the pile facing the main viewpoint (usually the house). Let it rest for a few hours to reduce wrinkles.
- Cut to Fit – Trim from the back with a sharp knife. Change blades regularly to keep edges neat.
- Join Rolls – If using multiple rolls, align pile direction. Fold back, lay joining tape shiny side down, apply adhesive, and press seams together.
- Secure the Edges – Fix grass to the edging with galvanised nails every 15cm, or adhesive if fixing to concrete.
- Sand Infill & Brush – Spread 4–5kg of kiln-dried sand per m². Brush against the pile to keep fibres upright and add weight.
👉 Prefer a guaranteed finish? Book our professional turf installation service.
How Much Does Installation Cost?
The price of fitting artificial grass depends on the size of your lawn, the quality of turf you choose, and how much groundwork is needed. As a ballpark, most UK gardens cost between £60–£80 per m² for a full supply-and-fit service. Premium products such as our Elite range cost more upfront but last longer, giving better value over 10–15 years. For a clear breakdown, see our artificial grass pricing guide.
Extra Tips from the Pros
Once you know the basics, it’s the little pro touches that separate a quick DIY job from a lawn that looks and feels professionally fitted. These insider tips will help you get a softer finish, avoid common mistakes, and make your grass stand up to pets, play, and all-weather use.
- Use grano dust instead of sand for pet-heavy gardens – it drains better and resists odours.
- Don’t add a second membrane if dogs will use the lawn – it can trap smells.
- Always align the pile direction the same way for a natural look.
- Save offcuts for mats, golf putting greens, or pet play areas.
👉 For schools and nurseries, check our artificial grass installation service for playgrounds.
Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the right steps, it’s easy to make errors that shorten the life of your lawn. Here are the most common pitfalls our installers see:
- Using soft builders’ sand instead of sharp sand or grano dust – it shifts and holds water.
- Skipping proper compaction – leads to dips and ripples over time.
- Laying pile directions differently – makes joins stand out.
- Adding a second membrane in pet areas – traps odours.
- Not securing the edges every 15cm – causes turf to lift or curl.
Follow the right method once and your lawn will stay firm, flat, and natural-looking for years.
Aftercare & Settling In
Your new lawn will look ready to use straight away, but giving it a little time and care will make sure it lasts. Allow 24–48 hours before moving heavy furniture onto it so adhesives and infill can bed in. Brush the pile weekly with a stiff broom to keep fibres upright, and top up sand infill every few years. With light maintenance, a professionally installed lawn should last 10–15 years without losing its look or feel. For more inspiration, see our artificial grass for gardens page.
FAQs About Installing Artificial Grass
Still not sure how it all comes together? Here are the most common installation questions we get asked – with clear answers from our fitting team.
- How do you prepare the ground? Excavate ~75mm, compact MOT Type 1, add 10–15mm of sand/grano, then lay weed membrane.
- Do I need a membrane? Yes. A permeable weed membrane stops weeds without blocking drainage.
- What’s the best base for dogs? MOT Type 1 with grano dust top layer + polyurethane-backed turf. See our dog-friendly artificial grass range.
- Do I have to glue artificial grass down? Glue is used for joins and concrete bases. On soil installs, edges are secured with nails or pins.
- Why brush sand into artificial grass? It adds weight, keeps fibres upright, and protects against heat and wear.
- Can I do it myself? Yes – but most DIY installs take 2–4x longer than a pro team.
- How much does it cost to lay artificial grass? £60–£80 per m² on average. See our pricing guide.
- How long does it last if done properly? 10–15 years is normal with correct prep and light maintenance.
Final Word
Installing artificial grass is a physical job – but the payoff is a low-maintenance, year-round green lawn. Follow the steps above and you’ll get a solid DIY finish. Or call in As Good As Grass for a professional install that’s guaranteed to last.
👉 Request your free survey today and see why homeowners across Greater Manchester trust us with their gardens.
