Lay an artificial-grass patio.

Artificial grass isn't strictly a "patio" in the traditional sense, but for many UK gardens it's the chosen surface for a defined entertaining or play area — soft underfoot, child-friendly, and zero maintenance compared to a real lawn. This guide covers what an installed artificial grass area costs in 2026, the quality differences between products, and when fake grass works better than slab or gravel.

Premium UK brands include Easigrass, LazyLawn, and Royal Grass. Budget options come from Wickes, B&Q, and Amazon — quality and lifespan vary widely.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Excavation to 100 mm and removal of spoil.
• Weed-suppressant membrane.
• Compacted MOT Type 1 sub-base (50–75 mm).
• Sharp-sand laying course (20–30 mm).
• Artificial grass rolled out and trimmed to edges.
• Joints glued or tape-seamed if multiple rolls.
• Kiln-dried sand brushed into pile for ballast.

Typical Costs

Cheap grass under £20/m² rarely lasts more than 5 years — fibres flatten, colours fade, and it looks tatty quickly. Spending £35–50/m² gets you noticeably better quality.

How Long Does It Take?

• 20 m² install: 1–2 days.
• Larger or complex shapes: 2–3 days.
• Annual maintenance: brush + remove debris, ~30 minutes.

DIY or Professional?

Artificial grass is very DIY-friendly, especially in straightforward shapes. The hardest bits are joining rolls invisibly (needs skill and the right tape) and getting the sub-base perfectly level. Most owners hire for both reasons.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Look at samples in natural daylight — colours vary hugely between products.
• Ask about pile density (stitch rate) — higher means more realistic and longer-lasting.
• Confirm the warranty period (5, 10, or 15 years).
• Discuss drainage holes — quality grass has them; cheap grass may not.
• Ask about UV stability — fading is the biggest long-term issue.

UK Regulations

• Artificial grass with permeable backing meets SuDS rules.
• No planning permission needed for ground-level artificial grass in front or back gardens.
• Some councils discourage it on environmental grounds — check local policy.

Common Problems

• Fading — UV degrades pile over years. Premium brands resist 15+ years; cheap fade in 3.
• Flattened pile in furniture areas — fibres stay matted. Brush regularly with a stiff broom.
• Visible seams — poor jointing. Quality install uses tape + adhesive and matches pile direction.
• Drainage failure — bad sub-base means puddles. Permeable sub-base essential.
• Dog use — urine pools in low spots. Permeable backing + sub-base + occasional hose-down keeps it fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions