Why Choose a Professional Installer for Your Artificial Lawn?
While a DIY approach might seem tempting to save on costs, artificial grass installation is a prime example of a job where cutting corners can lead to significant problems down the line. A professional installer brings precision and experience that ensures the longevity and aesthetic appeal of your new lawn. They understand that what lies beneath the grass is just as important as the turf itself.
The Importance of Groundwork and Preparation
The foundation is everything. A professional tradesperson will undertake a thorough preparation process that is often overlooked by amateurs. This typically involves excavating the existing lawn and soil to a depth of around 75-100mm. This crucial step removes the organic matter that can cause sinking and weed growth. Following excavation, they install a robust sub-base, usually made from MOT Type 1 aggregate, which is then compacted with a vibrating plate compactor. This creates a solid, stable, and, most importantly, free-draining foundation. Without proper drainage, your lawn can become waterlogged, leading to unpleasant odours and a shortened lifespan. A high-quality weed membrane is then laid over the sub-base, forming a formidable barrier against any persistent weeds trying to break through.
Achieving a Flawless, Seamless Finish
One of the clearest signs of a professional job is the finish. Gardens are rarely perfect rectangles. A skilled installer has the expertise to meticulously cut the artificial grass to fit perfectly around curves, patios, flowerbeds, and pathways. When multiple rolls of turf are needed to cover a larger area, joining the seams invisibly is an art form. Professionals use specialist joining tape and strong adhesive to create bonds that are practically undetectable, ensuring a continuous, natural look. They also install a secure edging system—often from treated timber or composite materials—to frame the lawn and provide a solid fixing point for the perimeter of the grass, preventing it from lifting over time.
Longevity and Peace of Mind
Hiring a reputable installer through ServiceTasker is an investment in quality and durability. They use the correct materials and techniques to ensure your lawn can withstand everything from children’s play to family barbecues for years to come. Furthermore, professional installers use trade-quality tools that are essential for a proper job, such as turf cutters and plate compactors, which are not typically found in a homeowner's shed. Reputable companies will also offer a guarantee on their workmanship, giving you the ultimate peace of mind that your investment is protected. This is a level of assurance that a DIY project simply cannot offer.
The Artificial Grass Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding what a professional installation entails helps you appreciate the skill involved and what to expect when your chosen tradesperson arrives. A standard, high-quality installation follows a proven methodology to ensure the best possible result.
- Site Survey and Consultation: The process begins with a thorough assessment of your garden. The installer will measure the area, check for access, analyse the current ground conditions, and discuss any potential drainage issues. This is also your opportunity to discuss the type of artificial grass you want and review samples. They will then provide a detailed, itemised quotation for the entire project.
- Excavation: The team will begin by removing your existing turf and a layer of topsoil. This is typically done to a depth of 75mm to 100mm to create enough space for the new sub-base. All this waste, including soil and old turf, will be responsibly removed from your property, often via a skip.
- Edging Installation: A solid frame is installed around the perimeter of the lawn area. This edging, which can be made from pressure-treated timber, steel, or composite materials, creates a neat boundary and acts as the crucial anchor point for the new turf.
- Sub-base Installation: A layer of MOT Type 1 aggregate or a similar crushed stone is spread evenly across the excavated area. This is the structural foundation of your new lawn. The aggregate is then heavily compacted using a vibrating plate compactor to create a solid and porous base.
- Laying the Sand Layer: A finer layer of sharp sand or granite dust, typically around 25mm deep, is laid on top of the compacted sub-base. This is levelled and compacted again to create an exceptionally smooth surface on which to lay the grass.
- Fitting the Weed Membrane: A high-quality, heavy-duty geotextile weed membrane is laid over the sand base. This is a critical barrier that prevents any underlying weeds from growing through the drainage holes in the artificial grass.
- Laying the Artificial Grass: The rolls of artificial grass are carefully brought onto the site and rolled out into position. The team will ensure the pile direction is consistent across all pieces to create a uniform look. The grass is left to settle and acclimatise before the final cutting and fitting.
- Joining Seams: For gardens wider than the standard 4-metre roll, seams are required. The edges of the two pieces are trimmed and brought together. A specialised joining tape is placed underneath the seam, and a strong, weatherproof adhesive is applied to create a permanent and invisible join.
- Securing the Perimeter: The edges of the turf are trimmed precisely to fit the shape of your garden and are then securely fixed to the edging frame using galvanised screws or nails. This prevents the edges from lifting and ensures the entire lawn remains taut and stable.
- Applying Infill and Brushing: The final step is to brush a fine layer of silica sand into the pile of the grass. This sand infill adds weight to the turf, helps to keep the fibres standing upright for a more natural look, and improves the lawn's durability and longevity. A mechanical brush is then used to work the sand in and lift the pile to a perfect finish.
Understanding the Cost of Artificial Grass Installation in the UK
The cost of having artificial grass installed is one of the most important considerations for any homeowner. The final price can vary significantly based on a range of factors, so it is essential to get detailed quotes that break down all the associated costs. This transparency allows you to compare offers on a like-for-like basis and understand exactly what you are paying for.
What Factors Influence the Price?
When you receive quotes from tradespeople on ServiceTasker, the price will be calculated based on the unique specifications of your project. Key factors include:
- Size of the Area: This is the most significant factor. The price is almost always calculated on a per square metre (m²) basis, so the larger the garden, the higher the overall cost for both materials and labour.
- Quality of the Artificial Grass: There is a wide spectrum of artificial turf available. Budget options may be cheaper but can look less realistic and may not be as durable. Premium grasses with a denser, longer pile, a more realistic multi-tone colour, and advanced yarn technology will cost more per square metre but offer a superior look and feel.
- Ground Preparation Required: A flat garden with easy access will be more straightforward and therefore cheaper to prepare than a sloping or uneven garden that requires more extensive excavation and levelling. Poor access for machinery or waste removal (e.g., in a terraced house with no rear access) can also increase labour costs.
- Edging Materials: The choice of edging will affect the cost. A standard pressure-treated timber frame is the most cost-effective option, whereas more premium choices like composite, aluminium or steel edging will be more expensive.
- Waste Removal: The cost of disposing of the excavated soil, stone, and old turf needs to be factored in. This usually involves hiring a skip, and the cost will depend on its size and the local council’s disposal fees.
- Your Location: As with many services, labour costs can vary depending on where you live in the UK. Prices are typically higher in London and the South East compared to other regions like the North of England, Scotland, or Wales.
Average Artificial Grass Installation Costs: A Breakdown
To help you budget, it's useful to understand the typical price ranges. Remember, these are estimates, and the only way to get an accurate price for your project is to request quotes from local installers.
As a guide, the artificial grass itself can cost anywhere from £15 to £40 per m² for supply only, depending on the quality. However, the fully installed price, which includes all materials (grass, sub-base, sand, membrane), labour, and waste removal, typically falls between £50 and £90 per m².
Here are a few example cost scenarios for a full, professional installation:
- Small terraced garden (approx. 20m²): You could expect to pay between £1,200 and £1,800.
- Medium semi-detached garden (approx. 50m²): The total cost would likely be in the region of £2,750 to £4,500.
- Large detached garden (approx. 100m²): For a larger project, the budget would need to be between £5,500 and £9,000, or potentially more for complex designs.
