Slab and artificial grass installation

Whether you are looking to replace a patchy lawn or create a contemporary low-maintenance courtyard, a professional installation ensures your garden remains level and drains effectively. In this guide, we break down the costs, timelines, and technical requirements for a high-quality slab and artificial grass project.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: Checking for underground services (pipes/cables) and calculating the necessary "fall" to ensure rainwater runs away from your home.
• Excavation: Removing existing turf, old paving, and topsoil to a depth of approximately 150mm–200mm.
• Sub-Base Preparation: Laying a geotextile weed membrane followed by a layer of compacted MOT Type 1 (crushed stone) to provide structural integrity.
• Edging Installation: Fitting pressure-treated timber laths or concrete kerbs to create a secure perimeter for the grass and slabs.
• Paving Installation: Laying slabs on a full mortar bed (not "spots") and finishing with weather-resistant jointing compound or resin.
• Artificial Grass Fitting: Spreading a layer of grit sand or grano dust, followed by the grass carpet, which is then trimmed, seamed with specialist adhesive, and pinned.
• Finishing: Brushing in kiln-dried sand to weigh down the grass fibres and a final site clear-up.

Typical Costs

Pricing for a combined installation depends heavily on the quality of the stone (e.g., Indian Sandstone vs. Porcelain) and the density of the artificial turf. For 2025/26, expect to pay between £110 and £190 per square metre for a full professional installation including materials and labour.

The total cost is influenced by site access (can a mini-digger get into the garden?), the current state of the ground, and your choice of materials. Natural stone is often cheaper to buy but more labour-intensive to cut and lay than standard concrete slabs.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Gardens (under 30m²): 2–3 working days.
• Medium Gardens (30m² – 60m²): 4–6 working days.
• Large or Complex Projects: 7–10+ working days, especially if retaining walls or extensive drainage are needed.
• Weather Impact: Heavy rain can delay the "pointing" (grouting) of slabs and the gluing of artificial grass seams.

DIY or Professional?

While laying a few slabs is a common DIY task, a full garden renovation is physically demanding and technically precise. Getting the drainage wrong can lead to damp issues in your house or "ponding" on your new lawn.

Professional installers use heavy plate compactors and wet-cut stone saws that provide a finish DIY tools simply cannot match. Most importantly, they ensure the sub-base is deep enough to prevent the slabs from sinking or the grass from becoming lumpy over time.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

Look for a landscaper or driveway specialist with a proven track record in both hard and soft landscaping. Ask the following questions before hiring:

• Can I see examples of previous work? Look for photos of projects at least 2 years old to see how they have weathered.
• What depth of sub-base do you install? For UK clay soils, a minimum of 100mm of compacted MOT Type 1 is standard.
• How do you handle the joints? Avoid "spot bedding" (the five-dot method), as this leads to slab cracking and weed growth.
• Is waste disposal included? Ensure they have a valid Waste Carrier Licence.
• What is the pile height of the grass? 30mm–35mm is usually the "sweet spot" for a natural look that doesn't flatten easily.

UK Regulations

• SUDS (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems): If you are paving over a large front garden (over 5m²), you must use permeable materials or direct run-off to a lawn or border. Otherwise, you may need planning permission.
• Part M Access: If you are altering the main entrance to your home, you must ensure the new levels do not restrict disabled access.
• Waste Disposal: Under the Environmental Protection Act, you are responsible for ensuring your waste is disposed of by a licensed carrier.

Common Problems

• Poor Drainage: Artificial grass laid directly on clay without a proper stone base will become a boggy mess in winter.
• Sinking Slabs: Usually caused by a sub-base that wasn't compacted in layers or was too thin for the soil type.
• Visible Seams: If the artificial grass isn't joined correctly with high-quality tape and adhesive, the "lines" will be visible and become a trip hazard.
• Reflective Melting: High-performance glass (like modern bi-fold doors) can occasionally reflect sunlight so intensely it melts artificial grass fibres. Ask your installer about "heat-resistant" options if you have large south-facing windows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is artificial grass safe for dogs and cats?

Yes, but you must ensure the installer uses a permeable sub-base (usually grano dust rather than sand) to allow urine to wash through. It is also recommended to use a shorter pile height for easier cleaning of solid waste.

Does artificial grass get hot in the summer?

Artificial turf can get significantly warmer than natural grass in direct sunlight. On very hot days, it is worth spraying it with a hose for a few minutes to cool it down before children or pets play on it.

How do I clean my artificial grass and slabs?

For the grass, use a stiff leaf brush to keep the fibres upright and remove debris. For slabs, an annual wash with a mild detergent or a low-pressure power wash is usually sufficient. Avoid acidic cleaners on natural stone like limestone.

Will weeds grow through the artificial grass?

A high-quality installation includes a heavy-duty weed membrane. While airborne seeds might occasionally sprout in the dust on top of the grass, they are easily pulled out and cannot take root in the ground below.

What is the lifespan of this type of garden?

A professionally installed patio and artificial lawn should last 15–20 years. The grass may begin to show signs of wear or fading after 10–12 years depending on the quality of the UV stabilisers in the plastic.