Artificial Grass Installation: What to Expect, Costs, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

What to Expect, Costs, and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Costs vary by access, waste removal, sub-base depth, edging, and chosen turf. As a ballpark: small straightforward gardens might start around £55–£75 per m² installed; more complex jobs with significant excavation, waste, or fancy edging can climb. DIY supply‑only turf typically ranges £12–£30+ per m² depending on quality and pile height, but remember you’ll still need aggregates, geotextiles, fixing materials, and tools, and judging by the amount of DIY jobs we get asked to put right it might not be a wise investment.

The process begins with excavation: remove the lawn plus enough soil to accommodate sub-base and screed, commonly 75–100mm depending on ground conditions. Lay a geotextile separator if soil is soft or to prevent sub-base contamination. Install MOT Type 1 or a permeable alternative and compact in thin layers to refusal. On clay or soggy plots, design for drainage: falls away from properties, soakaways where appropriate, and avoid creating a watertight “bowl.”

Next is screeding with sharp sand or, better, granite dust (less likely to move and better around pets). Compact to a smooth, level plane with a slight fall. Fit edging, treated timber, composite, steel, or concrete haunching, so you have a firm edge to pin or glue to thus preventing creep.

Roll out the grass in the same pile direction across all pieces. Cut cleanly from the back with a sharp knife. For joins, trim factory edges to remove selvedge, butt fibres – not backing – then use quality seaming tape and polyurethane adhesive. Weight the seam while it cures. Brush to blend.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Inadequate sub-base depth of compaction: leads to dips and puddling.
• Poor drainage planning: causes odours (especially with pets) and moss.
• Using kiln-dried sand in pet areas: can trap smells; use pet-friendly infill.
• Visible seams: from misaligned pile direction or cutting through stitch rows.
• No edging: turf migrates and edges fray.

DIY vs professional?

DIY can work for small, regular areas with good access. Professional installation shines when you need groundworks, multiple seams, precise edges around trees/decking, or guaranteed fall/drainage. Reputable installers provide warranties on workmanship and can advise on sub-base choices for tricky soils.

Timeline and disruption: Typical gardens complete in 1–3 days depending on size and access. Expect noise from compactors and some mess during excavation; pros will handle waste responsibly.