Artificial grass is a brilliant way to add a touch of greenery to any outdoor space. Whether you don’t have access to real grass or you want to create a long-lasting, low-maintenance garden, fake grass is a great solution. Before you install your turf however, you need to know how to prepare for artificial grass installation.
In this blog, we’ll talk you through the process of preparing your outdoor space and ground to ensure it’s in top condition for laying false turf.
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Assess your outdoor space
It is essential to assess your outdoor area before you begin with any renovation or installation work. Measure the space carefully to determine how much grass you'll need and assess the ground, checking if it’s flat or sloped so you can identify any extra work or levelling you might need to do before installation.
Before you start any work, you should check out the mistakes to avoid when installing artificial grass to ensure you get things done correctly.
Choose the right type of artificial grass
There is a wide range of artificial grass types available that are each suited to different purposes. Whether you’re laying artificial grass in your garden or laying false turf on concrete, you need to ensure you choose the right grass for your space:
- Pet-Friendly Artificial Grass - If you’ve got beloved cats and dogs, you’ll want to choose a durable grass that’s comfortable underfoot to give your pets an area to play, explore and do their business.
- Artificial Grass for Kids - If you’ve got little ones who want to enjoy the outdoors you’ll need to ensure your artificial grass is thick and padded. Higher density and longer piles protect your children from scrapes and bumps during playtime whilst keeping your grass in pristine condition.
- Discounted Artificial Grass - If you’re covering large areas of ground or want more luxurious grass for great value then you can check out our discounted turf. You’ll find a brilliant selection of high-quality turfs at deal prices that mean you won’t have to settle for cheap quality.
Begin with de-cluttering
The first step of how to prepare for artificial grass installation is to remove any existing grass, plants, and topsoil. This can be done by hand using a shovel or hiring a turf cutter to get the job done quicker. Remember that if you don’t have any tools on hand or you want to save yourself some effort, you can hire a professional grass fitter to get the job done.
Aim to dig around 5-8mm to make sure no grass grows back. Once you’ve removed an even layer of soil across your garden you’ll have enough room to install the various layers required for artificial grass. Double-check that any debris, large rocks or pebbles are also removed for a completely flat surface.
Compress the soil and lay your base
To ensure the durability of your artificial grass, it’s essential to have a well-prepared and stable base. Compress the levelled soil using your shovel or a compressor to make it firm and compact. Then you can place your base material on top. Add a layer of gravel, crushed stone or limestone chipping equalling about 2-3 inches evenly across your outdoor space. Give the ground a once over with your compressor again to ensure your base is tightly packed and even.
A properly installed base will ensure correct water drainage and stop water pools from forming and damaging your turf. For more tips on how to ensure proper drainage for artificial grass, check out our dedicated blog.
Install a Weed Barrier
After creating a sturdy base, you need to apply a weed suppressant membrane to prevent weeds from growing through and damaging your gorgeous new artificial grass.
A barrier like this is breathable so that water and nutrients can still travel into the soil without any weeds pushing through the surface. Secure the membrane using galvanised steel pins.
Add your underlay
The final stage of learning how to prepare for artificial grass is by adding underlay. Adding artificial grass underlay underneath your false grass ensures maximum comfort underfoot and adds an extra layer of protection.
This underlay offers around 10mm of shock absorption to protect children from injuries when falling. It also helps to keep your grass feeling spongy and light for a more realistic and comfortable feel.
You’re all prepped and ready to go!
Congrats! You’ve completed the final part of preparing for artificial grass and you’re now ready for installation. Simply, unroll your grass rolls and place them flat across your outdoor space, making sure the blades are facing the same direction.
Secure with your chosen adhesive or tape and take care to eliminate any gaps in between the rolls. For a more in-depth exploration of the artificial turf installation process, you can check out our DIY installation guide.
Perfect prep and installation with Grass Direct
Now you know how to prepare for artificial grass, it’s time to get started and create a gorgeous green space fit for the whole family. At Grass Direct, we boast the UK's largest online selection of artificial grass and we’re home to a range of experts who can help you find the perfect product for you.
From essential turf that transforms gardens on a budget to luxury fake grass for extra comfort and indulgence, we have it all.
Get in touch today to find out more about our amazing grass range and discover the right turf for you.
