Yes, you can definitely install artificial grass on concrete! While most people think of artificial grass as a lawn replacement, it’s becoming incredibly popular for breathing new life into concrete patios, walkways, balconies, and even indoor spaces like gyms.
Concrete areas are completely brightened up with artificial grass. The dull grey surface becomes a vibrant, inviting space that’s much more comfortable underfoot. The best part? It’s relatively straightforward to install if you have the right materials and follow the proper steps.
Tools and Steps Needed to Put Artificial Grass on Concrete
When planning to transform your concrete surface, it’s important to gather all necessary tools before starting. Can you put artificial grass on concrete successfully without professional help? Absolutely – with the right equipment and preparation.
Essential Tools
Before starting your installation project, gather these necessary tools:
- Hammer Drill and 16mm Bit
- 10mm Underlay
- Artificial Grass Joining Tape
- Weather-resistant Adhesive
- Power Brush
- Stiff Brush
- Kiln-dried Sand
- Stanley Knife and Hook Blades
- Artificial Grass
- Measuring Tape
Step 1: Check the Concrete Surface
Before installing artificial grass, thoroughly examine the concrete surface. Look for any fractures that could potentially damage the grass or create tripping hazards. Also, check for exposed pipes or other obstacles.
A smooth concrete surface makes installation much easier. Clean away any visible dust, dirt, or debris with a stiff brush to ensure proper adhesion.
If your floor screed has become unstable or severely damaged, you may need to remove the concrete entirely, lay in a MOT Type 1 sub-base, and then proceed with your artificial grass installation.
Step 2: Assess Drainage System
Proper drainage is crucial for a successful installation. Ideally, your concrete should have a slight slope that allows water to naturally drain away. Test this by cleaning the surface and checking whether water pools anywhere.
If drainage is insufficient, drill several drainage holes using a 16mm drill bit. Fill these holes with a 10mm shingle to facilitate water movement and prevent pooling after rainfall.
Step 3: Apply Foam Underlay
When installing artificial grass, do you need underlay for artificial grass on concrete? In most cases, yes. A foam underlay helps mask imperfections in the concrete and provides a more comfortable surface underfoot.
To install the underlay:
- Start from one end of the concrete
- Roll out portions of foam, ensuring it reaches the edges
- Cut each piece to the desired shape
- Arrange all pieces before applying adhesive
- Cut pieces to cover the entire area, across both width and length
- Join foam pieces together with masking tape
- Begin glueing once all pieces are properly positioned
Step 4: Lay the Artificial Grass
With the underlay in place, carefully spread the artificial grass over the prepared surface. Use hook blades with a Stanley knife for precise cutting. Allow the grass to rest for a couple of hours before securing it.
Apply adhesive gently around the edges, being careful not to use excess. Too much adhesive prevents proper drainage and makes future replacement difficult. Leave small gaps between adhesive applications where water is likely to flow off, and apply glue as close to the perimeter edge as possible.
Step 5: Apply Kiln-dried Sand
The final step involves applying kiln-dried sand to your newly installed grass. This sand:
- Helps stabilize the artificial grass and prevents creases
- Aids in heat dissipation during hot weather
- Prevents overheating of the artificial fibers
- Keeps the fibres upright and in position
Use a stiff broom to work the sand into the grass after application. This gives your artificial lawn a more natural appearance. For ongoing maintenance, regularly brush the grass to prevent matting and remove any accumulated debris.
Why Should I Install Artificial Grass on Concrete?
Versatility
One of the primary advantages of installing artificial grass on concrete is its remarkable versatility. It quickly transforms any concrete space, whether a rooftop, patio, or balcony, into a lush, inviting area. This allows you to create attractive green spaces in locations where growing natural grass would be impossible.
Low Maintenance
Compared to natural grass, artificial turf requires significantly less upkeep. You’ll never need to worry about:
- Mowing
- Watering
- Fertilizing
- Weed control
This translates directly into savings of time, money, and effort over the lifespan of your installation. You can enjoy a beautiful green environment without the hassle of regular maintenance when you install artificial grass on your concrete surface.
Durability
Concrete surfaces can be harsh and unforgiving, but artificial grass underlay for concrete helps create a surface that withstands heavy foot traffic and various weather conditions. The combination provides exceptional longevity.
Your outdoor space will remain vibrant for many years because artificial grass is made from durable, long-lasting materials. Additionally, quality artificial grass resists fading, so you won’t need to worry about it losing its colour over time.
Comfort and Safety
During summer months, concrete surfaces can become uncomfortably hot to walk on. Artificial grass provides a soft, cushioned surface that’s more comfortable for walking, sitting, and playing. It creates a safer environment compared to hard concrete, particularly for young children, as it reduces the risk of injuries from falls.
If children will be using the space, installing adequate padding beneath the grass is essential to prevent injuries. With the right combination of underlay and infill, artificial grass can look and feel remarkably similar to natural grass.
Environmentally Friendly
Artificial grass installed on concrete can have positive environmental impacts. It conserves water resources since it never needs watering, a crucial benefit in drought-prone regions. Additionally, it eliminates the need for pesticides and fertilizers, making outdoor spaces:
- Healthier for people and pets
- More environmentally sustainable
- Free from harmful chemical runoff
Aesthetically Pleasing
Concrete often appears dull and uninviting. Adding artificial grass brings colour and charm to your outdoor area. With various shades of green available, you can select the one that best matches your aesthetic preferences.
Bottom Line
Concrete can be easily transformed from a dull and boring surface to a vibrant, amiable area by installing fake grass. You may take advantage of the usefulness of a lush green lawn without the effort of upkeep by following our easy-to-follow guidelines. It offers a useful and visually attractive option for any concrete area, including balconies, patios, and other hard surfaces. This way, you may breathe new life into your concrete and make it blend well with your yard by covering it with artificial grass.
Are you looking for high-quality concrete to build a foundation for artificial grass? Contact our specialists at Pro-Mix Concrete London to acquire more information about our concrete mix designs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, artificial grass can be installed directly on concrete, but using an underlay for artificial grass is highly recommended for better comfort, shock absorption, and appearance.
When properly installed with quality materials, artificial grass on concrete can last 10-15 years, depending on the amount of foot traffic and exposure to weather conditions.
No, it’s relatively easy to remove artificial grass from concrete, especially if you’ve left gaps in the adhesive during installation as recommended.
It can warm up in direct sunlight but stays significantly cooler than concrete alone. Using quality infill and proper underlay helps manage heat retention.
Regular brushing with a stiff broom to remove debris and occasional rinsing with water is sufficient for maintenance. For stains, mild soap and water work well.
