Installing Artificial Grass on Concrete: Step-by-Step Guide

Installing Artificial Grass on Concrete: Step-by-Step Guide Covering a worn or dull concrete patio, balcony, rooftop deck, or walkway with artificial grass instantly transforms the space into a lush, green oasis with minimal maintenance. While concrete provides a stable base, installing synthetic turf atop it requires careful planning, surface preparation, and the right materials. Skip any step, and you risk poor adhesion, drainage issues, or premature turf failure. This detailed, 1,500‑word guide explains every stage—from measuring to final grooming—so you achieve a professional-quality finish on any concrete surface. What You’ll Learn in This Guide:

• Assessing concrete condition and surface requirements
• Selecting compatible turf products and adhesives
• Concrete cleaning, priming, and moisture testing
• Installing underlayments and drainage solutions
• Precise turf cutting, seaming, and edge anchoring
• Proper infill application for stability and cushioning
• Final grooming and maintenance tips for concrete applications

1. Assessing Your Concrete Surface

Before ordering turf, inspect the concrete slab or deck for:

• Cracks and spalling: Minor cracks can be filled; large damage requires patching.
• Levelness: Ensure the surface is flat; use self-leveling compound where needed.
• Moisture: Conduct a calcium chloride test to confirm moisture content is below 3 lbs/1,000 ft²/24 hr.
• Slope: A 1–2% slope towards drains prevents standing water.

2. Choosing the Right Turf & Accessories

Not all artificial grasses perform equally on hard surfaces. Select turf with:

• Non-slip backing: Prevents shifting on smooth concrete.
• Perforations: Promotes drainage of rinse water or spills.
• UV-stable fibers: Resists fading in exposed areas.
• Medium pile height (0.75–1.5 in): Easy to clean and minimizes wind uplift.

You’ll also need:

• Acrylic or polyurethane concrete primer
• High-strength outdoor turf adhesive
• Shock-absorbent underlay/foam pad (optional for walkways or play areas)
• Galvanized turf staples or mechanical fasteners
• Quality seam tape and roller
• Silica sand or rubber crumb infill

3. Preparing & Priming the Concrete

Proper surface prep ensures strong adhesion:

• Clean thoroughly: Power-wash to remove dirt, oil, and debris; allow full drying (24–48 hours).
• Repair defects: Fill cracks and spalls with a two-part concrete patch; sand smooth.
• Test moisture: Use moisture meter or calcium chloride test; if high, install a vapor barrier membrane before primer.
• Apply primer: Roll or brush on a thin coat of concrete primer; let cure per manufacturer (2–4 hours).

4. Installing Underlayments & Drainage

On exposed balconies and patios, a thin shock pad improves comfort and provides additional drainage:

• Lay foam underlay: Roll out an approved closed-cell foam pad; seam tape edges.
• Trim to fit: Cut to perimeter with a utility knife, leaving a ¼-inch gap for expansion.
• Drainage channels: For heavy rain areas, place plastic drainage mats beneath underlay to channel water to drains.

5. Measuring, Cutting & Laying the Turf

Precision here prevents gaps and waste:

• Measure area: Record exact length and width; add 2–4 inches for trimming.
• Unroll turf: Lay rolls with pile facing the same direction; avoid tucking under soffits.
• Mark cuts: Use chalk to trace perimeter; incorporate door clearances and abrupt transitions.
• Cut turf: Use a fresh blade and straightedge for clean edges; slice slowly to avoid jagged cuts.

6. Seaming & Securing Edges

Proper seaming delivers a seamless look:

• Align blades: Ensure fibers of adjoining pieces point in the same direction.
• Seam tape & adhesive: Lay tape under seams; spread adhesive above per instructions; roll the seam with a hand roller.
• Edge fastening: Use galvanized staples every 6 inches along perimeter or drill concrete anchors with washers for a mechanical hold.

7. Applying & Brushing Infill

Infill stabilizes fibers and adds cushioning:

• Spread infill: Use a drop spreader to apply silica sand or rubber crumb at recommended rates (1–2 lbs/sq ft).
• Power broom: Brush in one direction, then perpendicular, to settle infill between blades evenly.
• Repeat passes: Continue until blades stand upright and infill is fully integrated.

8. Final Grooming & Inspection

Ensure longevity and performance by:

• Vacuum or blow off dust: Remove loose debris and trimming scraps.
• Roll turf: Use a weighted roller along seams and edges to lock adhesive and staples.
• Check drainage: Simulate rain with a hose to confirm proper runoff.
• Test firmness: Walk across the surface; infill should prevent hard spots and turf should stay anchored.

9. Maintenance Tips for Concrete-Topped Turf

Unlike turf over soil, concrete installations require less weed control but benefit from:

• Regular rinsing: Hose down monthly to clear dust and pollen.
• Seasonal brushing: Lift fibers and redistribute infill every 3–6 months.
• Spot cleaning: Wipe spills with mild soap and water; avoid harsh acids or solvents.
• Seam inspection: Check edges and seams annually; reapply adhesive where needed.

For detailed care recommendations, see our maintenance guide.