How to lay artificial grass on concrete

A common question we get asked at Grand Oak is "can artificial grass be laid on concrete?" The simple answer is yes, as long as it's done properly.

We've created this step by step guide

Check the condition of the concrete

Unfortunately, not all concrete is suitable for laying artificial grass on.

The concrete needs to be in good condition for your artificial grass to stay looking great. If there are large cracks or holes in the concrete, which have caused sections of it to lift and come loose, then it’s unlikely that installing artificial grass directly onto it will be possible.

The best option is to break out existing concrete if it's in poor condition and follow typical artificial grass installation procedure. Minor cracks and undulations can be rectified using an external self-levelling compound or concrete gap filler.

If the concrete is stable and flat, you can usually install artificial grass on it. Just use your common sense to assess whether it is safe to walk on. Remember that you may need a foam underlay if there are minor imperfections.

For concreted areas with significant loose material then it's probably best to break out and remove all the concrete and lay the grass on a MOT Type 1 Sub Base instead.

Is there good drainage?

Make sure your artificial lawn has good drainage. Once it's installed, you don't want water pooling on the surface. Ideally, there should be a slight slope on your concrete so water can run off. But if your concrete isn't perfectly flat, you may need to test it by hosing it down to see if water sits anywhere.

If drainage isn't great then drill some holes through the concrete using a 16mm diametre masonry drill bit. Drill the holes where puddles appear. Once drilled, fill the holes with pea shingle or similar aggregate

Is the Concrete Base Flat?

You can lay artificial grass on a smooth concrete surface after cleaning it and removing debris. A deep pile will give the grass some bounce and prevent contours in the concrete from being visible. A shorter pile is more preferable if you expect a lot of people walking over the grass.

If your surface is uneven, you will need an underlay to prevent any imperfections in the concrete from showing through. We recommend using a Foam Shockpad Underlay, which can be spread out and held in place with gaffer tape. The grass will hold it more securely once it is in place. The underlay we recommend allows water to drain through, which is an excellent idea if the artificial lawn is going to be used as a play area. In some instances, such as in school playgrounds, where there is the potential for children to fall from height, a shockpad is required by law.

How to lay artificial grass on paving slabs.

Similar principles apply to laying artificial grass on paving slabs as it does for concrete. If just a few of the slabs are uneven it might be worth relaying them rather than taking them all up. Good drainage is vital, which is normally achieved with sufficient gaps between the slabs. Again, drilling holes where puddles appear is the solution if needed.

Is artificial turf a DIY project?

Although it is doable, we recommend that unless you're a serious DIY'er, that you get a professional in to install your artificial grass.

If you live in or near Swindon, Wiltshire then Grand Oak Landscaping are the experts you need. If you live further afield then get in touch with us as we have a network of installer contacts.