Installing artificial grass is a brilliant way to brighten up dull concrete or stone and give your garden a new lease of life. However, knowing where to start with installation can be tricky.
In this DIY installation guide, we’ll talk you through how to lay artificial grass on concrete at home and give you some advice on the best products to use on your patio, driveway or hard stone surface.
Looking for the right artificial grass for you? Browse our extensive selection online or in one of Grass Direct stores. Alternatively, you can request a free sample delivered straight to your door!
Step 1
Before you begin laying any artificial turf, you need to measure your outdoor concrete area to assess the scale of your project. Once you have a measurement of your garden you can work out how much grass you’re going to need.
At Grass Direct, we have a huge selection of artificial grass available to choose from and you can select custom widths and lengths to match your needs.
When it comes to working on concrete, we’d recommend using a product like our Cape Town turf. This is our thickest grass at 40mm and is designed with extra density for ultimate comfort and softness, which is ideal for providing extra comfort on harder surfaces like concrete.
If you’re unsure what type of grass is best for your requirements, get in touch with one of our experts on 03308 185 550 and we’ll help you make the perfect choice!
Step 2
Whether you're working on concrete or stone, you need to prepare the surface before you lay any grass to ensure a proper fitting. Start by removing any weeds and debris from the ground. Using a weed suppressant before you install your grass will help to stop those pesky plants from growing back and damaging your new turf.
You’ll also need to assess the water drainage of your concrete. If there is a dip or slope to your surface then you won’t need to take action, but if you notice that some areas do not drain the water, you will need to address this.
Using a hammer drill, create holes in the stone or concrete to create a drainage system that will prevent water from pooling.
Step 3
The most important step when learning how to lay artificial grass on concrete is to ensure the surface you are working on is even. If the area is very uneven you will need to either fill the lower areas with more concrete to create a smoother surface, or consider breaking apart and re-levelling your patio or outdoor area.
If this seems like a lot of hassle and stress, you’ll be relieved to know that Grass Direct can find an expert fitter who has all the tools and knowledge to get the job done.
Step 4
Unlike laying artificial on soil, fitting underlay is usually a necessary process when installing fake grass on concrete. Stone and concrete are very hard on their own and fitting artificial grass underlay provides an extra layer of protection. This underlay is 10mm thick foam which helps to not only soften the feel of grass underfoot but also absorbs the shock of any scrapes and falls from garden playtime.
Using a specially designed grass adhesive, cut the underlay to size and fix it directly to your outdoor concrete. Our underlay comes with holes pre-cut to ensure proper water drainage.
Step 5
Now you’ve handled all the main preparations, it’s time to start laying your artificial grass. Make sure your sections of turf are cut to the correct size and then you can begin fitting. Roll out your turf and smooth it down so it is flat and even across the whole length of your garden. The grain of each section of grass should be facing the same direction to achieve a uniform, natural look.
Then, take some adhesive tape or adhesive bond (whichever you prefer) and begin joining each section of grass to the other to create one singular artificial grass bed. When all pieces are secure, you can fix your grass to the concrete in the same way you did with your underlay.
Step 6
Now that the hard part is over and you’ve fitted your beautiful new false grass, you need to add some extra support to keep it sturdy and in place over time. Apply a layer of kiln sand to your grass, paying extra attention to the corners and areas with lots of foot traffic. This heavy, kiln-dried sand will weigh your grass down to help keep it fixed in place for longer.
Ensure that you brush the sand through the grass until it is even and no longer noticeable to the eye.
Step 7
The final step. Well done! You now know how to lay artificial grass on concrete. All that is left now is to give your brand new green space a once over with a broom and you’ll be left with a stunning, long-lasting green space installed with your own two hands!
Superior Styles at Grass Direct
Now you know how to install fake grass, there’s no better place to find the perfect product than here at Grass Direct. We’re proud to offer the biggest online selection of artificial grass in the UK and have options for everyone from our essential false turf for those on a budget, to elite artificial grass for those wanting to splash out on their outdoor renovation.
Whatever your needs, get in touch with a member of our team and we’ll be able to help you choose the right turf to transform your dreary concrete into a glorious green space!
