How to install artificial grass on concrete

Concrete entrance

Before artificial grass installed on concrete driveway

Artificial grass is an extremely versatile product and can be laid pretty much anywhere if done correctly.

Laying artificial grass on concrete can be a great option for you because:

  • It is kid friendly and will soften any falls
  • It will break up a bland concrete area with some colour
  • It will last longer than concrete
  • It is as cheap if not cheaper than concrete
  • It is quick to lay artificial grass
  • It will last 10 years plus if installed correctly
  • It can be used to completely cover the concrete or just sections of it

I have previously written a general guide on installing artificial grass on soil. This guide will take you through 6 simple steps on how to install artificial grass on concrete. If the concrete is in good condition and drains well it is cheaper and easier than installing artificial grass on soil as the concrete will act as the solid base on which to fit the grass doing away with the need for the groundworks.

These are the steps we take for installing fake grass on concrete:

1. Prepare the equipment needed

Tools we use for the work

  • Stiff Brush
  • Hammer Drill and 16mm Bit
  • Glue
  • Artificial Grass Joining Tape
  • Stanley Knife and Hook Blades
  • 10mm Underlay (if concrete uneven and bumpy)
  • Artificial Grass (see below on ordering the correct amount)
  • Kiln Sand
  • Power Brush

2. Measure and order your artificial grass

If you intend to lay the artificial grass on the concrete surface yourself you will firstly need to assess how much grass you will require. We have written a useful article on how to measure your space so that you order the correct amount. Then choose the artificial grass that is best for your requirements and call us on020 81664168 to order the grass and arrange a delivery date. You will generally want a shorter pile grass if you anticipate the area will have a lot of footfall.

3. Check your existing drainage

Does the concrete you intend to lay the artificial grass on drain well? Ideally it should have a slight fall. If it does great – no further action is required. If it doesn't drain well use a Hammer Drill with a 16mm Bit in the poorly draining areas and then fill these holes with pea gravel.

4. Is the area you intend to lay artificial grass smooth?

If the concrete surface is relatively smooth you can lay directly on it after brushing it clean and removing any debris. I would recommend an artificial grass product with a deep pile to give the grass some bounce and to prevent any of the contours in the concrete being visible. A compromise will be needed though if you expect a lot of people walking over the grass as in this case a shorter pile is more preferable.

If your surface is unsmooth an underlay will be required as any imperfections in the concrete surface will show through to the top surface. We use a 10mm Foam Shockpad Underlay. The underlay can be spread out in any direction over the concrete area to be covered. We just use a little gaffer tape to hold it in place. The grass will hold it more securely once that goes on. The underlay we recommend allows water to drain through.

5. Laying the artificial grass on the concrete

Simply lay the artificial grass on to the smooth, flat area to be covered. Cut to shape with a sharp Stanley Knife using Hook Blades and leave for a few hours to settle. Stick the grass lightly around the perimeter with Astro Pro Seaming Adhesive. Remember too much glue will stop water escaping and you will never be able to lift and replace the grass if needed. So look where the water is likely to run off and make sure to leave gaps between the glue for it to escape. Glue as close to the edge of the perimeter as you can.

We always use Artificial Grass Joining Tape if making a join rather than sticking the join directly to the concrete, as we want as little glue down as possible. Here are some more detailed instructions on joining the grass.

6. Add kiln sand to the fake grass

When the artificial grass is fully dry add a layer of Kiln Sand paying particular attention to the areas close to doors or gates. The sand will help pin the grass to the ground in these well trodden areas.

Take a look at a project where we installed artificial grass on concrete

Following these steps you too will be left with an artificial grass flooring that will brighten up your space. Good luck if you intend laying the artificial grass yourself.

It has taken me many years of hard work to be able to provide the type of artificial grass installation service we now offer. Because of the enduring attention to detail and the dedication of my team I am in the enviable position of receiving many requests from people all over the world looking for help with their artificial grass installations. Whilst this brings a huge smile to my face we are still only a relatively small family owned and run business with limited resources. We currently offer our services within Kent, South East London, Hertfordshire, Essex and parts of Surrey. Whilst I am happy to answer general questions in the comments section below from anyone it may take up to 1 week for me to get back to you. Please make sure you have read other readers questions and my answers first as your question may have already been asked.

Priority will be given to answering questions from people looking for Perfect Grass to fit and supply our own artificial grass products. Please fill out the quotation form or call us on020 81664168

For others looking for a priority response to aspecific question relating to their own installation a£50 consultation fee is charged. My goal is to respond within 48 hours in these circumstances. For this specific online assistance please email me at info@perfectgrassltd.co.uk with your questions. I often require photographs to accompany your question in order to provide the best answer.

 Gavin Hall

https://www.perfectgrassltd.co.uk

Gavin is the founder of Perfect Grass Ltd. He has more than 16 years artificial grass experience. In his spare time he likes football (season ticket holder at West Ham United) going to the gym and sleeping. You can follow Gavin on Twitter and also on Facebook