How Long Does It Take to Install Artificial Grass?

If you’re thinking about a garden refresh, one question usually comes up right away: how long does it take to install artificial grass? The answer isn’t the same for everyone, as the time depends on your garden size, the prep work involved, and whether you’re tackling a DIY artificial grass project or calling in professionals.

What’s reassuring is that, with the right approach, the process is more straightforward than many expect.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the typical artificial grass installation time, what might slow it down, and how you can plan so your new lawn looks great from day one.

Factors That Affect How Long Artificial Grass Installation Takes

Several things influence the overall artificial grass installation time, and being aware of them helps you plan better.

Garden size and layout – Larger or irregularly shaped areas naturally take longer. Curves, corners, and borders often mean extra trimming and adjustment during laying artificial grass.
Artificial lawn preparation – Clearing away old turf, levelling uneven ground, or improving drainage usually takes more time than actually rolling out the new surface.
Type and quality of artificial grass – Thicker, higher-density grass looks fantastic but can be heavier and trickier to handle compared with lighter rolls.
Weather conditions – Wet or frosty ground makes it difficult to compact the base layers, so a delay is sometimes unavoidable.
DIY vs. professional installation – A DIY artificial grass project often stretches over a weekend, while experienced installers can usually complete the job in a day or two.

By considering these factors early on, you’re less likely to face hold-ups and more likely to enjoy a smooth garden upgrade.

Average Timeframe for Installing Artificial Grass

So, how long does it usually take to install artificial grass? For an average-sized UK garden, most projects are finished in one to three days. That said, the actual artificial grass installation time can vary depending on who’s doing the work.

Professional installation – With the right tools and a skilled team, most lawns are completed in a single day. Larger gardens or those needing extra artificial lawn preparation may stretch to two or three.
DIY artificial grass projects – If you’re fitting it yourself, expect the job to take a full weekend, possibly longer if you’re working alone. Preparation often eats up more hours than the actual laying of artificial grass, especially if you’re replacing old turf.

In short, the laying stage is surprisingly quick. It’s the digging, levelling, and groundwork beforehand that tends to set the pace. Plan realistically, and you’ll save yourself both stress and backache.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Installation Process

If you’re wondering exactly how to install artificial grass, the process is straightforward once you know the order. Here’s a simple breakdown:

Clear the existing surface – Remove natural turf, weeds, or paving. This step is part of your essential garden grass replacement prep.
Improve the ground – Check for drainage issues, then level and compact the soil to avoid uneven spots later.
Lay a weed membrane – This barrier prevents unwanted growth beneath your new lawn, keeping it neat.
Add a solid base layer – Typically, a mix of sharp sand and crushed stone is used. Compact it well to create a firm foundation.
Roll out and cut the grass – Position the rolls of artificial grass, allowing a little extra to trim neatly around edges and corners.
Join the sections – Where two pieces meet, use joining tape and adhesive for a seamless finish.
Brush and settle – A stiff brush lifts the grass fibres upright, giving a natural look. Clean up offcuts and leave the surface to settle.

This step-by-step approach makes laying artificial grass less overwhelming, whether you’re doing a full garden grass replacement or upgrading a small patio area.

Tips to Speed Up Artificial Grass Installation

If you’re keen to make the process smoother, a few smart choices can save hours of effort during artificial lawn preparation and laying artificial grass.

Plan ahead – Gather tools, order enough materials, and double-check measurements before you start. Missing items can cause frustrating delays.
Choose manageable rolls – Some types of artificial grass come in widths that are easier to handle, especially useful for DIY artificial grass projects.
Check the weather – Dry, mild days are best. Wet ground makes compaction messy, while hot sun can make adhesive tricky to work with.
Consider partial professional help – Many people tackle simple tasks themselves, but call in installers for heavy groundwork or final joins.

By taking these steps, your artificial grass installation time can be cut down, leaving you with more time to enjoy the finished garden.

Common Delays and How to Avoid Them

Even a well-planned project can run into setbacks. Here are the most common ones people face during artificial lawn preparation and laying artificial grass:

Poor ground drainage – Avoid this: Test drainage before you start. If water pools easily, add extra base material or consider a soakaway.
Incorrect measurements – Avoid this: Measure twice, cut once. Ordering a little extra artificial grass saves panic later.
Running out of materials – Avoid this: Overestimate on sand, adhesive, and joining tape. It’s easier to store leftovers than halt the job.
Last-minute layout changes – Avoid this: Finalise your design in advance. Sudden changes extend your artificial grass installation time.

By spotting these issues early, your DIY artificial grass project stays on track, and you won’t lose momentum halfway through your garden upgrade.

Planning Your Artificial Grass Installation

So, the time it takes to install artificial grass isn’t fixed, but with the right preparation and realistic expectations, the process is usually quicker than many expect. The groundwork often takes longer than the actual laying of artificial grass, yet that effort pays off with a smooth, long-lasting finish. If you’re planning a garden grass replacement and want expert advice, Tuda Grass is here to help.

Explore our high-quality artificial grass range or contact us today for personalised guidance.

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