Artificial Grass on Hard Surfaces and Decking

We’re often asked questions about how to lay artificial turf onto all kinds of surfaces and the ease of it often surprises people – not least of all when we’re talking about laying artificial grass onto permanent surfaces such as decking or hard surfaces

The steps usually involved are:

• Take measurements
• Consider 10mm Play Pad to even the surface or cover small gaps, such as those between decking slats
• Clean the surface to remove debris
• Trim and shape 10mm Play Pad if used - glue it down around the perimeter. Perfect Glue is a superb artificial grass adhesive.
• Trim and shape the artificial grass - glue it down to the perimeter of the underlay

Decking

Ensure that the decking is stable, clean, dry and newly treated.

Timber decking can provide a suitable base for synthetic grass but be careful to use our 10mm Play Pad underlay to take up the 'gaps' between the slats, in order to avoid the grass being pushed down into the gaps. You'll see marks appear in the grass over time. Our 10mm Play Pad will provide a suitable underlay for the grass and also assist with drainage between the grass and the decking. 

Hard Surfaces - Patio Areas and Concrete

Ensure that the area is smooth, dry and clean. Check for any unevenness and smooth out any bumps, as these will be seen through the artificial grass over time. Our 10mm Play Pad  is an excellent product to help provide a smoother surface and can be laid and fixed by simply applying a bead of glue around the perimeter of the area and adhering the underlay to it. 

If there is poor drainage, make a few holes in the hard surface.

Once the 10mm Play Pad has been installed just trim the synthetic grass to the required shape and size, run a bead of glue around the top surface of the underlay and then apply the grass. 

Roof Terraces and Balconies

Ensure roof is stable, clean and dry. Apply 10mm Play Pad to provide cushioning, take up any unevenness and assist with drainage. Glue the underlay down with a bead of glue around the perimeter and fixing the grass to the underlay using the same method. 

Installation

If you’re gluing to a hard surface, remember to leave drainage gaps every metre or so around the perimeter. Because concrete and paving is less porous, rainwater has to have somewhere to run off glue around the full perimeter will prevent that. You needn’t worry too much though, the fake grass will actually slow down drainage significantly, holding water in the matting (without waterlogging) so only a few drainage gaps in the glue will be necessary.

Note: If you’re laying your own concrete base, consider applying a slight gradient to the area to allow water to drain. Bearing in mind the point above, leave the drainage gaps in the glue on the appropriate side.

Where you are fixing the grass (and Play Pad) to flat hard surfaces please be sure to drill some small drainage holes in to the surface to assist with drainage of water. 

Important note

When planning your artificial grass garden always bear in mind that hot sunlight, reflected and amplified by windows, mirrors and other reflective surfaces, may cause artificial grass to melt or be scorched. Avoid installing artificial grass too close to surfaces which may cause damage.