How to Put Artificial Grass on Concrete: Prep, Drainage & Installation Tips
Emily Greenfield
July 6, 2023
How to Put Artificial Grass on Concrete: Prep, Drainage & Installation Tips
How to put artificial grass on concrete starts with one key difference from a regular lawn install: concrete can’t absorb water on its own, so drainage has to be built in before anything else goes down. From there, it’s a straightforward process of prepping the surface, adding a foam underlay, gluing the turf into place, and finishing with infill. Done right, you can turn a stark concrete slab into a vibrant, low-maintenance green space in a weekend.
This guide walks through each step in detail, from measuring and drainage to laying, securing, and finishing the turf.
Benefits and Challenges of Installing Artificial Turf on Concrete
Installing artificial turf on concrete is a great way to enhance the look and functionality of your outdoor space. One of the key benefits is that it offers a clean, uniform appearance with minimal maintenance. Artificial grass on concrete is perfect for areas where natural grass doesn’t grow well, saving you from the hassle of watering, mowing, and fertilizing.
However, learning how to install artificial grass on concrete comes with its own set of challenges. Firstly, the surface must be smooth and level to prevent unevenness in the turf. Secondly, proper drainage must be accounted for, as improper drainage can lead to pooling and damage. Yet, these challenges can be effectively managed with the right preparation and tools.
Pre-Installation Preparation for Installing Artificial Grass on Concrete
Before embarking on your project of how to lay artificial grass on concrete, some pre-installation preparation is needed. This phase is critical to ensure a seamless installation and flawless final look.
Measure the area
Start by measuring the area where you intend to install the artificial turf. Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of the surface. It’s crucial to have accurate measurements as they will guide you in purchasing the right amount of artificial turf and other materials.
Gather the necessary tools and materials
Once you have your measurements, the next step is to gather the tools and materials necessary for the installation.
Tools you need
Several vital tools will come in handy during the installation process. These include:
- Utility knife: You need this to cut the artificial turf to the correct size.
- Adhesive spreader: This is crucial for applying the adhesive that bonds the artificial turf to the concrete.
- Tape measure: This is essential for ensuring the correct fit of the turf.
- Stiff-bristled broom: This is useful for fluffing the grass fibers once the turf is installed.
Materials you’ll need
In addition to the tools, several materials are necessary for the installation. These include:
- Artificial turf: The star of the show! Ensure you have enough turf based on your measurements.
- Adhesive: This bonds the artificial turf to the concrete.
- Jointing tape: If you have a larger area where you will be using more than one piece of turf, you will need jointing tape to join the pieces seamlessly.
- Infill: This is applied after the turf is installed to give it a more natural look and feel.
Consider Drainage
When learning how to install artificial grass on concrete, consider drainage. Without proper drainage, water can pool on the surface of your turf, potentially leading to mold and mildew.
A slight slope of the concrete area will naturally guide water away. You should install a drainage layer if the area is flat. This consists of a layer of gravel or crushed rock underneath the turf to assist with water drainage.
How to Lay Artificial Grass on Concrete
Installing artificial grass on concrete can transform your outdoor space into a lush, green, and maintenance-free area. Let’s take a step-by-step look at the process.
Clean Existing Concrete
Before you embark on the task of laying artificial grass on concrete, ensure the surface is clean. Remove any debris, dirt, or loose pieces of concrete that might interfere with the smoothness of the installation. You can use a stiff-bristle broom or a power washer to clean the area thoroughly.
Install Drainage Holes
Creating appropriate drainage is crucial when learning about artificial grass installation. While concrete does not naturally absorb water, your artificial turf must drain to prevent pooling.
To solve this, you can drill drainage holes into the concrete. Space the holes about 2-3 feet apart to ensure even drainage throughout the turf. Remember to wear appropriate safety gear, including safety glasses and gloves, when using power tools.
Install Artificial Grass Foam Underlay
Installing a foam underlay is the next step in your artificial grass on the concrete project. This foam layer helps to provide cushioning, making the artificial grass feel more like natural grass underfoot.
Roll out the underlay across your concrete surface, ensuring it covers the area entirely. Cut it to fit using a utility knife, then secure it using outdoor-grade adhesive.
Applying Adhesive to Concrete
Once your underlay is in place, the next step is to apply adhesive to the concrete. Spread the adhesive evenly across the underlay using an adhesive spreader, ensuring all parts are coated.
Remember, patience is critical when figuring out how to lay artificial grass on concrete. Allow the adhesive to become tacky before moving on to the next step, which usually takes around 15 minutes.
Lay the Grass Down
After the adhesive becomes tacky, it’s time to roll out your artificial turf. Start from one end of the space, unrolling the turf carefully over the adhesive-coated underlay. Make sure there are no wrinkles or bubbles as you go.
Cut Your Grass Fit Your Space and Prepare Joints
Trim the edges of the artificial turf to fit your space using a utility knife. Ensure the knife is sharp enough to give clean cuts, avoiding fraying edges.
If your area requires more than one piece of turf, you must prepare joints. Place two pieces together, ensuring the grass blades point in the same direction, and cut the edges to create a neat seam.
Secure the Perimeter and Edges with Artificial Grass Glue and Spikes or Nails
To secure the artificial grass on concrete, apply artificial grass glue along the edges of the turf, then press firmly down. You can also use spikes or 40 D 5” nails for additional support, especially if your space experiences heavy foot traffic. Ensure the nails or spikes do not protrude above the grass to prevent tripping hazards and maintain an even look.
Apply Sand Infill and Brush Your Grass
Applying the artificial grass infill is the final step in understanding how to install artificial grass on concrete. This process helps to weigh the grass down and keep the blades standing upright for a more natural look.
Spread the infill evenly across the turf, then use a stiff-bristled broom to brush the grass, encouraging the silica sand for artificial grass to settle at the base of the grass blades.
To sum up, installing artificial turf on concrete is relatively straightforward with the proper preparation and steps. The result is a stunning, low-maintenance lawn that brings a touch of greenery to your space all year round.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to seal the concrete before installing artificial grass?
No sealing is required, but the concrete does need to be clean, level, and free of cracks or debris before you start. Any unevenness in the base will show through the turf once it’s installed.
Will artificial grass on concrete drain properly?
Yes, as long as drainage is planned for ahead of time. Since concrete doesn’t absorb water like soil does, you’ll need to drill drainage holes or add a gravel drainage layer underneath the turf to keep water from pooling.
Do I need a foam underlay for artificial grass on concrete?
Yes. A foam underlay adds cushioning so the turf feels more like natural grass underfoot, and it also helps smooth out any minor surface imperfections in the concrete.
How long does artificial grass on concrete last?
With proper installation and drainage, artificial grass over concrete can last as long as it would on soil, generally 20 to 25 years with routine care. Festival Turf backs its products with a 15-year warranty covering fading, materials, and workmanship.
Does artificial grass get hot on concrete?
Yes, concrete retains and radiates heat, so turf installed over it can run warmer than turf installed on soil. Choosing a lighter infill, adding partial shade, or rinsing the surface on hot days helps keep it comfortable, especially in warmer climates like Las Vegas and Phoenix.
Can I install artificial grass on concrete myself?
Yes, it’s a manageable DIY project with the right tools. Check out Festival Turf’s DIY installation videos for a full walkthrough, or contact us if you have questions about materials or your specific space.
