Informational Pages

Artificial Grass: Measuring & Fitting

* This guide is available as a downloadable pdf here.

Measuring

  • Most of our grasses are available in 2m & 4m widths.
    (Keep this in mind when measuring, as grass is easier to fit with as few joins as possible.)
  • All of our artificial grasses have a 'pile direction' which usually runs along the length of the roll.
  • Please ensure when measuring that all of your pieces will have the pile direction running in the same direction.

Example:

The diagram below shows an example space which is 3m and 5m at its widest and longest points. We've chosen an area with diagonal corners to demonstrate the ease of measuring an unconventional shape.

diagram 1


a. Measure your space along the widest and longest points, and remember to allow extra for fitting so the piece that you would order for the diagram on the left would be 4m x 6m in size.

b. Depending on which direction you want the pile to face, you can get a 4m x 6m piece or you will need to order two 2 x 3m pieces.


c. The pile direction runs along the length of the roll, which usually means you would have the pile facing towards your house.

  • Double check every measurement for complete accuracy.

Measuring for Adhesives & Joining Tape

a. To join the edges of the grass, use joining tape and adhesive.
b. Joining tape is available in 20m rolls and our adhesive is available in tubes and tubs.
(A tube will cover 3 linear metres of tape but a tub will cover a much larger area.)
c. Please refer to each tub of adhesive that you use, to see the estimated area coverage and work out how much you require based on your total area.

How to Fit Artificial Grass

There are many different ways to fit artificial grass, on a variety of surfaces. We will cover most of them below. Which surface and method you choose to use will depend on any time or budgetary constraints that you may have.

Fitting on Decking

  • Use pegs or nails to fit artificial grass to a wood base.
  • Adhesive can be used, but this would be a permanent solution and could damage the wood if you decide to remove it.
  • If there are any gaps in your decking you should consider adding a layer of plywood or chipboard to create a safe and flat area for your artificial grass.
  • Lay your grass in position and tack down using galvanised nails or grass pegs.
  • Trim excess with a sharp knife or carpet scissors.

Fitting on Soil/ Sand Base

Preparation

  • For a long lifetime and the best results, we recommend laying the grass on a 3.5 - 5cm base of sharp sand.
  • Make sure that you remove any existing vegetation or gravel from the area.
  • You may need to remove any top soil that you have to keep your lawn level.
    Remove Grass & Stones
  • Compact the sand with a plank, shovel or with a vibrating plate compactor.
  • Lay a weed proof membrane on top of the compacted sand and fix in to place using pegs or galvanised nails.
    Weed Proof Membrane
  • Place your artificial grass on top of the weed proof membrane and leave your grass to acclimatise for a day to stop any wrinkles or creases from appearing.

Joining

  • Lay your grass into position, ensuring the pile direction is going the same way on all pieces.
  • Ensure there are no overlaps on your pieces and butt the ends together.
    Joining
  • Peel the grass back and lay the joining tape under the join.
  • Using a spreader, apply adhesive to the tape and lay the grass back over the tape.
  • Take care not to press too hard as this may squeeze adhesive through the gap and onto the grass fibres.
  • Joining TapeAdhesive
  • Fold Down Brush Over

Joining - Common Issues

When fitting multiple pieces of artificial grass together, remember to cut the backing so that the stitching follows in a continuous pattern across the pieces.

Make sure the pile is pointing in the same direction. If this step is not followed, you can end up with a lawn that has gaps or thick tufts along the joining seam.

Trimming

  • Use a sharp craft knife or carpet scissors.
  • The grass fibres are attached to the backing in rows meaning that you can cut underneath the pile to allow the grass fibres to cover the backing.

Fixing

  • Use ground pins or galvanised nails to fix the grass in to place.
  • Space the nails every 20cm around the perimeter to secure your grass in to place.
  • Some fitters add an edging of treated timber to tack to.

Finishing

Silica Sand

  • Sprinkle silica sand or soft sand over your grass and brush through.
  • This will make the pile stand up and help with water drainage.

Fitting on A Patio or Concrete

  • Before fitting, ensure the area is level.
  • You may need to use a self-levelling compound, especially over a patio as the gaps between the slabs can show on your grass over time.
  • Join your pieces as detailed in the section above.
  • Fix in to place by spreading adhesive over the backing.
  • A weed proof membrane is not needed enabling you to fix it straight to the concrete or patio.

Fitting on Flat Roofs

  • Firstly, check that your roof will bear this amount of weight and seek professional advice before undertaking any work on roofs.
  • Please make sure that you don't puncture the weed proof membrane.
  • Fix using adhesive.