How To Install An Artificial Lawn (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Yard and Outdoors
• Lawn Care

How to Install Artificial Turf Download Article Putting in synthetic grass to achieve a lawn that's always green Co-authored by Benjamin Hansen

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved

Download Article

• Preparing the Area
|
• Installing the Base
|
• Installing the Lawn
|
• Video
|
• Expert Q&A
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Benjamin Hansen. Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 438,595 times.

With proper installation, an artificial lawn requires no regular maintenance apart from an occasional spray to keep it clean.[1] The installation itself can be intense, especially for a large lawn, so recruit a few strong friends to help with the process. Even though upkeep is significantly reduced, occasional care is needed to maintain aesthetics and longevity. Despite the intensive setup, the long-term convenience of reduced maintenance makes artificial lawns an attractive choice, prompting users to consider trade-offs between installation effort and ongoing ease.

Things You Should Know

• Remove any weeds with weed killer, then use a rototiller to remove the top layer of soil to start with a clean slate.
• Install a waterproof lawn border along the edges of the area, and lay down a weed barrier. Then, spread a base material like crushed rock or gravel.
• Roll out the turf and use a carpet cutter to trim it to shape. Join the edges with seaming material or tape. Then, fasten the perimeter with stakes or edging.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Preparing the Area

Download Article

1. 1 Spray the areas with a weed killer. For any existing vegetation (grass and weeds) in the area where you want to lay your turf, start by spraying with Round-Up or a similar product to kill all of the vegetation in the area. Do this at least two weeks before you start your project to give it time to work and kill off all of the vegetation in the area. This will help to ensure that all of the plant material is dead down to the roots.
2. 2 Remove the top level of soil. If installing the lawn over soil, dig up the top 3 or 4 inches (7.5–10 centimeters) of sod to make room for the new base.[2] You can use a small rototiller to help you dig up the lawn and break up the soil. Remove all existing grass and other plants, or they may create an uneven surface after they die.
   • Let rain-soaked soil dry for a few days before you excavate, to prevent slumping.[3]
   • While the remaining surface doesn't need to be perfectly graded, walk over it or use a hand tamp to compact any obviously loose soil. A slight slope is recommended to improve drainage.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Plan your drainage. Installations over well-draining soil should have few issues with drainage, as the artificial grass should be permeable to water, and the aggregate base described below provides an additional drainage layer. If you are installing the lawn over poorly-draining soil or a hard surface such as concrete, take the following precautions:
   • If there is no drain near the lawn, install a drainage system before you continue.
   • If your area only experiences light rainfall, it may be enough to leave small drainage gaps every 6" (15 cm) around the perimeter.
4. 4 Install a border. Install a waterproof border along the perimeter if one is not already present, in order to keep the lawn from slumping or separating over time. A plastic bender board is a common, effective option.
   • If you're interested in a more involved overhaul, you can pour a concrete curb around the area instead.
   • Make sure the border won't protrude above the grass level, or it may inhibit drainage.
5. 5 Add a weed barrier (optional). If you are concerned about weeds growing through your artificial grass, lay out a geotextile barrier at the bottom of the excavated area.[4] This may also help deter gophers and earthworms from digging through your synthetic turf.
   • Keep in mind that a geotextile barrier is a tightly woven, fairly heavy weed blocker. You can purchase one from an artificial turf supplier, at a true nursery or garden center, or from a landscape and irrigation supply business. A geotextile barrier is not the same thing as a weed blocker that you might buy from a home improvement store.
   • You may install this over the base material instead.
   • If you have a major rodent issue, consider a layer of rodent wire as well.
   • Contact a professional rodent and pest control business for help to remove rodents. If left alone, rodents will wreak havoc on your artificial lawn.
Advertisement

Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Installing the Base

Download Article

1. 1 Add the base material.[5] Purchase finely crushed rock, gravel, or decomposed granite, with particles under ⅜" (10 mm). Fill the excavated area with about three to four inches (7.5–10 cm) of this material to prevent slumping and improve drainage.
   • You'll need approximately one cubic yard of material for every 100 square feet of lawn (0.82 cubic meters per 10 square meters).[6] The information available for your specific product may provide a more accurate coverage estimate.
   • If installing the lawn over concrete or another hard surface, a rubber shock pad or self-leveling compound can work instead. Alternatively, you can skip this step if you are certain the concrete has adequate slope for drainage and that you can completely cover the edge of the slab with the artificial grass.
   • If children will be playing on the artificial lawn, then you may want to go with a shock pad for safety reasons.
2. 2 Grade the base. Use a landscaping rake to smooth out the base material. Use a bubble level, string, and ruler to grade flat surfaces to a 2–3% slope (a 2–3 foot drop per 100 feet), sloping down to the drainage system or curb.
3. 3 Moisten and compact the base. Sprinkle the gravel or sand lightly with a garden hose (be sure not to over water) to lubricate the particles in preparation for compaction. Use a plate compactor, roller compactor, or hand tamp to compact the material into a sturdy base, reducing it to 90% or less of its original depth (a drop of about 0.3 inches / 7.5 mm).[7] This will likely require several passes back and forth over the area. Go in different, overlapping directions on each pass for best compaction results.
   • A vibratory plate compactor is the most effective option for this purpose.
   • These tools are available from tool rental services. The hand tamp is the cheapest to purchase permanently.
4. 4 Roll out the lawn on the side while the base dries. Unroll the artificial turf somewhere to the side, as it may take a couple of hours to recover its shape after being transported in rolls. Wait until the base dries, then make sure it is smooth and firm before you continue.
   • If the base is not smooth, it needs more compaction.
   • If the base ended up lower than expected, you may need to pour in and compact an additional layer, to ensure a fairly flat join between the artificial turf and surrounding surfaces.
Advertisement

Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Installing the Lawn

Download Article

1. 1 Lay out the turf. Measure the area where the lawn will be laid out, and the width and length of the turf strips. With a partner, stretch out each strip of turf and lay it down over the prepared base. Avoid dragging the lawn over the base, or you may disturb the smooth surface.[8]
   • In most artificial turf, the fake grass blades bend in one direction. Make sure all the turf is installed with the blades in the same direction, or your grass will look less natural.
2. 2 Cut the turf where necessary. Use a carpet cutter or utility knife to cut the underside of the turf whenever required by the shape of the project area.[9]
   • When making long cuts, cut short distances at a time and compare to the edge to make sure there are no significant gaps. Drawing the cut line onto the back with a marker may also help.
3. 3 Get a carpet stretcher (optional). For best results, use a carpet stretcher to stretch the turf strips just before you seam or fasten them, as described below. Press the stretcher flat against the turf with the bristles facing down, and kick the padded end firmly with your knee. Stretching the turf eliminates wrinkles, reduces expansion from heat, and helps secure the surface tightly to the ground.[10]
   • This tool is also called a carpet kicker.
4. 4 Seam the turf strips together. There are several ways to join two strips of synthetic turf. A product made by the same company that sold your turf may provide the best results since it will be designed for use on your lawn. Here are the most common options:
   • Line up the two strips close together, then fold the edges back and lay artificial lawn seaming material on the exposed base. Cover the seaming material with the accompanying adhesive product, then fold the strips back over the seaming material and let dry.[11] Use the manufacturer's recommended adhesive only.
   • Or lay a length of seaming tape or strong outdoor tape on the ground and place the two strips on top of it.[12]
   • Or fasten together with stakes, approximately one every three inches (7.5 cm).
5. 5 Fasten the turf perimeter. Use 4–6 inch (10.2–15.2 cm) galvanized stakes or landscaping anchor pins to fasten the turf around the perimeter, at 6 inch (15 cm) intervals. Hammer them flat, but avoid excessive hammering, which can cause dips in the lawn.[13]
   • For maximum strength, offset the stakes on opposite sides, rather than using two lines of stakes exactly opposite each other.[14]
6. 6 Add infill or ballast appropriate to your product. Most artificial turf requires added particles to keep the bristles standing, weigh the grass down, and provide cushioning for athletic activities. While the lawn is completely dry, apply a thin layer of one of these materials, by hand or using a drop spreader. Rake in each layer to smooth it out. Repeat until approximately half the blade length is covered.[15] For best results, use the material and amount of material specified by your product's manufacturers. These are the most common options:
   • Washed silica sand is used primarily as ballast to weigh the turf down. If your turf requires infill, sand alone may not be enough.
   • Black crumb rubber provides the most cushioning and support for the grass blades. They may make a mess if the lawn is installed on a slope, or if pets use the lawn as a toilet.
   • Copper slag absorbs odors from pets better than other options.
   • Some dense products do not require infill. Some professionals prefer to add infill anyway for strength, although this is a somewhat controversial topic.
7. 7 Brush the turf in between infill applications. After each raking of infill material, use a power broom to "bloom" your turf, brushing up the grass blades. If you cannot find a power broom, use a stiff nylon-bristled broom or carpet rake.
8. 8 Water the lawn. This will help the infill or ballast settle. Check the material the next day to see the final result. If the lawn isn't bouncy enough or too much of each grass blade is exposed, rake in another layer of infill.[16]
   • Optionally, use a leaf-blower to clear debris from the surface once finished.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How do I prepare soil if I want to overseed a lawn? Jeremy Yamaguchi Lawn Care Specialist Jeremy Yamaguchi is a Lawn Care Specialist and the Founder/CEO of Lawn Love, a digital marketplace for lawn care and gardening services. Jeremy provides instant satellite quotes and can coordinate service from a smartphone or web browser. The company has raised funding from notable investors like Y Combinator, Joe Montana, Alexis Ohanian, Barbara Corcoran and others. Jeremy Yamaguchi Lawn Care Specialist Expert Answer Rake a thin layer of enriched soil over your existing soil. This will provide better germination than the native soil you already have in your lawn. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
• Question Should artificial turf be laid in a certain direction? Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Expert Answer Yes. There should markings on the back of the turf showing the direction. Be sure any other turf goes the same way. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 3 Helpful 13
• Question What size nails do you use to hold turf down? Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Anthony "TC" Williams is a Professional Landscaper in Idaho. He is the President and Founder of Aqua Conservation Landscape & Irrigation, an Idaho Registered Landscape Business Entity. With over 21 years of landscaping experience, TC has worked on projects such as the Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise, Idaho. He is a Idaho Registered Contractor and a previously Licensed Irrigator in the State of Texas. Anthony "TC" Williams Professional Landscaper Expert Answer Use 4 to 6 inch (10 2-15) galvanized stakes placed approximately 6 inches apart. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 12

