Can Artificial Grass Be Laid On Decking?

The Benefits of Laying Artificial Grass on Decking

Laying artificial grass on top of your existing decking boards can provide a host of advantages.

Firstly, it creates a soft, comfortable, and weather-resistant surface that is ideal for relaxation, entertaining, and children’s play. Unlike wooden decking, which can become slippery and hazardous, especially after rain, synthetic turf offers a safe and non-abrasive alternative that eliminates the risk of slips and falls.

Moreover, artificial grass requires significantly less maintenance than traditional wooden decking. Gone are the days of regular sanding, staining, and sealing to keep your outdoor space looking its best. With a quick brush or occasional cleaning, your artificial lawn will maintain its vibrant, lush appearance for years to come, eliminating the time-consuming upkeep associated with natural grass.

Aesthetically, artificial grass can dramatically enhance the look and feel of your outdoor area. This can be particularly beneficial for homeowners who may have over-decked their gardens, as the addition of artificial grass can help to break up the monotony and introduce a more natural environment.

Preparing Your Decking for Artificial Grass Installation

Before you can begin the process of laying artificial grass on your decking, it’s essential to ensure that the underlying surface is in good condition and properly prepared.

Start by thoroughly cleaning the decking, using a stiff-bristled brush or power washer to remove any dirt, moss, or debris that may have accumulated over time. This will provide a clean and level foundation for the artificial turf to be installed upon.

Next, inspect the decking boards for any signs of damage or deterioration. Any broken, rotten, or uneven boards should be repaired or replaced to create a stable and consistent base. This is crucial, as an unstable or uneven surface can lead to issues with the artificial grass installation, such as sagging, rippling, or uneven wear.

If your decking has wider gaps between the boards, it’s advisable to fill them in or reduce the spacing to prevent the artificial grass from sagging or becoming a potential tripping hazard. Ideally, the gaps should be no larger than 1 cm to ensure a seamless and secure installation.

Choosing the Right Artificial Grass for Your Decking

When it comes to selecting the perfect artificial grass for your decking, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, the pile height of the synthetic turf is an important consideration. If you have a decking with deeper grooves or uneven surfaces, opting for a longer pile height (30mm or above) can help to smooth out these imperfections and create a more level and consistent appearance.

Additionally, the drainage capabilities of the artificial grass should be a top priority. While decking is typically designed with a slight gradient to facilitate water runoff, it’s essential to choose a synthetic turf that also allows for effective drainage. This will help to prevent the accumulation of water, which can lead to the deterioration of the wooden decking over time.

Laying Artificial Grass on Decking: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve prepared the decking and selected the appropriate artificial grass, it’s time to begin the installation process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a professional-looking result:

Step 1: Install the Shock Pad Underlay

Laying a shock pad underlay is a crucial step in the installation process, as it provides a soft, cushioned surface for the artificial grass to be laid upon. This not only enhances the overall comfort and safety of the area but also helps to prevent any unevenness or sagging in the final installation.

Begin by unrolling the shock pad and cutting it to size, ensuring it covers the entire decking area. Secure the underlay in place using either staples, nails, or a combination of both, taking care to create a seamless and tightly-fitted surface.

Step 2: Cut and Position the Artificial Grass

With the underlay in place, it’s time to roll out the artificial grass and cut it to size. Aim to leave a few extra inches around the perimeter to allow for a clean, trimmed edge. Once the grass is positioned, leave it to settle for a couple of hours to help eliminate any creases or wrinkles.

Step 3: Join the Artificial Grass Sections

If your decking area is larger than the width of a single artificial grass roll, you’ll need to join the sections together. This is best achieved by using high-quality jointing tape and adhesive, ensuring that the pile direction of the grass is aligned on both sides of the seam.

Step 4: Secure the Artificial Grass

With the grass positioned and any seams joined, it’s time to secure the artificial turf to the decking. You can choose to either use a combination of adhesive and fixing pins or opt for a staple or nail gun approach. Whichever method you select, be sure to apply the fixings around the perimeter and any high-traffic areas to prevent the grass from shifting or becoming dislodged over time.

Step 5: Infill and Brush the Artificial Grass

To help stabilize the artificial grass and keep the blades standing upright, it’s recommended to apply a light layer of kiln-dried sand as an infill. Gently brush the sand into the turf using a stiff-bristled broom or rake, taking care not to over-compact the surface.

Finally, give the entire artificial lawn a thorough brushing in the direction of the pile to lift the fibres and create a lush, inviting appearance.

Maintaining Your Artificial Grass on Decking

Maintaining your synthetic grass on decking is a relatively straightforward process, requiring minimal effort compared to the upkeep of a natural lawn. Regular brushing with a stiff-bristled broom or plastic rake will help to keep the grass blades standing upright and prevent any matting or flattening.

It’s also important to remove any debris, such as leaves or twigs, as soon as possible to ensure proper drainage and prevent the accumulation of moisture. Any spills or stains can be easily flushed away with water, and you can use a mild detergent or specialist artificial grass cleaner for more stubborn marks.

When it comes to placing heavy objects, such as garden furniture or play equipment, on the artificial lawn, be sure to distribute the weight evenly to avoid creating visible indentations. Likewise, keep barbecues and other heat sources away from the synthetic turf to prevent any damage or discolouration.

With proper care and maintenance, your fake grass on decking can continue to look lush, inviting, and virtually indistinguishable from the real thing for many years to come.

Will Decking Rot Under Artificial Grass?

One of the common concerns homeowners may have when considering laying artificial grass on their decking is the potential for the wooden structure to rot over time. However, this is generally not an issue if the proper installation and maintenance procedures are followed.

Provided that the decking was initially installed correctly, with measures in place to protect it from the elements, there is little to no risk of rotting under the artificial grass. In fact, synthetic turf can actually help to extend the lifespan of the decking by shielding it from the damaging effects of UV radiation, rainfall, and general weathering.