How to lay artificial grass: clear the old lawn, build a firm and well-drained compacted base, roll out the turf, join the seams, then pin and edge it. The biggest mistake is skipping base preparation, because a soft or uneven base shows up as ripples and puddles within months.
This guide covers the whole job from marking out to finishing, how to lay artificial grass over soil or concrete, when to do it in Sydney, and what help costs.
Key points
- Autumn and spring are the easiest seasons to work in Sydney, because the ground is workable and the turf won’t be too hot to handle.
- The one piece of kit that matters most is a plate compactor, which sets a firm, even base for the turf.
- Check the NSW noise hours before you run a compactor or saw, and book a licensed plumber or handyman for drainage, edging and retaining work.
- A Sydney gardener typically charges about $75 per hour, with a range of $52 to $115 including GST (October 2026).
When to lay artificial grass in Sydney
You can lay synthetic turf in any season, but dry, mild weather makes the base work and seaming much easier.
| Season | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (Mar–May) | Strip the lawn, build the base and lay the turf. | Mild, drier days suit digging, compacting and gluing seams. |
| Winter (Jun–Aug) | Lay on dry days only, and delay after heavy rain. | A wet base won’t compact properly and adhesive cures poorly. |
| Spring (Sep–Nov) | Another good window, before the heat arrives. | Turf is easy to handle and the soil is workable. |
| Summer (Dec–Feb) | Work early in the morning and avoid mid-afternoon heat. | Hot turf stretches, and the work is harder on you. |
What you need to lay artificial grass
| Item | What it’s for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial turf roll | The finished surface | Ask the supplier for the width, pile direction and any installation notes. |
| Crushed rock or road base | A firm, free-draining base | Order slightly more than your measurements allow. |
| Plate compactor | Compacts the base in layers | Hire from Bunnings or a hire shop, and wear hearing protection. |
| Weed membrane | Stops weeds growing up through the base | Overlap sheets and lay them flat without folds. |
| Joining tape and adhesive | Joins turf lengths at the seams | Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the adhesive. |
| Pins or nails and a sharp knife | Fixing the edges and trimming the turf | Use a fresh blade for clean, straight cuts. |
How to lay artificial grass: step by step
- Measure the area and mark it with paint or string, then order turf with a small allowance for trimming and pattern direction.
- Remove the old lawn and roots to the depth the supplier recommends, and dispose of the green waste responsibly (indicative — check the plant label or product instructions).
- Treat weeds that regrow before you build the base, and use herbicides only as the label directs, keeping pets and children off until it says it is safe.
- Spread crushed rock in thin layers and compact each layer with the plate compactor until the surface is firm and even.
- Check falls with a spirit level or straight edge, aiming for a gentle slope away from buildings so water drains off.
- Lay weed membrane over the base, then add a thin bedding layer such as sand or fine screenings if the supplier advises.
- Roll out the turf with the pile all facing the same direction, and let it relax in the sun for a short time before cutting.
- Join the seams with tape and adhesive, press them together firmly, and keep the join tight so it doesn’t show.
- Pin or nail the edges at regular spacing (indicative — check the plant label or product instructions), then trim neatly along paths and borders.
- Brush the pile up with a stiff broom, and add infill only if the manufacturer’s instructions say it is needed.
How to lay artificial turf over soil, concrete or an old lawn
The surface underneath changes the preparation, and Western Sydney clay and Northern Beaches sand behave very differently under a base.
- On soil, strip the lawn, add compacted crushed rock and test drainage by running a hose before you roll out the turf.
- On clay, build a thicker base and make sure water has somewhere to go, since clay holds water and turns soft in wet weather.
- On sand, compact carefully in thin layers, because loose sand moves and can leave dips under the turf.
- On concrete, check it is sound and has drainage, and use a shock pad or underlay recommended by the supplier.
- Over an old lawn, don’t just roll turf on top, because decaying grass and roots will rot and settle unevenly.
