In the spring, there can be 136 different kinds of weather within 24 hours.
And that’s exactly why so many people are ripping up their patchy lawns and switching to artificial turf. Between unpredictable weather, muddy footprints, and that one neighbor whose grass looks suspiciously perfect all year round, it’s no wonder synthetic lawns are booming. In fact, the global artificial turf market is projected to reach $12.68 billion by 2027, driven by demand for low-maintenance, water-saving landscaping solutions.
But here’s the thing. Laying an artificial lawn isn’t as simple as rolling out a green carpet and calling it a day. If you skip the prep work, your beautiful new lawn could look like a bouncy castle after a few weeks. Or worse, it could turn into a drainage nightmare.
This guide walks you through exactly how to lay artificial grass like a pro with no landscaping degree required. We’ll break it down into bite-sized steps, show you what tools you actually need (and which are a waste of money), and help you avoid the rookie mistakes that cost time and cash.
There’s even a video tutorial if you’re the “watch it first, then try” kind of learner. Let’s dig in, but not literally. That comes later.
Key Takeaways
- Measure accurately to reduce waste and poor joins
- Remove all natural grass and dig 60 to 80mm deep
- Create a solid, compacted base with crushed stone
- Always use a weed membrane under your turf
- Let the turf settle before cutting or joining
- Align fibres in the same direction for a natural look
- Secure edges properly to prevent lifting over time
- Brush the turf against the grain for a real-grass finish
- Minimal maintenance keeps it looking sharp for years
- Avoid shortcuts in prep work, it’s what makes it last
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before we break ground let’s get your toolbox sorted. You don’t need a landscaping truck full of gear, but you do need a few essentials to avoid disaster.
You’ll want:
- Artificial grass (obviously)
- A weed membrane (the unsung hero of turf longevity)
- A sharp utility knife
- Joining tape and turf adhesive
- Shovel, rake, broom
- Turf nails or galvanised U-pins
- Compactor (you can rent one)
- Crushed stone or decomposed granite for the sub-base
- Sand for levelling (optional but useful)
- A strong coffee or cold drink. You’re going to earn it.
Once that’s all lined up, it’s time to start transforming your patchy garden into the low-maintenance dream you’ve been stalking on Pinterest for months.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Lay Artificial Lawn
1. Measure and Plan Your Lawn Area
Get the tape measure out and size up your lawn area. Don’t eyeball it, this isn’t a “close enough” situation. Measure the length and width carefully, and allow a little extra for trimming and edges. Artificial grass usually comes in set roll widths (typically 2m or 4m), so knowing your numbers helps you avoid unnecessary joins and waste.
Planning ahead also gives you the chance to figure out where those joins (if needed) should go. Spoiler: running them perpendicular to your main line of sight hides them better.
Oh, and if your space has curves, corners, or oddly shaped flower beds, take a moment to sketch it out. It doesn’t have to be architectural blueprints. Just enough to know where things go.
2. Remove Existing Grass and Soil
Time to get dirty. Strip off the existing grass, weeds, and about 60 to 80mm of topsoil. This isn’t just about making space, it’s about removing all the organic material that could decompose and sink over time, leaving your turf lumpy or saggy.
Use a spade, a turf cutter, or brute force (depending on your emotional state). Don’t leave behind roots or random clumps. It’ll come back to haunt you.
Once cleared, level out the area as much as you can with a rake. A smooth surface now saves hours of headache later.
3. Create a Solid Base Layer
Your lawn’s base is its backbone. Mess this up, and no amount of brushing or gluing will make it look right.
Lay down about 50mm of crushed rock, decomposed granite, or MOT type 1. Don’t use regular soil, it won’t drain properly, and your lawn will feel squishy when it rains.
Use a rake to spread the material evenly. Then grab your compactor and get stomping. Literally. Run the compactor across the entire area until it’s firm and level. Think of it like making a really good bed for your turf to nap on for the next 10 years.
If needed, you can add a thin layer of sharp sand on top to help with fine levelling. Just don’t go overboard as too much sand can shift.
4. Install a Weed Membrane
Weed membranes are the quiet MVPs of artificial lawn installations. Lay the membrane directly over your compacted base to stop weeds from making a surprise comeback.
Overlap the edges by 100mm or so, and secure it with U-pins or landscape staples to keep it from shifting when you’re rolling turf on top.
Pro tip: Don’t skip this step. A single dandelion poking through your perfect lawn is soul-crushing.
5. Roll Out and Cut the Artificial Grass
Now for the satisfying part. Unroll your turf over the prepared area. Let it sit for at least an hour to relax the fibres and remove any roll marks or creases. If it’s warm and sunny, even better, the turf will be more flexible.
Cut the grass to shape using a sharp utility knife. Take your time. Work from the back of the roll where you can see the backing lines clearly, it makes cutting straight lines easier.
