How to Install Artificial Grass: Ground Preparation and Step-by-Step Installation
Artificial grass appeals for its practicality: always green, no mowing, no watering and no treatment. But installing it demands care, because ground preparation accounts for 80 % of the result. This guide explains how to prepare your plot, lay the strips of grass and fix them down to get a uniform, durable surface.
The materials and tools you need
- Rolls of artificial grass (2 m or 4 m wide depending on the brand)
- Bedding sand (0 to 2 mm) to level the ground
- Geotextile or weed barrier to lay under the grass
- Fixation pins or U-shaped nails, joining tape and adhesive seam tape
- Shovel, rake, builder's straightedge, spirit level, utility knife or carpet knife
- Stiff brush and vacuum cleaner for cleaning after installation
Preparing the ground
- Remove the existing grass and topsoil to a depth of 8 to 10 cm
- Level it with bedding sand, giving it a 1 % slope for water drainage
- Compact the sand with a tamper or roller until you get a firm surface
- Check the level with a builder's straightedge and a spirit level in both directions
- Roll out the geotextile and staple it around the perimeter to hold back weeds
Laying the strips of grass
Unroll the artificial grass the day before and let it relax for 24 hours to get rid of creases. Lay the strips in the same direction (the direction the blades lean), leaving a 10 cm margin on each side to be cut off. The joins between two strips must be perfectly flush: cut the edges against a straightedge with a knife, then glue the seams with the joining tape and adhesive supplied for this purpose.
Cutting and fixing
- Cut the grass leaving 5 cm more than the outline, then trim to fit at the end
- For curves, use a utility knife and cut in several passes
- Fold the edges under the grass for a clean finish along walls and borders
- Fix the perimeter with U-shaped pins spaced 20 cm apart, driven flush with the ground
- On free edges, glue the grass to the border with an exterior adhesive
Sanding and brushing the blades upright
- Spread fine silica sand (2 to 4 kg per m²) over the grass
- Brush the grass against the grain to stand the blades up and settle the sand
- Leave it for 24 to 48 hours then brush a second time
- Rinse with clean water to wash away dust and residues
Choosing the right artificial grass
The choice of grass influences the look and durability. Look at the blade height: between 25 and 40 mm for a natural lawn effect, higher for a very lush look. The density, expressed as the number of stitching points, determines the fullness: aim for at least 10,000 stitches per m² for everyday use. Prefer a grass with a backing (latex or polyurethane) resistant to UV and heavy traffic, and a draining backing for water runoff. Models with flat, slotted blades most closely imitate a real lawn.
The cost and budget to plan for
- Entry-level artificial grass: 10 to 18 € per m²
- Mid-range grass, denser: 18 to 30 € per m²
- High-end, very realistic grass: 30 to 50 € per m²
- Bedding sand and geotextile: 3 to 5 € per m² extra
- Allow one day of installation for 20 to 30 m², with two people
The mistakes to avoid
- Laying on poorly compacted ground: the grass deforms and creates hollows
- Forgetting the geotextile: weeds push through and grow up through the grass within months
- Neglecting the slope: water pools and the grass rots on top of the geotextile
- Gluing the seams without waiting: the strips lift up at the joins
Once installed, your artificial grass needs little upkeep: a regular brush to stand the blades up and the occasional rinse. By taking care with the ground preparation and the seams, you get an immaculate lawn all year round, without watering, mowing or weeds. It is also ideal around a pool, on a terrace or in a children's play area, thanks to its comfort and its complete lack of ongoing maintenance. With an all-in budget of between 15 and 40 € per m², it quickly pays for itself when you compare the water, fuel and time saved against a natural lawn.