- Near trees, remove surface roots only as far as council rules and good practice allow, and ask an arborist if unsure.
How to install artificial grass: fake grass, synthetic turf and synthetic grass
These terms describe the same product, but the type of pile and backing changes how you install it.
| Search term | What it means | Installing tip |
|---|---|---|
| Fake grass | Everyday name for artificial turf | Install it the same way, with a firm and free-draining base. |
| Synthetic turf | Often used for sports or high-traffic areas | Ask the supplier about any shock pad needs for play areas. |
| Synthetic grass | Common name for landscape and garden turf | Choose a pile height and colour that suits your garden. |
| Installing synthetic grass on a slope | A job that needs extra edge fixing | Use more pins and a firmer base to stop slipping. |
| Installing near pool or paving | Needs careful edge detail and drainage | Book a licensed handyman or landscaper for retaining or paving work. |
| Installing next to garden beds | Needs a clear border to contain mulch and soil | Leave a neat edge so soil doesn’t spill onto the turf. |
Common mistakes when you lay artificial grass
- Skipping the compacted base and laying turf straight onto soil, which leads to dips, weeds and standing water.
- Failing to check falls, so water pools against the house or in the middle of the lawn.
- Laying lengths with the pile facing different directions, which makes seams stand out in the light.
- Rushing the seams and using too little adhesive, so joins lift and curl at the edges.
- Running a compactor or saw outside the legal hours, which can bring noise complaints from neighbours.
- Choosing the cheapest roll without checking the pile height, backing and how it handles Sydney’s summer heat.
When to call a gardener (or a licensed specialist)
- You have a large area that is too big to strip, compact and lay in a weekend.
- Drainage needs changing or tied into stormwater, so book a licensed plumber.
- Edging, retaining walls or paving are needed, so book a licensed handyman.
- Large tree roots run through the area, and removal may need council approval and a qualified arborist.
- Weeds or lawn grubs have taken hold, so book a licensed pest controller and, for paid spraying, a licensed applicator.
- You’d rather have natural turf instead, and want it laid and then mowed on a regular plan.
Cost of laying artificial grass in Sydney
We don’t have a verified figure for artificial grass supply and installation, so use our artificial grass cost guide and compare itemised quotes. The rates below cover the related garden work and natural turf for comparison. Prices include GST and are Sydney metro rates for October 2026.
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardener, per hour | $52 | $75 | $115 |
| Garden clean-up, half day | $170 | $290 | $460 |
| Garden clean-up, full day | $320 | $520 | $805 |
| Weed removal, per hour | $57 | $75 | $105 |
| Natural turf laying, per m² | $17 | $29 | $46 |
FAQ: how to lay artificial grass
How to lay artificial grass?
Remove the old lawn, build a compacted crushed-rock base with a gentle fall, and lay weed membrane. Roll out the turf with the pile facing one way, join the seams with tape and adhesive, then pin and trim the edges. Brush the pile up at the end and add infill only if the supplier says so.
How to lay artificial turf?
Laying artificial turf follows the same process: prepare a firm, free-draining base, roll out the turf, let it relax, then cut and join it. For play areas, ask the supplier about a shock pad. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, because backing and joining methods differ between products.
How to lay fake grass over concrete or soil?
On soil, build a compacted base and check drainage first. On concrete, make sure the slab is sound and drains well, then lay the underlay or shock pad the supplier recommends. Never lay fake grass over an old lawn, because the decaying roots rot and cause uneven settling.
How to lay synthetic turf and synthetic grass?
Measure carefully, order extra for trimming, and lay all lengths with the pile facing the same direction. Keep seams tight and glued, pin the edges, and trim neatly around borders. For large or sloping areas, book a gardener or landscaper so the base and edges are done properly.
Getting artificial grass help in Sydney
If you’d rather not hire a compactor and work out the falls yourself, we can strip the old lawn, clear the green waste and help you plan the job. Read more in our synthetic grass guide, or book lawn work in Sydney if you’d like natural turf instead.
