With artificial grass as the frame, your old pavers are nothing short of art
Want a grass that’s always green? Say hello to artificial turf. It may conjure images of a mini-golf putting green, but fake grass is actually shockingly versatile in your backyard. You can use it to frame your landscape design and highlight the beauty of your paving stones—whether they’re a dreamy flagstone or concrete. The installation is simple, and it just requires some patience and precision. Follow these steps to install artificial grass between pavers like a pro.
Before you get started, you’ll need to make sure the ground is prepared properly. You can lay artificial grass over concrete or soil, but concrete needs some extra considerations. Artificial grass can’t absorb water like a regular lawn; you need a sloped surface for artificial grass drainage systems.
A good way to check drainage is to spray the area with a garden hose and look for puddles. Generally, a properly installed paver patio should have a 1-inch slope for every 48 inches of horizontal patio space. If there are drainage issues, you can drill drainage holes through the concrete or hire a drain pipe installer.
To get the area ready for artificial grass, clean away any debris with a rake or by picking it up. Clear the area of rocks, sticks, loose stone, and other yard debris that can interfere with a smooth installation.
First, plan out exactly where and how you’ll install the artificial grass. Measure out the total area to ensure you have enough turf to cover everything. You’ll be laying turf over the whole area and cutting out the area over the pavers, so you’ll end up with leftover scraps the size of your pavers. Take note of any features you’ll need to work around or anywhere you may need to use your scraps to fill in odd spaces.
The subbase is a vital part of any backyard with artificial grass because it helps with drainage. The problem is that it’s difficult to compact if you’re installing it between pavers. You can try using a hand tamp (providing it’s small enough to fit in the margins). If it isn’t strong enough, use a brick.
Start by laying the subbase between pavers at a general depth of 2 to 4 inches. Make sure there’s enough that the artificial turf will lay flush against your pavers. Next, compact the subbase. If you’re using a brick, place the brick over the subbase material and hit it with a hammer.
Roll your artificial turf over the area. Let it rest for about four hours in the sun. This will help the grass settle, and you should be able to see the outline of your pavers peeking out from underneath. If not, walk between the pavers until you get a clear outline.
At the end of this step, each piece of turf should align with fibers facing in the same direction. Allow a little overlap at the seams (you’ll cut it down later). If there are any flat areas, gently rake your grass until the blades are upwards.
If you’re installing your grass over soil, nail it into the subbase between your pavers so it can’t move as you work (don’t worry, as you’ll remove the nails later). If you’re installing grass over concrete without a subbase, use your own weight to hold the turf in place. It’s crucial that your turf does not shift.
Remember that outline we talked about above? Use this as your guide. Hold your box cutter at a 45-degree angle and cut around your pavers. Ideally, you’ll have a gap of around an eighth of an inch between your pavers and the artificial grass. Any less, and the grass will bunch up along the paver. Any more, and the grass will look ill-fitted. Cut slowly and in small increments to ensure precision.
A hidden seam is the difference between an installation that looks professional and one that looks homemade. For this step, join any seams in your artificial grass. Use your box cutter to trim the excess edges, making sure they line up perfectly without visible gaps. Secure the seam with joining tape. Remove the nails that were holding the turf in place.
Infill—typically sand, rubber, or cork—helps keep your grass blades perky and aids in drainage. Slowly and carefully add a layer of infill between your pavers. Generally, you’ll need at least one to two pounds of infill per square foot. After this step, rake or brush your grass to make sure the fibers are upright.
Installing artificial turf on your own can save you hundreds—and sometimes thousands—on total project costs.
The cost to DIY depends on the size of your patio and the type of artificial grass. The cost of artificial turf is usually between $2 and $5 per square foot, but you’ll also need to purchase a subbase. If turf comes in a roll, you may have to buy more than you need to cover a small area.
The question really is a matter of whether or not it’s how you want to spend your weekend. While the project isn’t necessarily difficult, it does require a lot of precision and some physical strength. For this reason, many homeowners choose to hire a local artificial grass installer.
Fake grass is actually ideal for pets with grass allergies (yup, they can have grass allergies just like us). If you want to find out more about how to install turf for your furry friend, check out the complete guide to pet-friendly artificial turf.
Two of the most popular types of subbase are crushed miscellaneous base (CMB) and decomposed granite. CMB is more affordable and easily compacted, making it a good all-around choice. If your area isn’t perfectly level or struggles with drainage, decomposed granite can create a smoother, well-draining finish. In addition to selecting the correct subbase for your needs, it’s important to properly maintain your artificial turf.
There are several types of artificial grass infills, both natural and synthetic. Crumb rubber has a little bounce, so it’s more common in high-traffic areas or sporting fields. Silica sand (made from quartz) tends to be the most popular backyard option. If you have pets, go for an infill like acrylic-coated sand that has antimicrobial protection.