If you’ve got curves or edges, gently fold the turf over and trim slowly. It’s more like tailoring than hacking. This isn’t the time for guesswork.
6. Join the Turf Pieces
Got more than one piece? Time to get those joins tight.
Lay the edges of the turf side by side, making sure the grass fibres run in the same direction. Slightly trim the edges for a cleaner, tighter fit.
Roll out joining tape underneath the seam (green side down), then apply turf adhesive in a zig-zag across the tape. Press both turf edges onto the adhesive, making sure the fibres aren’t caught underneath.
Now walk away. Literally. Give it an hour to bond. Don’t step on it until it’s dry, or you’ll create visible dents. Which will annoy you every time you see them.
7. Secure the Edges and Brush the Pile
Edges matter. If they lift or shift, it ruins the illusion. Fix the turf around the perimeter using nails or U-pins every 100 to 150mm. Angle them in and bury them deep so they disappear into the grass. Don’t skimp on this step.
Once everything’s pinned and dry, grab a stiff broom or a power brush and give your lawn a solid brushing against the grain. This lifts the fibres and makes it look like freshly mowed grass, minus the mower.
Step back and admire your work. That, my friend, is a job well done.
Maintenance Tips for Artificial Lawns
You’ve laid it. It looks fantastic. Now what?
Thankfully, artificial grass isn’t needy. But it does like a little TLC now and then.
- Rinse it down once a month, especially if you have pets.
- Remove leaves and debris with a leaf blower, rake, or broom.
- Brush it up every few months to keep the fibres standing tall.
- Deal with spills like you would indoor carpet with mild detergent and warm water.
- Don’t barbecue on it. Unless you enjoy melted plastic and regret.
Take 10 minutes a month to keep it looking flawless. That’s it. No fertilizer, no mowing, no guilt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s save you from the “wish I’d known that” moments.
- Skipping the base prep: The most common and most damaging mistake. If you rush the groundwork, your lawn will never look or feel right.
- Using the wrong materials: Sand instead of crushed rock. Wrong adhesives. Random plastic pins. Follow the list, not your instincts.
- Poor drainage: Always slope the base slightly away from your property. Water pooling under turf smells like wet dog. Forever.
- Visible seams: This usually comes down to poor alignment or rushed joining. Take the extra time. Your eyeballs will thank you.
- Edges that lift: Don’t just weigh them down with pots. Secure them properly or they’ll curl up like old wallpaper.
Avoid these, and your lawn will look good enough to fool your in-laws.
Conclusion
Artificial grass is one of those upgrades that sounds deceptively simple. But get it right, and it pays off for years with no mowing, no mud, no mess. Whether you’re covering a small urban patio or giving your backyard a full glow-up, the results are immediate. Instant curb appeal. Less time maintaining, more time living.
But shortcuts? They don’t work here. Uneven base layers lead to soggy puddles. Poor joins? They stand out like a bad toupee. Follow the steps, use the right materials, and don’t rush it, especially when cutting and securing the edges.
If you’ve followed along, you’re already miles ahead of the average DIYer. Bookmark this guide. Watch the video again. Re-read step 4 if you’re still unsure about that base layer. It’s okay. Precision matters.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments. Want to show off your new lawn? We want to see it. This might be a blog post, but it’s also a toolbox. Come back anytime.
And remember: when someone compliments your “perfect grass,” it’s completely legal to smile and say, “Thanks, grew it myself.”
FAQ
How do you prepare the ground for artificial grass?
Under artificial grass, install a 5 to 10 cm layer of compacted crushed stone or gravel, followed by a weed barrier membrane. In high-traffic or play areas, consider a foam underlay (10 to20 mm thick) for extra comfort and safety. This base structure helps with drainage and durability in Portugal’s Mediterranean climate.
What do you put underneath artificial grass?
Under artificial grass, install a 5 to 10 cm layer of compacted crushed stone or gravel, followed by a weed barrier membrane. In high-traffic or play areas, consider a foam underlay (10 to20 mm thick) for extra comfort and safety. This base structure helps with drainage and durability in Portugal’s Mediterranean climate.
Do you have to put anything under artificial grass?
Yes, a proper base is essential. You need a layer of compacted gravel (5-10 cm) for drainage and stability, and a weed membrane to prevent growth underneath. Skipping this can lead to poor drainage, uneven surfaces, and faster wear, especially in Portugal’s warm, dry summers.
What do you put down before laying artificial turf?
Before laying artificial turf, spread a 5-10 cm layer of crushed stone or granite dust, then compact it evenly. Add a geotextile weed membrane to stop unwanted growth. This solid, free-draining base ensures your synthetic lawn stays level, clean, and attractive year-round in the Portuguese climate.
