Have you got a garden in need of some new life? Artificial grass may be the perfect solution to revitalising your outdoor space, but knowing where to start with DIY installation can be difficult.
In this blog, we’ll take you through how to lay artificial grass on soil so those of you out there with natural gardens can create a brand-new, low-maintenance, high-quality area for relaxing all year round.
Not sure which false grass to choose? Contact our expert sales team at Grass Direct on 03308 185 550 or request free samples to help you choose the right turf for you.
Step 1
Before you start renovating your garden, you need to have an idea of how you want your outdoor space to look, and this means planning the type of artificial grass you want. Luckily for you, we have an extensive selection of artificial grass at Grass Direct for you to browse.
Before you start your project, you should have a rough idea of your budget. If you want to keep costs low, you can opt for our essential artificial turf which offers excellent quality at a purse-friendly price. Alternatively, you can go all out and give your garden some extra TLC with our luxury grass range.
Once you know how much you want to spend and the time of grass you’d like, you can begin transforming your garden!
Step 2
If you’ve got old artificial turf, it's time to pull it up. If you’ve got regular grass, this will need to be removed with a turf cutter or shovel, and weed killer should be applied to the soil to prevent further growth from appearing. About 5-8mm of turf should be removed to ensure the soil stays plant-free.
Remember, if you don’t have access to a turf cutter for hire, our experts can help you find a fitter with all the tools and experience needed to save you time and effort!
Once all turf is removed, you need to create a perimeter from timber that your artificial grass will be laid on.
Step 3
Now that you have your soil base for the artificial grass, you need to compress the soil. A key part of learning how to lay artificial grass on soil is to ensure that you have a flat, even surface, otherwise, you risk having a wonky garden which can cause drainage problems and be unstable to walk on.
You’ll need to add a hard layer of MOT Type 1 on top of your soil, which is a gravel-type material, followed by a layer of sand that is filled to the top of the timber perimeter previously laid.
Once you’ve got a solid foundation, it’s time to lay a weed membrane to stop weeds from breaking through the surface and damaging your lovely new artificial grass.
At this stage, when everything is flat, you can measure your garden to determine the amount of grass you’ll need to cover your desired area.
Step 4
It’s time to purchase your grass. All of our grass is priced per m2 and we have bespoke sizing options where you can select your desired width and length. Remember - it’s always better to purchase a little extra and be on the safe side.
At this stage, you can choose any extras you want like grass underlay or other grass accessories to keep your new space in top condition.
Step 5
You’re now ready to begin laying your fake grass. Start by linking your grass up with each of the corners of your timber structure. Make sure the piles of each grass roll face the same direction to give the grass a realistic and uniform look.
Once the grass is flat and even, tidy up any excess grass using cutters to ensure it is neatly laid inside your timber perimeter.
Step 6
Now your grass is laid, it needs to be secured, and the rolls of grass need to be joined together to create one sturdy surface. An adhesive kit like this one provides everything you need to firmly join your grass.
You’ll also need to fix your grass to the timber frame. This can be done using galvanised nails, spaced out at around 15cm to keep your artificial turf secure and in place.
Step 7
Congratulations, Now you know how to lay artificial grass on soil! The final step is to give your false turf a light brush to make it look brand new. Then you can step back and admire all your hard work!
Expert advice from Grass Direct
By now you should be your own expert on laying artificial grass thanks to our handy guide. However, if you’re looking for more advice or want to learn more about our brilliant range of fake grass, get in touch with us at Grass Direct.
We have a dedicated team on hand to talk you through our extensive range and help you find the perfect grass to transform any outdoor space into a gorgeous green haven.