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Things You'll Need

• Gravel, crushed rock, sand, or aggregate
• Shovel
• Landscaping rake
• Garden hose
• Plate compactor, roller compactor, or hand tamp (available from tool rental services)
• Artificial turf
• Seaming sheets, seaming tape, and/or outdoor glue
• Galvanized nails or landscaping anchor pins
• Plastic bender board (unless a border already exists)
• Turf infill or ballast
• Power broom or stiff nylon broom
• Carpet stretcher (recommended)
• Rodent wire (if necessary)
• Weed barrier (optional)
• Transit and rod or string line
• Line level

Tips

• If installing the lawn over very soft or eroding soil, you may wish to compact a layer of larger rock particles, approximately ¾" (2 cm) in diameter, then add a layer of smaller material above that as described in the instructions above. Make sure that these rocks are not too big or they may tear or poke through the turf. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Take care not to damage any irrigation lines while excavating for the artificial lawn. If using drip irrigation lines, use an irrigation plug or clamp to shut off water along the length of the artificial lawn. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Keep the lawn away from barbecues, cigarettes, and other heat sources, or the plastic may melt. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Chlorine from swimming pools may discolor your artificial lawn. You may not want to install the lawn within three feet (0.9 meters), in order to avoid this. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toLay a Turf Lawn How toLay a Gravel Bed How toTill a Lawn How to Level Ground: An Easy Guide for Beginners How toMake a Gravel Driveway How to Level Your Yard for a Pool How toInstall Decomposed Granite How toLevel Your Yard How toLevel the Ground for Pavers How to Lay Landscape Rock How toInstall Plastic Lawn Edging Above Ground Pool Installation: The Ultimate Guide How toLevel Dirt How toReplace an Old Lawn Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Benjamin Hansen. Licensed Landscape Contractor. Expert Interview
2. ↑ Benjamin Hansen. Licensed Landscape Contractor. Expert Interview
3. ↑ http://www.easyturf.com/artificial-grass-turf-customer-service/how-to-install-artificial-grass/
4. ↑ Benjamin Hansen. Licensed Landscape Contractor. Expert Interview
5. ↑ Benjamin Hansen. Licensed Landscape Contractor. Expert Interview
6. ↑ http://www.easyturf.com/artificial-grass-turf-customer-service/how-to-install-artificial-grass/
7. ↑ http://www.easyturf.com/artificial-grass-turf-customer-service/how-to-install-artificial-grass/
8. ↑ http://www.easyturf.com/artificial-grass-turf-customer-service/how-to-install-artificial-grass/
9. ↑ http://www.easyturf.com/artificial-grass-turf-customer-service/how-to-install-artificial-grass/

