Artificial Grass Laying Guide

Whether you want to create a pet-friendly space, a safe play area, or simply reclaim your weekends from the lawnmower, professional installation is the key to longevity. A poorly laid lawn will ripple, sink, and drain poorly, whereas a professionally installed system can last upwards of 15 years.

Typical Costs

Total project costs are primarily driven by the quality of the artificial turf selected and the extent of ground preparation required. Difficult site access, the need for significant excavation of existing soil, and your geographic location—with London and the South East commanding higher labour rates—will also influence the final quote.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Survey & Excavation: Measuring the area and digging out existing turf and soil to a depth of 75mm–100mm to create space for a solid foundation.
• Edging Installation: Fitting pressure-treated timber, composite, or metal edging around the perimeter to secure the grass and retain the sub-base.
• Geotextile Membrane: Laying a heavy-duty weed membrane to prevent growth while allowing water to drain through freely.
• Sub-base Construction: Spreading and compacting 50mm–75mm of MOT Type 1 or granite dust using a heavy vibrating plate compactor (wacker plate).
• Blinding Layer: Applying a 20mm layer of sharp sand or fine grit, screeded to a smooth, level finish with a slight "fall" to assist drainage.
• Fitting & Seaming: Rolling out the grass (ensuring the pile faces the house), precision cutting, and joining sections using specialist outdoor adhesive and jointing tape.
• Securing & Finishing: Fixing the edges with galvanised pins or screws and applying a kiln-dried silica sand infill to weigh the carpet down and keep the fibres upright.
• Power Brushing: Using a mechanical power brush to lift the pile and ensure the sand infill is evenly distributed throughout the lawn.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Gardens (under 30m²): Usually completed in 1 to 2 days by a two-person team.
• Medium Gardens (30m²–60m²): Typically 2 to 3 days, depending on the volume of soil to be removed and skip rotations.
• Large or Complex Projects: 4+ days, especially if adding drainage crates, sleeper retaining walls, or complex curves.
• Weather Factors: While excavation can happen in the rain, seaming and gluing require a dry window to ensure the adhesive bonds correctly.

DIY or Professional?

While laying the grass itself looks simple, the groundworks are back-breaking and technically demanding. Removing several tonnes of turf and compacting a professional-grade sub-base requires specialist machinery like turf cutters and wacker plates that most homeowners don't own.

Professional landscapers ensure the drainage is handled correctly—if you get this wrong, you'll end up with a stagnant "pond" under your lawn or a surface that ripples like an old carpet.

There are no specific building regulations for artificial grass in the UK, but you must ensure your installation complies with Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). A professional will ensure the base is permeable to prevent contributing to local surface water flooding.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Portfolios: Look for close-up photos of "joins." A good installer makes seams invisible; a poor one leaves visible lines or mismatched pile directions.
• Sub-base Specification: Ask exactly what they use for the base. Avoid anyone who suggests laying grass directly onto soil or just a thin layer of sand.
• Waste Licence: Ensure they have a valid Environment Agency Waste Carrier Licence to dispose of your old turf and soil legally.
• 3 Questions to Ask:
  • How many tonnes of MOT Type 1/Granite dust are included in the quote?
  • What is the manufacturer's UV warranty on the grass fibres?
  • Do you use a weed membrane both below the base and above it?

UK Regulations

• Drainage (SUDS): Since 2008, UK rules state that front gardens must use permeable surfaces. Artificial grass is generally compliant if laid on a porous sub-base.
• Waste Disposal: Under the Environmental Protection Act, you are legally responsible for ensuring your garden waste is disposed of at a licensed facility.
• Property Covenants: Some new-build estates have "open plan" covenants that may restrict the use of artificial turf in front gardens—always check your deeds first.

Common Problems

• Visible Seams: Caused by poor cutting or not "peeling back" the factory edge. This is almost impossible to fix once the specialist adhesive has set.
• Sinking or Dipping: Usually the result of insufficient compaction or using the wrong sub-base material, such as soft building sand which washes away over time.
• Reflective Melting: High-performance "Low-E" glass windows can reflect intense sunlight onto the grass, occasionally melting the plastic fibres in specific spots.
• Weeds at the Edges: If the membrane isn't tucked correctly into the edging, weeds will find the gap and grow around the perimeter.
• Pet Odours: Using standard latex-backed grass with dogs can lead to ammonia build-up. Always opt for polyurethane (PU) backing for pet installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does artificial grass installation cost in the UK?

On average, professional installation costs between £60 and £100 per square metre. This price typically includes the grass itself, ground preparation materials, and expert labour. High-quality grasses or complex garden shapes will sit at the higher end of this range.

How long does it take to lay artificial grass?

For a standard-sized UK garden (approx. 40-50 square metres), a professional team can usually complete the job in 1 to 2 days. This timeframe includes the essential ground preparation, such as removing existing turf and laying the sub-base, which is the most time-consuming part of the process.

Do I need planning permission for artificial grass?

In most cases, you do not need planning permission for artificial grass in a residential garden. however, you must ensure the installation is permeable to comply with Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) regulations. If you live in a conservation area or a listed building, it is always best to check with your local council first.

Can I lay artificial grass myself or should I hire a professional?

While DIY is possible, hiring a professional landscaper is recommended for the best results. Professionals have the heavy machinery required for excavation and ensure the sub-base is perfectly level and free-draining. Expert installation also prevents visible seams and ensures the grass is securely anchored for long-term durability.

Is artificial grass suitable for households with dogs?

Yes, artificial grass is highly durable and pet-friendly. When hiring a pro, ensure they use a permeable latex or polyurethane backing to allow liquid waste to drain away. Regular rinsing and the use of pet-specific infills will keep the area hygienic and odour-free.

How long will a professional artificial lawn last?

A high-quality artificial lawn installed by a professional should last between 15 and 20 years. Its lifespan depends on the volume of foot traffic and basic maintenance, such as occasional brushing to keep the fibres upright and removing organic debris to prevent weed growth.