Artificial Grass Installation: Step-by-Step Process from the Pros at SuttonBuild
Dreaming of a lush, green lawn all year round without the constant upkeep? Artificial grass is the perfect solution. Whether you're upgrading a tired garden or creating a family-friendly space, artificial turf can deliver a flawless finish with minimal maintenance. At Sutton Build, we’ve installed artificial lawns across South London and Surrey, transforming outdoor spaces with precision, creativity, and care.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each stage of artificial grass installation, share insights from our completed projects, and help you understand why professional installation makes all the difference.
🔶 1. Design & Planning – Where Function Meets Aesthetic
The foundation of a great result lies in thoughtful planning. Begin by sketching your garden or measuring out the area you want to cover. Ask yourself:
-
Is the space purely decorative, or will it be used by kids or pets?
-
Will any garden features (like decking or flower beds) stay?
-
Is the ground naturally sloped or flat?
-
Does drainage need to be improved?
🔶 2. Site Clearance & Excavation – Stripping Back to Build Right
Before any grass is laid, the area must be cleared and excavated:
-
Remove all existing turf, plants, and debris.
-
Excavate down to 75mm–100mm to make space for sub-base materials.
-
Level the area to remove bumps or dips and ensure a slight gradient for water run-off.
🔶 3. Installing a Durable Base – The Foundation for Longevity
A proper sub-base is the key to a long-lasting, natural-looking installation:
-
Edging: Install robust timber or steel edging to secure the borders.
-
MOT Type 1 Base: Lay down approximately 50mm of MOT Type 1 crushed aggregate.
-
Compaction: Use a vibrating plate compactor to firmly compress the base.
-
Laying Course: Add 25mm of sharp sand or granite dust and compact again to form a perfectly smooth, stable surface.
🔶 4. Weed Membrane – Keep Unwanted Growth at Bay
Before you roll out the turf, install a high-quality weed membrane across the entire area. This prevents weed growth without blocking water drainage. It could be positioned either underneath the sharp sand layer or on top of it.
🔶 5. Laying the Artificial Grass – Precision Matters
Now it’s time for the turf itself:
-
Roll out the grass and let it settle for 2–3 hours to reduce creases.
-
Make sure the pile direction is consistent throughout.
-
Carefully trim the edges using a sharp Stanley knife.
-
Join seams with specialist tape and glue for a smooth, invisible finish.
🔶 6. Securing the Perimeter & Brushing Up
With the turf in place:
-
Fix the edges with landscaping nails or U-pins every 10–15 cm. You can also install a treated timber frame on the perimeter and fix the grass to it in order to stretch and secure the fabric properly.
-
Add kiln-dried silica sand infill (unless using non-infill turf).
-
Brush the grass with a stiff broom or power brush to lift the fibres upright.
🔶 7. Aftercare & Maintenance – Keep It Looking Fresh
Artificial grass is famously low-maintenance, but to keep it looking its best:
-
Regularly remove leaves and debris with a blower or stiff broom.
-
Rinse with water during dry spells (especially if pets use the lawn).
-
Brush against the pile to prevent matting in high-traffic areas.
🌿 Why Choose SuttonBuild for Your Artificial Grass Installation?
At Sutton Build, we don’t just lay turf—we craft outdoor spaces tailored to your lifestyle. Our team ensures:
✔️ Proper drainage and base preparation
✔️ Seamless joins and professional edging
✔️ Pet- and child-friendly solutions
✔️ Post-installation support and guidance
We've helped dozens of homeowners fall in love with their gardens again. Just check out our latest exterior projects here for inspiration!
Ready to Transform Your Lawn?
Artificial grass is a game-changer—but only if installed with precision and care. Trust Sutton Build to deliver lasting beauty, comfort, and value to your garden.
📍 Serving London and surrounding areas.
📞 07979399517
📧 stgbathrooms@suttonbuild.co.uk
💬 Get in touch for patios, fencing, turfing, kitchen and bathroom renovations, and full house refurbishments!