More References (7)

10. ↑ http://www.globalsynturf.com/installation/
11. ↑ http://www.easyturf.com/artificial-grass-turf-customer-service/how-to-install-artificial-grass/
12. ↑ http://www.rcpblock.com/installation-artificialturf.html
13. ↑ http://www.rcpblock.com/installation-artificialturf.html
14. ↑ http://www.easyturf.com/artificial-grass-turf-customer-service/how-to-install-artificial-grass/
15. ↑ http://www.easyturf.com/artificial-grass-turf-customer-service/how-to-install-artificial-grass/
16. ↑ Jeremy Yamaguchi. Lawn Care Specialist. Expert Interview

About This Article

Co-authored by: Benjamin Hansen Licensed Landscape Contractor This article was co-authored by Benjamin Hansen. Benjamin Hansen is a Landscape Contractor and the Owner of Artscape Gardens, a boutique landscaping company in Los Angeles, California. With over 12 years of experience, Benjamin specializes in transforming properties into aesthetic, functional, and drought-tolerant oases. Benjamin uses color scheme, dimension, and water conscious spaces to inspire the design and installation of soft scape, hardscape, patios, pathways, irrigation, drainage, fencing, concrete, lighting, and electrical work. Artscape Gardens covers all areas of the C-27 landscape contractor classification. This article has been viewed 438,595 times. 7 votes - 60% Co-authors: 21 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 438,595 Categories: Lawn Care Article SummaryX

Before installing an artificial lawn, prepare the area by killing any weeds or vegetation and adding a base of 4 inches of compacted gravel so the turf will lay flat. Next, stretch out the strips of turf across the area and use a utility knife to trim it where necessary. Then, fasten the turf down at the edges with landscaping anchor pins every 6 inches. Finally, add the recommended filler to keep your turf weighed down and use a rake to spread it out evenly. For tips from our Landscaping reviewer on how to join two strips of turf without creating a noticeable seam, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Indonesian Vietnamese Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 438,595 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Faye Davis

  Aug 25, 2018

  "This article has been very helpful. I'm a single mom and wanted to go at it alone. However, after reading all..." more

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Benjamin Hansen Licensed Landscape Contractor 7 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 21 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 438,595

Faye Davis

Aug 25, 2018

"This article has been very helpful. I'm a single mom and wanted to go at it alone. However, after reading all..." more

Judy Todd

Apr 19, 2017

"This article convinced me that having a professional company lay our artificial turf is a far better idea than us..." more Rated this article:

Peter Smith

Sep 29, 2017

"The process is explained logically and the job does not appear too dramatic with some attention to detail .Thanks..." more

Douglas Tomkins

Feb 12, 2017

"A very good comprehensive visual and written description."

Hue Truong

Jul 6, 2016

"Thanks, it gave a lot of ideas how to install." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toLay a Turf LawnHow toLay a Gravel BedHow toTill a LawnHow to Level Ground: An Easy Guide for Beginners

Featured Articles

How toMake a Paper AirplaneHow toLearn Morse CodeHow toFold an Origami Star (Shuriken)How to Fold and Use a Paper Fortune Teller

Trending Articles

What Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouFinish the Lyrics Quiz

Featured Articles

What Animal Am I QuizAm I Gay QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizAm I an Alpha, Beta, or Omega Quiz

Featured Articles

160+ Good Roasts to Burn Your Friends & Family MembersHow to Play the Snaps Guessing Game140+ Wavelength Game Categories & Questions to Extend Your PlayThe Ultimate Collection of Funny, Cheesy, & Romantic Rizz LinesVirtual Truth or Dare Questions to Keep Things Interesting180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Watch Articles

How toEat GuavaHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a ConnectionHow to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Put Jibbitz on Crocs

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?How to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsWhat JJK Character Am I QuizFade Hairstyle Types for Men: A Complete GuideRecessed Maxilla (Upper Jawbone): Symptoms & TreatmentCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

Do I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizIQ Test For KidsTake QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizHair Curl Type QuizTake QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take Quiz

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• Yard and Outdoors
• Lawn Care

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --752