The short answer
A quality install follows the same sequence: excavate the old surface, lay and compact a stone sub-base, add a sharp-sand screed, fix a weed membrane, roll out and acclimatise the grass, join the seams, secure the edges, then brush up the pile. The whole job for an average lawn takes 2–5 days. The sub-base and compaction stages are the ones that determine how the lawn looks in five years.
You don't need to do this yourself, but knowing the steps lets you check an installer is doing it properly — and spot the corners a rushed crew will cut.
At a glance
- Typical duration2–5 days
- Sub-base depth50–75mm compacted
- Screed layer10–25mm sharp sand
- Membraneweed barrier over base
- Fixingtape + adhesive at joins
The step-by-step
- Excavate 50–75mm of existing turf/soil and remove the waste.
- Edging — a treated timber or composite perimeter to hold everything in place.
- Sub-base — MOT type-1 or granite stone, laid and compacted in layers with a plate compactor.
- Screed — a sharp-sand or granite-dust blinding layer, levelled to fall for drainage.
- Membrane — weed-suppressing geotextile over the base.
- Lay & acclimatise — roll the grass out, let it relax, align the pile direction.
- Join — seam with jointing tape and adhesive, hidden between tufts.
- Secure & brush — fix edges, infill if specified, power-brush the pile upright.
Quality checks you can make yourself
- Ask what sub-base depth they lay and whether they compact in layers.
- Check there's a fall built in for drainage — water should never pool.
- Look at the joins on a finished job in their portfolio: good seams are invisible.
- Confirm the grass direction is consistent across the whole lawn.
Get it installed properly the first time
We'll match you with a vetted, insured installer who builds a full compacted sub-base — not a grass-over-soil shortcut.
Frequently asked questions
Can I lay artificial grass over an existing lawn?
It's possible on firm, free-draining ground for a temporary finish, but laying directly over soil risks weeds, sinking and poor drainage. A proper sub-base is strongly recommended for a lasting result.
How long does installation take?
Most domestic lawns take two to five days depending on size, access and how much old surface needs removing.
Can artificial grass be laid on a slope or decking?
Yes — slopes need careful sub-base work and drainage, and decking needs a firm, even surface and a foam underlay. Both are routine for an experienced installer.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published cost guides and are intended as guidance, not a quotation.