Is your decking starting to look a little tired? Has it become a hoarder of green moss? Or perhaps your mobility means you’re cautious of slipping? Whatever the reason, if you fancy a change and are considering fitting artificial grass on decking then this handy guide will help you through the process.
In 4 easy steps, you can completely transform your space with a fresh new green look.
Not sure what fake grass is the right option for you? At Grass Direct we’ve got a wide range of options to refresh any decking.
Why Lay Artificial Grass on Decking?
When first installing decking, you have a stand-out space fitted with comfy furniture, fire pits, and plant life. Over time, however, weather damage, moss, discolouration, or damage can occur on this wooden surface. This means that your once beautiful garden has become drab and dull, but with artificial grass, this isn’t a problem. False turf is a bright, long-lasting solution that can bring a new breath of life into your outdoor space.
How Is Artificial Grass Installed on Decking?
Installing artificial grass on decking is fairly easy and only requires a few steps. With our DIY installation guide, even a novice can install their own beautiful new grass.
Step 1. Prepare your Decking
One of the most important steps in the installation process is preparing for artificial grass. Remove all garden furniture, plant pots and any other items from your decking. Clean the surface with a stiff bristle brush and water to remove any excess dirt or moss. Allow the decking to fully dry out before you begin laying your artificial grass.
If you’ve got any rotten or broken planks these will need treating or replacing before continuing. If your decking needs a protective coating refresh you should also carry this out before installing your turf. Replacement planks are often fairly cheap from your local DIY store. You can also save money by mismatching colours and styles as long as the height is level because they won’t be visible when the grass is on top.
You should also measure your decking so you know how much artificial grass and underlay you need to purchase to fully cover the surface.
Step 2. Installing Underlay
Whilst underlay isn’t an essential step, it’s highly recommended to ensure correct drainage for your false grass. Underlay without ample drainage can act as a sponge for water which not only prolongs the drying process but can lead to water pooling.
Our 10mm grass underlay is the ideal solution to any water issues. Made from a thick sponge material with pre-cut holes to allow for correct drainage, this underlay provides soft footing whilst keeping your turf dry.
If you’re not opting for underlay, be sure to choose artificial turf with a thick density to provide enough support underfoot. Many experts believe that underlay is essential to prevent grooves in your decking from emerging through the grass, but the exceptional quality and thickness of elite grass lets you install fake grass on decking without this issue.
For more on creating a proper drainage system for false grass we’ve got a dedicated blog you can check out.
Step 3. Choosing your Artificial Grass
When selecting your grass, we recommend looking for a thicker density and pile height of at least 20 mm. Each one of our grass models from premium grass and above has a density of over 30mm so you can be sure whatever choice you make, your grass will be thick and sturdy enough when installed on your decking.
Step 4. Fitting Fake Grass to Decking
For an in-depth fitting guide, check out our advice on how to install fake turf on hard surfaces. You’ll want to start by first ensuring you have the correct adhesive materials. You can choose nails, or opt for artificial grass accessories including grass adhesive and tape.
Start unrolling your grass rolls and make sure that the grass fibres on each roll are facing the same direction. You can then move on to fixing the turf to your decking. Once the grass is firmly attached, join each section of grass with adhesive tape so that there are no gaps and the turf becomes one universal section.
“Arrived within a week, was wrapped well and we laid it the following day, easy to handle and easy to cut, looks good when on the ground.” - Shirley (Trustpilot)
Will My Decking Last Under Artificial Grass?
When it comes to fitting artificial grass on decking, the main concern for many people is the potential of rot developing on decking. If your decking is correctly prepared and installed, however, this should not be an issue. Decking boards actually offer additional drainage possibilities due to the gaps in between them so if your grass is installed with a proper drainage system then water issues should be eliminated.
If you have any concerns about the installation process on decking, you can always hire a professional fitter to do the job and set your mind at ease.
Revive your garden with Grass Direct
When it comes to creating the perfect garden, our experts at Grass Direct know their stuff. We’ve dedicated our time to creating an extensive range of false turf that combines quality with value for money. If you want to see our amazing grass check out our gallery or request a free artificial grass sample to experience our exceptional quality in person.
If you have any issues or need any further assistance on the right grass for you, don’t hesitate to contact one of our artificial grass experts.
